Playing the part versus playing the record part

[smittybass33]

Wasn't sure which forum to post this in... Mods, please feel free to move.

I have a gig coming up and there's charts and click tracks and all that which is fantastic. One of the songs has a simplified bassline of a song. I was learning it and was instantly struck with how it wasn't the part from the record. Went back and listened and was correct. I don't blame them, they're a touring group who hires people local and do an act in Vegas. Makes sense to do this and the part is fine if I did play it as written but doesn't quite have the exact thing as the record.

My question is... Would you play it as written or substitute the original line as long as it doesn't interfere with their arrangement of the tune? I've done it in the past and with my last gig they were surprised and elated I knew the actual part.

As an arranger myself, I'd be happy if they did the recorded part to enhance it and blended it into the arrangement and specific parts that needed to be as written. Thoughts?

 

[turf3]

Is all the rest of the tune an identical copy of "THE RECORD"? Or are there other changes (instrumentation, arrangement, etc.)?

 

[gln1955]

Why not ask them instead of us?

 

[smittybass33]

Is all the rest of the tune an identical copy of "THE RECORD"? Or are there other changes (instrumentation, arrangement, etc.)?

It's part of a larger medley of tunes with some band solis and hits and a slightly faster tempo. Most things are in the track, horns, extra guitars, etc.

 

[smittybass33]

Why not ask them instead of us?

I intend on doing just that. I thought this would be a great topic to ask and talk about. What are your thoughts?

 

[J Wilson]

Why not ask them instead of us?

This.

'Playing it just like the record' is almost a non-sequitur: More than once, I've learned a certain tune's bass line EXACTLY, starts, stops, ghost notes, the whole nine yards. . . . only to get to the gig and NOBODY else did and that chart I wrote . . . well, I can turn it over and write down what they're really playing.

But ultimately, you're hired to play what they want, and I'd get some guidance. May likely get a 'well, that's how we've always played it'.

 

[getrhythm]

Inform them that you can play the line as recorded and see where that goes.

 

[gln1955]

I intend on doing just that. I thought this would be a great topic to ask and talk about. What are your thoughts?

If they are wanting a plug and play bass player and have given you charts of what they expect, I'd probably just go with that. It may be more satisfying to play the recorded part, but they have their reasons for doing what they do. It'll be interesting to see what they say when you ask.

 

[smittybass33]

This.

'Playing it just like the record' is almost a non-sequitur: More than once, I've learned a certain tune's bass line EXACTLY, starts, stops, ghost notes, the whole nine yards. . . . only to get to the gig and NOBODY else did and that chart I wrote . . . well, I can turn it over and write down what they're really playing.

But ultimately, you're hired to play what they want, and I'd get some guidance. May likely get a 'well, that's how we've always played it'.

For sure. I totally understand that and I've had that happened in bands that were expected to do a take down of the actual song and I too was the only one who did the work.

I will ask because it is their show and I am hired to do a part. This thread is more about having that discussion and sharing experiences with this type of gig and part of giging. Thanks for sharing yours!

 

[smittybass33]

If they are wanting a plug and play bass player and have given you charts of what they expect, I'd probably just go with that. It may be more satisfying to play the recorded part, but they have their reasons for doing what they do. It'll be interesting to see what they say when you ask.

Definitely more satisfying and to me feels better. I agree, the arrangement is the arrangement. When listening to their reference tracks and click/backing tracks, the change to the recorded line doesn't mess with those things which is nice. I shot them a message so we'll see! Have you had an experience with this in the past?

 

[ole Jason]

What's the tune? Are you able to hear their full mixed arrangement? I've encountered situations where the bass line has been simplified because another more audible instrument has been arranged to play that part. Kind of a bummer if you're the bass player but always gotta serve the song!

I run into this situation on a smaller scale often on gigs where I'm reading charts too. If I know the original bass line I'll usually play it but making sure to keep my ears open in case I need to make adjustments on the fly.

 

[sean_on_bass]

Wasn't sure which forum to post this in... Mods, please feel free to move.

I have a gig coming up and there's charts and click tracks and all that which is fantastic. One of the songs has a simplified bassline of a song. I was learning it and was instantly struck with how it wasn't the part from the record. Went back and listened and was correct. I don't blame them, they're a touring group who hires people local and do an act in Vegas. Makes sense to do this and the part is fine if I did play it as written but doesn't quite have the exact thing as the record.

My question is... Would you play it as written or substitute the original line as long as it doesn't interfere with their arrangement of the tune? I've done it in the past and with my last gig they were surprised and elated I knew the actual part.

As an arranger myself, I'd be happy if they did the recorded part to enhance it and blended it into the arrangement and specific parts that needed to be as written. Thoughts?

If the whole band is playing from arranged charts, the safest thing to do is follow the chart. But at the same time i think you COULD play a different part and still succeed. Just depends on the expectation of the band. Personally i'd follow the chart, but maybe still know the original part just in case.

 

[TyBo]

As long as either line fits the arrangement, seems like doing what sounds best wouldn't be wrong. But yeah, good idea to check with the band anyway.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

If you are given a chart and are being paid to play the chart, I'd play the chart. You are but a small part in an overall arrangement.

 

[micguy]

If someone is paying you to play, aim the question at them.

 

[Killing Floor]

If you’re a hired player you should play it the way they asked you.

 

[51PRI]

Wasn't sure which forum to post this in... Mods, please feel free to move.

I have a gig coming up and there's charts and click tracks and all that which is fantastic. One of the songs has a simplified bassline of a song. I was learning it and was instantly struck with how it wasn't the part from the record. Went back and listened and was correct. I don't blame them, they're a touring group who hires people local and do an act in Vegas. Makes sense to do this and the part is fine if I did play it as written but doesn't quite have the exact thing as the record.

My question is... Would you play it as written or substitute the original line as long as it doesn't interfere with their arrangement of the tune? I've done it in the past and with my last gig they were surprised and elated I knew the actual part.

As an arranger myself, I'd be happy if they did the recorded part to enhance it and blended it into the arrangement and specific parts that needed to be as written. Thoughts?

My personal preference is to play parts like the record, especially when that is instead of playing a simplified version of the part. YMMV.

 

[chriss]

Are they using backing tracks (I know you mentioned click)? Having worked with backing tracks for a number of years, I have found it often necessary to play a simpler and more foundational part. It's real easy to conflict with something else that is going on in the background. Just a thought

 

[JRA]

Would you play it as written or substitute the original line as long as it doesn't interfere with their arrangement of the tune? I've done it in the past and with my last gig they were surprised and elated I knew the actual part.

it's appropriate to clarify with the act, of course, but your 'instinct' is probably correct. it'll be interesting to see/hear what develops! good luck with the gig!

Thoughts?

i'd want to play the best part(s) for the act that i could muster. i'm not uncomfortable going 'off script' if i think i'm adding something to the quality of the playdown or otherwise enhancing the performance....and it's easy enough falling back to what's written.

 

[lunarpollen]

I bet that the simplified bass line is in indicator of the bare minimum they are expecting from a bassist who didn't know the song beforehand. Also, there's a good chance that whoever wrote out the arrangement for the band probably isn't a bassist and couldn't (or didn't have the time/energy to) write out the full, recorded bass line. If playing it like the correct, recorded version won't interfere with their arrangement, I'm sure it wouldn't be an issue to play it like that, but I would still bring it up with them beforehand just in the slight chance that there might actually be a particular reason they want it played in simplified form.