Do You Jazz Bassists Play Gigs of Other Genres?

jgbass · #1 08-22-2009, 01:56 PM

I am just curious. I am trying to find more work, and I am debating whether I want to play in other types of bands, but I really do not know if it is a wise decision. I have enough to learn in jazz, jazz Standards, Latin styles, etc. and my life is complicated enough.

One of my jazz teachers in the past kind of discouraged that and said that most jazz players play jazz, he did not know of many players who kind of doubled on rock, etc. Not really talking about doing other styles, such as pop tunes, Beatles tunes, etc. in the context of a jazz quartet, but I am more thinking of, as an example, playing electric bass in some kind of oldies rock band.

Just curious if you cross over, so to speak, and if it is purely by choice, or more just motivated by economics.

I consider my main interest jazz, am in a stage of studying, practicing, and learning intensely but sometimes get a wave of nostaglia for the rock band days and an opportunity has presented itself.

Marc Piane · #2 08-22-2009, 02:48 PM

Personally I've made a choice to play only the music I like and mostly DB. I'm not interested in playing disco or anything and it is not an economic issue for me. There are lots of ways to make money that are not fun. I don't ever want music to be one of them. I know that's pretty vague but this month I am did a hit with a rat pack singer, some original funky jazz, gigs with a singer/songwriter, some freejazz, and a few piano duo standards things. If the people are cool and the music is happening I'm there.

BTW do you know Rimvydas? I see him on your Myspace page. He and I hung out quite a bit and played in a few groups together here in Chicago. Say hi from Marc Piane if you see him.

Treyzer · #3 08-22-2009, 05:20 PM

Your profile says you're located in the L.A. area. Although I know things have changed drastically in the last 10 years, There still are plenty of jazzers in your area the do TV & Movie dates as well as commercial dates. There are arranging and writing/scoring gigs, conducting gigs, movie and studio gigs, rehearsal gigs on and on and on.

The point is that although all of these kinds of gigs do not necessarily ask you to play jazz, a strong jazz background is typically essential. Most of the best players and those who are in demand have a strong jazz background.

However, if you decide that you must be a purist and play only a certain era of jazz or a certain style..then so be it and best of luck.

longfinger · #4 08-22-2009, 07:43 PM

Hi there,

Follow your bliss.

If you want to play in a rock band and a favourable opportunity is there, go for it. Play the music you want to play, and/or play with the people you want to play with. Music brings you new people, people you like bring you new music.

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #5 08-22-2009, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fingers

If the people are cool and the music is happening I'm there.

...and this is why they call you "Swami". The quoted passage is the crux of the biscuit all encapsulated into one sentence.

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #6 08-22-2009, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fingers

If the people are cool and the music is happening I'm there.

...and this is why they call you "Swami". The quoted passage is the crux of the biscuit all encapsulated into one sentence.

Ed Fuqua · #7 08-22-2009, 09:08 PM

Jesse Murphy, who is the first player I heard playing DB in an entirely acoustic context, is the bassist with The Brazilian Girls. Tony Scherr, who's played with a gamut of jazzers from Bill Frisell to Dakota Staton was the tour bassist for Sophie B Hawkins a number of years back, more recently he's been playing guitar with Rick Moranis. I met John B. Williams playing upright with Nancy Wilson, but I knew his electric playing from Billy Cobham's CROSSWINDS. The rhythm section from Nancy's band was what become Arsenio Hall's band on his show.

There's folks that do it cause they love it, there's folks that do it cause that's how they make their nut. It's up to you to decide if it's what you want.

Marcus Johnson · #8 08-23-2009, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Fitzgerald

...and this is why they call you "Swami".

How I love ya, my dear old Swami.

I'll give anything a shot. It's mostly jazz for me, but if it's good, I'm good.

jgbass · #9 08-23-2009, 12:28 AM

Marc,
Rym, sax? Played with him for some recordings a few times. Really nice guy, busy teaching, and a new dad. Will tell him you said Hi next time I see him.

