Filling Big Shoes

[Bass'd on a true story]

Hey, guys. I don't start new threads very often, but I think I need some support here. I've been looking for a new band for awhile and I think I finally found a good one on Craigslist. They posted that they've been gigging for a couple months (about since February). I know all the songs on their set list, which is pretty rare for me, so I got excited and told them I was interested. Now, I'm a fairly experienced bassist with very little trouble playing any songs other than stuff written by people like Victor Wooten or Marcus Miller, etc.

That being said, something really unexpected happened at their gig. The first song starts, everyone in the band seems to be decent and competent. They are jamming along, nothing unusual. Singer sings a sour note every once in awhile, the drummer's kick comes a little early or late sometimes, you know, the usual. But that bass player...

This dude is REALLY good. Some older folks might say he was overplaying, but honestly, he sounded amazing. He stole the show. He turned songs that are normally root notes, with the occasional 5th, into intricate, bumping bass lines. He was without a doubt the best player in the band (though the keys player was really good).

I'm a good, reliable, solid groove player. But I simply can't play like that. They never inferred in the ad that they wanted someone who could do what he does, but I'm worried that they will take for granted that this guy is basically a virtuoso. I've never had anyone be disappointed in my playing before, but I've never tried to take the spot of someone who is so obviously exceptional before.

These guys already have a following of at least 100 people who consistently turn up at their shows every weekend, I don't want to screw that up. Basically, I'm nervous and I don't want to be a let down. Has anyone ever dealt with a situation like this before? If so, how'd it turn out? What should I do? Should I practice and try to embellish these simple classics like he does? Or should I just stick to grooving in the pocket and let the other members shine more?

Any and all advice would is welcome and great!

 

[Lobster11]

I very much doubt that they will expect you to show up and play like this other guy. If you know the songs and are your usual solid self, you'll be fine.

Also, keep in mind that just because you thought this other bassist was great doesn't mean that the rest of the band feels that way. For all you know, they might think that he's "too busy" and would prefer to have someone who leaves them more space. (Do you know why he's leaving?) So unless they tell you otherwise, I think you should just be as prepared as you can, and play the way you play as well as you can. If you do that well, I'd be shocked if their reaction was "sorry, but we want someone who plays like the other guy."

 

[danster]

I second Lobster11 -and would add this thought...what if you didn't hear the other bassist? You'd probably go in with a confidence knowing what you can do. And that will show. I would put that other guy out of my mind and be ok with who you are.

 

[Bass'd on a true story]

They are replacing him because he's going back to school. I think you guys are right, but it's sgill really intimidating.

 

[A.K.]

If you can hold your own and do the material justice, then don't worry about it.

 

[tangentmusic]

If you can hold your own and do the material justice, then don't worry about it.

This.
Ask the band if they are looking for a virtuoso guy like they're replacing, or someone solid who can also add his own flavor to the material like you can.
It's cool when the bassist is a main focus of a group, but that may not necessarily be what they want here.
Be yourself and go for it

 

[Bass'd on a true story]

I'm definitely feeling a liyyle nore confident now. Thanks boys!

 

[Lobster11]

Great! Make sure to let us know how it goes!

 

[Whousedtoplay]

I'm a good, reliable, solid groove player. But I simply can't play like that. They never inferred in the ad that they wanted someone who could do what he does

MAYBE THEY DON'T WANT A VIRTUOSO????

I'm a good, reliable, solid groove player.

Maybe, that's what the band is looking for?

Maybe, all musicians in the band are a little bit tired of being just an "addition" to a "virtuoso" bass player?

 

[GKon]

All you can do is try out for the band and, if they like you, they like you.

And if they DO like you, then just be you.

 

[portpc]

I had the same experience 15 years ago when auditioning for a Corporate act, The current bassist was a monster but to the degree that he overplayed some stuff.
I can recall going to see them and thinking "Holy Crap, those are some big shoes to fill!"
My style is more relaxed & melodic.

After I got the gig the lead singer told me how refreshing it was to work with someone who wasn't so "busy" & we had a successful run for several years.
I agree, if you feel confident with the material then don't worry about it, Be yourself & if it works it works..

 

[Lobster11]

These last few posts got me to imagining the following scenario: You spend hours and hours of sleepless nights frantically trying to learn how to play all the songs like the previous bass player. You succeed. You go play with these guys, and you nail it: You sound just like him! Then, at the end of the evening, they say, "Sorry, man. You're a good player, but just not what we're looking for. Your playing is too busy, just like that other guy. We're looking for someone who can just sit in the pocket and groove."

 

[Rib 13]

But that bass player...

This dude is REALLY good. Some older folks might say he was overplaying, but honestly, he sounded amazing. He stole the show. He turned songs that are normally root notes, with the occasional 5th, into intricate, bumping bass lines. He was without a doubt the best player in the band (though the keys player was really good).

this could very well be the exact reason they wont miss him

 

[Bass'd on a true story]

Just to give you an idea of how many notes this fella was pumping out, he even significantly spiced up 'Aeroplane' by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. That song is already centered on the bass and even includes a bass solo near the end. I was shocked when he even embellished that line.

The jealous little boy in me could just pull the over-playing card, but he played with conviction, accuracy. And he sounded great. That being said, I think the one technical advantage I have is that I'm a slightly more proficient slapper.

 

[Lobster11]

Just to give you an idea of how many notes this fella was pumping out, he even significantly spiced up 'Aeroplane' by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. That song is already centered on the bass and even includes a bass solo near the end. I was shocked when he even embellished that line.

The jealous little boy in me could just pull the over-playing card, but he played with conviction, accuracy. And he sounded great. That being said, I think the one technical advantage I have is that I'm a slightly more proficient slapper.

But the one stylistic advantage you have is that you are more true to the original, right?

I think what we're all saying here is that one man's "killing it" is another man's "overplaying" -- and that there is no way of knowing what the rest of this particular band prefers. Ergo, you should go into this completely confident in your ability to play the stuff the way you play it, because there is no way to know whether they will like it more or less than the way the other guy played it.

 

[Bass'd on a true story]

That makes a lot of sense, Lobster Sensei. I will play how I play; truer to the original with as much groove as I can muster!

 

[Lobster11]

That makes a lot of sense, Lobster Sensei. I will play how I play; truer to the original with as much groove as I can muster!

Be true to yourself, Grasshopper, and you will be well.

Next up: What is the sound of one hand clapping?

 

[EVerderame]

i agree with the red thing, be yourself, play your music.
whatever, if they fire you, go after another band.
maybe your skills will match the rest of the band better