- Mar 8, 2011
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Ambient/Post-Rock/Textural bass playing thread
- Thread starter ttasselm
- Start date
- Mar 8, 2011
- 12,232
- 51,187
- Disclosures
- Authorized greenboy designs builder/Owner of BNA Audio
SO, as I mentioned last week, had my debut of my synth duo at a small synth gathering in Bellows Falls, VT.
First off, I was nervous as all hell! In my bass career, I've played festivals with 1000's, opened up for John Scofield at a sold out show at a jazz fest, jammed with Bernie Worrell... none of that came close in terms of the nervousness, because being the bassist in those situations, I was never really the focus. In this, this was my stuff (with my duo partner), more personal, not just a line behind someone else's tune... and there were only about 40 people here. This is the first time I've ever played synth in public (but I have been woodshedding hard for 3 years).
We were in a circle, facing a great AV display, with the audience behind us in a circle (this was from setup).
And it was awesome. We went on second, played two of our compositions, not only without f-ups, but jammed em pretty good. Audience was super receptive, and very gracious and heartfelt in the applause. After all of the individual performers did their sets, there was a jam with all the performers. It was okay, there were some of those noisemakers I griped about on here, a few weeks ago, but for the most part, it didn't get crazy till the last 10 minutes. The 45 minute improv sounded remarkably coherent and cinematic at times.
They're doing this again for the next three months, it's been a good motivator for me and my duo. We're gonna do the next 3, and then we're going to book our own show in there, and then try to get into the winter New England Synth fest later next year. Exciting, just had to share.
Looks like a great time, congrats!
I want some sound clips!!!!SO, as I mentioned last week, had my debut of my synth duo at a small synth gathering in Bellows Falls, VT.
First off, I was nervous as all hell! In my bass career, I've played festivals with 1000's, opened up for John Scofield at a sold out show at a jazz fest, jammed with Bernie Worrell... none of that came close in terms of the nervousness, because being the bassist in those situations, I was never really the focus. In this, this was my stuff (with my duo partner), more personal, not just a line behind someone else's tune... and there were only about 40 people here. This is the first time I've ever played synth in public (but I have been woodshedding hard for 3 years).
We were in a circle, facing a great AV display, with the audience behind us in a circle (this was from setup).
And it was awesome. We went on second, played two of our compositions, not only without f-ups, but jammed em pretty good. Audience was super receptive, and very gracious and heartfelt in the applause. After all of the individual performers did their sets, there was a jam with all the performers. It was okay, there were some of those noisemakers I griped about on here, a few weeks ago, but for the most part, it didn't get crazy till the last 10 minutes. The 45 minute improv sounded remarkably coherent and cinematic at times.
They're doing this again for the next three months, it's been a good motivator for me and my duo. We're gonna do the next 3, and then we're going to book our own show in there, and then try to get into the winter New England Synth fest later next year. Exciting, just had to share.
Please.
Coming soon. It was soundboard recorded, and shot with 4 camera video, so as soon as I get them, they'll go up. Might be a few weeks, though.
Cool, I'm assuming I get #1?BRB...starting the "Electronic Farting Noises bass players club" thread.
Me want
Tell me more about the "gripe" with the "noise makers" . Is it like the conga djembe hippies???SO, as I mentioned last week, had my debut of my synth duo at a small synth gathering in Bellows Falls, VT.
First off, I was nervous as all hell! In my bass career, I've played festivals with 1000's, opened up for John Scofield at a sold out show at a jazz fest, jammed with Bernie Worrell... none of that came close in terms of the nervousness, because being the bassist in those situations, I was never really the focus. In this, this was my stuff (with my duo partner), more personal, not just a line behind someone else's tune... and there were only about 40 people here. This is the first time I've ever played synth in public (but I have been woodshedding hard for 3 years).
We were in a circle, facing a great AV display, with the audience behind us in a circle (this was from setup).
And it was awesome. We went on second, played two of our compositions, not only without f-ups, but jammed em pretty good. Audience was super receptive, and very gracious and heartfelt in the applause. After all of the individual performers did their sets, there was a jam with all the performers. It was okay, there were some of those noisemakers I griped about on here, a few weeks ago, but for the most part, it didn't get crazy till the last 10 minutes. The 45 minute improv sounded remarkably coherent and cinematic at times.
