New Member / First TB Post Here

Greetings from Dallas. I've been a reasonably decent, gigging guitarist for a minute, though always had a love of bass that started in the 70's when, as the weaker of two guitarists, I became the band's bassist when our bassist quit.

In the 80's I picked up the occasional sub bass gig, and then signed on as guitarist for an event band for 20 years.

10 years ago, I started playing bass again, a handful of songs a night at a weekly residence gig, usually when our bassist's food came out from the kitchen. Our bassist was insanely good, and I felt like my following him on stage just shined a big follow-spot on all my playing defects, so I took some lessons from another local bassists whom I'd worked with, and whose hero was Rocco Prestia.

I'd hoped this guy would teach me all that advanced, Tower of Power stuff, but he refused. Instead he focused on basic fundamentals, plucking-hand timing, 1-2-1-2 and 1-2-3-1-2-3 exercises, note lengths and plucking hand dynamics. I thought it was boring at the time, but am really grateful for the solid footing.

These days, I'm a pretty basic 4-string pocket player, though solid. I've been getting more gigs and really enjoying the instrument in ways I never thought I would. I'm really enjoying being a supportive part of the rhythm section.

The styles I've been playing, based on my little local network, range from blues to r&b/soul to New Orleans funk to classic rock. I'm on the call list for a couple guys who give ample notice, and have gotten a few shorter-notice calls from others, which I'm ok with being that guy.

Thanks for letting me in the door.