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Why all the Tal smack talk?

#103
I don't see anything wrong with just admitting that some of her exposure is due to things outside of bass playing. I really like her playing. I enjoy it without watching but in the rest of the world it's unique to have a really talented female bass player. We all know that there are lots of them.

It's like the kid doing the chicken. Definitely has some gift but if I did that same thing most people would say it's average or below. Looks will always be a part of it. I'm sure plenty of ugly women can sing country music.
 
#104
chicagodoubler said:
Every time I hear her name there's talk of her success being attributed to her looks, age and gender.

Nobody gets to play with Vinnie and Chick because of these things. Between the two of them and Jeff Beck, those cats have played with the "who's who" of music deity. You just don't get there without the musical goods. Ever seen these guys in person? Chick especially has never been one to rely on image...



I just wanted to start a thread praising her for her groove, harmonic complexity, and the outpouring of joy I hear in her playing... as I said in another thread, I'd be happy to sub a gig to her any day of the week. Not true of many of the chopsier fellas out there these days. There's certainly guys with more chops, but typically there's that nasty ego that goes along with it. Tal seems humble enough not to vibe cats off the stage. This quality alone gets you farther in the industry than nearly anything else. Who wants to be on the bus with a prick?

Rant on.
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She is an absolute monster! And as an added benifit, she puts an end to all those ugly bass player jokes!:smug:
 
#105
I love Tal - besides her musicality - for her naturality, her amazing self-confidence and fearlessness as well as her joy while playing! It is not often seen that somebody shows his/her joy so much - just Verdine White of EW&F comes to my mind immediately! :D

Of course there are so many great players - known and unknown - but I wish that this endless and worthless comparison would stop and people could enjoy and appreciate all these wonderful personalities on bass and their musical gifts to the world - each of them unique and great - no matter what gender, age etc. :)

Tal is definitely a great example for other young upcoming female bass players - to believe in yourself and do your thing. :D
 
#106
BobaFret said:
It's like the kid doing the chicken. Definitely has some gift but if I did that same thing most people would say it's average or below. Looks will always be a part of it. I'm sure plenty of ugly women can sing country music.
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If any of us played like the kid, I agree. However, if you played like Tal, there'd be a thread about you here.
 
#107
I was a little skeptical when I first saw her, but it didn't take long to realize WHY she's with Beck; he has always had great bassists who are serious time keepers- Tal is the same- she also has all kinds of other gifts- a fine soloist's sensibilities etc., PLUS she has a great fat sound. Tal is certainly as good as anyone who has toured with Beck. Plus she is cute as a button and probably fun to work with....so what's the problem?
JS
 
#108
The first time I heard her, I was unaware of her gender. I heard a really good bassist who didn't seem focused on impressing people. I liked that I wasn't hearing effects or gimmicks, and that the player obviously knew that a solo wasn't just a 16-bar technical extravaganza.

When I found out she was female, I thought it was good to see another talented woman bringing attention to the instrument.

When I learned she was only 19, I thought, "she's got almost a whole life ahead of her, and she's already this good? Damn."

I think part of my liking for her playing is a similarity in our styles. Not that I'm as good as she is, mind you. More of a philosophical approach.

Yeah, a 19-year-old Australian can kick my butt. More power to her :D
 
#112
JAUQO III-X said:
:)



I only posted that clip to show that there really are more young talented bassist out there.


There really are more than what most would like to believe.
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I really hope you could've dug up something better than him. He's really not all that good (unless you factor in that he's about 8...)
 
#114
Pacman said:
I really hope you could've dug up something better than him. He's really not all that good (unless you factor in that he's about 8...)
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I think he is good and I actually took into account his age. And he can become a much better bass player as long as he stays in the game and focused.

And I could care less that he's doing a cover because I can hear pass that.


Let's see what he sounds like when he's 22.
 
#115
Pacman said:
I really hope you could've dug up something better than him. He's really not all that good (unless you factor in that he's about 8...)
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Dang, Jon, how good were you when you were 8? And I'm sure he has to be nervous being on TV and not being used to it. I think the kid kicks it and you adults that think he's not that good ought to cut the kid some slack and show a little perspective about his age. I know a lot of adults (and probably in this thread as well) that can't play that well.
 
#116
JimmyM said:
Dang, Jon, how good were you when you were 8? And I'm sure he has to be nervous being on TV and not being used to it. I think the kid kicks it and you adults that think he's not that good ought to cut the kid some slack and show a little perspective about his age. I know a lot of adults (and probably in this thread as well) that can't play that well.
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I know the kid can kick my butt.:hiding:
 
#118
JAUQO III-X said:
Tal is not the only bass player that people talk crap about.



It goes with the territory for what reason the critic(s) sees fit.
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Well the only reason Jauqo gets so much attention is due to his skill, and he's the prettiest bassist I know....... :eek:

seriously here's all I have to say about Tal Wilkenfeld:

1) She's a very good bass player, and better than me to say the least.

2) She has excellent representation

3) She's a very kind and engaging person (FWIBT*)

4) She's (IMO) an exceptionally attractive young woman

5) If she were 100lbs overweight and riddled with unsightly warts, she would not have the gigs she has now....

To call these issues in to question is like pointing a dirty finger at human nature. If I was a band leader and had the choice between Vail and Tal for a sold-out gig, I would choose Tal.... and Vail has been a personal role model of mine since I was a young child. Why Tal then? Because Tal in herself is an attraction. Not JUST becuase of her looks, or JUST becuase of her playing, or JUST because of her resume.... its the WHOLE PACKAGE. In in my estimation a show advertised with Tal will sell more tickets than a show advertised with Vail, and that would be a sound business decision.

Its Business and human nature. We can aspire to a higher state of morality, and some of are afforded the wonderful opportunity to be moral and kind when we're faced with important choices...but that doesnt change business, or human nature.

My $0.02 --- FLAME "ON"
 

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