9 string bass?

[TimWilson]

Exactly...I also listened to many clips of him.

There are several technically wow talented folks in this world who make music i dont happen to enjoy. I also dont like Miracle Whip or Asparagus. What can i do about it?

Examples: Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Les Claypool, Jonas Hellborg, Jaco's Solo stuff, Victor Wooten, Ok, i better stop before i get banned for even typing this much.

Whoa Whoa WHOA!!! Now, look here, fella! You can dump all you want on Satch, Vai, Claypool, etc. But DON'T come in here dissin' on Miracle Whip! Yer on dangerous ground, now! You've OBVIOUSLY never sunk yer uneducated teeth into a nice fried catfish sammich on toasted wheat, slathered with sweet, tasty Whip! Take it back!

 

[darthplagis]

while not a big ERB fan, not due to taste due to availability i play a 5 and have done for years, i also have a 6 and an octave 8.

i love to see and hear ERB players especially when they run the band, and the whole atmosphere for that song is centered on the bass, while not taking away from the other guys in the band. now i cant imagine having that freedom to bounce to a slightly different register, so you can give the keys player room easily on a 4 or even a 5.

just a quick search of youtube brings up a grat example of bill dickens holding the group together, while not 'overplaying'

 

[azarias]

just a quick search of youtube brings up a grat example of bill dickens holding the group together, while not 'overplaying'

I truly disagree. This is a perfect example of overplaying.
There was no room for contrast between musical phrases, no room for making memorable bites of goodness. There was nothing lyrical and soulful about any of the playing.

Although the basic theme of the song itself was not much of a foundation from which to build any excitement, every moment of that clip lacked any emotional depth.

Some would call that wiggling fingers over chord changes.
Once again, i mean no disrespect...just being brutally honest.

 

[ohskigod]

people are going to play the instrument they want to play. it should be cool as long as its for the right reasons.

At a blues jam I go to weekly, there is a gentlemen that brings a 7 string bass. I have to admit, when I first saw it, I did think to myself....." a 7 string at a blues jam? seriously?

but, he's a damn good player, who played very well and fit the song every time, and did use a healthy chunk of range in the process.

maybe down the road I'll go that route, maybe I won't. I'll just play the instrument I'm happy with at the time. 11 strings float your boat? god bless......and if your in a canoe without a paddle, an 11 string will move alot of water

 

[darthplagis]

yeah, maybe not the most emotive piece but the point of the band flowing around a central hub, that being a bassist was my point.

the fact that bill could easily drop down and do the "bass line" part (3 minute mark, drum solo) while the band carried on is what i was meaning.

yeah a whole chunk of ERB style can be seen as a detraction from what bass is seen as by the masses, which is a rhythmic instrument rather than melodic. but then surely most instruments have this division and it is such diversity that makes music the wonderful thing it is, it is unique to each of us and we all see/hear/feel our music differently.

 

[Ed Goode]

I truly disagree. This is a perfect example of overplaying.
There was no room for contrast between musical phrases, no room for making memorable bites of goodness. There was nothing lyrical and soulful about any of the playing.

Although the basic theme of the song itself was not much of a foundation from which to build any excitement, every moment of that clip lacked any emotional depth.

Some would call that wiggling fingers over chord changes.
Once again, i mean no disrespect...just being brutally honest.

I don't think you're being disrespectful at all, you're just voicing your opinion about the man's style of playing .... you are more than entitled to that opinion. However, in keeping with the general theme of this thread, the bass(es) he plays really don't matter.

As seen in two of the clips in this thread, BD is playing a 4 (or maybe a 5, don't feel like scrolling back to confirm) and a 6, and he plays pretty much the same way. Granted, the 4 string clip is simply fun wankery, while the 6 string clip is more serious, but the obvious trend is that he is a "busy" player.

It doesn't really matter whether it's a 4 or a 6 or a 7, Bill sounds like Bill, and whether you like it or not is up to you (I, for one, think he is a very good player). But his style has little to do with his bass choice. So, feel free to critique his style of playing, his music, his tone .... that is your right to your opinion. What bass he chooses to play is his right, but critiquing his instrument choice is not something any one of us should be doing ....

 

[JAUQO III-X]

I truly disagree. This is a perfect example of overplaying.
There was no room for contrast between musical phrases, no room for making memorable bites of goodness. There was nothing lyrical and soulful about any of the playing.

Were you there when this song was discussed? Where you there when they talked about what direction they wanted the song to go. Were you the producer?


I asked these very logical questions because if you didn't write or arrange the piece in question how can you totally dismiss it.

Some times music chooses to go where it wants to go and nothing can hold that back.

You may not like it but there are a lot of people who do.