Great responses. Thanks. Would like to hear more.

I have an opportunity to audition for a 60's rock/pop/probably Motown type of band and do background vocals. The band has experienced folks, good players, music is tight, and well run. Either as a sub or regular. I think I will try it. No, I have no desire to limit myself to one genre of jazz, although I prefer Standards and 50s jazz, but I have always delved into other styles of music, and have a long history of rock bands. Jazz late bloomer.

bassist1962 · #10 08-23-2009, 02:59 PM

The classic Motown was done by Jamerson on Fender. He originally played upright, and balked when first asked to play electric. He brought the jazz upright influence to electric bass and pop music more than any other bassist I can think of. Most of the sixties/seventes session musicians were jazz guys.

It is really your decision, but I played rock for several years, and now am playing in folk, blues, bluegrass, gospel, and jazz settings as well using both DB and BG. I feel it could only help you to have as many musical experiences as possible - jazz or otherwise/upright or electric.

Keeps your fingers moving anyway.

**Damon Rondeau** · #11 08-24-2009, 09:51 AM

...and that bouncy Motown bass and drums **** doesn't just play itself, either. You've gotta work to keep that ball bouncing. But what a gas to play that music for a crowd of dancers...

Largedon · #12 08-24-2009, 10:17 AM

I cross over all the time, sometimes in the same day. The 3 main bands I play in are an 80's cover band, a blues/rock band and a soul/funk/fusion, mostly instrumental type project, but I do pick up a lot of trio/quartet type jazz gigs. I'm fairly fortunate in that I'm hooked up with a very cool group of musicians here that play many different styles of music from straight ahead jazz to pop.

Personally I've always viewed it as there is something to be gained from almost every musical situation and also after being broke for many years I never turn down a paying gig.

Bijoux · #13 08-24-2009, 11:44 AM

I play a lot of different styles all the time. And I get called to do a lot of recordings, at least a couple of CD projects every month. So far I may have recorded a little over 300 albums. It has been a lot of fun for me because I like a lot of styles of music. basically jazz is where my heart is, but I believe that music is also a vehicle of communication and I love to be on a big stage playing with a singer/songwriter to a lot of people. I love the energy of being in front of a few thousand people screaming as loud as they can. I remember for instance playing at Red Rocks in Colorado and when the crowd started to scream my first thought was that there was some earth quake happing or something of that nature and then all of the sudden you feel this rush, this energy go up your spine, it's a incredible very unique experience. I also love playing in some of the smaller theaters around here, when is like the 4 of us in the band, about 7 to 10 guys in the crowd, and the 800 girls in the crowd!!!! It's all about the balance between doing that and then doing the music that you really love.

pointbass · #14 08-24-2009, 02:56 PM

If the players are good I'll consider just about anything .... I play slab basses regularly, and up until about a year ago I was playing mostly electric. Now it's more on the jazz side of things, but like I said, if the players are good .....

Will Yager · #15 08-24-2009, 04:37 PM

I'd probably only jazz if I could get away with it, but my wallet demands slumming..er, blues gigs.

fdeck · #16 08-24-2009, 05:01 PM

I'm pretty eclectic. To be honest, I am not a first-call player, so I tend to take my fair share of "dues paying" gigs. You could say that I take these gigs in order to make my nut, not in a financial sense, but certainly in terms of building my skills and reputation.

In addition to playing with good players, I can also be motivated by the chance to learn something, or to help an innovative musician try something new, even if it's not exactly my cup of tea.

Ike Harris · #17 08-24-2009, 06:51 PM

Like many others, I'm primarily a jazz guy, but I actually like being able to do many things. Plus, there's that money thing. The first time I played in Ireland with Crystal Gayle, we did the theatre in Dublin where U2 calls home. The audience was about half toasted and sang along with every tune - what's not to like about that? Then there's the time I played a Dixie gig for Mule Day in Columbia TN and tried to play tuba while riding on a mule wagon with no shocks. Not much of a gig, but good for a story. Then there's that money thing.

Ike