Tomorrow is not promised.

[Dr. Cheese]

From time to time, I have questioned why I am making a serious effort to study Bass as an older person. Today, however, a thought came to my mind: Jimmy Blanton; Scott Lafaro; Jaco Pastorius; Oscar Pettiford; Doug Rauch; did not know their lives would be short. They just got the most out of the time they had. That should be my approach, whether I have ten days or twenty-five years left to play.

 

[Ostie]

People often take up hobbies or studies late in life, such as painting, writing, furniture making, gardening. Don’t question it Doc, just do it and enjoy it. No regrets!

 

[Killing Floor]

My coach used to say play each day like it's your last because one day it will be.

 

[AGCurry]

My wife and I - both in our sixties - use this question: What else are we doing? If we enjoy doing something and it's not hurting anybody, more power to us.

 

[Spin Doctor]

I didn't start playing bass till I was 50. Didn't own one, never really even seen one up close. I just started taking some lessons because I figured hey why not? After about six months I started gigging with a blues band and since then, never not been in some kind of group. It had never occurred to me that I was too old to start LOL. I'll be 61 in a couple of months and looking forward to playing some outdoor shows again

 

[Malcolm1935]

Doctor, You have a lot of time left. I gigged till we went to independent living. No one there was interested in playing "our music". Both Mary Charles and I had Covid 19 and we are now in assisted living. And I now have Talk Bass, and all my books.

Reading Alfred's Essentials of Jazz Theory and enjoying every minute it gives me.

My point; music can be with you as long as you want.

Happy trails.

 

[Hummergeist]

Any of us could go at any time. That’s not a reason to freeze up, it’s a reason to keep working.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Doctor, You have a lot of time left. I gigged till we went to independent living. No one there was interested in playing "our music". Both Mary Charles and I had Covid 19 and we are now in assisted living. And I now have Talk Bass, and all my books.

Reading Alfred's Essentials of Jazz Theory and enjoying every minute it gives me.

My point; music can be with you as long as you want.

Happy trails.

Best wishes to you and your wife!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Any of us could go at any time. That’s not a reason to freeze up, it’s a reason to keep working.

I agree. We all will die, but there is no point in sitting around waiting for it.

 

[TheDirtyLowDown]

Hey Doc -- I have two comments on what you said. One is from me: THANKS for putting all that time into bass, and for sharing what you've learned, thought about, bought, or thought about buying on this forum. Your insight and discussion have helped me, and I bet a lot of other folks, too. Respect!

The second thing I'll add is a short essay from Annie Dillard about finding what you love, and doing it. I discovered her stuff back in the early 80's, and this essay has stuck in my brain since then. So check it out: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[WestyBassBob]

I do wish I had started years ago. Because right now it’s the only thing that brings me joy.

 

[JRA]

That should be my approach, whether I have ten days or twenty-five years left to play.

We all will die, but there is no point in sitting around waiting for it.

i've played music (and have been involved in the business) all of my life --- and i've enjoyed all of it while i've 'used' it. at 70+ = i'm depending on it! music is the 'highest order' i know, everything else is speculation/hope/faith.

but: i hope i play some gigs again...before --- you know! i have faith!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I didn't start playing bass till I was 50. Didn't own one, never really even seen one up close. I just started taking some lessons because I figured hey why not? After about six months I started gigging with a blues band and since then, never not been in some kind of group. It had never occurred to me that I was too old to start LOL. I'll be 61 in a couple of months and looking forward to playing some outdoor shows again

You look very young. You and I are nearly the same age, but I have been playing much, much longer than you. Too bad I don’t have more to show for it.

 

[bass12]

Might as well grow until you die (or at least grow as long as you can). And music is good for keeping one’s aging brain active (use it or lose it). I figure the more I learn now the less I’ll regret when it’s too late (and I already have my fair share of music-related regrets ). Keep pluggin’ away, doc!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Hey Doc -- I have two comments on what you said. One is from me: THANKS for putting all that time into bass, and for sharing what you've learned, thought about, bought, or thought about buying on this forum. Your insight and discussion have helped me, and I bet a lot of other folks, too. Respect!

The second thing I'll add is a short essay from Annie Dillard about finding what you love, and doing it. I discovered her stuff back in the early 80's, and this essay has stuck in my brain since then. So check it out: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

That is quite an interesting essay!

 

[thmsjordan]

The great cellist Pablo Casals was once interviewed by a young reporter. The interview was set in the morning and as the young man went to knock on the door of Casal's hotel room he heard the sound of the great man practicing. Once he was admitted, his first question to Casals was "Sir, you are in your 90's. Why do you continue to practice so hard?" The answer came "Well, I think I am making some progress."

 

[Samatza]

Focus on what you want and don’t worry about age, it’s irrelevant.

My father played every day up until he died at 89. He derived so much joy out of learning, he was too frail to go out and gig but he carried on regardless.

I say if it gives you pleasure just do it, many of us are not destined to be great but it doesn’t matter, the joy of playing is for everyone.

For me, I just love the journey, friendships and happiness playing music creates, wouldn’t swap that for all the money in the world.

Rock on Doc, you’re still a young man!

 

[Ric5]

even if you live to be 100 life is still short

 

[Krantz]

I appreciate your bass playing, your thoughtful insight, and all the love you bring to our blessed bass forum. Thank you Sir! I have also been playing (studying) bass 40 + years and just being in the moment working on my technique, rhythm, sound brings joy to my life. We are so lucky to be in this time playing. I think of Steve Swallow who transitioned from being a great upright player to bass guitar, plays jazz electric bass with a pick, and the dude is like almost 80. I hope we are all rocking it at 80!

 

[markjazzbassist]

Charles Bradley was a musician who was discovered at the age of 54 years old. He then toured the world for the rest of his life and died doing it. I saw him, he was in his 60's when i saw him, he was excellent. His music is wonderful. it's never too late, truly...