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Shedding 'Giant Steps' (bass vid)

#23
What are you trying to achieve with this, Mike?

You said not soulful in the OP, but call it a "Bass solo" in the youtube video. That sort of suggests you have musicality as your goal. If that is the case, it didn't really do it for me. There was a lack of dynamics, no solid musical theme was present and so it sounded like a bunch of unconnected random licks, rather than a musical statement. I guess I'm saying it didn't seem to communicate anything to me, and communication is the essence of music.

Technique-wise, absolutely fantastic, but not really musical. So if it was just an exercise for developing or showcasing your technique, then well done. Your technique is light years ahead of mine.

If it was an exercise in running arpeggios/modes over the changes then again, well done, but not really a musical statement or bass solo.

I mean no disrespect in the above post, but you have asked for opinions on a public forum. Feel free to disagree with me, or hopefully take the constructive criticism in the spirit it is intended.
 
#24
LiF said:
What are you trying to achieve with this, Mike?

You said not soulful in the OP, but call it a "Bass solo" in the youtube video. That sort of suggests you have musicality as your goal. If that is the case, it didn't really do it for me. There was a lack of dynamics, no solid musical theme was present and so it sounded like a bunch of unconnected random licks, rather than a musical statement. I guess I'm saying it didn't seem to communicate anything to me, and communication is the essence of music.

Technique-wise, absolutely fantastic, but not really musical. So if it was just an exercise for developing or showcasing your technique, then well done. Your technique is light years ahead of mine.

If it was an exercise in running arpeggios/modes over the changes then again, well done, but not really a musical statement or bass solo.

I mean no disrespect in the above post, but you have asked for opinions on a public forum. Feel free to disagree with me, or hopefully take the constructive criticism in the spirit it is intended.
Click to expand...

That's cool man it's all fair comment and yes I think you've summarized my goals were almost certainly technical with this - I think I could probably approach this completely from a 'soulful' perspective and get very different results - I know that when I make music that truly expresses my inner feelings/emotions there aren't really any bass solos in it! This is a tune that I, like many others out there, play in the hope of finding ways to be able to deal with this odd-shaped set of changes - for me it's a matter of building concentration and focus and it's not easy! It's not great I admit but finding out where I'm at is all part of the process of growing and developing - the fact you gave me some constructive criticism (respectfully) is really appreciated - I know I can do better and will do someday with a bit more practice.

Thanks again

Mike
 
#25
Mike Flynn said:
That's cool man it's all fair comment and yes I think you've summarized my goals were almost certainly technical with this - I think I could probably approach this completely from a 'soulful' perspective and get very different results - I know that when I make music that truly expresses my inner feelings/emotions there aren't really any bass solos in it! This is a tune that I, like many others out there, play in the hope of finding ways to be able to deal with this odd-shaped set of changes - for me it's a matter of building concentration and focus and it's not easy! It's not great I admit but finding out where I'm at is all part of the process of growing and developing - the fact you gave me some constructive criticism (respectfully) is really appreciated - I know I can do better and will do someday with a bit more practice.

Thanks again

Mike
Click to expand...

It's a tough gig being a bassist. Every time I play I am humbled by my deficiencies, but for me that's a good place to be. It helps focus me on the next goal, gives me ideas to work upon and keeps me level headed so that my primary objective is to support the music, whatever gig I am playing.

I really liked the Reggie clip someone posted. The playing was technically flawless, "flashy" but he kept it musical. If I ever get to that level I will die a happy man.
 

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