It's just one artist expressing him self in a collective setting and it is what it is and it's like any other music,it's up for interpretation from those who listened to it.


if you didn't feel it,doesn't mean no one else does.



Can we hear some of your music?

Although the basic theme of the song itself was not much of a foundation from which to build any excitement, every moment of that clip lacked any emotional depth.

Some would call that wiggling fingers over chord changes.
Once again, i mean no disrespect...just being brutally honest.

Again.



Were you there when this song was discussed? Where you there when they talked about what direction they wanted the song to go. Were you the producer?


.


I asked these very logical questions because if you didn't write or arrange the piece in question how can you totally dismiss it.


Some times music chooses to go where it wants to go and nothing can hold that back

You may not like it but there are a lot of people who do.


It's just one artist expressing him self in a collective setting and it is what it is and it's like any other music,it's up for interpretation from those who listened to it.


Just because you didn't feel it,doesn't mean no one else does.



Can we hear some of your music?

 

[James Hart]

Were you there when this song was discussed? Where you there when they talked about what direction they wanted the song to go. Were you the producer?


I asked these very logical questions because if you didn't write or arrange the piece in question how can you totally dismiss it.

Some times music chooses to go where it wants to go and nothing can hold that back.

You may not like it but there are a lot of people who do.


It's just one artist expressing him self in a collective setting and it is what it is and it's like any other music,it's up for interpretation from those who listened to it.


if you didn't feel it,doesn't mean no one else does.



Can we hear some of your music?



Again.



Were you there when this song was discussed? Where you there when they talked about what direction they wanted the song to go. Were you the producer?


.


I asked these very logical questions because if you didn't write or arrange the piece in question how can you totally dismiss it.


Some times music chooses to go where it wants to go and nothing can hold that back

You may not like it but there are a lot of people who do.


It's just one artist expressing him self in a collective setting and it is what it is and it's like any other music,it's up for interpretation from those who listened to it.


Just because you didn't feel it,doesn't mean no one else does.



Can we hear some of your music?

just a couple points...

#1) you don't need to be part of the creation or have intimate knowledge of how to create art to know if you personally 'like' the piece.

#2) just because one person digs or doesn't dig a piece of art doesn't make the opposing opinion any more or less valid.

#3) what someone can play and what someone can like to listen too are usually completely independent of each other.

#4) Art Appreciation (in this example Music) is subjective... ones own opinion is their own.

#5) I 'disliked' the clip too (although it was much better to my ears than the speed slip stuff of his)

 

[TimWilson]

I truly disagree. This is a perfect example of overplaying.

There was no room for contrast between musical phrases, no room for making memorable bites of goodness. There was nothing lyrical and soulful about any of the playing.

Although the basic theme of the song itself was not much of a foundation from which to build any excitement, every moment of that clip lacked any emotional depth. Some would call that wiggling fingers over chord changes. Once again, i mean no disrespect...just being brutally honest.

While I'm really not a fan of this kind of free-form jazz in general, I have to say that from what I've heard of it over the years, this kind of hyper-busy playing is typical. Not just from the bassist (in fact usually it's not, but this is Bill's gig) but from all the musicians. In a pop/rock context, sure, that's crazy overplaying, but in this setting, he's playing true to the form.

 

[azarias]

Just because you didn't feel it,doesn't mean no one else does.
Can we hear some of your music?

I certainly meant no offense. I wasnt trashing the guys. I was just explicitly explaining why I disliked it. I suppose i generally prefer a more traditional approach to Jazz lines.
Players like - Milt Hinton, Paul Chambers, and Ray Brown - All players with a more Melodic touch. IMO!

As for my Music...I have been playing for 20ish years but I will release my first Solo Album later this year. However, I can't do any real recording or promoting until i leave my band this fall.
Everyone will get a chance to like or hate what i do. The work i have been doing to prepare for the studio has given me a new appreciation for solo artists whether i like their material or not!

I Do have much respect for all musicians regardless of how many strings they play. However, i have learned many years ago that the ruthless critic inside my head is who keeps me honest. He just has to be on a leash...

 

[J. Crawford]

I have a question. What is the pedal Al is using in THIS video?

Its on topic, being Al, but Im inquisitive. Great video anyways!

 

[CrispyDelicious]

That's all midi, my friend.

 

[JAUQO III-X]

just a couple points...

#1) you don't need to be part of the creation or have intimate knowledge of how to create art to know if you personally 'like' the piece.

#2) just because one person digs or doesn't dig a piece of art doesn't make the opposing opinion any more or less valid.

#3) what someone can play and what someone can like to listen too are usually completely independent of each other.

