New to Talk Bass!

[c_joseph_lier]

I've just recently joined this site, but I have been reading a lot of the old threads about looping, and solo bass work.

1st, let me say that I think that Steve and Michael's music is wonderful. From the mellow, to the up-tempo, the more that I listen, the more that I want to create!

2nd, I have read quite a bit about looping on this site, and the recommending of the DL-4. If you want to see someone that makes terrific use of not one, but two of these, you must just out Singer/Songwriter Howie Day. He uses one on his Acoustic Guitar, and the other on his Vocals. Now, I know that he isn't a bassist, but he illustrates wonderfully the use of this device. He has a DVD/CD out with 4 tracks on the DVD. Watching him create full songs with percussion, bass (via octave pedal) and rhythm guitar, plus he builds his own backing vocals. This is worth the watch if for nothing more than HUGE inspiration.

3rd, on the subject of inspiration, I would like to thank both Steve and Michael for doing just that. Inspiring. I had a friend play me "Book of Flame" a few years back, but I didn't really "listen". I am listening to Steve' MP3s from his site as I type this now.
Recently, I have gotten forsaken towards the bass guitar. I am 35 years old, and I figure, if I haven't made it, I never will. I sold everything that I had, somewhere around 6 basses, and 8 guitars. I just seperated from the military and got married to be with my new family. The thought of trying to rehearse, and gig, and have time for the family is impossible. I have even quit writing music. After reading through this site, and some of everyone's stories, I now have a hope that someday, I could try to play bass again. Maybe write and record again, but that is getting ahead of myself. If i save up, and really try, I could maybe even do a coffee house gig or something smooth and stress-less for my wife and kids.

I realize that I have gone on and on, but when I feel passionately about something, I feel it all or nothing.

Thank you all- teachers, students, and believers, for helping me believe again.

Joe

[Michael Manring]

Welcome, Joe. I’m glad to hear you’re not giving up on the bass. There’s inspiration at every level of involvement in music and I hope you’ll keep finding ways for music to enrich your life.

[Steve Lawson]

I saw Howie play a few years ago, and enjoyed what he was doing with the DL4s - very creative looping!

I can understand how the thought of playing bass in a band, with all the time commitments it entails, would feel overwhelming at this time in your life, but it seems like your goal of playing your own music at home is a little easier to meet, and puts far less strain on those new family ties... There's no set time frame for these things, and I've had a lot of students over the years who through circumstance have given up playing for years at a time, only to take up the instrument with a renewed musical vision and sense of purpose many years later.

enjoy!

Steve
www.stevelawson.net