being thrown into the deep end. some tips needed.

matito · #1 02-11-2007, 05:05 AM

My band has just split up, so i'm free now. i put an add out fora band looking for a bassist.

now i've only been playing bass for almost a year an half. been playing guitar for like 4 years, so i picked up bass really fast.

problem is, i've only just started trying to train my ear to transcribe songs, and i only can work out real simple bass lines at the moment, but still have some difficulty. and i don't consider my bass playing to be that good, even though i've been commented i have talent and all that and been gigging for a year and have constantly been told my basslines are really creative and cool.

I've knocked back a couple interest bands have had coz they seemed to good for me.( i didn't wanna make a fool of myself and waste there time)

now i've had interest by a jazz singer and pianist to gig with her doing jazz, rnb, motown, pop songs. She is pretty established and a session muso too.
be great contact to have but in her email she said she needed a pro jazz bassist....now i don't consider myself a pro bassist, but am able to get the job done i think.

so what the hell i do, stop worrying and just jump in and possibly score the gig....or possibly make a fool of myself?

anyone have tips for me in my situation? be big help thanks!!!

Baryonyx · #2 02-11-2007, 09:14 AM

Go for it, make something beautiful happen.

Don't let something like this pass you by, walk up and grab it!

sedan_dad · #3 02-11-2007, 01:52 PM

Just be prepaired to know what to do.The water will be deep.
Will you be in over your head?Only you can answer that.
She's stated what her expectations are.Balls in your court.

IanStephenson · #4 02-11-2007, 05:03 PM

Be honest - your not claiming your anything your not, so if they get you in and you don't live up to their expectations thats THEIR mistake not yours.

Just be straight, and honest about your abilities (they're gonna find out quickly anyway), then go for it - wost case you're not up for it, and you end up in a "conversation" 6 weeks from now. Even they you'll learn from the experience, and if they think you're awefull you can just say "told you so"...

Ian

policyvote · #5 02-11-2007, 07:01 PM

Just from what you describe, I'd suggest you take a pass, or at least think long and hard before agreeing to a tryout. You say that you turned down offers from multiple bands because you didn't want to embarass yourself and waste their time--yet, you're seriously considering taking a gig where they want a "pro jazz bassist"? If you're having difficulty transcribing and creating basslines over changes, you are nowhere near ready to answer that call. Besides, as a gigging jazz bassist, you have to at least have a good knowledge of standards and walking bass, and if you have either of those abilities at this point you haven't said so.

HOWEVER, if you are frequently told you are talented and your basslines are creative, I think cutting your teeth in a good band is a great idea. Playing with musicians who do what you do, only better, is a great way to push yourself and improve. However, a pro jazz vocalist who also does session work is NOT going to have any time or patience for someone who can't drop in and play. A great contact to have? Possibly, but also someone who could trash you to a lot of important people in your scene if you take the gig when you have no business doing so.

As suggested above, if you REALLY WANT the jazz gig, approach the artist openly. Explain that you've only been playing for a year and a half, and you haven't ever played jazz, but you'd love to audition and take on the challenge of backing her up.

Peace
policy

MichaelScott · #6 02-11-2007, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matito

be great contact to have but in her email she said she needed a pro jazz bassist....now i don't consider myself a pro bassist, but am able to get the job done i think.

All of these Craiglist bands want a "Pro Bassist with pro gear" but they don't want to pay the "Pro Salary".

Just tell her how good you are, tell her that you are free, and offer to jam. If she really wants a pro bass player she'll be putting money into the kitty and she'll get one. But if she is looking for someone for free she'll get what she paid for- and you can use the experiance to get better.

::::BASSIST:::: · #7 02-15-2007, 04:10 PM

If I were you, I'd stick with rock/blues/country for now. Jazz is brutally complicated. I've been playing since aug. 2004 and I know that Jazz is just way beyond me at this point. Plus, at some point they are going to want an upright player. Whole new animal there.