Double Bass Opinions on my solo playing?

[Eric Hochberg]

Well, I think there is a lot of good stuff going on here. If you were my student, we'd work on intonation, phrasing, and putting clear ideas out there. It sounds like you're letting your fingers do the walking whereas some clear thought into what you're playing would help you sound less amateurish. You do have some chops.

If I were you, I would listen to BB King and Ray Brown, and lose the Sonny Sharrock bit, for now anyway.

 

[MR PC]

Nice, Eric!

 

[martinmcfly]

That's a pretty messy solo, pretty grotesque

We have Simon Cowell in the house, now let's hear you sing. LOL. Just my opinion though.

 

[damonsmith]

If I were you, I would listen to BB King and Ray Brown, and lose the Sonny Sharrock bit, for now anyway.

I'd say research into all three is the best bet.

 

[Paul Warburton]

Logan, my best advice is to totally ignore the advice given to you in this thread with the exception of two bassists who actually have some history in the world of jazz bass playing. (three, counting myownself).
I think you're playing's just great and even if you're weren't trying to do it, I detect some Scott LaFaro influence in your work.
Good luck.....

 

[MR PC]

Try to make sure you can play all that arco as well. Being able to get around the instrument is important, now just try to make music. If you want to play that fast then create a situation where it makes sense

Don't ignore this.

 

[Stick_Player]

Boy, This is One Tough Crowd!

 

[MR PC]

Nah, just one very tough guy who made a comment and went back to his cave.

Look. OP is 15 years old. The OP isn't commenting for whatever reason, even though he posted and solicited honest opinion. If you take the time look at his blog (I did), you'll see he likes the typical punk teenage bands like Green day and Black Flag. I hear that music more than anything in his clip. And on some other clips he apes Christian McBride's electric funk thing as well. Other than flailing around a bit in the thumb position... I don't hear any direct Lafaro influence at all. As Damon said, this all could be sorted out......

As an example, I remember seeing + listening to Larry Grenadier with lot's of different pro jazz players three or four times his age. He was coping all the LaFaro/ Pederson/Gomez TP licks better than anyone, pretty scary! (I believe he was fifteen at the time) He was a true prodigy at that time and of course has developed into a whole 'nother level of musician now. I hope the OP gets there as well.

 

[onosson]

I liked the last chorus, I think you were starting to get to a place there which would have been a nice beginning for your solo, idea-wise. But of course this all takes time, and there are no shortcuts.

When I am thrown a solo (and it's usually unexpectedly) I try to keep my mental focus on a few things: where I am; what are the other people around me are doing; how I am feeling. None of these things have anything to do with music, but they have a lot to do with ideas.

 

[skychief]

sometimes the moments BETWEEN the notes can make a solo more musical, IMO. It starts out very good , but gets a little "busy" after the first 35 sec. Sometimes we sacrifice accuracy (intonation) for speed. Also, bass solo should carry some components of melody.
It was really hard to find it amongst all those notes.

I give it a solid 7!

 

[chuck norriss]

Great!
are you thinking of someone when you solo?
are you breathing through your nose lips closed?
serious questions Im not teasing try it
Someone once told me try these it works


meow

 

[onosson]

Great!
are you thinking of someone when you solo?
are you breathing through your nose lips closed?
serious questions Im not teasing try it
Someone once told me try these it works


meow

I agree - great ideas!

 

[nicechuck]

That's alot of talent at your age, keep it up