Why all the Tal smack talk?

[Duke21]

Tal is great, and she and Vinnie C is classic rhythm section imo.

Saw Jeff Beck with Rhonda Smith last year, I greatly prefer Tal.

Saw Beck with Tal several times on NRK, and last time he played with Rhonda. She was much more aggressive, but I like better the way Tal play when she play for Jeff Beck. I also like here solo work. I guess some guys are disturbed because Tal is good looking.

 

[Lobster11]

I showed a guitarist friend of mine (who is an amateur but can play quite well) some clips of Tal online and he immediately dismissed her, telling me something along the lines of "women can't rock, man" or "this (expletive) is weak!!" This is coming from someone who can play virtually every Van Halen lick and, when not trying to be so macho, actually has good taste in music otherwise IMO. I was just taken aback by the blatant sexist remarks.

I absolutely do NOT want to contribute in any way to a "who's better" competition about Tal vs. Julie Slick which, as Julie herself noted a few posts back, is ridiculous and pointless. However, I do think that showing your guitar player a few Julie clips with Adrian Belew might be more effective at convincing your guitar player that "women CAN rock," if only because of the musical genre. See what he thinks of this one, for example:

Adrian Belew Power Trio - Writing on the Wall - YouTube

If this doesn't "rock" enough for him, and he thinks it is "weak," well, I'm afraid there's no hope.

P.S. If your guitar play thinks Van Halen is all that, checking out Adrian Belew might do him some good too....

 

[beezerjoe]

+1000 - jealousy...

and i get to hear her name (and comparisons) just about everyday. oh whyyy oh whyyy? it's not a competition.

You know I don't buy the whole jealousy thing. It's really about an individual perception. The people that like her, like her and will defend her tooth and nail. The ones that don't really care for her take on bass share their view get blasted buy the Tal proponents. There are some thin skinned people here that don't handle criticism of their heroes and heroines very well. It's just a personal opinion not a personal attack people. It does make for interesting reading though. Like I've said before congradulations to her for her sucesses and I respect her as a musician she's just not my cup of tea. To all of you who say she totally kicks your ass on the bass. All I can say is go learn some theory and woodshed. That level of playing or some semblence of it isn't out of your reach. I'm out.

 

[Pacman]

 

[Bassorama57]

Saw Beck with Tal several times on NRK, and last time he played with Rhonda. She was much more aggressive, but I like better the way Tal play when she play for Jeff Beck. I also like here solo work. I guess some guys are disturbed because Tal is good looking.

I think that's it. She's good looking and plays bass better than I do. I can probably deadlift more though, so at least I got that goin' for me.

 

[No Malarky]

She is capable.

 

[staindbass]

i dont understand why people are concerned about other peoples opinion of another musician

 

[78Jazzlover]

The thing with Tal is not about her playing, she plays great and at a top pro level, its about being a cute young flirty female which
opened doors that were not opened for other players that are equally qualified. Its never been that Tal's success has only been about her looks with nothing to back it up, its about non musical factors that gave her a fast track.

Why is it so hard for people to grasp that this can happen and she can be a very talented player at the same time? That it has to be either one or the other? This kind of thing has been happening since showbiz was invented, looks and sexuality and gender play a role in all facets of entertainment on and off the stage and why wouldent it play a role in the minds of great musicians/artists hiring a band, or even managers, production people, and sidemen etc?

I imagine its new and fresh and fun for all the people who hire her to have her around and still get the gig done well too. Does anyone really think that a chubby, balding, over 35 quiet guy (who plays great also) would have had the same gigs in this time frame and the attention of the media? Please. Nothing can be taken away from her playing and artistry, but she had the doors opened when they were locked for others. THATS SHOWBIZ. She is an anomoly, and not just for her playing. You are naive if you truly believe that her career path is purely a result of her talent. Its a definate combo.

 

[MikeBass]

The thing with Tal is not about her playing, she plays great and at a top pro level, its about being a cute young flirty female which
opened doors that were not opened for other players that are equally qualified. Its never been that Tal's success has only been about her looks with nothing to back it up, its about non musical factors that gave her a fast track.

