Does thrashing around while you play do any good?

[fergus currie]

Guy Tuneh

What is going on here?
Can thrashing and writhing around like a pole-dancing flounder really help in ANY way at all?

[geoffbassist]

Originally Posted by fergus currie

Guy Tuneh

What is going on here?
Can thrashing and writhing around like a pole-dancing flounder really help in ANY way at all?

Perhaps he's just back from a gig at sea and is still adjusting to dry land :-)

Whatever he's doing it sounds great though!

[AMJBASS]

It definitely doesn't seem to hold him back in any way. I move around a lot when I play and I have never felt it has held me back.

[neilG]

Nobody had the balls to tell him what an asshat he is and to stop moving around so much. That's just some weird form of sick exhibitionism. It's distracting at the very least.

[chicagodoubler]

Easy there, guys! Mr. Tuneh is one of the most respected bassists in the world. On some instruments (esp woodwinds and violin,) movement is considered necessary in many studios. Ray Brown danced with his bass when the time felt right. Are we critiquing him next?

Certainly if this sort of thing is forced, there is due criticism to be issued, but some people just feel it, and move accordingly. Especially in chamber music, movement can be very helpful for articulating phrasing and entrances non-verbally.

As always, there's more than one way to play this thing. If you don't like movement, then sit down and don't move. If these sort of videos are bothersome to you, close your eyes.

[chicagodoubler]

Mata Siguaraya Oscar D'León - YouTube

3:20

[eerbrev]

I'll pirouette while doing backflips if it would make me sound that good. I'm not always a fan of what Mr. Tuneh does, but I can't deny that the man can play the bass. I've had teachers encourage movement, and i've had teachers who discouraged any non-essential movement at all, almost statuesque. I think that both "schools" have a point, and the truth is somewhere in the grey area for most people.

On that note, back to my practice room so I can sound that good.

eerbrev

[Phil Rowan]

Originally Posted by chicagodoubler

Mata Siguaraya Oscar D'León - YouTube

3:20

[bassist14]

Originally Posted by Phil Rowan

+1, but i think he would not do this playing the trout quintet.

[Nev375]

If you asked my blind friend, Dan, who plays piano he would say it would be a real treat to watch him play live.

[Andrew Grandahl]

Never understood why people get so upset when people move or make faces when they play. If it doesn't take away from the music, do what you want. I personally move a lot when I play with others, it makes everything easier and more musical. Mr. Tuneh is obviously an extreme example, but he's also an extremely good musician. If it bothers you, close your eyes... it is music after all.

[MartinBorgen]

Moving does help many players articulate and rythmisise, but to what extent - is probably different. Whatever works for you, I guess.

[John Crosley]

I agree with Martin. It helps with timing, rhythm, etc. to an extent. Mr. Tuneh is not that extreme, I see him rocking back and forth, but I have seen whole sections do this same thing, it's noticable in part the fact that he is the only one standing, and able to move freely.

[Bijoux]

Originally Posted by chicagodoubler

Mata Siguaraya Oscar D'León - YouTube

3:20

That is too funny!!!

[chicagodoubler]

I've seen entire sections swaying together too. Typically after the second shot and fourth pint.

[Adam Furay]

that looks beyond ridiculous. Say whatever you want about expression, timing, phrasing etc. It is distracting and he would be a greater asset to this group if he would sit down and just play without the immature "show" he is putting on. If you can't play well sitting still like a person with some dignity and sense, you probably can't play very well at all.

[Cory Palmer]

That kind of movement seems to be a German thing. I'm not terribly familiar with the German schools of playing but I know the old school German players used to move A LOT. Check out old videos of the Berlin Philharmonic. There aren't many people in the Berlin section now that move that way though and the ones that do seem to be more tame.

[Nathan Parker]

Originally Posted by Adam Furay

If you can't play well sitting still like a person with some dignity and sense, you probably can't play very well at all.

I agree. Monk ain't ****.

[skychief]

Mr. Tuneh injects a noteable degree of enthusiasm and excitement into the performance.
Hes a master bassist. Im somewhat reluctant to scoff and ridicule masters of any art.... But thats just me...

[neilG]

Originally Posted by skychief

Mr. Tuneh injects a noteable degree of enthusiasm and excitement into the performance.
Hes a master bassist. Im somewhat reluctant to scoff and ridicule masters of any art.... But thats just me...

Mr. Tuneh makes an *** of himself. "Master bassist" is truly a matter of opinion and perspective, so I choose to maintain my "scoffery" and ridicule.