#4) Art Appreciation (in this example Music) is subjective... ones own opinion is their own.

#5) I 'disliked' the clip too (although it was much better to my ears than the speed slip stuff of his)

But couldn't people just respect and understand that maybe what their listening to is exactly what the musicians was shooting for whether the listener liked it or not?

Some times a musician really just wants to play for them selves only and if some one likes it cool if not that's kool to(at least it is for me).


A lot of musicians are quick to dismiss another musicians creation simply based on not liking what their listening to but in most cases just not being interested or being open minded and respectful.


I haven't read any where here where some one decided to check out Bills none pyro technical playing.

Recordings.

http://billthebuddhadickens.com/page.php?42

Producing - Writing

http://billthebuddhadickens.com/page.php?41

 

[JAUQO III-X]

i have learned many years ago that the ruthless critic inside my head is who keeps me honest. He just has to be on a leash...

Wait until you release your cd

 

[J. Crawford]

That's all midi, my friend.

Im going to sound like such a doof, but what exactly is midi and how the heck do I get it?

 

[Bryan R. Tyler]

Im going to sound like such a doof, but what exactly is midi and how the heck do I get it?

Musical Instrument Digital Interface. It's general programming that lets instruments talk to/control one another. For bass, you need a pickup and converter to convert your notes into MIDI data, and then another box that allows that MIDI data to be changed into different sounds. Al is using a Roland GR-20 in that clip. MIDI generally does not work nearly as well for bass as it does for other instruments, but on the higher strings of Al's 11, the wavelengths of the notes are similar to that of a guitar and therefore work better.

 

[azarias]

But couldn't people just respect and understand that maybe what their listening to is exactly what the musicians was shooting for whether the listener liked it or not?

Some times a musician really just wants to play for them selves only and if some one likes it cool if not that's kool to(at least it is for me).

I fully understand what you mean. The first example that comes to mind for me is the Classical composer John Cage. He is out there pretty far. Many dont even try to give him a chance and cant appreciate what he was trying to accomplish with his music.

However, there is really nothing personal about disliking the persons art.
Some would say you must truly understand the art before you can dare dislike it. Otherwise you are just being dismissive and closed-minded.

Others say it doesnt matter - you like it or you dont from the gut.

I say a person has the right to go either way today and change his mind tomorrow!

 

[J. Crawford]

Musical Instrument Digital Interface. It's general programming that lets instruments talk to/control one another. For bass, you need a pickup and converter to convert your notes into MIDI data, and then another box that allows that MIDI data to be changed into different sounds. Al is using a Roland GR-20 in that clip. MIDI generally does not work nearly as well for bass as it does for other instruments, but on the higher strings of Al's 11, the wavelengths of the notes are similar to that of a guitar and therefore work better.

Got it. Thanks Bryan.

 

[john turner]

I just saw a jazz show on TV with Vanessa Williams as the featured guest.The bassist had this monster bass.It looked like a 9 string bass.Is there such a thing?
At first I was really impressed thinking "Oh, this guy must be really good" but then as I listened I was thinking, what a hassle to drag this thing around and spend 120.- bucks on a set of strings and all of that only to do something that you could play on a 4 string just as well.
I figure if you have a bass like that you better do something special with it or else you look just like a poser.

well, first of all, al caldwell is one of the best erb'ers around, and secondly he -is- doing something special with it. he's playing with vanessa williams. that's a bigger gig than most folks on this forum will -ever- have.

lastly, surely you don't think he actually -pays- for his strings. he's one of the most visible pros out there - he's played that thing on letterman before.

oh, and by the way, al's a member here, so if you're really curious you could contact him through the forum.

 

[James Hart]

But couldn't people just respect and understand that maybe what their listening to is exactly what the musicians was shooting for whether the listener liked it or not?

Some times a musician really just wants to play for them selves only and if some one likes it cool if not that's kool to(at least it is for me).

I agree and feel the same way for the most part, I really don't see the line being crossed in any posts... the 'calling out' of someone for their opinion is coming close to not respecting their opinion though.


What I will add to try to clarify my previous post specific to your reply. A piece of art may have some context but that is irrelevant to whether or not a listener enjoys a piece. It helps define and perhaps sway opinion... but to listen and enjoy a song is truly personal opinion.

A lot of musicians are quick to dismiss another musicians creation simply based on not liking what their listening to but in most cases just not being interested or being open minded and respectful.

Did you experience the process that I went through mentally to come to the conclusion that I did not like that song?

Do you think I'm incapable to respect what I don't like?

Are you saying I am uninterested and close minded because I dislike what you like?

I'm not saying that was your intent, but respect is a fine line that is pushed from both sides.