What are you practicing? - Legends of jazz bass.

Interesting that the most common answers are arco long tones and classical repetoire

 

I've started practicing on bass the "lick" I use on saxophones to make sure all the keys (keys on the sax) are working correctly. Play major triads through the cycle of forths sequentially. E.G. CEG/FAC/BbDF/EbGBb etc., in any inversion, up or down, no matter. For me, on bass, the lower positions are easy, and the ear easily checks intonation, but as I go up "higher" and change the inversions, it can reveal real issues with my concentration and chops. The real indication of the "issues" is that on sax, everything is absolutely automatic, no thinking necessary (I've been at sax for many decades) but on bass, I seem to have to think, which is a real indication of how far I have to go to reach thoughtless bliss.

Seems to be helping me. Mileage may vary.

Steven

 

That discover db video is extremely inspiring. I just finished watching it after about a week of watching it in small chunks. Past couple of weeks I've been spending more time on ear training (transcribing, listening for/singing root harmony of old standards, modus novus sight singing exercises), which has been helpful. Anyway, I love Robert Hurst's approach to practice--more creativity!

 

I love Brian Bromberg's playing.

 

My heroes! Now I'm about to pull up Whisper Not, 2AM. I wish they all played a bit more. Some didn't pay at all.
What is that thing J Patitucci is playing? I think that top is not spruce. Looks like pine?

 

Hard to say for sure, but the top is slab cut, as opposed to quarter sawn, so it looks different than most. Whatever that bass is, it sure has a great sound and must be a noteworthy instrument. I've seen JP playing it in other videos and it's had some pretty extensive (and expensive) restoration work usually only done on valuable old basses.

 

It's a Gagliano bass from the early 19th century. I believe Art Davis had it when he lived in LA, but I might be wrong. Luckily I was able to play it when it was at LA Bass Works back in 2016. That bass sounds like a tree.

 

Here is the classical bassist video...a good watch for jazz players too. Was not familiar with Lorraine Campet but her playing is pretty amazing!

 

Don't forget long tones

 

How about Ron Carter's spot?

 

robert hurst slays it @42:03

 

Does anyone know what’s the first tune that Brian Bromberg plays in the first video?

 

It's called "Brian's brain"