The moment BASS solos were invented

[Fender_Bender]

As an aside, I've watched about 4 drum solos from "drum god" Buddy Rich this week and I didn't find anything melodic or musical about them. Just drum wankery doing as many notes as possible per minute .

 

[HHudson]

@themickster I don't believe turf3 was criticizing Charles' playing, more, by employing irony himself, the historical context .

The first comment on YT certainly is cringe worthy though... "Holy crap, bass is like a real instrument!"

 

[Neil Folkard]

I guess my comment went over your head.

"The moment bass solos were invented" - in African-American improvised music would be some time before 1940 (really, Blanton wasn't nearly the first), or overall, probably with Dragonetti.

I was making fun of the typical young music fan who is ASTONISHED to find that Paul McCartney was in a band before Wings.

Well, to be fair, since it's only a humorous video, why would you even respond like that? Charles has a great respect for musicians and music's history from what I've seen.

 

[Neil Folkard]

Yep, the guy is amazing. I think it was one of his videos Lee Sklar was reacting to when he mentioned (and I paraphrase here) "That amazes me. I can't do that. But I have one question... DO you want a gig? Then those skills are great but not the important ones you need to play bass in an ensemble." <<again paraphrased. If someone has the article or video please share it and be welcome to make any corrections as it's been a while since I saw or read the thing. I wouldn't want to misquote one of my favorite players.

Still the guy is a really impressive technician. Maybe he can put all that away and play a supportive role as well. I wouldn't know. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he could/and does. I haven't seen him in anything other than a solo context so I would hesitate to make any judgements myself.

Apparently, he has been in bands in the past and played supportive roles. He has chosen to expand his playing palette as far as possible and definitely has skills, so I don't think that there's anything wrong with that.

And I think it's weird to assume (not saying at all that you are) that just because someone can do insane solos, doesn't mean that they can't hold it down too, and have no interest in doing so.

 

[turf3]

Well, to be fair, since it's only a humorous video, why would you even respond like that? Charles has a great respect for musicians and music's history from what I've seen.

Well, YOU'RE the one that wrote "when bass solos were invented". Charles (I guess that's the name of the bass player) didn't claim HE invented bass solos.

 

[MrDinsdale]

Well, YOU'RE the one that wrote "when bass solos were invented". Charles (I guess that's the name of the bass player) didn't claim HE invented bass solos.

I'm pretty sure "The moment bass solos were invented" was the title of the YouTube video.

 

[thmsjordan]

Apparently, he has been in bands in the past and played supportive roles. He has chosen to expand his playing palette as far as possible and definitely has skills, so I don't think that there's anything wrong with that.

And I think it's weird to assume (not saying at all that you are) that just because someone can do insane solos, doesn't mean that they can't hold it down too, and have no interest in doing so.

I quite agree it would be weird to assume that. That's why I phrased things the way I did. No disagreement here.

Somewhat along the same lines as what you are saying is my thought that the guy has taken his skills & put them onto a web service that then monetizes them. He literally gets paid for videos like this and that is kinda new to the bass world. People obviously watch, are impressed and give it a like. They then in turn drive more people who watch, like etc. etc. While this isn't the type of playing required of most sidemen, it is impressive enough to draw viewers which = Money. It is kinda like street busking except it's online, you aren't thirsty from standing in the sun all morning, you don't need a hat to catch the donations, and no one is peeing on the wall behind you while you play.

So guy has created an income stream for himself by showcasing his skills. Good for him. It is another way of helping him make a living, and I see nothing at all wrong with that.

 

[Neil Folkard]

Well, YOU'RE the one that wrote "when bass solos were invented". Charles (I guess that's the name of the bass player) didn't claim HE invented bass solos.

Good Grief, that's literally the name of the video.