• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Back home again.

When I was a kid from about 14 on I played bass in my father's country band on weekends. It sure beat flippin' burgers for pocket change. I actually made good money for such a young kid. I was also blessed to play with and learn from a generation of players that are long gone. When I went in the military after high school and got through my technical training and such I was stationed in Yuma Az. I was able to play in some great bands in AZ and Southern California. Then I went to Okinawa, Japan where I have since remained. As soon as I got here I started getting gigs on base with several different bands. It was a great scene, Country, R&B, Fusion, Rock, Blues. A very thriving scene. I got married had kids and the music kinda waned. The scene changed, I got a job that required a travel commitment. I am now 60 and some friends asked me to sub on a blues gig at a festival on one of the bases. I picked up a Fender Precision with some flat wounds on it and away I went. I have been reminiscing nightly and playing for a couple of hours or so each night. I have to tell you all, I am so excited to be back into playing and exploring the Bass again. I have to say I am like a kid again.
 
When I was a kid from about 14 on I played bass in my father's country band on weekends. It sure beat flippin' burgers for pocket change. I actually made good money for such a young kid. I was also blessed to play with and learn from a generation of players that are long gone. When I went in the military after high school and got through my technical training and such I was stationed in Yuma Az. I was able to play in some great bands in AZ and Southern California. Then I went to Okinawa, Japan where I have since remained. As soon as I got here I started getting gigs on base with several different bands. It was a great scene, Country, R&B, Fusion, Rock, Blues. A very thriving scene. I got married had kids and the music kinda waned. The scene changed, I got a job that required a travel commitment. I am now 60 and some friends asked me to sub on a blues gig at a festival on one of the bases. I picked up a Fender Precision with some flat wounds on it and away I went. I have been reminiscing nightly and playing for a couple of hours or so each night. I have to tell you all, I am so excited to be back into playing and exploring the Bass again. I have to say I am like a kid again.
Spectacular! When I was younger I found that country bands could be way loud. It was OK because it was Country not R&R.

Generally paid better.
 
When I was a kid from about 14 on I played bass in my father's country band on weekends. It sure beat flippin' burgers for pocket change. I actually made good money for such a young kid. I was also blessed to play with and learn from a generation of players that are long gone. When I went in the military after high school and got through my technical training and such I was stationed in Yuma Az. I was able to play in some great bands in AZ and Southern California. Then I went to Okinawa, Japan where I have since remained. As soon as I got here I started getting gigs on base with several different bands. It was a great scene, Country, R&B, Fusion, Rock, Blues. A very thriving scene. I got married had kids and the music kinda waned. The scene changed, I got a job that required a travel commitment. I am now 60 and some friends asked me to sub on a blues gig at a festival on one of the bases. I picked up a Fender Precision with some flat wounds on it and away I went. I have been reminiscing nightly and playing for a couple of hours or so each night. I have to tell you all, I am so excited to be back into playing and exploring the Bass again. I have to say I am like a kid again.
I love this story.
 

Latest posts