Artistic statement is a balance between head, heart and hand

[behindthenotes]

Hi Guys

We have posted this as our weekly discussion but would be keen to hear how you approach this

What you're looking for in any artistic statement is a balance between head, heart and hand. You want the thought, the feeling and the technical means to do it - David Liebman.

This kind of follows on from our discussion last week but puts the focus back on you guys. We would like to hear how you approach balancing these three elements in your own playing.

 

[bassbrad]

I agree with that statement and am constantly trying to balance and improve all of those aspects.
But remember it is being made by a front player used to being supported by a band (incredible bands at that). As bass players we are most often limited by the situation and other players more than our own ability. Since we play a supportive and foundational instrument very often this is all the space we are allowed. Plus if we stop supporting and pushing the groove most often the other players cannot fill the void to allow us that same level of freedom of expression. I personally find it harder to wring the level of support from my fellow musicians that will allow me to express my art than the expression it's self.

 

[scottbass]

To paraphrase many:

"It ain't f*****g art, it's rock 'n roll!"

David Liebman's statement may be applicable for a solo artist, but it is inadequate and incomplete for those of us who create art as a team. So many more inputs and interactions are involved with so-called "team art."

 

[MatticusMania]

I disagree. The head is what compromises art. Putting too much thought into a work diminishes the quality of heart put into a piece. Coming at this from a painter's point of view, its all heart and hand, once the head comes into play youre no longer creating from the heart.

As a bass player I think the same applies. I see what bassbrad is saying about only having limited room to create, but thats a fallacy. A good bass player has unlimited space to create, and once you limit yourself by saying you only have so much room to fill (thinking with the head) you close so many other, potentially better, options.

IMO, the bass isn't just a supporting instrument, and these sentiments could just be coming from my experience in a bass/drum band, but a good bassist does more than just fill in the groove between a guitarist and drummer. In fact, I think a good guitarist should focus less on playing chords and rhythm parts and focus more on creating leads and soundscapes to compliment the bass/drum relationship.

 

[Jazz Ad]

He forgot the balls and the guts. Equally important.

 

[bassbrad]

I disagree. The head is what compromises art. Putting too much thought into a work diminishes the quality of heart put into a piece. Coming at this from a painter's point of view, its all heart and hand, once the head comes into play youre no longer creating from the heart.

As a bass player I think the same applies. I see what bassbrad is saying about only having limited room to create, but thats a fallacy. A good bass player has unlimited space to create, and once you limit yourself by saying you only have so much room to fill (thinking with the head) you close so many other, potentially better, options.

IMO, the bass isn't just a supporting instrument, and these sentiments could just be coming from my experience in a bass/drum band...

Matticus I disagree on several points:
Head is what includes knowledge, technique, theory and also there are some decisions that have to be made, even by the most creative of artists. To claim limitless artistic freedom is an even greater fallicy. To use a painter as an example you first have to choose what size your painting will be, what colors are available and those are limitations. Some of my favorite works are when artists challenge themselves to work outside their normal sphere or within certain limitations. Examples here are Van Gogh"s "Grapes, Lemons, Pears & Apples" who normally did not do these types of still life fruit paintings. It was painted for a showing at one of his and other artists favorite cafes, they appear to be vibrating or floating. The other is a Picasso "Portrait of Sylvette" here the artist chose to use only 2 colors black & white.
Most bass players are a part of a performing team and that team has limitations. Many of us are working musicians fulfilling musical roles, part of the job description, and most of those roles have their own limitations. You could not go off like Jaco when playing Mozart in a string quintet for a wedding for example, well you could but do not expect to be paid or called back.
Your experience is unique (lucky you), but does not apply to most of us in the real world.

 

[Craig_S]

Matticus I disagree on several points:
Head is what includes knowledge, technique, theory and also there are some decisions that have to be made, even by the most creative of artists. To claim limitless artistic freedom is an even greater fallicy. To use a painter as an example you first have to choose what size your painting will be, what colors are available and those are limitations. Some of my favorite works are when artists challenge themselves to work outside their normal sphere or within certain limitations. Examples here are Van Gogh"s "Grapes, Lemons, Pears & Apples" who normally did not do these types of still life fruit paintings. It was painted for a showing at one of his and other artists favorite cafes, they appear to be vibrating or floating. The other is a Picasso "Portrait of Sylvette" here the artist chose to use only 2 colors black & white.
Most bass players are a part of a performing team and that team has limitations. Many of us are working musicians fulfilling musical roles, part of the job description, and most of those roles have their own limitations. You could not go off like Jaco when playing Mozart in a string quintet for a wedding for example, well you could but do not expect to be paid or called back.
Your experience is unique (lucky you), but does not apply to most of us in the real world.

You're right. It doesn't apply to most of us, but Matticus' point "its all heart and hand, once the head comes into play you're no longer creating from the heart." does to all of us. If you're thinking too much, you're not grooving. It's true for everyone. Like it or not, the head gets wedged between the heart and the hands, bypassing the "soul". I've seen it too many times.

To help make your point, bassbrad: We should all know to play for the song; not for the ego.

 

[scottbass]

To help make your point, bassbrad: We should all know to play for the song; not for the ego.

I play for the audience. If it complements (or even compliments) the song, so much the better. If it strokes my ego, that's fine, too. But anyone who forgets who they are playing for (either intentionally or because of paying too much self-centered attention to the "balance between head, hand and heart") is guilty of artistic m*st*rb*tion. IMHO.