Playing the part versus playing the record part

[RGerhart]

Oh, man, "We are family" is such a slick bass line. It's one of the first tunes I heard that really made me itch to get a Stingray.

I'd say learn both parts, and then show up demonstrate your aptitude to learn. I bet if you play the original they'll probably be super happy.

 

[Rib 13]

It just so happens I have a hired gun gig tommorrow with a similar setup: Google Drive with charts, tracks, and setlist. Theres several songs I already know and the track parts of several arent like the record. The big issue is intros and outros....My focus is just to lock in: Ill know where I need to be by how the other musicians are tackling their parts - especially the drummer. I should have a good bead on the entire night by the first few songs to see if they are just playing charts ver batim or taking some liberties and that will dictate how I need to play...Good luck with your gig

 

[bigjames]

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

This and ask them. To me it would be important to know if the tunes are originals (i.e. their songs) or covers or intended to copy the original. Been in many bands where the want to put their own spin on the cover so they do not want it to be like the record. Likewise, I have heard many bands play songs from records and the live performance is different than the record and I appreciate that too.

 

[Egg250]

This may be blasphemy for some, but I don't always play a song exactly the same way twice in a row. Sure, I follow the chord progression of the song. I will change fills, sometimes I opt for a harmony instead of a root note. So far there have been no complaints from the crowd (yeah, what crowd) or my band mates.

Play the song. Play the feel of the song. I know we are only bass players but we are artists and have the ability and discretion to play our own interpretation that supports what the rest of the band is playing.

 

[Rib 13]

This may be blasphemy for some, but I don't always play a song exactly the same way twice in a row. Sure, I follow the chord progression of the song. I will change fills, sometimes I opt for a harmony instead of a root note. So far there have been no complaints from the crowd (yeah, what crowd) or my band mates.

Play the song. Play the feel of the song. I know we are only bass players but we are artists and have the ability and discretion to play our own interpretation that supports what the rest of the band is playing.

This is really a seperate topic not having anything to do with the OPs situation but I totally agree and Im going to do a video on this sometime in the near future: Ive seen (and subbed in) bands that play songs perfectly exactly like the recording ver batim but they are such perfectionists that they deliver it with all the anti-joy and spirit of a hospital gurney. They sound amazing! -- but are boring as a million yawns. The worst part is when they are getting close to the end of a song and a pack of girls hit the dancefloor and the band gets to the end of the song.....and stops (because thats what the recording does). This is a huge facepalm and something Im definitely addressing in the video...OTOH, Ive also seen (and played or subbed in) bands that grab all the signature parts of songs and take some liberties and the result may not be exactly like the record but its a fun high energy situation for both players and the crowd....Im not at all saying bands should just randomly cluster-F draw mustaches on any given song, Im just saying that modern era rock and pop is the art of imperfection and those are what makes it fun for players, listeners, and dancers.

Ok, back to topic

 

[Hectobar]

You are a hired gun for a gig. Play it as written. Not a lot of wins in this other than read the chart. Sorry to sound cynical but…

The chart might have wrong chords, wrong rhythms, kicks & figures, etc. You are better off playing it wrong with the band. What if the MD wrote the chart? And thinks it is right.

In a case like this, I always thought my job was to make the gig go easy. Show up early, prepared and be a joy to work with. A pro.

yea, been there. Writing this is giving me PTSD of a bad Neil Diamond thing….

 

[Jeff Hughes]

Play what they hired you to play.

Sometimes recorded parts don’t fit a live mix the way they fit the record sonically.

But above all, ask the people in the group you are friendly with if it is an acceptable norm to play outside the arrangement.

 

[coy garcia]

Leave it up to the bandleader but.... I've learned songs like on the original and more times than once heard, "you're the first bass player that ever played that song right"....and it feels good to hear it

 

[brianrost]

Another vote for just playing the chart as is.

 

[retslock]

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

I’d check with them but I’d want to play the part as recorded if it gave the song a better sound. I’d reassure them that I could do it right.
I’ve played many charts in a big band scenario and often the bass part is simplified deliberately. It’s assumed that there will be different players sitting in on any given gig so to be safer when the bass player’s reading skills are unknown, they simplify.

 

[KenD]

I would just say casually, politely to the MD "I can play this straight as it's written or I can play it as recorded, whichever you prefer."

 

[Chickenwheels]

In my experience:
That chart has probably been played badly and wrong many times before. Be a pro, but don’t anguish too much.
Singers in shows often rely on hearing certain things to make them feel comfortable. If you go too out (or off page) they may get uncomfortable.
Try to figure this out at rehearsal using your eyes, ears and intuition. Keep the questions to a minimum (if possible).
Don’t make a big deal out of the charts accuracy. Sometimes the person who wrote it is there…and proud of their work. Just make it sound great without too much drama. I’ve even had to correct wrong notes on some charts, but no one need to know or even cares.

 

[Joe Nerve]

Tough call, and I agree with the others. Ask them.

I'd ask too if they have any of that bass in the tracks. With newer music, that's not uncommon. If so, I'd be real cautious of your volume (and place) in those tunes. I've been in situations where there were HUGE subs, bass in the track, bass coming out of me, and bass coming out of the keys. It can be downright painful.

 

[two fingers]

I would be prepared for both. Ask if they are OK with your playing the actual bass line. Be prepared to play the watered-down version if they decline.

 

[mikewalker]

If it works with the drummer, then "the real deal" bassline should probably fill the paying ears with the right magic. It's a well-known cover song, it deserves to have the 'best possible' groove, and not some cheap knockoff...

 

[QweziRider]

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 ran into this exact scenario last weekend with a touring act that picks up bands where they go. I stuck with what was written versus what was on original recordings. No particular reason other than I figured they wanted it the way it was on the charts.

 

[Topkat13]

First off you can’t perfectly duplicate what you hear. Secondly if your timing is good, you’re following the charts and you cats are tight and having fun what difference does it make? You can 1,5 over a tune in most cases and typically whoever is listening won’t give a rip. The question is are ya’ll locked in? Play your own lines and smile real big.

 

[mcnach]

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 would ask THEM, not Talkbass.

 

[Glennbassmann]

What's the problem...who even listens to the bass player..play what you like...no one will notice...except maybe other bass players...

 

[GreyBeard]

I'd get in touch with whoever is in charge. I'd say that the chart doesn't match the record and I can play it either way, which do you prefer? It has been my experience in the past that they want it like the record if possible.