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My first gig is this saturday!

Discussion in 'General Instruction [BG]' started by beyondat, Aug 2, 2009.

  1. Aug 2, 2009 #1
    beyondat

    beyondat

    Jan 13, 2008
    Bronx, New York
    I have my first bass gig coming up this saturday after starting bass 1.5 years ago. The problem is that I said yes to the gig thinking that it would be a hip-hop gig since I've known the artist for a while as a female rapper. It turns out that she wants me to back her on bass as she plays African drums! On top of that she wants to come to my studio and create something totally new with me. I don't know what an "African" bass line is suppose to sound like let alone write my own!, let alone have it down in less than a week! Does anyone know of any African music I could reference for this? Also, I do not have a rig besides a little practice amp so what questions should I ask about the backline? Any help would be appreciated.
     
  2. Aug 2, 2009 #2
    Smallmouth_Bass

    Smallmouth_Bass

    Dec 29, 2005
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Question about backline: do you have any?

    Sorry, can't help you with African basslines. I don't know anything in that regard.
     
  3. Aug 2, 2009 #3
    burnunit

    burnunit obsolete

    Nov 17, 2007
    Charlotte, NC
    Fela Kuti, Sunny Ade, Ali Farka Toure...
     
  4. Aug 2, 2009 #4
    LuvMusic

    LuvMusic

    Aug 18, 2007
    Oak Park, IL
    Check out Paul Simon's Graceland album. Strong African influence. Also a track by Toto titled Africa! :eek: It's on their album titled Toto IV.

    Hope these help.
     
  5. Aug 2, 2009 #5
    beyondat

    beyondat

    Jan 13, 2008
    Bronx, New York
    I'm mean, do I show up with just my bass? Do I bring my own cable? i have no idea.
     
  6. Aug 2, 2009 #6
    J. Crawford

    J. Crawford Supporting Member

    Feb 15, 2008
    PA
    Take everything, use whats needed.

    I would rather you show up with everything and not need it, then with nothing and need it all.

    Right?
     
  7. Aug 2, 2009 #7
    Smallmouth_Bass

    Smallmouth_Bass

    Dec 29, 2005
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    If there is backline equipment, for you, that usually means they have a bass amp. You need to bring your bass, strap, patch cord, tuner and all the other accessories that you might need.

    If you are playing with other bands on the same bill and are using their equipment, it is good manners to make the arrangements (i.e. get permission) before the day of the show. It's never nice to show up to the show expecting that someone else will loan you their stuff.
     
  8. Aug 2, 2009 #8
    beyondat

    beyondat

    Jan 13, 2008
    Bronx, New York
    Thanks for all the advice! a 25ft cable should do right? The only tuner I have is a hand held one, its gonna have to work.
     
  9. Aug 2, 2009 #9
    J. Crawford

    J. Crawford Supporting Member

    Feb 15, 2008
    PA
    I would think so, thats a lot of cable!
     
  10. Aug 2, 2009 #10
    beyondat

    beyondat

    Jan 13, 2008
    Bronx, New York
    I've been listening to Fela bass lines, some of them are really repetitious like James Brown lines. I may have to borrow some!
     
  11. Aug 3, 2009 #11
    MalcolmAmos

    MalcolmAmos

    Jul 18, 2009
    Deep East Texas Piney Woods
    Just reading between the lines --- how professional is this drummer? Is she learning also? I think you both need to practice in private before you go public.

    Good luck.
     
  12. Aug 3, 2009 #12
    progrmr

    progrmr

    Sep 3, 2008
    Columbus, Ohio
    +1 for the practice before you play. Granted I've never had a gig yet but I would want to know what I'm expected to play before I showed up at the gig!