Recent content by Bruce Gertz

I often do that. I like to travel as light as possible and have as few cables and connections as possible for ease of getting out of there when the gig is over. Also i believe the sound is in your hands and heart more than the extra equipment.

My new site is OPENMINDJAZZ.COM Any of my books or DVDs can be bought at www.bassbooks.com or jamey aebersold jazz. I believe in the 40 years I've taught at Berklee I've gotten pretty good at it. BG

I love Gregory Porter.

Practicing can be continuous and is for me. I practice all the time whether I'm with or without my bass. It's mental practice and visualization. Alright, I admit at this stage (40+years into my career) I know the neck rather well. It's easy for me to visualize where I may play passages that I...

I agree with everything that Steve said. The only thing I would add at this point is that I like to help a student learn how to practice all that great stuff. That takes place in part of some lessons or even an entire lesson. We practice together so the student gets started with me and begins...

I know plenty of cats who started on guitar before playing bass. Myself included.

Jack Bruce, singing, composing and improvising. Charles Mingus, power and musical wizardry I agree that the three previous giants were good to list. There are so many when you really look around.

When learning the bass parts try to be as accurate as possible in getting the right feel and sound. Think of this as an ear training/technique practice.

I would say that as a bassist your job is to be a solid time player who can lay down the changes with a nice feel and tone. Reading is important. It is always part of the audition. Listen to your favorite tracks and learn all the bass parts. You need to have a prepared piece that reflects...

Hi Frank, It's cheap and great so just buy it and learn some great ideas about groove and lines. Bruce

I would encourage any bassist to check out my DVD, Jazz Electric Bass. There are 32 lessons on it and the information is very useful. An open minded, beginner or advanced player can learn a great deal from this inexpensive DVD which can be watched over and over until you get it. I have 5 books...

I'm curious as to the ribs. Are they like this X inside? I'm also interested in the table length. It really does have a familiar look but I have never owned a Prescott. Bruce

I know Bob very well and his EUB is an Eminence. I tried it and it's not bad once it's plugged in. Also the Kolstein Lafarro EUB is pretty cool. They play well but acoustically they got nothing over the real thing. With today's travel headaches these provide a reasonable alternative. I've had...