That’s why I don’t like bass solos in songs. Just because you can, doesn’t mean that you should.
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Get off my LAWN! "Grumpy Old Farts"
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That’s why I don’t like bass solos in songs. Just because you can, doesn’t mean that you should.
Back in the century when they still made buildings with style.
Certainly true in my case. Plus, I add "won't" into the equation.
On 'jazz' gigs, it's expected to take at least one chorus*. The only thing I like less than hearing bass solos is playing bass solos. Unless I'm reading a chart or mimicking a tune-specific bass line, I'm always playing a solo. It's just supporting the rest o' the group.
EDIT: *per tune, that is
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Per song/section/ etc.
During my touring days, I used to hate to do the "bass solo" in Brown Eyed Girl. After I disbanded my band, I joined a couple on the coast of Oregon. One band was pretty good and we were popular. The BL had me extend the bass solo three rounds and the last two to embellish on the walking line. I grudgingly played the bass line then the BL held up his hand towards me and said, Mr. Will Hanbury, ladies and gentlemen! Sheeeeesh! It was supposed to be a 15 second segue into the next verse of the song. I won't play that song again to this day..... I'm a meat and potatoes bass player and like the bass to be a solid foundation under the song.
D
No fan of bass solos, but I do enjoy a melodic bass line played over drums and a rhythm guitar from time to time.
"Uh-oh, Bwana, the drums have stopped."
"Okay, and is that bad or something?"
"This is very bad for what happens next."
"Well, what happens next?"
"Bass solo."
"Okay, and is that bad or something?"
"This is very bad for what happens next."
"Well, what happens next?"
"Bass solo."
Passinwind
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- Dec 3, 2003
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Yep, one chorus per song in my case, on about 60-70 percent of the tunes, so usually about fifteen to twenty a gig, for the best part of a decade. Although in one instrumental-only sextet it was three choruses a man, but anyone could pass if they wanted to. I’d usually pass on one or two a set at most.
But in my own weirdo duo or trio band I hardly ever soloed on bass, and only a few times a night on guitar. Lots of drum solos, many during guitar/bass swaps when in duo format.
D
D
OK, this one has a purpose. I watched the new Rush documentary on Netflix last night. It was outstanding. Better than outstanding! Just the audio restoration and mastering was superb. I set the volume to a loud enough level to enjoy the music clips, but didn't have to make any changes for the spoken parts. Wonderful balancing.
I learned right where I came into their timeline. Neal joined in the summer of '74, and I saw them at B'ginnings in Schaumburg, IL between Christmas and New Year's '74/'75. Drove down from Madison, WI and stood in front of Geddy the entire night.
Now that I know how quickly they had to integrate Neal, I'm even more amazed by that first show. By how tight they were.
I learned right where I came into their timeline. Neal joined in the summer of '74, and I saw them at B'ginnings in Schaumburg, IL between Christmas and New Year's '74/'75. Drove down from Madison, WI and stood in front of Geddy the entire night.
Now that I know how quickly they had to integrate Neal, I'm even more amazed by that first show. By how tight they were.
A long time Rush fan, especially everything up to and including Moving Pictures. If you listen to Rush on their first album with John Rutsey on drums, Rush sounded more like traditional hard rock. I thought they sounded similar to Led Zeppelin. Bring in Neil and it transformed them into a great progressive Rock band.
I personally feel Geddy Lee is at or near the top of the list for R&R bassists. He plays intricate bass lines, play keyboards, and sings....
D
And plays Moog Taurus bass pedals.
Passinwind
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That “sings” part though...
I’ll just go back to my corner and work on my solos.
Re: bass solos - I’ve never been a soloist on bass. The only solos I played were written solos like the end of Saturday in the Park by Chicago.
Three months ago I started taking bass lessons focusing on jazz. I’ve played quite a bit of jazz stuff over the years, but it was all by ear - no formal methodology. Now, as part of my lessons, I have to learn how to play solos. I am proud to say that my solos have advanced from complete and utter cr@p all the way up to cr@p.
I used to think that only bass players wanted to hear a bass solo. Now, I’m not so sure about that.
Three months ago I started taking bass lessons focusing on jazz. I’ve played quite a bit of jazz stuff over the years, but it was all by ear - no formal methodology. Now, as part of my lessons, I have to learn how to play solos. I am proud to say that my solos have advanced from complete and utter cr@p all the way up to cr@p.
I used to think that only bass players wanted to hear a bass solo. Now, I’m not so sure about that.
I used to play tv melodies in songs for a solo. Or the same solo no matter what song.
Passinwind
I know nothing.
- Dec 3, 2003
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- Designer/Toaster Tech @ Passinwind Electronics
Smoke On The Water never goes outta style, just sayin’.
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Won't somebody think of the children?!
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