My first album... finally!

Boy oh boy, when I joined TB 4 years ago I was a teenager that just started playing a year ago. Since then I've had plenty of jam sessions that led nowhere, one unsuccessful metal band, many a cancelled gigs, and finally found two great guys that I shared a vision with.

Basically I found these guys miraculously through kijiji. After getting kicked from the metal band for being "socially awkward" (understandably so), I had come to the conclusion that metal, although great to listen to, was not for me.

So I decided to pursue my second musical interest, which is jazz. So I hopped on to kijiji with the intention of posting an ad to find two guys to start a jazz fusion trio together.
I didn't even have to post that ad, there was literally an ad on the front page with the title "LF bassist for jazz fusion trio"

Duuuude. You can't make this up. I contacted them, set up a jam time, and boy was the chemistry there.

We've been together for a year now and everything is going amazingly. We've finished our first album, which has had some very positive feedback so far (from people that aren't mommy and daddy mind you ), we have gigs lined up, posters, CDs, and a small but growing following.

So what's the point of this thread? I guess I just want to talk about how it feels to finally accomplish your goals after a long time. I've always wanted to be in a trio, making the type of music I love. I've always had to make compromises before. The guys didn't like the same music, we were a 5-piece band, didn't have any place to practice, stuff like that. The guys are incredible, they are legitimate competent musicians that can discuss theory, have a good sense of musicality, and have a drive to make good music. Also I want to promote my band.

If you guys are interested in listening, I've included one of the songs that will be on the album. It's a song inspired by Japanese jazz fusion from the late 70's.

We're also on FB if anyone actually wants to follow us.

So that's all. Crazy how much life changes in a few years.

 

I was offered a bass solo by the guitarist originally, but I turned it down because I really wanted to keep the groovy bassline going (the one that plays during the final solo).

As for gear, it’s a Squier VM jazz bass 5, with the bridge pickup soloed and tone rolled off. I pluck close to the bridge as well. The signal was sent into an Axe-fx, it’s basically a clean tone with boosted mids and light compression. The bass is also side-chained to the kick drum.

The guys in the band are great. The drums especially sound spectacular. I really appreciate your feedback! It genuinely means a lot to us.

 

Whaaaa? Dang I wish. I think what they meant is that I’m not “metal enough”. I wear bright colours, I have short hair, I barely ever swear, I’m introverted, I basically look like a classical music enthusiast rather than a metalhead.

 

Hahahaha whoops. It crossed my mind while writing it, but looks like I just forgot

 

Gotta do whatcha gotta do

 

Instagram is another option, we’re also in there, but I get that a lot of people who aren’t on FB are also not on insta. Another option if you’re really interested in our music, we’ll be on every music platform there is, so you can probably follow us on one of those.

The album will be released on October 16th, you can listen on every streaming platform, buy it on bandcamp or iTunes. If you’re also interested in a CD, send me a PM and I’ll hook you up.

That’s cool to hear you like fusion! I’ve only been playing for 5 or so years at this point, my suggestion would be to practice as much as possible, don’t skimp out on theory, and listen to a lot of music.

Also, you shouldn’t be too far from your second big learning curve. There’s usually a period close to the two year mark when something just clicks, and you start making an exponential amount of progress.

 

I get the feeling now! It’s really an accomplishment. Glad I can finally share that experience with other musicians.

 

That’s our goal! Usually when people say “hey listen to our new EP/song” people expect to hear a crappy demo with lots of distortion and mistakes. We basically did everything to sound as professional and well-composed as we could. It certainly paid off, thanks for listening!