Help with Up On Cripple Creek by The Band

trei · #1 02-02-2009, 08:06 PM

I am trying to figure out the bass line on this song. I've got the main notes down but would like to do more fills.
I haven't been playing very long and would really appreciate any help I can get, as I have to learn it by next week. Thanks so much!

fishhed · #2 02-05-2009, 04:56 PM

I play the song pretty straight foward on the chord but Denko does some kind of manic thing on the timing that keeps the song going i could never get down.

Michael

trei · #3 02-06-2009, 08:22 AM

that's my issue as well. If I get it I will definitely post it!

Jim Campbell · #4 02-06-2009, 10:16 AM

danko' s lines were in a large part what made the band's music......im not sure adding a bunch of fills would be as satisfying as focusing on what he didnt play.....to get that loose feel they had to be a really tight band and levon helm (drums) should be required listening for any aspiring bass player.......check out big pink, and the band's self titled debut

RED5 · #5 02-06-2009, 10:28 AM

I just watched last night, (for the 10thousandth time) the DVD of this concert. I recommend it highly to see what Rick Danko was like. He had a very unique style,especially the rubber bandlike fluidity he shows between phrases, like a pitcher winding up for the throw. Go right to the opening number "Don't Do It" and watch him fly.

trei · #6 02-06-2009, 02:06 PM

Thanks to everyone for your replies, I appreciate it.

Joel S. · #7 02-06-2009, 03:33 PM

To be honest, I don't think this song would sound that good with a bunch of fills. Really laid back, simple groove. Def one where you could kill the groove if you over play. The most I stretch is during the A - D "yodel" part.

Jim Carr · #8 02-09-2009, 05:19 PM

Studying "Music From Big Pink" will help explain Danko's general approach. Very much worth giving it a lot of listening.

He created a unique feel and style. For me his playing contains elements of New Orleans backline tuba, Jamerson, brass band music, blues, and appalachian vocal/guitar styles.

I agree his spacious punchy lines, along with Levon Helm's playing and amazing singing defines their style--that and their old-timie "mystical-americana" stance, and the whitman-esque quality of the songs/lyrics. Their tempos sometimes are so so so slow.

It's like the electric bass was invented in 1865.

RED5 · #9 02-10-2009, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Carr

Studying "Music From Big Pink" will help explain Danko's general approach. Very much worth giving it a lot of listening.

He created a unique feel and style. For me his playing contains elements of New Orleans backline tuba, Jamerson, brass band music, blues, and appalachian vocal/guitar styles.

I agree his spacious punchy lines, along with Levon Helm's playing and amazing singing defines their style--that and their old-timie "mystical-americana" stance, and the whitman-esque quality of the songs/lyrics. Their tempos sometimes are so so so slow.

It's like the electric bass was invented in 1865.

That, Dr. was the best summation of one of the greatest rythm duos ever. i bow to your eloquence. There's no denying the "mystical" element when I listen or watch the Band work. you can't buy that feel.