Anyone here (still) playing "Low Rider?"

[FunkHead]

It's hard to pinpoint why but that Doug Munro version definitely lacks groove and funk for me but that's how they wanted to play it. I also don't see the bass as being behind the beat. If anything it feels rushed. It's also too busy for my taste. That version reminds me of the many things I see myself doing wrong to be honest. The more I hold back, the more Funky I can get.

I fail to see what is not locked in on that version. Very tight and accomplished group and an entertaining version, if you ask me.

What do you mean where nothing is locked in? That version is locked in as f**k! The drums and bass are locked in to a VERY funky groove. Jazz is not jazz unless the rhythm section is locked in and swings like crazy. Locked in doesn't mean playing the same thing together. Locked in means the bass is playing right behind the beat and the drums, while maintaining the cadence, is slightly behind the beat. The key is listening to each other without getting ahead of the other. Think David Garibaldi and Rocco Prestia. Both can be busy but neither step on the other's toes. Think "Tumbling Dice" by the Stones. While considered straight ahead rock, that tune swings and is terribly funky. Think "Knock On Wood" where nobody is playing the same thing together but the rhythm section is funk-ing the hell out of that tune.

 

[bassdude51]

Anyone here (still) playing "Low Rider?"

I'm a bit on a tangent. Excuse me.

A couple of days ago, I pulled out my War Lp album, The World Is A Ghetto and played that very song. Not only outstanding bass lines but the song is very appropriate for the kind of world that we live in today. Yes indeed, the world is a ghetto!

Great band! Lee Oscar is a major weight harmonica player. Even has his own line of the instrument.

B. B. Dickerson!!!!!!!!! Outstanding bassist!

 

[SemiDriven]

What about a version where nothing is locked in? Is that jazz?

Either the rhythm section in a band is locked in or it ain't.

To me, jazz is a genre that requires a locked in rhythm section even though it may seem every now and then it isn't. YMMV.

FWIW, I play jazz when I forget what notes to play.

 

[51PRI]

It's hard to pinpoint why but that Doug Munro version definitely lacks groove and funk for me but that's how they wanted to play it. I also don't see the bass as being behind the beat. If anything it feels rushed. It's also too busy for my taste. That version reminds me of the many things I see myself doing wrong to be honest. The more I hold back, the more Funky I can get.

I agree, and I'm not saying that this version is bad. Their playing is fine. I don't really dislike it at all for what it is. It just doesn't have the groove that the War version does, that that song is known for. Maybe that's just me.

 

[51PRI]

Just an update: Drummer, no cowbell, no latin feel. Lead guitarist played the bass lick, wasn't interested in playing the actual guitar lick we discussed...I mean, he tried, but it wasn't working. LS singing and playing harmonica...fine..I could tell he actually worked on the song. I'm pretty sure the drummer and LG didn't. I actually didn't have any trouble playing the bass part but it wasn't as smooth as I would like, and as smooth as it will be. Worst white band version of "Low Rider" ever? I feel like the guitar player will nix the song if it's called at the gig.

 

[Pocket Dave]

Just an update: Drummer, no cowbell, no latin feel. Lead guitarist played the bass lick, wasn't interested in playing the actual guitar lick we discussed...I mean, he tried, but it wasn't working. LS singing and playing harmonica...fine..I could tell he actually worked on the song. I'm pretty sure the drummer and LG didn't. I actually didn't have any trouble playing the bass part but it wasn't as smooth as I would like, and as smooth as it will be. Worst white band version of "Low Rider" ever? I feel like the guitar player will nix the song if it's called at the gig.

Yeah/Naaw. Not for me at least.

As BL for my little weekly Thurs thing, I just won't deal with those who nix a song after refusing to put in the effort. I'll either drop the song or, if it becomes a habit often enough, just start using someone with a more pro attitude. Nothing personal, and definitely nothing for me to stress over.

A common thread I've seen with those exercising a more pro attitude, BTW, is accepting that everyone has to work to maintain their place at the table.

With all due respect, your LG would have ceased to be a problem long ago with any group I've been affiliated with for probably 25 years.

I used to think life was too short, but now I'm beginning to think it might be too long to fill it with such nonsense.

 

[pdbass]

 

[turf3]

What about a version where nothing is locked in? Is that jazz?

So unless it goes THUMP WHACK THUMP WHACK THUMP WHACK.... you can't find the beat? And then you have to make the obligatory snarky comment about jazz?

 

[MattZilla]

I’ve done this with almost every band I’ve played with. Usually before or after Super Mario Bros Level 2. Doesn’t matter what specific genre soundscape the rest of the band leans toward. Blooz, reggae, punk, soul, bluegrass. If I could push myself to organize a band with just a drummer and ten or so of the local symphony’s violin & viola section and arrange & write out sheets for them, I’d probably shove it into that set as well.

It’s always best somewhat deep into the evening when the dancemonkeys are already hot & loose and the air is thick. I’ve never thought about hipness, but post #2 is probably going to haunt me forever.

Am I hip? I never once thought I was and have always thought I wasn’t… just another white dude with either a fretted string instrument or a rack with a few cheap yammy synths depending on the night and only doing what needs to be done and having a good time while doing it. Dam, Turf.

 

[turf3]

I’ve done this with almost every band I’ve played with. Usually before or after Super Mario Bros Level 2. Doesn’t matter what specific genre soundscape the rest of the band leans toward. Blooz, reggae, punk, soul, bluegrass. If I could push myself to organize a band with just a drummer and ten or so of the local symphony’s violin & viola section and arrange & write out sheets for them, I’d probably shove it into that set as well.

It’s always best somewhat deep into the evening when the dancemonkeys are already hot & loose and the air is thick. I’ve never thought about hipness, but post #2 is probably going to haunt me forever.

Am I hip? I never once thought I was and have always thought I wasn’t… just another white dude with either a fretted string instrument or a rack with a few cheap yammy synths depending on the night and only doing what needs to be done and having a good time while doing it. Dam, Turf.

Well, you don't have to wear a porkpie hat and Sulka shirt, or grow a giant beard and wear flannel shirts to hide your etiolated little arms, or wear a beret and goatee with heavy horn-rim glasses, to be hip in the sense that the song needs. Just take up the thing and play it the way it wants to be played.

 

[KenSmithFan]

If you are playing it and having fun with it, it goes over great. If you are plodding through it like you can't wait for it to be done, it won't go over. One of my current band plays it. We have fun, the audience has fun.

 

[51PRI]

I don't know why this thread got resurrected, but, we haven't played the song in a while. It wasn't really working, I guess it's one of those songs that seems like it should kill, but it just doesn't.

 

[BlueTalon]

I don't know why this thread got resurrected, but, we haven't played the song in a while. It wasn't really working, I guess it's one of those songs that seems like it should kill, but it just doesn't.

If you ever do a gig in a biker bar, play it.

Trust me.