Zoom I'm moving back to Tennessee February first. I can't say how long I'll be there till my vagabond shoes get restless again, but I'd be happy to play till then.
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East Tennessee Talkbass
- Thread starter Michael Vee
- Start date
Zoomie, good luck with finding a bassist for your church in Kingsport. The Vimeo videos look and sound really good. Maybe mrharrell will work out.
If I lived in the TC area, I'd definitely be interested. I've been looking for a church home here in Knoxville for some time now. I left my last church for a number of reasons. It turned out to be way too big, and they have a guy who plays every Sunday unless he's out of town with work, and is a part of their paid rhythm section. So there was no real opportunity there to be a part of the music.
I'm with Jeff- churches should rotate their musicians during the month, assuming that they have the members to do that.
It's surprisingly hard to find a smaller church in Knoxville that has the right mix of the kind of service one is looking for, a savvy music minister/leader, and a good mix of musicians that have the talent and the ability to work well together. I've talked to quite a few different churches lately. Hopefully 2014 is the year that I get to serve again.
If I lived in the TC area, I'd definitely be interested. I've been looking for a church home here in Knoxville for some time now. I left my last church for a number of reasons. It turned out to be way too big, and they have a guy who plays every Sunday unless he's out of town with work, and is a part of their paid rhythm section. So there was no real opportunity there to be a part of the music.
I'm with Jeff- churches should rotate their musicians during the month, assuming that they have the members to do that.
It's surprisingly hard to find a smaller church in Knoxville that has the right mix of the kind of service one is looking for, a savvy music minister/leader, and a good mix of musicians that have the talent and the ability to work well together. I've talked to quite a few different churches lately. Hopefully 2014 is the year that I get to serve again.
First guys, thanks so much for warmth and support. I'll answer any questions that MrHarrell has to try and and give him a feel for the situation and put him in touch with our WL.
And FunkGen, run me down when you get back in town. Trust me when I say there is plenty to do.
I am not going anywhere. We had/have three bassists. Adam, the young man on the vid, just had a baby so he is on hiatus right now and no idea if and when he'll return. The other bassist just graduated college. He has been really really busy as well. I have been handling Sunday service but helping out a lot with L3 as well.
In addition, I am told that we get really busy spring and summer, both with the church and events. Because of this, we're really trying to ensure that there are always full bands available at all times. Trying to put together a kind of Hillsong thing. That way no one gets beat to death.
This is my first go-round in Praise. Wife and I had been looking for a church here forever. Before auditioning, I attended service for about 6 weeks to see if it was a place I wanted to be, exclusive of music. I wanted to make sure that my head was in the right place. Bottom line, I love sitting next to my wife for service just as much as being on stage.
The praise environment is vastly different than normal gigs. You are NOT entertaining like you do at a normal band gig. Its more of a conduit thing. Very difficult to explain.
We have some very talented musicians. No divas, no drama queens. Just a bunch of great people with their heads and hearts in the right place. Very rare to find this type of music environment.
Musically, I have grown by leaps and bounds in a very short period of time. I always avoided opportunities in the past where I was required to learn a significant amount of material quickly. I like to play things as close to note-for-note as possible. I just didn't feel that I had the skill set. A good friend of mine does this all time in Nashville.......the same thing that we see Jeff doing.
No, I'm not implying that I have become Victor or Marcus. But I no longer get dizzy above the seventh fret. I can learn material quickly, hack through transposing somewhat efficiently, show up at brief rehearsals and make appropriate adjustments to the arrangement, changes, and groove or feel of the song. And I am hearing things musically that allow me to play simply, use rests/silence/space to play more soulfully and tastefully.
It really has been a baptism by fire in the best possible sense.
I highly encourage everyone to get involved with your church music program. It will grow you. God and great music do come together like PB and J.
And FunkGen, run me down when you get back in town. Trust me when I say there is plenty to do.
I am not going anywhere. We had/have three bassists. Adam, the young man on the vid, just had a baby so he is on hiatus right now and no idea if and when he'll return. The other bassist just graduated college. He has been really really busy as well. I have been handling Sunday service but helping out a lot with L3 as well.
In addition, I am told that we get really busy spring and summer, both with the church and events. Because of this, we're really trying to ensure that there are always full bands available at all times. Trying to put together a kind of Hillsong thing. That way no one gets beat to death.
This is my first go-round in Praise. Wife and I had been looking for a church here forever. Before auditioning, I attended service for about 6 weeks to see if it was a place I wanted to be, exclusive of music. I wanted to make sure that my head was in the right place. Bottom line, I love sitting next to my wife for service just as much as being on stage.
The praise environment is vastly different than normal gigs. You are NOT entertaining like you do at a normal band gig. Its more of a conduit thing. Very difficult to explain.
We have some very talented musicians. No divas, no drama queens. Just a bunch of great people with their heads and hearts in the right place. Very rare to find this type of music environment.
Musically, I have grown by leaps and bounds in a very short period of time. I always avoided opportunities in the past where I was required to learn a significant amount of material quickly. I like to play things as close to note-for-note as possible. I just didn't feel that I had the skill set. A good friend of mine does this all time in Nashville.......the same thing that we see Jeff doing.
