Country Bassists?

[Marty Forrer]

Playing "country bass" is no different, IMO, than any other gig. I currently play in two jazz groups, plus one latin, and one country/rockabilly. The country band provides 70% of my gigs, but I enjoy playing it just as much as I enjoy the latin and jazz gigs. I dont even think about the differences in styles or complexity any more, I just play and enjoy myself. Some misinformed people (usually keyboard players) have asked why I dont get bored playing one and five all night. My reply is "if I have to explain to you, you're not going to understand anyway". Was it Duke Ellington who said there's only two types of music, good music and bad music?

 

[jimbass55]

When I dove into Country music, I always felt like I wasn't playing enough. It took a little retraining just play what the "song" needed instead of something to over the top.

While slapping, tapping, popping, etc... can be forced in, it usually is just too much. (unless I have my Upright with me, then I may slap the dog out of it)

Of course the new wave of Country is a little more forgiving, and the "rules" fly out the window.

To me it is all about what the song needs, and that tends to mean staying out of the way of the singer, and melody men. It takes some adjustment and understanding. Of course this is just my opinion.

 

[HHHolmes]

quote:
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Originally posted by LiquidMidnight

Let's also not forget Keith Horne.


Thanks for representing us Richmond VA bassists!!

Keith can truly get it on. After Tanya Tucker - he hooked up with Frampton - who he totally could take to the hoop. I don't think he's with the old geez anymore.

Thanks again for the K.H. mention.

 

[TravellinMan]

Guys, check out the intro to Montgomery Gentry's "My Town" has a real melodic line, Play by Mark Hill, anyone heard of this guys work?
This line is so simple yet melodic!

 

[LiquidMidnight]

Originally posted by Marty Forrer
Some misinformed people (usually keyboard players) have asked why I dont get bored playing one and five all night. My reply is "if I have to explain to you, you're not going to understand anyway".

Great come back.

Anyone who thinks Country is all Root, 5th obviously hasn't really listened to any Country. That's like saying all Jazz is walking lines in 4/4 or all Hard Rock is straight root noted 8ths. I always suggest to young bassist who want to play in their first band to start in a Country band because it covers so many playing styles. Yes you have your two beat 1/5 stuff, but you also have Swings, Shuffles, Ballads, ChaChas, Waltzs, Polkas, Blues lines, Rock Lines, Rockabilly Lines ect.

And Holmes, definatley no problem giving Keith props. He's an awesome bassist who more than deserves any attention he gets. He also has some of the best funk chops this side of Larry Graham. I even downloaded a lot of his soundclips at the Warrior website and woodsheded on those.