Thank you... I think.

What kind of music were you playing?

 

I’ve been told that before because the previous bass player wasn’t that good and it more or less meant it was relaxing not to be stressing and playing with a bad bass player...

 

I guess you could take that as a positive. If you were playing punk, on the other hand...

 

I think it's simple math. the more dirt you play with the more likely that would be an insult, and vice-versa is true.

 

Take it as a compliment.I've played with a lot of different drummer's and a bad drummer is anything but relaxing to play with! A great drummer makes playing bass almost effortless.

 

I get that. One word most often used to describe me is "smooth". Whether it's on bass, on acoustic guitar, or vocals ... I'm often told "you're so smooth". From audiences and emcees, no less! And next to that "you look so relaxed on stage". Neither is a compliment really, just an observation, I suppose.

 

Nice humble brag

 

There is nothing I enjoy more than mellow, relaxing Punk Rock.

 

If you want to see it that way ... but it wasn't.

 

Drummer told me once I had "big ears" in an audition. Got self-conscious for a second, then realized what he meant. I listened well. I'm no monster player, but I do try very hard to listen and adapt. Ironically, this drummer was very hard of hearing (30 years my senior).

Being "relaxing" to play with means he could play and not have to worry about you or wrangle you in. That is indeed a compliment.

 

+1 Thinking the same thing - a good drummer may not be "relaxing" per se, but he/she is relaxing compared to a bad drummer, who keeps you guessing on timing.

 

I think we can safely assume the OP isn't a punk player. There was no mention of any 40 oz. Olde English 800 for one, and nobody got smacked upside the head with a bass covered in stickers...

 

Oh, I laughed, and then ran a little further with the joke, shoulda finished with a or a , I guess.

 

Take the compliment!

If what you are playing is getting "good press", run with it!

Better than being told you suck, or worse, NOTHING!

 

He started his remarks with "I love your bass playing" - I'm Pretty darn certain that the rest is still a compliment, or at least intended to be. Don't try to twist it into something mroe complicated than it is.

Years of being congratulated for songs the we didn't play - "I love the Blondie tune" (we were an all original band) or being recognized at the guitar player (I only play bass) have made me realize that, if someone likes something you did, or even recognizes you as someone who enetertained them in some way, no matter how misguided their compliment is, the correct answer is "Thanks".

It's a good thing.

Yeah, I just quoted Martha Stewart. Deal with it.

 

Seems simple enough to me.

You are so relaxing they are fighting sleep.

Kidding of course.