Nice Guys Finish First!

[Dr. Cheese]

Judging from Facebook or Instagram posts, some of the busiest bassists are also some of the nicest. Guys like Will Lee and Nathan East are always uplifting, supportive and positive. Many do not like Lee Sklar’s readiness to share his political views, but he seems to be kind and caring in his personal interactions. The same is true of Marcus Miller. There are others, who are incredibly talented too, who always have a bee in their bonnets. These folks will not be named. It’s no revelation that all things being equal, most folks want the person with whom it is easiest to work.

 

[dougjwray]

Judging from Facebook or Instagram posts, some of the busiest bassists are also some of the nicest. Guys like Will Lee and Nathan East are always uplifting, supportive and positive. Many do not like Lee Sklar’s readiness to share his political views, but he seems to be kind and caring in his personal interactions. The same is true of Marcus Miller. There are others, who are incredibly talented too, who always have a bee in their bonnets. These folks will not be named. It’s no revelation that all things being equal, most folks want the person with whom it is easiest to work.

Yes!
There aren't many people like Ginger Baker, who was very, very difficult but such a master musician that he was able to work steadily his entire life. Usually, being kind and decent is helpful if you want a career!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Yes!
There aren't many people like Ginger Baker, who was very, very difficult but such a master musician that he was able to work steadily his entire life. Usually, being kind and decent is helpful if you want a career!

Difficult folks, do better as bandleaders. I think in commercial music, studio musicians cannot be temperamental genius types.

 

[dougjwray]

Difficult folks, do better bandleaders. I think in commercial music, studio musicians cannot be temperamental genius types.

I agree 100%.

 

[ElectroVibe]

It's really about quality people making quality music. It's kind of simple from that perspective, the way I see it.

 

[FatherTrucker]

As they always say, one of the biggest part of getting the gig is being a good hang.

 

[two fingers]

Some of the most talented individuals on earth are sweet humans.

Victor Wooten (and his whole family for that matter) is a stellar person.

Billy Sheehan is ridiculously nice.

Adam Nitti so down to earth.

Steve Bailey is a trip! Nice guy too.

I sincerely hope part of the reason these guys get work is "karma".

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Some of the most talented individuals on earth are sweet humans.

Victor Wooten (and his whole family for that matter) is a stellar person.

Billy Sheehan is ridiculously nice.

Adam Nitti so down to earth.

Steve Bailey is a trip! Nice guy too.

I sincerely hope part of the reason these guys get work is "karma".

I have said several times that I was struck by how nice Billy Sheehan was in the one interaction I had with him. I think being talented plus being a decent human being is a powerful combination.

 

[jallenbass]

Sean Hurley and Pino Palladino also are in this camp.

 

[ElectroVibe]

...but on the other hand sometimes I wonder if perhaps it is not the kindest people who make it to the top, but really the most *aggressive*, just like in any business.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Some of the most talented individuals on earth are sweet humans.

Victor Wooten (and his whole family for that matter) is a stellar person.

Billy Sheehan is ridiculously nice.

Adam Nitti so down to earth.

Steve Bailey is a trip! Nice guy too.

I sincerely hope part of the reason these guys get work is "karma".

bailey was sorta rude to me actually.

 

[Danny O Danny]

I recently read the memoir of a well-known session/touring guitarist, in which he repeatedly spoke of the importance of "the hang." In other words, to be positive, friendly, professional, fun, and not a source of drama or negative vibes is, in his view, paramount.

 

[gln1955]

...but on the other hand sometimes I wonder if perhaps it is not the kindest people who make it to the top, but really the most *aggressive*, just like in any business.

What do you mean by aggressive?

You can be hard working, proactive and make the most of every opportunity without being a jerk.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I'm my experience, supremely talented people tend to fall at either end of the spectrum - either super nice, or real horse's butts.

 

[two fingers]

bailey was sorta rude to me actually.

I spent a week with...in a casual context. Perhaps that's why I got to see his good side.

But for the longest time he lived in Myrtle Beach. And I've heard countless stories of his being very friendly and simply hanging around local music stores chatting with fans amd giving them tips.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I'm my experience, supremely talented people tend to fall at either end of the spectrum - either super nice, or real horse's butts.

The point is that not all super talented people get a ton of work, especially in the realm of being sideman (woman) in the studio or a touring band.

 

[ElectroVibe]

I recently read the memoir of a well-known session/touring guitarist, in which he repeatedly spoke of the importance of "the hang." In other words, to be positive, friendly, professional, fun, and not a source of drama or negative vibes is, in his view, paramount.

I don't know. I worked with a singer/guitarist who was known for his drama on occasion. He even got drunk once before a church gig. But I really miss playing with him.

 

[five7]

It amounts to how your parents raised you.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

Anyone can have a bad day.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I don't know. I worked with a singer/guitarist who was known for his drama on occasion. He even got drunk once before a church gig. But I really miss playing with him.

It sounds like he was good enough that people ignored the drama.