Bad attitude, or am I overthinking this?

[micque]

Give it a try, I tend to not judge a person to much on what or how he writes, he may not be very good at expressing himself in writing ( a lot like me ). Its a chance at some experience, and its allways fun to try and play stuff your not used to, keeps things interesting.

 

[Eminor3rd]

Overthinking.

Also, don't expect bandleaders to think bass is as "interesting" as you do. If they did, they'd probably be bass players! It's okay for the songwriter to be primarily focused on songwriting. Wouldn't want it any other way, actually.

 

[fishdreams]

Try him and see what happens. You can say no at anytime.

 

[guitarflinger]

Who knows. He could be the next J.J. Cale.

go for it. You can always quit if it isn't fun.

 

[Fat Freddy]

How could it hurt? You gain experience, and maybe some notoriety as a bassist. Take your Dad along.

Plus one

 

[bassbully]

I'm taking the plunge tonight. I'm going blind to a sit in with a band in my area. No idea how it will go but the kid I talked to was cool...

 

[Mystic Michael]

I've never approached anyone that I don't know to talk about playing together before, and I have an interaction I'd love your thoughts on.

I saw an ad on Craigslist this afternoon from a guy who is a singer/songwriter type and is looking for people to play with and improve with. I am also looking for people to play with and help me improve, so I contacted him. He said he plays a little guitar and has another guy he plays with sometimes, but was looking for a bassist and a drummer. I told him I'm a beginning bassist, but can learn quickly and have similar goals to the ones he stated. He had a SoundCloud page and had some folksier type music on it, which I am not opposed to, and I sent him the only recording I have of me playing with another person. It's from a jam session (my very first ever) with my dad at Christmas when I had only been playing about 6 months. It's not bad at all, but I like to think I've improved since then. I told him this was from months ago and my first ever jam, so it's not necessarily an indication of my best.

He wrote back and said a few things that concern me a little, and I'm not sure if I'm being overly sensitive or if I should be a little wary. He said, "I listened to your jam with your dad. He's really good! I'm not saying you're not, but it was more of a keyboard showpiece. For me, bass is something I don't really notice unless it's just all wrong. But you obviously got a little swing in you!"

Um. Ok. There's a bit of a compliment at the end, but it's also kind of a dig at bass in general and maybe at me personally. Anyway, it was really off-putting to me.

He also said, "I'm definitely interested in talking some more and/or just getting together to see what happens music-wise. Sounds like we have the same aims-- just to get better and for me, to flesh out all these songs that are driving me crazy."

And it's the "all these songs that are driving me crazy" line that gives me pause, too--he doesn't seem to think bass is all that interesting/important, and he's also got his own stuff swirling around in his head, so I wonder how much of this would be collaborative and how much would be just him trying to get his own stuff done.

So... what do you make of this? Thanks!

What I make of it is that the guy is a bit of a dilettante, so I would keep my expectations in check if I were you. As for his comment about the bass, that pretty much confirms his lack of musical sophistication. Unfortunately, it's not at all uncommon.

If you like his material, or you suspect that you might like it with some work done to it, then show up and give it a go. Nothing obligates you to stay.

If you don't care for his material, or if you don't think there's much to be done with it, then give it a pass. Then find a musical scenario that's a better fit for you.

Either way, keep practicing and keep improving. Seek out opportunities to play with other people, as often as possible.

MM

 

[FronTowardEnemy]

I play in a tribute band and my singer/guitarist said to me once that the only time he notices me is if I screw up.

Sort of the same description as your CL ad guy said. I don't take offense because if I stopped playing everyone would notice. We are here to be the backbone of the song and everyone else can build around it.

Jam with whoever you can whenever you can!

 

[DavC]

even if he's " hashing things out " , ... you still get some practice playing with somebody ... i wouldn't expect any more than that ...

 

[Biggbass]

Sounds like you are over thinking it and he may be of a similar skill level as you. Give it a shot...
you won't know unless you try. It could turn out to be something good. But you'll know within half an hour or less if there's compatibility there. And whatever the outcome, you will progress more effectively if you play with other people more often.

 

[InhumanResource]

I've never approached anyone that I don't know to talk about playing together before, and I have an interaction I'd love your thoughts on.

