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Learning to Play Reggae

#81
Bassist4Eris said:
That's an interesting way of looking at it. I like it. My concept is similar. I like to look at the spaces as part of the rhythm. You don't just play the note, you play the spaces too. And in reggae music, the bass is bottom-heavy and forward in the mix, so it's really felt. And that push and pull between the chest-punching throb of bass and the complete absence thereof, dancing together in perfect rhythm, is a big part of where the groove lies, IMHO.[/QUOTE

I think that all types of music can benefit from the idea of playing the spaces. Ie....that maybe a good reason to study up on the reggae, because of the emphasis on the space.
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#82
halfjackson said:
I stopped by for a drink last Saturday. You guys sounded great.
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Thanks I was out of town last Saturday. There might have been a sub at the show ....... a dude with long dreds.......I'm the old guy with short hair ;-) say hi next time the whole band is really friendly.

One Drop said:
Wish I could check you out, seems like a fun and talented band that's has a cool formula and great vibe.
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I appreciate the ups one drop!

Here is another recording from last week

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I'll be there again this Sunday if anyone is in town. I can't make Saturday this week so the Keyboard player will cover the bass.
 
#83
One Drop said:
I would never underestimate the influence of herb on Reggae music myself, and I've heard some funny stories about the musicians preferring certain studios because they knew it was tolerated to step outside for a smoke. IIRC Coxsone was okay with it if he didn't see it happening .

It wasn't just a Rasta thing, and some of the Rasta musicians didn't smoke while playing,especially drummers like Sly.

My personal views on Ganga are not important, but anyone who listens to Reggae owes it to themselves to listen to some heavy dub or righteous Rockers very loud after getting 'well red', at least once in their lives.

I can pretty much guarantee an 'oh, now I get it' moment. And you might not be able resist busting a skank, either.
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Remove ya!

 
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#85
Reggae is my favorite. it's what got me started on bass around age 16 when my friends and I were on the path of Punk rock--> punk ska less than jake type crap --> rancid and clash with their reggae influences ---> buju banton and the whole genre of dancehall and classic riddims. (this is where i picked up the bass). that was a decade ago. Although i've ventured off into jazz and funk my home sound will always remain studio one...sly and robbie..SOUL SYNDICATE..the revolutionaires...anything jammy, tubby and scientist touched..waterhouse/firehouse..OH my i could go on and on!!

cool to see some knowledgeable reggae talk around here..

One thing i'll say about reggae is it can seem real easy to get into it.. oh okay play some triads and triplets and thats reggae! lol. but reggae is a feel most importantly.

I'm lucky just found a teacher as I want to continue on into jazz and he turns out to be taught by Mr. Ranglin.. played with byron lee at age 15.. taught "cat" coore (third world) how to play guitar etc.. amazing what you can stumble into sometimes..
 
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#88
I have to thank whoever suggested being very deliberate about where each note stops. We have a one drop song and I made sure certain notes released right on a rim shot. It really locked in the groove. I played fewer notes but had twice the drive in the groove because the attack and release both added to the groove.
 
#89
gmarcus said:
I have to thank whoever suggested being very deliberate about where each note stops. We have a one drop song and I made sure certain notes released right on a rim shot. It really locked in the groove. I played fewer notes but had twice the drive in the groove because the attack and release both added to the groove.
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You're welcome, guy!

Something a lot of players miss when they are starting or trying to play reggae. It also helps giving shape to notes by deliberately muting them a certain way, adding to the vocal quality of reggae bass.
 
#93
gmarcus said:
One drop I should have known it was you!

What do you mean by mute the notes a certain way?
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Flats can have a distinct b, d, p, etc on the attack, so it's natural to me to end your note on sounds like p, w, m, b, or, whatever the ends of the words are that go with the beginnings. This is RH muting mostly in my case. Sorry if this is indecipherable gibberish.
 
#99
I just picked up a used Genz Benz Streamliner 900 here on Talkbass. The DI is amazing and the amp is voiced perfectly for reggae. I recorded this post EQ so the signal went through all 3 tubes. P-bass with TI Jazz flats, Tone knob rolled all the way off. We rolled into a pretty good dub jam. Everyone is going through the mixer.

 
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#100
If any of you reggae bass players are also playing in church, check out Devon Bradshaw and the Axx of Jahpostles. The do an awesome song called "Give Thanks and Praise." There is a lot of reggae praise and worship music out there, it is very spiritual. I have put together (produced) a reggae worship service at my church and we hope to start practicing the songs next month. Reggae is a lot of fun on the bass, and yes, you have to feel rhythm of the song. You don't always play on the 1 but many times play behind it. Gmarcus, I used to live north of Boston and hope to visit next summer and I would love to see your band. Love, Peace, Respect. :):cool::bassist:
 

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