First 'unplugged' gig.

easyvision · #1 12-07-2008, 12:22 AM

So last night I experienced a couple of 'firsts'. I played a gig with a guitarist/singer/songwriter. No-one else, just me and her. It was in a really tiny bar that hosts unplugged gigs every few days.

I knew about it for a few weeks but it just never hit me that this would be my first time ever playing a gig without a drummer until I got up to play. It still went pretty well though. Since it was just the two of us there really wasn't that much that could have went wrong.

It was also the first time my new fretless had played a gig. She did me so proud

Sounded beautiful.

I got a few compliments on my bass playing from the band that were on after us. Overall, I'm pretty happy with how it went.

We also have a a full band, just for this gig it was the two of us. With the full band though, we have 2 gigs booked so far, one of them being in King Tut's, which is like...THE place to play in Glasgow and we're also gonna be on the radio

Just felt like sharing this with you guys. I'm very excited about this and really just need to press on and keep this going ya know?

Her myspace is www.myspace.com/juliadoogan if you're interested. The recordings that are up are just her so far but her and I will be getting some recordings done on monday and in the new year we'll be recording a demo with the full band.

So anyway, to go back to the original topic, any of you guys had similar gigs? I really felt like it forced me to get back to the fundamentals of bass playing. The rhythm was entirely my responsibility but at the same time, I had to be aware of my notes and melodies. Very interesting experience!

AlembicPlayer · #2 12-09-2008, 09:48 AM

she has a sweet voice!
reminds me a bit of Edie Brickell.

I've played similar kinds of gigs just bass and guitar/voice..
it's easier to communicate and it's about the sublime, subtleties,
sweetness, tones. I likey!

keep up the good works!

easyvision · #3 12-09-2008, 09:53 AM

Yeah communicating was a lot easier. It was just new to me. Definitely a lot of fun though! We got invited back to do another set in January.

She does have an incredible voice. I'll definitely be sticking around her haha.

AlembicPlayer · #4 12-09-2008, 10:01 AM

just requested your myspace friendship !!

easyvision · #5 12-09-2008, 10:26 AM

And as far as I know, you have been accepted! As of now, only Julia has access to it but that shall soon change

Thanks for the support though!

Rick Auricchio · #6 12-09-2008, 04:21 PM

I've played a lot of gigs like this. With one group, we were a trio: guitar, bass, vocalist. Now we play occasionally as a five-piece with percussion and a second guitarist.

I played four years as a duo. The singer/guitarist has an interesting style; her tempo drifts here and there. I timed my rhythm to her strumming hand, which worked better than using her vocal phrasing. A few local musicians have complimented me for being able to play with her---it's a challenge. One bassist says "She usually owes you a couple measures at the end of the evening!" Still, it was fun and kept me thinking. I often just took the fretless to add texture and lead work, since it generally wasn't possible to keep a steady rhythm.

The current gig is a 2-3 piece. Either plugged-in guitar/vocal (though he plays a MIDI kick drum), or we have a conga player.

Over the past 15 years, most of my gigs have been without a drummer. But when I do get to play with one, it's a real blast!

easyvision · #7 12-10-2008, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Auricchio

I've played a lot of gigs like this. With one group, we were a trio: guitar, bass, vocalist. Now we play occasionally as a five-piece with percussion and a second guitarist.

I played four years as a duo. The singer/guitarist has an interesting style; her tempo drifts here and there. I timed my rhythm to her strumming hand, which worked better than using her vocal phrasing. A few local musicians have complimented me for being able to play with her---it's a challenge. One bassist says "She usually owes you a couple measures at the end of the evening!" Still, it was fun and kept me thinking. I often just took the fretless to add texture and lead work, since it generally wasn't possible to keep a steady rhythm.

The current gig is a 2-3 piece. Either plugged-in guitar/vocal (though he plays a MIDI kick drum), or we have a conga player.

Over the past 15 years, most of my gigs have been without a drummer. But when I do get to play with one, it's a real blast!

Wow that's pretty impressive! Good for you man! I definitely agree with the choice of a fretless. It just sounds so much nicer and adds a lot more depth.

I think at the next one we're gonna have our drummer do some percussion. All the other gigs we have booked will be with the live band. Either way, I definitely think I've found the write artist to play for!

whitedk57 · #8 12-10-2008, 11:26 AM

I have been playing at church with just the worship leader on acoustic. We recently added another acoustic player and a keyboardist who also plays the djembe.

We don't have a drum set yet, so I've gotten used to not having a drummer. Before playing with him, I was terrified about keeping time and what not, but things have gone pretty smoothly. I think it might have even helped my timing.