Replacing young aggressive BP

nashvillebill · #1 05-31-2005, 05:17 PM

Here's the deal: for the last couple years I've been running sound and for the last few months, filling in on rhythym guitar, for a high-energy party band.

Recently though, their bass player (lead guitar player's son) has committed to another band and he can't make it to a couple of big gigs later this summer. Gee, I'm a bass player, so I'll be stepping up to the plate....

Now I've been playing bass for over 20 years, but this kid's got lots of energy, a lot of jazz theory, and pretty good chops, plus he's had a couple of years of practice on their setlist. To me, at least, there's a lot of pressure, maybe I feel I'm competing with this guy.

My last few bands didn't want a lot of aggressive bass, so my playing slipped into a more lethargic mode...fortunately I haven't lost all my skills!!

Any suggestions (besides the obvious one: PRACTICE ) to rebuilding my energy and aggressiveness? Dealing with replacing a younger, more energetic kid?

daofktr · #2 05-31-2005, 05:31 PM

coffee and porn....

daofktr · #3 05-31-2005, 05:39 PM

seriously, though, do you feel you have the chops?
if so, but just feel you have to prove yourself, you should be fine. just remember to relax your shoulders and hands, and you will play faster.
with your experience (and pre-existing chordal knowledge on rhythm geet, so you know the songs cold already, i.e. starts, stops, etc.) you should be able to acquit yourself very well.

show them what a real bass player is all about!
dixon
ps...my sweetheart thinks i should help you out by adding this:

steveksux · #4 05-31-2005, 10:33 PM

Don't try to copy what he does, do what you feel is appropriate. They may appreciate a different take on the songs. I think you play worse when you try to overplay to "keep up with" someone else. And for all you know they may think he overplays and be looking for a more laid back approach. Talk to them and see what they have in mind.

Randy

The Golden Boy · #5 05-31-2005, 10:53 PM

Hit it hard.

Git 'er done.

cirwin · #6 06-01-2005, 12:07 AM

Trust yourself. Do your best. Don't spend time comparing yourself to the other bass player. Let the other musicians make that judgement. Give'em what you got and let them decide if its enough. My guess is you'll do fine.

Woodchuck · #7 06-01-2005, 05:03 AM

Here's what works for me: Get the set on cd. Put it on, strap on the axe, stand in front on the mirror and put on a private concert. It sounds silly, but you'd be amazed at the energy level.

steveksux · #8 06-01-2005, 06:40 PM

Your title has exactly the answer. Most bands I know with an aggressive young bass player are in fact thinking of "Replacing young aggressive bass player".

If this guy looks at every empty place in the song as a potential bass solo, they'll be happy to play with someone that just lays down a good groove.

Kind of depends how aggressive he is, and whether his antics mung up the groove/meter/etc. What you are admiring from a technicall standpoint may be a detriment from a musical standpoint.

Regardless, don't worry you can't do his thing, do YOUR thing. They're asking you to fill in for a reason: they like what you do.

Randy

eots · #9 06-01-2005, 06:50 PM

Maybe this is off the wall a bit but if you want to increase your metabolism and energy level, try working out. You know, excersizing, lifting weights etc.. When it comes time to play, your body will be tuned to expending energy.

DaftCat · #10 06-01-2005, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eots

Maybe this is off the wall a bit but if you want to increase your metabolism and energy level, try working out. You know, excersizing, lifting weights etc.. When it comes time to play, your body will be tuned to expending energy.

+1

Marley's Ghost · #11 06-01-2005, 09:00 PM

Try coca.... er, I mean, exercise, stay in shape

ryco · #12 06-01-2005, 09:09 PM

"do what'choo know don't be slow...." -Jimi

Mon Rominee · #13 06-01-2005, 09:39 PM

Not fer nuthin, but the thread title made me instantly think

"Uh oh, one of Nickthebassist's bandmates just made a Talkbass account"...

Is that bad?

Woodchuck · #14 06-01-2005, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marley's Ghost

Try coca.... er, I mean, exercise, stay in shape

nashvillebill · #15 06-01-2005, 10:40 PM

Good answers, guys, thanks for the advice and support!!

My mind just keeps flashing back to the old black-and-white westerns where the young punk calls the aging gunfighter out into the street for a duel at noon....

Then I remember the old proverb......

"Age and treachery shall surely overcome youth and skill"

Steve · #16 06-02-2005, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nashvillebill

"Age and treachery shall surely overcome youth and skill"

And then there's the story of the young bull and the old bull...

Two gigs is more than enough time for a good solid player to take Mr. Aggressives gig right out from underneath him.

Like it or not the simple truth is that NOBODY likes lots and lots of bass except bass players and half of us don't like it.