Does being a jazz bassist automatically make you a bad bad man? (or woman?)

Yes. Cuz we are. So there.
p.s. This is the first time I've ever been the first to answer a thread. Thank you for this distinction.

 

No, but I'm a bad, bad man.

 

Yes, because you play funny notes.

 

All kidding aside, I think a lot of that stems from the jazz mystique of being highly trained and funky. What a combination. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound? Probably not, but even while playing a simple pedantic line, you're busy contemplating whether the augmented fifth you're considering playing as a passing tone on the third beat of the third measure of the chorus would be as poetic as a minor sixth... See? Shakin' in your boots yet?

 

You know, I used to think that (started playing classical on string bass at 11; moved to jazz at 16 and was subbing for my teacher by 18) as people would tell me that. Then I sat in on a blues jam and completely fell on my face.

Technique and skill are great, locking in with a drummer is crucial, but if you don't know the nuances of the specific genre and how the bass falls into that, well...

So, I'd say my background in classical and jazz has given me a great set of skills that makes it easier to walk into any gig and nail it, but it's not THE reason I keep getting called for gigs. I just know my role.

 

Part of the requisite tools in the kit is a supply of Beano. That, spare batteries, cables, a flashlight, picks, spare strings...

 

Now I be shakin'!

 

And there are those who can play jazz, but prefer other genres.

 

I certainly hope so. I can live with the status of being a bad, bad woman. Straight, No Chaser. (I keep a "Monk" button pinned on a strap )

 

Amen to that.

 

Jon Moody brought up a great point. Being enough of a chameleon to blend into almost any given musical situation without appearing clueless is the sign of a mature musician. Not to sound snobbish, but anyone who embarks on the journey of unravelling jazz shows a dedication and seriousness not many casual players do. You don't simply read a couple of pages of theory and become a jazz master. It takes years of hard work. That separates the wheat from the chaff, so to speak. Now, education alone doesn't replace the innate ability to groove. Some things can't be taught. Be honest, if you were playing a normal gig and found out that a famous bassist was in the audience, would you be more nervous to hear that it was Anthony Jackson or Michael Anthony?

 

Jeez, I guess school just let out...

Anyway, just because my brother in law is the best architect/dishwasher in East Bum**** doesn't mean he's Frank Lloyd Wright. So I do have to ask, WHAT school did your teacher go to and (really the more important question) who and where has he played jazz? I mean I know guys in East Bum**** GA, where I'm from, that "play jazz" but they ain't really playing and it's definitely NOT jazz. They definitely couldn't hang on the stand in NYC. I mean you got this and then you got this. Both of those would fall under the aegis of "jazz bassist" but, in my opinion, it's only the latter cat that can play for real.

As to the remark "So, as implied by the other thread, being that you are a jazz bassist, you are fully equipped to step into ANY gig on bass and perform assigned duties flawlessly no matter the genre?" - I can't be held responsible for something stupid someone said somewhere else. That's kind of like saying "Oh you're a whiz at automotive mechanics, why aren't you a good surgeon?" There ARE plenty of cats that move seamlessly from jazz to funk to Broadway to rock and play with more authenticity in each genre than some clubdate rocker playing the dinner set(cases in point - Tim LeFebvre, James Genus, Christian McBride, Jesse Murphy, Marco Panascia just to get started). Likewise, you'd look pretty stupid suggesting that someone like Jimmy Raney or Charles Christopher Yardbird Parker was not an accomplished musician because they wouldn't be able to make it in a RUSH tribute band.

The bottom line is that there are people who have little to no idea what sound is going to come out of their instrument if it isn't a dot or button they haven't hit before in the same or similar song in EVERY genre of music. Likewise you have those who just hear what they want to say and how they want to say it. There is no hierarchy of music. Every musical style runs the gamut of idiot to genius in the people who play (or try to play) it.

 

If you think jazz bassist is best so follow structure.

1_ open your window
2_come back on your device
3_search google
4_ write this Les claypool
5_go on videos
6_play tommy the cat live
7_ have two options now one ,jump from.window because it shows jazz is not even count
Second you find it easy so still you count a psycho or you are blind .
8_if it as second call your doctor as immediately as possible


Thanks for following.