Which bass lines to play?

[retslock]

I'd ask the band. It might surely throw them completely to suddenly hear different bass than they're used to.

This is the answer. Since you're there to cover their bass player's absence, you don't need to make a statement on your own behalf. Give them what they want for that gig.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

So I am a fellow bass player with my own band, and I run sound for a very popular (and busy) local power pop band. For a gig coming up in a few weeks, their bass player cannot make it and they want me to sub in on bass.


Since I have been running sound for them for a long time, I have all the arrangements memorized, so no issues there.


Their bass player mostly plays very simplified versions of the bass lines for the songs. In the band’s case it works as she keeps a steady groove going, and the performance really highlights the four-part vocals anyway. Their crowd dances the entire show and I don’t think anyone notices the incorrect bass lines.


My dilemma is this. Should I just mimic the same simple bass lines, or play the correct bass lines? As a purist, I have trouble playing something that I know is wrong, but on the other hand I’m being paid to play so maybe I should just suck it up and smile??


I’m interested in your thoughts and experiences in this regard.


Cheers.

‘I’d ask the BL which he/she would prefer.

 

[Jazzdogg]

"My dilemma is this. Should I just mimic the same simple bass lines or play the correct bass lines?

What constitutes a correct bass line?

If you're referring to the bass line that was played on the original recording, that may, or may not, be the bass line that best serves the song with this particular band.

I'd suggest posing your question to the band leader, and try to serve the song the best you can in the context of this band at this time.

Good luck!

 

[mikewalker]

"incorrect bass lines"... I think not! I'd call them "that band's unique power-pop arrangement" basslines, so challenge yourself to try and play in that same spirit. Anyone can play 'note-for-note', and anyone can 'do their own thing'... but it's a real talent who can sieze the spirit and play it 'very much in the style of' someone who's been doing their own thing...

 

[sean_on_bass]

So I am a fellow bass player with my own band, and I run sound for a very popular (and busy) local power pop band. For a gig coming up in a few weeks, their bass player cannot make it and they want me to sub in on bass.


Since I have been running sound for them for a long time, I have all the arrangements memorized, so no issues there.


Their bass player mostly plays very simplified versions of the bass lines for the songs. In the band’s case it works as she keeps a steady groove going, and the performance really highlights the four-part vocals anyway. Their crowd dances the entire show and I don’t think anyone notices the incorrect bass lines.


My dilemma is this. Should I just mimic the same simple bass lines, or play the correct bass lines? As a purist, I have trouble playing something that I know is wrong, but on the other hand I’m being paid to play so maybe I should just suck it up and smile??


I’m interested in your thoughts and experiences in this regard.


Cheers.

If/when i sub, i do my own thing. That often times means the original feel with my own stamp, then filtered through the band's sound on stage. If they do their own arrangements, i need to learn their arrangements.

 

[buldog5151bass]

None of us have heard the band. Speak with themand see what THEY want. When in doubt, play what she does.

 

[gtirard]

We are servants

Play the simple lines, that's what a vocal band needs.

I know what I'm talking about, I play in a rock band and a vocal band.

And try to make each note groove like if it was your last note. You may learn things and improve your playing: it's more difficult to play fewer notes. Have fun!

 

[eddododo]

So I am a fellow bass player with my own band, and I run sound for a very popular (and busy) local power pop band. For a gig coming up in a few weeks, their bass player cannot make it and they want me to sub in on bass.


Since I have been running sound for them for a long time, I have all the arrangements memorized, so no issues there.


Their bass player mostly plays very simplified versions of the bass lines for the songs. In the band’s case it works as she keeps a steady groove going, and the performance really highlights the four-part vocals anyway. Their crowd dances the entire show and I don’t think anyone notices the incorrect bass lines.


My dilemma is this. Should I just mimic the same simple bass lines, or play the correct bass lines? As a purist, I have trouble playing something that I know is wrong, but on the other hand I’m being paid to play so maybe I should just suck it up and smile??


I’m interested in your thoughts and experiences in this regard.


Cheers.

I think it was a keen observation to notice the simplified lines and particularly their effect on the group.

I think there is general lesson here worth observing for everyone, and I say that as someone who can overplay (though I'm also not generally doing any coverband gigs).

For OP specifically, I'd feel it out. Despite 'knowing better,' I can certainly relate to wanting to at least do the official basslines, and frankly you're probably more than fine to do them.. The group MAY be used to hearing the extra space, so probably the wisest move is to split the difference.

It's easy to under play, and then listen and find the extra space you'd like to fill.. it's significantly harder to overplay and then figure out where to play less. I think this is a very general and important lesson for anyone on any instrument- it works for writing songs, it works for arranging covers, and it works for guys like me who are largely improvising and playing more instrumental-forward music. It's ALWAYS easier to start small and grow into a song, and its USUALLY a better musical result.

I'd normally just say 'eh play the line you want,' but knowing there is dense 4-part vocals etc, this could be an excellent exercise in restraint.

 

[buldog5151bass]

If you do speak with the band on the issue, tread lightly. Don't go with "your bassist is playing all the wrong lines". I'd go more with "I noticed some differences between the recordings and what your bassist is playing. Do you want me to try to copy what she played?"