How would you approach this?

[Silas Martinez]

I'm trying out for a band whose music I really really like - they have recently lost a really amazing bassist, and have a friend of one of the members standing in - but he is really not up to par, and no one questions that.

I've been transcribing their stuff since monday, and have a few of the songs down - mostly. I'm a little shaky on some of the more technical phrasing, etc - in my opinion, because I don't have a system capable of playing things back well enough to practice 'at volume' to their CD, and some of the rhythms get pretty technical.

The band leader wants me to submit some .mp3s, and I can do that. I'd like to make one of the recordings I send him one of the pieces that features some of that more technical/funk playing, and I have the groove nailed - but I'm still developing my own fills, etc, and am concerned because my phrasing there can be a touch shaky (I always tighten up when I can play with the drummer - something about feeling the kick, not just hearing it).

Should I punt and just give them some of the simpler songs, or should I focus on the groove and leave out any fills (even though they are, in my opinion, a pretty important feature, showing personal expression and 'ownership' of the piece)? Or, should I just do my best, and explain that I'm still finding my comfort zone with the piece?

I'll also be sending over a couple of my own pieces, maybe something from my other band, that features some of my technical playing, on stuff that I've played long enough to 'own', so he can get a sense of how I write, and how I can sound once I've mastered a piece.

[jeffreyhamby]

I would send both, if you're got enough time. You not only want to show that you have advanced techniques, but that you know when it's appropriate to use them and when it's not (Tony Levin is my hero BTW).

To you, that groove might not yet be polished, and in your mind, it might never fully be (we always want to be better than we were yesterday), but to these folks, it could be golden.

Again, let them know you can also be a foundation guy and won't try to play over everything they're doing all night long.

[Silas Martinez]

Thanks Jeff.

I did that - sent one of the pocket songs, and a 'busy bass' piece. I'm getting some of my personal stuff together as well, and will send it in a follow up.

Pretty exciting, even if I'm ultimately unhappy with the sound, since it was through a cheap instrument-usb cable.

[jeffreyhamby]

I think you're fine as long as they get the general feel for what you can do. In my mind, if they don't jump on the chance at a guy who not only has technical skill but also knows when it's time to just hold the groove, it's their loss

BTW, good luck with it, and let us know how it goes.

Jeff