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How many here actually play in a band?
- Thread starter Goofball Jones
- Start date
There was a 10 year period (33-43) when I stopped playing in bands to be a present parent, so I can relate. It was a higher priority at the time.
It's never too late to start a band. Sure Im 21 in college and in 2 bands in Seattle and 1 in Houston, but It's a total blast. However I very much favor one band.
Expression is in the person doing the playing regardless of the instrument so i think you might be chasing rainbows on that one if you change. Soloing is one form of expression, not the be all and end all of expression. Expression is something you show/use to influence/comunicate with someone else, so if you are always on your own expresion is pointless. Jamming is another form of expression, just getting up and playing with other like minded souls and see what happens with what your given, solo or not the choice is yours. In the link maybe the greatest bass solo ever at a jam??
I play in one occasionally when a local solo artist needs group backing. Wish we got more gigs, but the ones we do get are always sweet!
Play with an R&B/Classix Rox group that does clubs, casino lounges, and I play with a jazz quintet that draws melodies out of me.
I do a couple of casuals a month with friends or filling in for other bass players.
I do a couple of casuals a month with friends or filling in for other bass players.
I'll tackle this part of the original post.
I play only occasionally with blues and jazz lineups. I've played rock, blues, swing, motown, reggae, ska, calypso, and other grooves in bands previously.
I keep a master songlist of all my favorites from all my bands and gigs. I also have a Casio keyboard in my practice area with 50 or so drum samples. Not super high quality, but good enough for practice.
Example: I'll put on the "latin" drum sample at 140 bpm or so, and start grooving on the changes to "Blue Bossa" or "Song For My Father". Then maybe I'll work on playing the melodies to these pieces, and then maybe improvise over the changes.
The "swing" sample is great for practicing walking basslines, either over 12 bar blues, or any other tunes with a swing feel. I also practice soloing over this feel, as this seems to be what I get called on most often to improvise over.
Another exercise involves running diatonic arpeggios, with extensions up to the 11th (so far). For this I use a simple drum pattern and raise the tempo gradually (4 bpm increments). This helps with theory, physical coordination, and staying relaxed under the stress of uptempo grooves.
The strong groove is my inspiration no matter the style, so basically I try to create an accurate rhythm section with my drum sampler. From this practice, when I do play gigs or jams, I can hold down the groove no matter what (kind of nonsense
) is happening on the front line.
I hope this is helpful...somehow.
I play only occasionally with blues and jazz lineups. I've played rock, blues, swing, motown, reggae, ska, calypso, and other grooves in bands previously.
I keep a master songlist of all my favorites from all my bands and gigs. I also have a Casio keyboard in my practice area with 50 or so drum samples. Not super high quality, but good enough for practice.
Example: I'll put on the "latin" drum sample at 140 bpm or so, and start grooving on the changes to "Blue Bossa" or "Song For My Father". Then maybe I'll work on playing the melodies to these pieces, and then maybe improvise over the changes.
The "swing" sample is great for practicing walking basslines, either over 12 bar blues, or any other tunes with a swing feel. I also practice soloing over this feel, as this seems to be what I get called on most often to improvise over.
Another exercise involves running diatonic arpeggios, with extensions up to the 11th (so far). For this I use a simple drum pattern and raise the tempo gradually (4 bpm increments). This helps with theory, physical coordination, and staying relaxed under the stress of uptempo grooves.
The strong groove is my inspiration no matter the style, so basically I try to create an accurate rhythm section with my drum sampler. From this practice, when I do play gigs or jams, I can hold down the groove no matter what (kind of nonsense
) is happening on the front line.I hope this is helpful...somehow.
By your standards, I am completely proud to call myself a wanker. I play in three bands currently, and when I am not working, I play at home.
Being able to do one improves the other, so for me it is a win-win situation. and its always nice to be able to sit back, and play something mellow by yourself, or rock out with a full band. completely different experiences, and essential to be a well rounded player. Can you say you play any instrument if you cant play with another?
Being able to do one improves the other, so for me it is a win-win situation. and its always nice to be able to sit back, and play something mellow by yourself, or rock out with a full band. completely different experiences, and essential to be a well rounded player. Can you say you play any instrument if you cant play with another?
I play in a band called Avian Sunrise. The band is only a year old and i've only been playing for 2 years.. but I love the experience! I graduate college this year and will definitely keep pursuing music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWStLyk4fFQ
Link Removed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWStLyk4fFQ
Link Removed
JoshB
A great man is always willing to be little. -RWE
I'm currently playing in...
2 P&W Bands
Subbing in another when needed/time permits
1 actual band situation with a couple other folks
1 hired gun gig with a singer/songwriter
That's on top of my normal job as a studio engineer, where I do tend to play a lot of bass for folks who need it.
2 P&W Bands
Subbing in another when needed/time permits
1 actual band situation with a couple other folks
1 hired gun gig with a singer/songwriter
That's on top of my normal job as a studio engineer, where I do tend to play a lot of bass for folks who need it.
I'm in one band. I always stay exclusive to one and push one project at a time. My first real band was when I was 15/16, but when I left them I started to play with my brother on drums (sick rhythm section) and my best friend on guitar. I have played with the two of them for 6/7 years now. The band I am in currently is called The Dialogue. We are a 4 piece indie/pop/rock band. We are about to show new material to labels that have been talking to us. Very exciting time!
At home I have numerous pieces to play alone, but I have the bulk of my gear because I love bass and play in a band that tours and plays often.
At home I have numerous pieces to play alone, but I have the bulk of my gear because I love bass and play in a band that tours and plays often.
ideally, I would like to have 2 or 3 fun projects going that play out and write originals. unfortunately, right now it's only 1 casual project, but I'm working on getting another one together.
For me, the bass is def not a solo instrument. My style is much better suited to playing the traditional foundation role of the bassist.
For me, the bass is def not a solo instrument. My style is much better suited to playing the traditional foundation role of the bassist.
Rickett Customs
Commercial User
1 gigging band is always the norm and about 3 at 1 time is usually my max. Do session work as well.
I practice regularly with one group of guys and gig often but practice irregularly with another.
Been playing in bands since I was fourteen; I'll be sixty-one in six months (you do the math). Currently play drums and sing harmony in a classic rock band. Play bass and sing lead & harmony in a country duo with a drum machine.
When I am home alone I am teaching myself to read bass clef; I have been reading percussion since I was ten so the time is there, the notes still evade me. I am also constantly learning new material in what ever area of music my head is in at the time. I tend to practice an average of two hours a day.
When I am home alone I am teaching myself to read bass clef; I have been reading percussion since I was ten so the time is there, the notes still evade me. I am also constantly learning new material in what ever area of music my head is in at the time. I tend to practice an average of two hours a day.