I saw an ad on Craigslist this afternoon from a guy who is a singer/songwriter type and is looking for people to play with and improve with. I am also looking for people to play with and help me improve, so I contacted him. He said he plays a little guitar and has another guy he plays with sometimes, but was looking for a bassist and a drummer. I told him I'm a beginning bassist, but can learn quickly and have similar goals to the ones he stated. He had a SoundCloud page and had some folksier type music on it, which I am not opposed to, and I sent him the only recording I have of me playing with another person. It's from a jam session (my very first ever) with my dad at Christmas when I had only been playing about 6 months. It's not bad at all, but I like to think I've improved since then. I told him this was from months ago and my first ever jam, so it's not necessarily an indication of my best.

He wrote back and said a few things that concern me a little, and I'm not sure if I'm being overly sensitive or if I should be a little wary. He said, "I listened to your jam with your dad. He's really good! I'm not saying you're not, but it was more of a keyboard showpiece. For me, bass is something I don't really notice unless it's just all wrong. But you obviously got a little swing in you!"

Um. Ok. There's a bit of a compliment at the end, but it's also kind of a dig at bass in general and maybe at me personally. Anyway, it was really off-putting to me.

He also said, "I'm definitely interested in talking some more and/or just getting together to see what happens music-wise. Sounds like we have the same aims-- just to get better and for me, to flesh out all these songs that are driving me crazy."

And it's the "all these songs that are driving me crazy" line that gives me pause, too--he doesn't seem to think bass is all that interesting/important, and he's also got his own stuff swirling around in his head, so I wonder how much of this would be collaborative and how much would be just him trying to get his own stuff done.

So... what do you make of this? Thanks!

Nobody says how long you need to commit for, and as a new player I don't think you will learn anything from not going at least once. For better or worse, experience is experience. To me it sounds like he is a songwriter with a lot of ideas that he wants to get out - I bet if you actually work with him he'll start taking an interest in your basslines, especially if you guys end up recording in the future. I think you should give it a shot.

 

[firechariot]

Go for it and audition/try-out. I once got a gig with a big name whos response to my audition was "Well,....(long thoughtful pause)....(it)could work." Not the most encouraging response I ever got, but it worked out well.

 

[lfmn16]

For me, bass is something I don't really notice unless it's just all wrong.

For me, it wouldn't matter what else he said. That's a deal breaker.

 

[HolmeBass]

Get used to this attitude. As you get better and play with better musicians you will meet more and more people who appreciate how important bass is. But plebes and beginners just don't get it, or they would be playing bass!

Edit: I forgot to say that you should definitely try out a jam with this guy! This is the speed singer-songwriters mostly roll, so jump in the pool and just try to play lines that compliment his tunes. Be the bass player.

 

[QweziRider]

So... what do you make of this?

Definitely overthinking it. There's nothing to be lost by at least getting together, see what work (or doesn't), and get a better feel of what each of you wants. If it turns into him mostly fleshing out his songs, there's still nothing lost and possibly a lot to learn on your part. If, once you've heard each other and have a better feel, it's still not right for you, you walk away without burning a bridge. There's nothing really lost if another contact for the future has been made. I can't tell you how many times something seemingly not worth my time turned into a good gig down the road simply from that initial contact, even if the initial thing did not work out.

 

[bearhart74]

just remember that emails are completely missing the visceral feedback that is necessary for effective communication between human beings.

 

[Engle]

Wow there is lot's of good advice here! I wish this forum was available back when I started to play.

I would go for it and see what happens. Any playing situation has the potential to lead to another. You could play with this guy for a little while and then meet someone at a gig or a jam that you have much more in common with musically.

And it never hurts to talk to people after their shows. I met my current drummer by talking to him after watching his performance with a Community big band. We have since put together a great lineup by word of mouth and it wouldn't have happened if I was too shy to introduce myself.

 

[jthisdell]

Remember that all musicians are at least a little flakey (IMHO, including myself). After you jam with him once you can figure out if he's a little flakey or a whole lot flakey.

 

[Muttleybass]

If you're spidey sense is tingling, follow your gut, but I don't see anything to be really concerned about. It does sound like he's all about his stuff, but there's nothing wrong with that. It might not turn out to be exactly what you what you want, however, it still could be an experience. I think it'd be worth a get together. It's not like you're marrying the guy... You can bail at any time.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

One thing you need to keep in mind as a bass player; Guitarist and Singers never acknowledge the bass player. We are a necessary evil, and something they do no t understand. Why do you think there are so many bass player jokes out there? I am stereotyping a little here so bear with me, most guitar players have no idea what you are to play, but do know when something sounds wrong. If you stay in the pocket and stay tight with the drummer, you really will just blend in. Don't be over sensitive about this, just understand that you are to be invisible and always maintain the groove. Keep at it, do your best adn keep in mind that we also have the job of playing with egos more than musicians.