How do you forget Jaco?

[Bass Momma]

A mind game question.
The lead guitarist in our jazz trio wants us to do Metheny's Bright Sized Life, which he's loved since he was knee-high to a ukulele. I'm cool with the song, chord chart, riff, and so on, but no way can I do a Jaco-type line on it. The guitarist is fine with me doing the bassist-marking-the-changes, it's me that's getting in my way. Any recommendations for keeping the Jaco ghost from breathing down my neck? I have been studying his line, but I know that if I try to use much of it I am going to spectacularly screw up (apart from being way too busy even if I did get it). If anyone does this song, what approach do you take?
I know the best way to learn is to set yourself something you think you can't do, and work like a dog until you can - but that doesn't mean trying to imitate a force of nature.

 

[JeroB666]

That's a tough one... IMO I would rather do the work and learn the song as played by him, there is some room for changes but there some lines that are iconic.

Good luck!

 

[bassinplace]

I don't know. That's an iconic sound, so it will change the sound of the song quite a bit, even if only to yourself. Try things to see what others are happy with. If they don't complain, then I guess you're good to go. You can always make modifications to it over time as you guys continue to rehearse and perform it.

 

[rickster4003]

Don't aim low, aim high. If you don't quite make it, that's ok. At least you tried.

 

[Watchootognbout]

I've often wondered that myself.
How would those pieces sound if Jaco never played on them?

"Bright Size Life"I would do with a basic Samba or Bossa Nova bass feel.

 

[Pacman]

Look to Larry Grenadier..

 

[Jazz Ad]

There are many ways to play differently from Jaco but Bright Size Life, the song is essentially made by the bass line. I wouldn't try something else on it.

 

[CryingBass]

I just think it's cool you guys are going to play it. GLWTS

 

[Bass Momma]

Look to Larry Grenadier..

That's REALLY helpful! Thanks so much!

 

[Bass Momma]

I just think it's cool you guys are going to play it. GLWTS

This whole jazz adventure has been one of the coolest things I've ever done. I'm playing with people who are WAY above my pay grade, hanging on by my fingernails (and a lot of sweat equity!). Bit like tackling a black ski run... if you make it to the bottom you really know you're alive!

 

[Alivefor5]

Doing Jaco is like doing Jamerson. Just do your best.

 

[lfmn16]

You don't forget Jaco. You do the best you can. You leave out or change what you can't play solidly. Better to play half the notes well, then all of them poorly.

Mostly you try to remember that for the most part, no one will know except you. I can't tell you how many times I've been accused of playing something perfectly when I know I didn't. I just say thank you and move on. I once learned a CCR song on the way to an audition by listening. They said I was the only one that played it correctly.

 

[bikeplate]

Just play it best u can. Get the essence of it then use your style. He was the greatest!

 

[nilorius]

Concentrate when learning, you can do it, try to do it, spend your time.

 

[Bass Momma]

Concentrate when learning, you can do it, try to do it, spend your time.

Time... that's the thing.. I need that extra 12 hours in the 24!

 

[Thumpin6string]

Don't know if this will help, but what the heck.

 

[MrLenny1]

IMHO keep at it. Yes, it's hard to play Jaco lines but
perseverance will get you close.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

If it were me, I do my best Jaco impersonation. I know this doesn't help, just sayin. As long as you nail the feel and keep it tasty, it'll sound good.

 

[JimK]

Pretend you're Dave Holland...

 

[ole Jason]

Put in the work to learn it. Trust me it will be worth it and you'll feel a great sense of accomplishment once you get it.