Why is it so hard for people to grasp that this can happen and she can be a very talented player at the same time? That it has to be either one or the other? This kind of thing has been happening since showbiz was invented, looks and sexuality and gender play a role in all facets of entertainment on and off the stage and why wouldent it play a role in the minds of great musicians/artists hiring a band, or even managers, production people, and sidemen etc?

I imagine its new and fresh and fun for all the people who hire her to have her around and still get the gig done well too. Does anyone really think that a chubby, balding, over 35 quiet guy (who plays great also) would have had the same gigs in this time frame and the attention of the media? Please. Nothing can be taken away from her playing and artistry, but she had the doors opened when they were locked for others. THATS SHOWBIZ. She is an anomoly, and not just for her playing. You are naive if you truly believe that her career path is purely a result of her talent. Its a definate combo.

+1 here.
The fact that she can step up and KILL the gigs she's had is proof enough you would think.

She has the talent/skill/chops AND she has looks to go along with it.

 

[Sav'nBass]

Don't know if someone posted this or not.. but Table for One ... the girl has chops..

I dunno .. maybe I am naive in how this really works.. but I think that it is probably more a matter of age and talent.. and less looks.. yeah she's cute.. but these guys get all kinds of women.. and have for decades.. and I am sure that for some that may have gotten kind of old.. I think it is more about seeing this kid and knowing how the game works and wanting to guide her along the way.. seeing this talent and wanting to give her a chance.. I think that is she were some fat nerdy quiet 35 year old.. she wouldn't be in that position.. The kid is 24... and taking the music by the horns.. She is what ... 6 years in and payed some dues.. If she were a guy no one would say anything.. and there have been young guys who just .. caught that break.. right place right time BANG running with the big dogs.... I say Good for her.. and play on..

 

[richardbruce]

Granted, she's very talented - but so are lots of other bass players out there. Anyone who denys that her youthful good looks don't open doors for her is in pure denial. She's blessed to have the chops when she walks in to keep the opportunities she gets. And I love her!

 

[Musiclogic]

She is a good player, not immensely creative, or over the top in any way, just simply solid. She does remind me of a prissy 12 yr old. But her playing is right there!

 

[Meddle]

I don't think this is unique to music. I guess bass playing is seen as a man's domain, so if a woman gets good at it, or is seen to be playing for a famous musician at bigger venues it must be 'because of their looks' rather than their skill at their craft. Usual bitter rubbish.

 

[taurus1]

most bass players are fat dudes with goofy hats.
she's female, young and attractive, that wins everytime.
obviously she's a great player and music isn't a competition, you can either handle the gig or not, she can.

 

[carlthegroover]

Should I also add that she usually plays that gorgeous blonde Jazz Bass? I certainly want one! Not to go too off topic, but there is apparently a VM Squier Jazz Bass that looks almost like hers. Maybe her success has a bit to do with her choice of instruments too?



And, yes, the girl is cute and has some groove going. Good for her!

P.S. Is it me, or she kinda "dances" like Jaco? Look in this video and let me know:

 

[Ric5]

Why all the Tal smack talk?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When it comes to female bass players I would take Julie Slick over Tal ...

I've not seen Tal do this ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExKNzqQIjSM

Julie has more attack in her playing ...

 

[gimmeagig]

It's been a while now since she arrived on the scene.I have been looking on youtube for some new clips of her but I couldn't find anything. Who is she playing with these days?

 

[jerry]

It's been a while now since she arrived on the scene.I have been looking on youtube for some new clips of her but I couldn't find anything. Who is she playing with these days?

She's back with Jeff Beck.

 

[gimmeagig]

Cool, I think it's a better fit. Rhonda was a little too theatrical for my taste, especially during her solos.

 

[funkytown]

It's been a while now since she arrived on the scene.I have been looking on youtube for some new clips of her but I couldn't find anything. Who is she playing with these days?

She's been doing alot of writing and recording for her own record as well as others, most recently Joe Walsh and Brian Wilson but a host of others as well. (All based on her good looks LOL).She's not touring until her record is done but she's sat in with different people and there's videos on youtube if you dig lol. And she just did crossroads2013 this past weekend with Jeff Beck in NY. Videos of that on youtube also.