Playing the part versus playing the record part

[smittybass33]

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

Yeah, there's backing tracks as well. That's a great consideration. It's all horns and extra guitar parts. To answer another person's question, the tune is "We Are Family" sister sledge. I have the click/backing as well as a reference track. Sounds like the bassist who recorded it is doing something between the written line and the record part but it's a little tough with it being a little low in the mix and all that.

I already messaged the group to clarify. It's their show, their product and I am there as a hired gun to make them look good and do the role they want filled. I have both learned and ready

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?

I've played a ton with acts where I'm handed charts. I also do musical theatre gigs where it's the part unless the MD specifically requests something else. With that said, I've always been given latitude to do what I thought was best. That comes with them trusting me and knowing my playing which I think is a compliment to who I am as a player.

 

[smittybass33]

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.

This. I have seen this a bunch when I'm handed charts. I totally spaced on this possibility. It was in the back of mind but wasn't really considering it. Like you said though, bare minimum for the tune and gets it there without having to fully transcribe the full line. For sure, I am always one to ask clarifying questions.

 

[David A. Davis]

Know both going in and play which ever they want.

 

[waveman]

Well, first of all "play it like the record" is the funniest term I have heard in music. I have rarely seen two musicians play the same piece exactly the same, lol. That goes for any instrument. Secondly, I always learn it their way as much as possible, but I always add a piece of me in everything I play, sometimes that might just mean the feel I add to the same notes or that might mean me adding a little spice here and there

 

[darwin-bass]

Are the charts you're given just lyrics with chords or are they actual written lines in standard notation?

 

[Pings Bass]

Simplest thing that can work. If I'm hired to read for a one-off gig, I'll play the notes as written. If it's a multi-date engagement, maybe I'd start to go beyond the written page as I got familiar and comfortable with the rest of the ensemble and the expectations of the band leader/conductor.

 

[Londo Molari]

Just write your own part.
If they don't like it, leave.

 

[Levent]

Hit them with original lines + anticipations, chord subtitues and suprise modulations every chorus at stage!

 

[Bonafide]

Well, the choruses can be substituted/faked if you must - you can skip the slap bit if needed, but you can't compromise on the verse. That's where the goodness is. It's a tasty line, and despite not being 'hard' I see so many players get it wrong.

BTW, if you get the stink eye from anybody while you perform, change it up. However if you get the stank face, keep going.

 

[39-Bassist]

Personally I would try to play the song(s) as close to recording as possible. I did this with an artist I am playing with now. He actually just wanted me to play the songs as close as the recordings but let me put my spin on things. So you never know.
But let them tell you different.

 

[NKBassman]

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?

I'd ask this question to whoever is paying you.

 

[Orioles]

Back in my drumming days, my band was rehearsing with a do-wop singing quartet. Their leader was a nice guy, but he had clear ideas about what the group wanted (which is fine by me). He asked me to simplify my bass drum patterns - acknowledging that what I was playing was correct - but, saying that straight quarter notes worked better with the group's dance steps. I was happy to accommodate him.

 

[alex1fly]

Play the actual line and then if it feels weird in rehearsal, adapt to make it feel good.

 

[smittybass33]

Well, first of all "play it like the record" is the funniest term I have heard in music. I have rarely seen two musicians play the same piece exactly the same, lol. That goes for any instrument. Secondly, I always learn it their way as much as possible, but I always add a piece of me in everything I play, sometimes that might just mean the feel I add to the same notes or that might mean me adding a little spice here and there

What's so funny about playing it like the record?

Well, the choruses can be substituted/faked if you must - you can skip the slap bit if needed, but you can't compromise on the verse. That's where the goodness is. It's a tasty line, and despite not being 'hard' I see so many players get it wrong.

BTW, if you get the stink eye from anybody while you perform, change it up. However if you get the stank face, keep going.

Yes! There's a distinct difference between the stink and the stank! The verses are a lot of fun. Agreed!

Are the charts you're given just lyrics with chords or are they actual written lines in standard notation?

They're charts with written lines and parts with slashes.

Personally I would try to play the song(s) as close to recording as possible. I did this with an artist I am playing with now. He actually just wanted me to play the songs as close as the recordings but let me put my spin on things. So you never know.
But let them tell you different.

It's something that I think gets over looked at times. Most people want to do something like the part but put their own spin on it right out the gate which I understand. There's a time a place for that and why I posed this question in the thread. Got to know the source and then build on it. Like someone earlier said, sometimes the chart is made with someone who isn't a bassist or went through all the trouble to do a transcription of the thing and got something simple and close.

 

[Manticore]

This is a question for the band leader.

 

[LBS-bass]

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!


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.

What he said. I'd want to play it as it was recorded if that works. But I'd play it as charted unless I know for sure that the other thing still works with the band's arrangement.

It's much safer to have their charted part available to play if you aren't sure. They might be really happy that you're playing more true to the original, or they might have changed it for a reason.

 

[drumvsbass]

This is a good question. I answer it the same way all the time. Brian Adams 'Summer of 69' has a melodic bassline with a few long held notes here and there playing off the kick drum (if I remember correctly). I always play it with AC/DC 1/8th notes plowing the whole thing through. I like my version better. So do the bands I play with. It's not wrong to think that you could do a better job than the original in a different setting. If the drummer in the band sux, I have a tendency to play more driving 1/8th notes to keep the tempo in line while they figure their lives out.

 

[51PRI]

...It's not wrong to think that you could do a better job than the original in a different setting....

Hmmm....

Just write your own part.
If they don't like it, leave.

Just jam on it. "Accidently' lose the charts on the way to the gig and just wing it. Try to play like Jaco.

Well, the choruses can be substituted/faked if you must - you can skip the slap bit if needed, but you can't compromise on the verse. That's where the goodness is. It's a tasty line, and despite not being 'hard' I see so many players get it wrong.....

So, if there is a way to "get it wrong" then that must mean there is a way to play it right?

Personally I would try to play the song(s) as close to recording as possible.....

+1

Back in my drumming days, my band was rehearsing with a do-wop singing quartet. Their leader was a nice guy, but he had clear ideas about what the group wanted (which is fine by me). He asked me to simplify my bass drum patterns - acknowledging that what I was playing was correct - but, saying that straight quarter notes worked better with the group's dance steps. I was happy to accommodate him.

I wish more drummers realized and accepted the danceability of straight quarter notes on the bass drum.

What's so funny about playing it like the record?....

Nothing. in the vast majority of the cases, IMO, the average listener knows the record, not some live, alternate or extended version of the song.

 

[LiptonJigglers]

IMO it depends on how simplified the song has become.
Playing the original bass line may make the rhythm to busy, drown out or compete against other sections.
The only way to find this out is to play the song twice at rehearsals. Once in original format and once as they requested.

 

[51PRI]

Well, first of all "play it like the record" is the funniest term I have heard in music. I have rarely seen two musicians play the same piece exactly the same, lol. That goes for any instrument....

So they're both playing it wrong?