Advice for inspiration...

[suirthing]

Hi all,

first post, so go easy

I'm returning to bass on a serious level after some 15 years of just picking it up now and then, have a covers-band going and am enjoying it immensely! As i learn the parts to the songs, i'm struck by how some players use what i would call passing notes, let me try and explain with an simple example: take the Ray LaMontagne song "Trouble". I love the way the bassist plays the 2nd verse notes, instead of just G, D, C etc. Little runs here and there. I hope this makes sense. I feel I am well capable of playing these but was wondering - who would you recommend that I listen to to get some inspiration? Genre is irrelevant I will listen to anything. I know this is a very general question but i'm curious as to who inspires you, and not just in a " he can play 16 notes in a bar like Geddy Lee" way!! The little runs and even pauses that really bring a part to life.

Cheers,

d.

 

[Joe Nerve]

James Jamerson is the first that comes to mind for me. I'd also suggest Ed Friedlands book walking basslines. I think that's exactly the kind of stuff you're talking about. Sorry ed if I spelt yer name wrong.

 

[Picktastic]

Jamerson. I also think of Lesh.

 

[greggster59]

If you're familiar with Elvis Costello & The Attractions' music then you may want to check out the recent Elvis Costello & The Imposters: The Return Of The Spectacular Spinning Songbook!!!.

It's a DVD/CD live show and Davey Faragher does some nice riffs on the older songs. A great musician to watch as much for timing and note placement as for chops.

 

[ken66]

why would you say that about him

 

[greggster59]

I didn't. Bob Rafelson did when they released The Monkees movie, "Head" on video.

Rafelson was explaining that the the prepping, packaging and presentation of music stars that he innovated when creating The Monkees is pretty much the industry standard today. Bieber is one of his examples. It's not really a slam, just a comparison. It made me laugh.

Interview link:Invalid Link Removed

 

[suirthing]

Hey thanks for the replies guys, i'll check out the guys you have recommended. BTW thats some nice playing on your Youtube video, Joe

Probably will buy the Walking Bass book but would prefer to learn by listening/watching at this stage...

d.

 

[Bass Mentor]

Graham Maby on some of the earlier Joe Jackson stuff...very tasteful and musical...ditto on Phil Lesh and the Great James Jamerson too. Ray Brown's conception is wonderful. Playing the song and making it live thru the bass line takes good musicianship and above all, great ears and feel

 

[Russell L]

Learning a little theory helps, too. Also, some Berry Oakley.

 

[Bass Mentor]

Yes, learning theory is not hard learned the right way in how chords work and '' ask for one another'' I've always loved Berry's playing and he left us way too soon!

 

[speeves]

I've really been digging on Hutch Hutchinson (Bonnie Raitt) and Roscoe Beck (Robben Ford) lately. They always play to the song, but have plenty of headroom for stretching out.