No, I'm not implying that I have become Victor or Marcus. But I no longer get dizzy above the seventh fret. I can learn material quickly, hack through transposing somewhat efficiently, show up at brief rehearsals and make appropriate adjustments to the arrangement, changes, and groove or feel of the song. And I am hearing things musically that allow me to play simply, use rests/silence/space to play more soulfully and tastefully.
It really has been a baptism by fire in the best possible sense.
I highly encourage everyone to get involved with your church music program. It will grow you. God and great music do come together like PB and J.
Interesting comment regarding Dingwalls being popular in the area. I started looking in to them when Jeff mentioned them. After all the basses that I have played over the years, I still found Fender design iterations to be the most functional tools for my definition of tone. I had all kinds of nice stuff. But any time I went to an audition or any other unknown environment, I grabbed a Fender P.
Bought the Super J5 and that was like going from driving a lumber truck to an open wheel F1 car. Ran it 50% of the time and a Fender P the other half when I was playing with JD Lee. The problem was that every time I played a full set on the AVRI, I felt like I had been in a bar fight. I had to expend massive energy to get it to sing. The Super J OTOH, required so little effort.
Once I got involved with CC, I camped the Super J as the 5 string is a must have tool, since so many of the bass lines for CC are written by.........dare I say it, synth players.
I had already ordered the Super P5 and stood in line like everyone else. It is so amazing that I am actually considering letting go of my 63 AVRI, which is easily the best Fender P that I have ever heard. I think Im down to five basses in the whole house, including the Kay. Oh and a Kala U Bass and GT Goldtone which I am currently testing.
That said, you need need the right rig if you want to reproduce the Low B on a Ding, even the 35 inch Super series.
I bought a brand new rig for the church. I needed something that was usable for a broad range of experience. So I grabbed a Amped stack consisting of a PF800, 115 HE, and 210 HE. That way I didnt have to drag either of my main gig rigs back and forth.
The amp is doing nothing more than handling stage mix. Everything is FoH. Well New years I played at a lock in for the young pups with the Super P5. Sounded great EXCEPT anything D and lower on the B. It gets shady. Mark Robertson from Greenboy Audio will build a cab for us when my turn comes up. Something Failtal Loaded with a big fat 15!
Four weeks in, the PF800 wet the bed ! Of all things, the DI shorted. I put together an eclectic group of gear and was rewarded with some great tone, both FoH and stage.
GB Streamie doing emergency duty. Instead og using the Streamie's DI, I brought my Reiner Amplification Box O Tone in for DI duty.
Ugly pic but you get the gist of it.
Bought the Super J5 and that was like going from driving a lumber truck to an open wheel F1 car. Ran it 50% of the time and a Fender P the other half when I was playing with JD Lee. The problem was that every time I played a full set on the AVRI, I felt like I had been in a bar fight. I had to expend massive energy to get it to sing. The Super J OTOH, required so little effort.
Once I got involved with CC, I camped the Super J as the 5 string is a must have tool, since so many of the bass lines for CC are written by.........dare I say it, synth players.
I had already ordered the Super P5 and stood in line like everyone else. It is so amazing that I am actually considering letting go of my 63 AVRI, which is easily the best Fender P that I have ever heard. I think Im down to five basses in the whole house, including the Kay. Oh and a Kala U Bass and GT Goldtone which I am currently testing.
That said, you need need the right rig if you want to reproduce the Low B on a Ding, even the 35 inch Super series.
I bought a brand new rig for the church. I needed something that was usable for a broad range of experience. So I grabbed a Amped stack consisting of a PF800, 115 HE, and 210 HE. That way I didnt have to drag either of my main gig rigs back and forth.
The amp is doing nothing more than handling stage mix. Everything is FoH. Well New years I played at a lock in for the young pups with the Super P5. Sounded great EXCEPT anything D and lower on the B. It gets shady. Mark Robertson from Greenboy Audio will build a cab for us when my turn comes up. Something Failtal Loaded with a big fat 15!
Four weeks in, the PF800 wet the bed ! Of all things, the DI shorted. I put together an eclectic group of gear and was rewarded with some great tone, both FoH and stage.
GB Streamie doing emergency duty. Instead og using the Streamie's DI, I brought my Reiner Amplification Box O Tone in for DI duty.
Ugly pic but you get the gist of it.
Michael, I completely understand. It took Cory and I 5 years to find the right church. 5 years ! We had all but given up. And while music brought me to PCC, it was not a requirement. Church first, and all that.
We have a very small church. maybe 250 people, with anywhere from 50-150 showing up for service. Bible teaching, non denom. And the most transparent church financially that I have ever seen. We just had a 15 minute presentation last Sunday on every dollar that came in and out. When have you EVER seen that at a church?
Further, I have not seen a single issue of band hierarchy. Adam and I used to alternate but with him out I haven't missed a Sunday in a number of months. And while I enjoy it, I would happily swap with anyone remotely capable. It's not MY SPOT to horde.
