• 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 free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Dressing well and dancing

#281
I never predetermined I would be a "mover" it just turned out that I'm naturally predisposed to, even when I practice on my own. There isn't anything wrong with planning it out either. Kiss did very well conceptualizing and delivering the concert experience via choreography. It works for them. The Stones have plenty of action going on. I don't think 90% of that is planned. Joe Cocker entertained as much with his vocals as his seizures. Nothing wrong with that.

Just be authentic. People can tell the difference.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jhengsman
#287
I dress well and dance ... well, I move to the rhythm, I'm not doing Beyoncé moves or anything. I can't do that sort of stuff even without a bass lol. Earlier in my career I had a habit of standing statue-still on stage, but then one band, years ago, really hit me in the heart and soul and I started moving. I've never stopped. When I watch video from before and after, I much prefer when I'm moving. Even if I get a little too goofy jumping around sometimes.
 
  • Like
Reactions: kesslari
#288
The point is to look like you want to be there...make an effort. That includes body language and dress. It might be cool dance moves (Sadly, not my thing) or just a show of energy as you relate to the others on stage. Dress is very subjective. I've seen matching red jackets for a band and I've seen a thin neck tie worn with black Ramons tee shirt. Both worked for their band and venue. Saying, "It doesn't matter what we look like on stage...It's the music man" is bull.
 
#289
I live in a very rural area and the towns population is around 10,000. There are two good local bands in town & last month was the local fair, which is a very big draw. One band was playing Friday night & the other one Saturday night. Both of these bands play similar style music (classic rock). The band on Friday night was dressed in jeans/t-shirts. They never moved on stage & barley acknowledged the crowd except for announcing upcoming songs, introducing band members & giving out their next gig dates. There was hardly any audience enthusiasm. The band on Saturday night was dressed similarly but, they joked on each other & with the audience between songs, engaged the audience & both guitarist and keys player would move around. This band did get some audience enthusiasm. Now here comes the dilemma. Does the second band have more of a following than the first bad? Maybe. Were there more people at the fair on Saturday than Friday? maybe. But for me I would prefer to see a band like the second one even if they were not as good as the first band just because of the enthusiasm level they promote
 
  • Like
Reactions: Stan Haldane
#290
easyj said:
I read somewhere that in order to be a good bass player, you need to dress well and dance while you are performing live. How many think that these two things are really necessary for being a bass player in a gigging band?
Click to expand...
Dress well yes- but this goes for all performance in my opinion. Got to look the part.

Dance- Maybe? it completely depends on the vibe of the group, the kind of music, how prominent the other musicians are supposed to be in relation to the lead. My best advice is "let your heart tell you"...

...or some other hippy dippy nonsense.
 
#291
My 2 cents:
Having seen high profile groups, here’s my thoughts and examples.

The Eagles live were note for note perfect. The music was studio balanced, and stage presence was like watching studio musicians play the tunes (except moments of breakout by Joe Walsh). Song intros, very short comments and stand/play occupied the degree of interaction w/ audience. But the music saves them deservedly; it’s the ONLY time I’ve ever heard the audience sing the songs AND the signature guitar work!

Then to see Earth, Wind and Fire....
Their music, stage presence and interaction is 2nd to none.
While these are vastly exaggerated different groups; the strength is either in a huge memorable body of work (Eagles) or a vibrant stage presence, fun and memorable songs (EWF).
The choice is in the eye and ear of the beholder.
I respect Eagles but would sooner experience EWF.
 
  • Like
Reactions: kesslari
#292
Bizorballs said:
the strength is either in a huge memorable body of work (Eagles) or a vibrant stage presence, fun and memorable songs (EWF).
The choice is in the eye and ear of the beholder.
I respect Eagles but would sooner experience EWF.
Click to expand...

I agree with your opinion, but, while the Eagles are a very talented for a rock band, I think Earth, Wind, and Fire’s talent and body of work is equivalent or better, especially in terms of broad appeal. Earth, Wind, and Fire is the better band. I will take your word that they have a better stage presence.

 
  • Like
Reactions: Bizorballs
#293
I play in churches. Big enough stages that we have singers out front, instrumentalists (dimly lit) in back. Singers are most of the visual show, Us back liners are more focused on playing good music.

When in doubt, black jeans and a dark shirt, and I’m barely visible back there. I move more than some, less than others.

I do get comments on how well I play, but not on how I look. I figure I must be in the ballpark on that.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Stan Haldane
#294
easyj said:
I agree with your opinion, but, while the Eagles are a very talented for a rock band, I think Earth, Wind, and Fire’s talent and body of work is equivalent or better, especially in terms of broad appeal. Earth, Wind, and Fire is the better band. I will take your word that they have a better stage presence.

Click to expand...

I have to agree that EWF is the better band. Am I biased? Yep. I was teethed on soul, funk and 60/70 R & B. The best album ever (there’s Lots of ‘em) in my humble opinion is EWF’s “All in All”.
It still has airplay because they were so together. Great arrangements, voices, groove and soul.
 
#296
tpaul said:
Dress and dance while performing live? Sort of like a reverse striptease, no? I guess for most of us, the more clothes we put on, the more attractive we become.

Seems like that guy from Red Hot Chili Peppers had the right idea, but didn't get very far. One sock... meh.

On the up side, you can now say, "see, this is why I play bass. Guitars just aren't big enough to provide the necessary coverage during our first set."
Click to expand...
They only wore socks at all ages shows. They used to be naked. Stark raving naked! Made up for their lack of togetherness, and the fact that they're all uglier than sin. Who wouldn't want to go to the bar, look over and notice a bunch of loud white boys jumping around butt naked? Everyone remembered who they were. Hahaha
 
#297
I think being an entertainer and being a bassist are two interconnected yet separate talents. Some gigs require both simultaneously and are upfront with their demands. Good for them. Don't you wish everyone was that forthcoming when it came to your time and effort being wasted? I don't mind donning costumes for various gigs. I have dressed in the past as a sort of cowboy for a country band (I am probably the polar opposite of a real cowboy), a '70's rocker (with long hair grown from my very own scalp), a patriot (with a red white and blue P bass complete with shiny foil stars attached) "Give me a stationary parade float or give me death!", a penguin (wedding band), a hippie (tie dyed tee shirt and jeans for a Fourth of July cookout) and as a suited gentleman (church praise team). Due to a subpar singing voice and inability to dance convincingly, I've had to rely on musicianship and humor to contribute as an entertainer. Musicianship is hopefully what we all bring to the table, the humor, if done subtly and at the right time is a powerful tool to endear yourself to an audience. Overdone and/or at the wrong time just makes you an annoying jerk. Finding the balance is key. Part of the charm of humor is that in light of many artists taking themselves so seriously it's almost refreshing for the crowd to feel relieved of the pressure to feel obligated to have a good time. By sharing the fun you invite them to have fun. Isn't that what a gig is supposed to be all about? Wearing your work clothes and glowering at a room full of strangers while you crank out your lines isn't quite the same thing.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jhengsman

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back