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DEAR GOD IN HEAVEN.

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I don't think that playing lacked for heart and soul at all. It struck me as a great example of technical proficiency and an obvious love for the music.

What it wasn't, IMHO of course, was an example of groove-oriented playing. The solo approach to bass playing just comes from a completely different place than the more group-oriented style that is more common. They are two almost completely different, unrelated approaches to the same instrument, in my view. This doesn't make either of them better or worse, they're just different.

It's really no different from the piano or guitar. I've heard many examples of those instruments being used in very integrated rhythmic roles, and obviously also examples of very obvious frontal lead roles.

Playing bass in a technical, lead instrument way doesn't automatically rule out heart and soul, and playing in the pocket doesn't automatically bestow heart and soul. Individual players are either playing with it or without it at various times.

In addition to all of that, individual listeners will interpret things in vastly different ways.

IMHO, YMMV, all rights reserved, etc.

Ain't art fun? :D
 
One of the great overused cliches when we encounter someone with excellent technique is to say he has no soul or feeling, "wankery" or what have you. I can't help but think this is attributable either to jealousy or guilt because we don't practice like we should--in any case, it says much about the complainer than it does about the player. The fact is this is excellent playing--more power to him.



Scott

That's just rediculous. Plus, my peepee is probably bigger than his! :mad:



:D
 
I have wondered why this type of playing hasn't found its way into a band situation as a standalone instrument. Maybe as a repalcement for the keyboard or a second guitar. This would be in addition to the actual instrument that holds down the bass line in a groove. Jack Bruce in the early days of Cream esentially did that: playing six string baritone guitars ... even on the EB-3 he used the bridge pickup and overdrive, not really a traditional "Bass" role at the time.

To all of the non-traditionalist who yearn to take the ERB instrument to the next level, this non traditional approach may be the way. A band line up of Guitar, ERB, Bass and Drums playing all types of music even covers.

It would take two things though the Bassist working within their role, and the ERBist actually learning to play within the band context and shedding the self indugent aspect of their playing. The guitarist would need to understand the ERBist role too as being an instrument with a keyboard like range and solo ability.


:eyebrow: ... But could they all get along and coexist without the ego clash factor?
 
I have wondered why this type of playing hasn't found its way into a band situation as a standalone instrument. Maybe as a repalcement for the keyboard or a second guitar. This would be in addition to the actual instrument that holds down the bass line in a groove. Jack Bruce in the early days of Cream esentially did that: playing six string baritone guitars ... even on the EB-3 he used the bridge pickup and overdrive, not really a traditional "Bass" role at the time.

To all of the non-traditionalist who yearn to take the ERB instrument to the next level, this non traditional approach may be the way. A band line up of Guitar, ERB, Bass and Drums playing all types of music even covers.

It would take two things though the Bassist working within their role, and the ERBist actually learning to play within the band context and shedding the self indugent aspect of their playing. The guitarist would need to understand the ERBist role too as being an instrument with a keyboard like range and solo ability.


:eyebrow: ... But could they all get along and coexist without the ego clash factor?


Maybe one of the bassses could be a piccolo too. That make them even more separate. Yeaaah, fretted standard bass, that does regular basslines, fretless piccolo for new experimental stuff, distorted guitar, drums, and vocals. New type of metal^^
 
this kid has great technique, and i do really hear some "soulful" playing there as well.

the thing that always gets me with these guys (vic included) is that they will have this nice groove or melodic thing going on, and then have to throw in these little "as_fast_as_i_can_f***ing_play" parts all over the place. those tend not to serve anything except to break up what otherwise was a really nice feel.

just my .02
 
I have wondered why this type of playing hasn't found its way into a band situation as a standalone instrument. Maybe as a repalcement for the keyboard or a second guitar...
(snip)
Yes!!

That's what I've been thinking.

..OR: Why don't 3-piece cover bands require a bassist with these 'guitar-part plus bass-part' skills?

That's the main reason I'm working at it every day - I want to be very valuable in a three-piece situation.

Now that I think of it - that shows in my practice clip I posted above; when I said "insert guitar solo here".

Joe
 
Yes!!

That's what I've been thinking.

..OR: Why don't 3-piece cover bands require a bassist with these 'guitar-part plus bass-part' skills?

That's the main reason I'm working at it every day - I want to be very valuable in a three-piece situation.

Joe you make a good point ... I can see it in a three piece situation too ... In my situation it wouldn't work we are heavily blues R&B and classic old skool rock oriented so I play a 4 mostly. But I do wonder why the ERB or as it should probably be know the Extended Range Instrument ERI hasn't moved into or better "evolved" into a seperate class of instrument?

:eyebrow: ... There may be something to all of this.
 
When I started playing the bass at 18 that's how I dreamed to be playing one day.
Now I'm 33, I play in a band but I know I'm just an average player. I didn't devote my life to music as I now know I should have.
That kid has the makings to become a GREAT bass player. Let's all hope he does become that and wish him well.
 
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