They're doing this again for the next three months, it's been a good motivator for me and my duo. We're gonna do the next 3, and then we're going to book our own show in there, and then try to get into the winter New England Synth fest later next year. Exciting, just had to share.
not sure if this is the same as the album track but here’s their official video
Hah, no, conga djembe hippies can be dealt with by cutting the skins.
Well, it ties into the conversation where I first made my appearance here, a few weeks ago after the radio show. That whole concept of deliberate vs. random, and some people going the noise route, mostly because they don't know how to do anything else. It's the 'mostly because they don't know how to do anything else' part I have the problem with. It's like trying to play some Charlie Parker with someone who only knows a C major chord.
In terms of this particular performance, my gripe- in the jam there was lots of cohesion - I got the impression everyone was listening to each other and responding, in kind. No small feat with 5 players of different genres, with different equipment, and different skill levels. We played some stuff that almost sounded rehearsed, because everyone was really receptive. It sounded intelligent. Cinematic at times, chaotic at others, and chill as all hell on other times. My gripe isn't the cohesion, though...
There's just the one act, primarily (the same guys I mentioned on the radio show) that would break in with the constant chaos, to the point where it was overwhelming, not leaving room for anyone else, and it also had people who were there for the whole show heading for the exits. Some of the earlier noise excursions fit in well, as transitions, but it reached a point, at about 35 minutes in, where it didn't let up.
If nothing else, at they should at least learn how to read an audience. If it's making them leave, it means they probably don't dig it. Granted, this ain't 'let's please the audience' kinda stuff, but to return to that analogy, it can be like punkers playing with jazzers (and I know, many punkers do know how to play more than punk), in that you have something that isn't clicking. I get the whole industrial sound thing is a big genre in electronic music, and a lot of people dig it, and that's awesome - it just isn't my thing. But another part is being sensitive to the music that's happening, and again, if your whole goal is to start a synth scene (which is what these guys are trying to do), and you have a receptive audience whose into most of what's going on that night, at least try to not clear out half the audience. The problem is, as my partner in crime put it, is these guys approach the whole thing like 2 twenty year olds who just got a radio show - professionalism/discipline doesn't seem to be on the radar. We're gonna do the whole series, though, as we did have a lot of fun, and we think this is gonna open some doors for us. I'm not down on it, I'm still actually kinda beaming - I just wish it had ended on a better note.
imo, the problem you describe is not genre-related; it is not-listening and ego-related.
btw, there’s also thing where boppers can’t play free.
btw, there’s also thing where boppers can’t play free.
I get get it, douches will douche. (Sorry for the simple asinine synopsis of your text)Hah, no, conga djembe hippies can be dealt with by cutting the skins.
Well, it ties into the conversation where I first made my appearance here, a few weeks ago after the radio show. That whole concept of deliberate vs. random, and some people going the noise route, mostly because they don't know how to do anything else. It's the 'mostly because they don't know how to do anything else' part I have the problem with. It's like trying to play some Charlie Parker with someone who only knows a C major chord.
In terms of this particular performance, my gripe- in the jam there was lots of cohesion - I got the impression everyone was listening to each other and responding, in kind. No small feat with 5 players of different genres, with different equipment, and different skill levels. We played some stuff that almost sounded rehearsed, because everyone was really receptive. It sounded intelligent. Cinematic at times, chaotic at others, and chill as all hell on other times. My gripe isn't the cohesion, though...
There's just the one act, primarily (the same guys I mentioned on the radio show) that would break in with the constant chaos, to the point where it was overwhelming, not leaving room for anyone else, and it also had people who were there for the whole show heading for the exits. Some of the earlier noise excursions fit in well, as transitions, but it reached a point, at about 35 minutes in, where it didn't let up.
If nothing else, at they should at least learn how to read an audience. If it's making them leave, it means they probably don't dig it. Granted, this ain't 'let's please the audience' kinda stuff, but to return to that analogy, it can be like punkers playing with jazzers (and I know, many punkers do know how to play more than punk), in that you have something that isn't clicking. I get the whole industrial sound thing is a big genre in electronic music, and a lot of people dig it, and that's awesome - it just isn't my thing. But another part is being sensitive to the music that's happening, and again, if your whole goal is to start a synth scene (which is what these guys are trying to do), and you have a receptive audience whose into most of what's going on that night, at least try to not clear out half the audience. The problem is, as my partner in crime put it, is these guys approach the whole thing like 2 twenty year olds who just got a radio show - professionalism/discipline doesn't seem to be on the radar. We're gonna do the whole series, though, as we did have a lot of fun, and we think this is gonna open some doors for us. I'm not down on it, I'm still actually kinda beaming - I just wish it had ended on a better note.