There has got to be to be some place that you can call home. Don't give up ! Keep looking. Being more in tune with CC musicians and worship bands, trust me when I say that there is a huge shortage of musicians. Far too often a guitar player is playing bass. Our church told me that I am the first real bass player (for lack of a better term) that they have had since they opened their doors 11 years ago.
This is what I miss the most. People in this setting are more concerned with the entirety of what's happening than they are individual players talents or lack thereof. Completely different than playing in a "band", secular or not.
When I was playing at my old church I never understood why none of the other bass players would rotate with me. I was the full time guy, but would have had zero problem with giving others some playing time. There were several times during that 9 year stint that I would have welcomed the break.
I understand it a little better now though. When I left that church I started looking for someplace else that I "fit" at, and that I could hopefully get a little playing time in as well. I looked for about three years before giving up. All of the area churches at that time had full time players that didn't take breaks. Maybe it was the players, or maybe the WLs not wanting to deal with "subs", but come on! None of this is "ours", God can make changes if he sees fit. I got really discouraged seeing so many people having what appeared to be a "protective" attitude towards the music ministry.
Don't give up like I did though. Stick with the search if you can. I know what it feels like to miss being involved in a church. It really is an empty feeling sitting there and feeling like there is no opportunity for involvement.
This^
I attended a "mega church" for a couple of years and never seemed to connect with the worship ministry. I was told they were pretty "full up".
I've shared this before, but some of the newcomers haven't heard this story.
I attended the first service of a small start up church here in Maryville. As it turned out, my family was close friends with the worship leader, and upon learning that I wasn't being used where I was attending church at the time, I was asked if I could "fill in". The bass player that first Sunday was recruited 90 minutes from his home, so he was delighted to have me fill in.
I've been "filling in" for over ten years now.
And yes, the danger is real that worship ministries get "protective" about their teams. Mostly it's about leading busy lives through the week (worship members are not paid), so of course everybody has to make a living. The team leaders at my church have families and extremely demanding careers through the week, sometimes Sunday morning is their only "off" time.
I don't think anyone wants to exclude new people in my experience. The team leader has to come up with a worship set sometimes literally the night before the service, so rehearsal is a few hours before worship on Sunday morning. The leader always chooses musicians and vocalists they know and feel can "wing it".
Keep an eye out for start up churches. In my opinion, this is a vastly under-served area for a musician to offer ministry. One day I might be led to do this full time, assist start up churches and move on to the next once they get firmly established.
Right now, this very minute, there is a need going unfilled somewhere, the trick is to connect the willing with the need. So don't give up, network, visit around, make connections, pray about it, earnestly seek it, and anyone who wants to contribute music as a part of worship ministry will find a home.
All of us creative people have ideas popping up from time to time. I seldom follow up on mine. But this one I think really has some merit and I hope you give it worthy consideration.
I need to make room.... I have two Ampeg Micro VR rigs to sell locally. PM me if interested and I'll figure up what I can sell em for.
I also have one of my all-time favorite bang-for-buck amps that I was saving for a friend who can't seem to get the funds....
Carvin B800 (no longer made smaller 800 watt @ 2 ohm brother to the B1500)... read the reviews. The 1500 and 800 have a loyal following! Anyways.... I'll kick myself later but... $250 local pickup cash deal. I'll let my Acme Lo B 2x10 go for $250 also. These two pair up VERY WELL since the Acme needs power (super deep bass for a 210!) and the B800 has LOTS of power.
Carvin B800 (no longer made smaller 800 watt @ 2 ohm brother to the B1500)... read the reviews. The 1500 and 800 have a loyal following! Anyways.... I'll kick myself later but... $250 local pickup cash deal. I'll let my Acme Lo B 2x10 go for $250 also. These two pair up VERY WELL since the Acme needs power (super deep bass for a 210!) and the B800 has LOTS of power.
This may be the best line ever !
I love the idea of acting a consultant for new churches. I suspect that few if any have a true musician that could speak intelligently about all that's involved. Gear/Equipment issues, training people to run the board.........endless issues.
I really hope that you get the opportunity to this. It would be such a valuable service to small churches on shoestring budgets.
If anyone is interested, I am offering up a great amp, the Eden WT-405 (USA). It's in great shape and fantastic for stage or studio which many of you already know. Preferring to trade for a Sit-On-Top kayak but would sell also and prefer to keep it here in E TN. Give me a shout if you want to talk, I'm open to 3-way deals also.
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Hey guys just wanted to introduce myself. I am somewhat new to the Tri Cities area and am actually a new bass player. I have've played guitar for the last 15 years/ 10 in bands and finally decided the start getting into bass. On a side note are there any decent open mics in the Tri Cities area?
Welcome to the area! The down home in Johnson City used to have open mics, I think they were on Wednesdays.
Sports fans, Michael Vee, honored guests and friends -
State Street Rhythm Section tonight Sat 1/11 at Wild Wing Cafe in West Knox.
Come have a listen to what we are doing -
www.facebook.com/StateStreetRhythmSection
Invalid Link Removed
Scott
State Street Rhythm Section tonight Sat 1/11 at Wild Wing Cafe in West Knox.
Come have a listen to what we are doing -
www.facebook.com/StateStreetRhythmSection
Invalid Link Removed
Scott
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