Tal Wilkenfeld: Sometimes It Takes a P-Bass!

I wouldn't want to have to sing that song while playing. Reminds me of an Alice In Chains tune. I like it. I never knew she sang, I'm impressed. It's refreshing to see a female play a Fender P bass with an SVT, I'm in love! It actually sounds like a bass. I actually would have liked a little bit of top end/grind although I'm quibbling here, this was very impressive to me.

Edit, There are all those short sentences because as I was listening I kept coming back and adding new thoughts

 

If Alanis sang for Alice In Chains, it might be something like this.

 

I think she’s finding her range as she steps out on her own. While she’s been known as a great bassist for over a decade, it wasn’t until a couple of years ago that she started doing the singer songwriter thing in earnest. I really like how she has developed her sound.

 

I saw Tal live last week at the Ardmore Music Hall near Philly. During the songs where she was playing bass, most of the time she used this Fender P. She also played a Harmony semi-hollow body and a Sadowsky.

 

Yeah, been catching her vids on facebook, and diggin' how its all developing.

 

I don't think I'll ever be blown away listening to a P bass, Doc. It's a bit like reheated macaroni cheese; a lukewarm stodge that fills a hole in lieu of a real gastronomic delight.

 

Tal is now a side musician to herself. Personally, I too think a P bass being played well is a slice of heaven.

 

She was BORN a great bass player. She is finally coming into her own voice as a vocalist. As her voice develops she's a dangerous pro. She'll either continue to develop as a solo artist or become the next Rhonda Smith or Gail Ann Dorsey.

I'll admit that her first few attempts at lead vocals were less than amazing. I think she was being given bad advice, honestly. She seems to be "herself" vocally lately.

 

I saw her on Sunday. Impressive, maybe just not a "right place, right time" situation for me. Personally, I really liked when she rocked it a little more. Vocally, one song sounds like the next, but wow can she play.

 

If she plays a P/J basses will TB finally recognize the configuration as a legitimate bass?

 

I'm not too hot on her sound on this one. Dark, undefined, rumbly. I'm a devout follower of the P cult, but I like more definition.

I liked her singing though. The song itself was okay, some nice harmonic ideas, but I know she can do better. Definitely one of the people to watch out for in the future.

 

Very nice...like it a lot. She is a legato master, I don't think I heard an empty space the whole song.

 

I like her voice a lot more now. A few years ago I was like "meh". It's starting to get interesting for sure!
What I like about that bass tone is that it carries the song so effortless... it's also quite prominent without ever stepping into the way of anyone.

 

Her vocal is the best thing about this performance, for me.
I find the bass sound too muddy and lacking definition, a shame as it sounds like she's playing some nice lines.
Of course, she's the pro with the gig, so who am I to judge?

Like @two fingers suggests, I can absolutely see her taking on Gail Ann's path and wish her well.

 

This is great. I agree on her tone @Dr. Cheese fits the mix, not just all about solo flash. Overall everything here works for me. Always a great player but this is a new level IMO. Now we just need to send her a tort pickguard for her P bass.

 

<3