Playing “music” with anyone who doesn’t listen is to me unbearable, I 100% agree with you. IMO you should as “cool guy as possible” ease them to .....hmmmm....chill the efff out. If they are so attention hungry let them go elsewhere to jam....
I love noise and harsh power electronics but that jam session was clearly not the place or time for that. (Edit.....sorry missed the part you said it worked out well)
I’m running on assumption here......
I like the “ playing some Bird with someone who only knows C major”
Side note.....didn’t Pat Martino convert everything he plays to Dorian modal shapes??? That was after his stroke I believe.
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I totally agree... as I pointed out, sometimes in the course of the jam, it was used to great effect.
Not sure about Martino....
Your assumptions are spot-on, mate.
I wouldn't say they're douches, the guy putting this on is one of the nicest guys I've met, been nothing but supportive, lets me crash at his place when we come down, it's just the cluelessness part of it I don't get. Again, it just reminds me of where I was at 30 years ago. But this guy's my age.
I guess my big concern is we have some real chance at some publicity, but if he plans on letting things get outa hand every time, people ain't gonna show up. Thanks for letting me vent.
Some douches are nice people. They just act out in certain perticular situations. I have a buddy whose a total weight lifting douche, whe always tease him about it, but he's a really awesome guy.
cluelessness is a key trait of “the douche” by the way.
Vent away buddy....!!!
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Lest I sounded too ranty, there, I think part of it is I've been playing bass for 36 years, and have reached a point where I pretty much play with people as good as or better than I am, and I've only been a synthesist for a couple of years, and the level I'm at doesn't compare to the level I'm at as a bass player - hence, I'm dealing with a lot of people with almost no musical experience. Paying my dues, all over again.
@lordradish I started a whole thread about "noise" music, and I pretty much am where you are with some of the performers.
There's a difference between doing something deliberately and doing something because you have no idea what you're doing and you figure you can get away with random knob twisting and circuit bending because no one will know the difference. Among the regulars in the scene near me I can usually tell the difference after seeing enough shows and hanging out with some of them.
In the other thread I mention how Herbie Hancock broke rules in the 80s, but as he was an established jazz pianist he knew what the rules were when he was doing it and that made him more effective. I think the same is true for the sort of experimental underground electronic stuff: those who have played instruments in bands before have an idea of how music "works" and can use noise to make something deliberately. Sometimes, there are people who haven't played conventional music but happen to be smart and creative enough to make something interesting from scratch.
Just my opinion, of course.
I also get frustrated when I go to an electronic show and I see people heading for the door, chased out by incoherent noise, when I know a good act is coming up next. Some shows, though, are all about noise and that's what people are there to see.
There's a difference between doing something deliberately and doing something because you have no idea what you're doing and you figure you can get away with random knob twisting and circuit bending because no one will know the difference. Among the regulars in the scene near me I can usually tell the difference after seeing enough shows and hanging out with some of them.
In the other thread I mention how Herbie Hancock broke rules in the 80s, but as he was an established jazz pianist he knew what the rules were when he was doing it and that made him more effective. I think the same is true for the sort of experimental underground electronic stuff: those who have played instruments in bands before have an idea of how music "works" and can use noise to make something deliberately. Sometimes, there are people who haven't played conventional music but happen to be smart and creative enough to make something interesting from scratch.
Just my opinion, of course.
I also get frustrated when I go to an electronic show and I see people heading for the door, chased out by incoherent noise, when I know a good act is coming up next. Some shows, though, are all about noise and that's what people are there to see.
seriously, i've played or heard regular stuff where some people didn't have a clue. it's not only a problem in noise or "experimental" music.
my gripe is that it seems like a good 80% of musicians don't really listen—jazz, rock, you name it.
my gripe is that it seems like a good 80% of musicians don't really listen—jazz, rock, you name it.
Ah, just started reading that thread. It's good to know there's another person lamenting the fact that old school Berlin School ain't hip anymore. I'm gonna be debuting a BS piece at one of these shows.
You should come to the Gatherings shows in Philly if you like Berlin School stuff. Chuck Van Zyle, Mike Hunter, and friends keeping it alive there with Chuck's radio show.
