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2 man bands....

#21
Billybladez66 said:
Just a quick question, may have been covered already but I just saw a TV show with a two man band as the house band.....am I the only one that is sick of this crap????? I'm all for art and whatnot, but I'm not for the diminishing perception of bass in an ensemble. Let me know what y'all think cuz I've just about had it with these guitar/ drum combos......who books the gigs, keeps the books, roadies on the PA as well as his/ her own, gear (as well as helping the drummer and rolling up all the mic cables at the end of the gig), goes and gets the band paid and books another gig in the process etc. etc. etc......
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So steal the shows. Grab a drummer and get melodic!
 
#27
Billybladez66 said:
Nah, I've tied it before but I prefer to lock down the rhythm with a killer drummer and hear my guitar player or keyboard player just throw it down on top.
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Oh yeah, I would too. But duos and one-man bands are hard to beat. I formed one myself with a girl who sings and strums while I back her up. We have already concluded that a percussionist is pretty much necessary for what we do, but then we wouid have to worry about a third member... Much as I want one, we both intended to keep it as a duo.
 
#28
twinjet said:
Oh yeah, I would too. But duos and one-man bands are hard to beat. I formed one myself with a girl who sings and strums while I back her up. We have already concluded that a percussionist is pretty much necessary for what we do, but then we wouid have to worry about a third member... Much as I want one, we both intended to keep it as a duo.
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I'll admit it makes booking shows easier as you can come in cheaper than a four or five piece band...not to mention ALOT less load in and out, but I'm an ensemble guy. I figured in a bass forum there would be ALOT more like minds, band veterans and pro's and whatnot...boy was I wrong.
 
#29
Billybladez66 said:
I'll admit it makes booking shows easier as you can come in cheaper than a four or five piece band...not to mention ALOT less load in and out, but I'm an ensemble guy. I figured in a bass forum there would be ALOT more like minds, band veterans and pro's and whatnot...boy was I wrong.
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I love working in ensembles... I worked with 16 other guys in a swing band once. If that ain't big, I don't know what is ;).

I see some guys around here like power trios and stuff. I can dig it, booking needs to be easy. Better for the venue, great for the band. My big band only gigged once every other month... $600 was cheap, but the venue had to accommodate 17 guys and lots of room. This, however, did ensure us neat gigs playing in the fancier hotels of the area (for big dances), and an inaugural ball for our state governor. :)
 
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#30
Billybladez66 said:
Are there that many bass players who don't see the problem here?
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I can only speak for myself, but no, I'm not worried about it. Bass-less bands have existed for years, The Doors being one of the most notable acts from years past. Sleater-Kinney has had a very long and noteworthy career and never had a bass player - The Jon Spencer Blues explosion too. I still think Local H's As Good As Dead is a classic album from the 90s.

Many bands make line-up choices based upon both artistic and practical reasons. A lot of these bands formed in the way they did because they couldn't pick up the required players back when they were just just jamming in the basement of their local towns. Once they started getting success, they just decided not to mess with the formula. The White Stripes have always been sort of a modernized, electrified version of delta blues with some alternative rock thrown on top. Throwing a bass player into the situation may mess up the vibe they were going for. Now, White usually has a bass player in his solo band, which I do personally prefer.
 
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#31
twinjet said:
I love working in ensembles... I worked with 16 other guys in a swing band once. I that ain't big, I don't know what is ;)
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LiquidMidnight said:
I can only speak for myself, but no, I'm not worried about it. Bass-less bands have existed for years, The Doors being one of the most notable acts from years past. Sleater-Kinney has had a very long and noteworthy career and never had a bass player - The Jon Spencer Blues explosion too. I still think Local H's As Good As Dead is a classic album from the 90s.

Many bands make line-up choices based upon both artistic and practical reasons. A lot of these bands formed in the way they did because they couldn't pick up the required players back when they were just just jamming in the basement of their local towns. Once they started getting success, they just decided not to mess with the formula. The White Stripes have always been sort of a modernized, electrified version of delta blues with some alternative rock thrown on top. Throwing a bass player into the situation may mess up the vibe they were going for. Now, White usually has a bass player in his solo band, which I do personally prefer.
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Well..the doors had bass in the music. Manzarek was a master at double duty. I do believe they may have bass recorded in the studio...bu regardless reall bass lines were being played in every song pretty much...even if its keyboard that part of the music is covered one way or the other. Jack white is a good guitar player and songwriter...not what I would buy, but I always tip my hat for talent whetwr I like it personally or not. I'm just not happy with the trend. It's becoming more popular in the mainstream. Wat may happen is the industry will eventually turn a blind eye to a.band WITH a bass player. From your local bar and all the way up the food chain....I'm conspirist that way..can't help it...
 
#33
Billybladez66 said:
Wat may happen is the industry will eventually turn a blind eye to a.band WITH a bass player. From your local bar and all the way up the food chain....I'm conspirist that way..can't help it...
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I've felt this way since EDM became a thing. People love having their insides rumbled, regardless of how it happens. Lots of stuff I can do gets done by a f****** synth. But that's another story.
 
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#34
AaronVonRock said:
I think you vastly overestimate the public's perception and overall interest in bass players.
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Negative...a good bass player on stage ALWAYS gets his due...a crappy bass player even gets a nod or 2....but a lack of recognition for the lack of a bass player onstage because everyone has become accustomed to that? That's not overestimating anything...that's just what's happening. If your a bass player this should concern you...gives you less and less gig prospects as time goes on.
 
#38
Frank Tuesday said:
1, 2 or 20 musicians. Doesn't matter how many people are playing if I like the music. Electric, upright, tuba, synth, or no bass instrument. Doesn't matter if I like the music. I'm sorry if you have a hang up about such a minor thing. You're missing out on some great music.
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Snarky Puppy has featured 40 or so musicians in a DVD of theirs. "We Like it Here", I think. Spectacular musicianship.
 
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