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Double Bass Workshop with Paul Kowert from Hawktail & Punch Brothers

If it was anywhere near me, I would go, but even if I did, it would most likely be 12 stories over my head. Zoowicky is a genius. Love what Hawktail puts out. Kinda' went artistically where I often wished Nickel Creek would have.
 
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I attended a 4-day camp last Oct at which Paul taught. He's very generous and open. Obviously has a ton of knowledge to share, but is also just a really nice, down-to-earth guy. At this camp, while there were class descriptions, he was happy to work on whatever the participants wanted. I was lucky - there were maybe 8 bassists split between Paul and Todd Phillips. So I got hours and hours to spend time with both of them in classes, at meals, jamming, and just walking along the beach.

I got to play Paul's bass, and he played mine - I have vid of him on my bass showing various slap patterns and different versions of a song I lead. Totally threw me when he just picked a song, played a backing line, and asked me to take a lead over him. Yeah - RIGHT! :rolleyes: I got A TON out of meeting him - not only technique, but just how to think of things.

One issue will be the # of bassists who show up. I imagine it would be a lot more rewarding if there were only a few of you, rather than 20 or so. But either way, it will be $60 well spent IMO. In any event, they are all amazing musicians, and impress me as really nice people. You oughtn't pass up this opportunity.

I'd suggest that you think of a couple of things you'd really like his input on - like for me it was developing leads up the neck. He and Todd both urged me to "Just play a note. And if that doesn't work, play another! Eventually you'll find yourself somewhere that works." :laugh: And don't be shy when he asks for suggestions. He probably WILL ask if there is anything anyone wants to work on, and he might as well address your question instead of someone else's.

If I were you, I'd make a day of it and attend the show that eve as well.
 
Thanks Ed, this is super helpful! I'm a longtime lover of bluegrass and listener of Punch Brothers (and more recently Hawktail as well), but don't get to play it much.

I'm going just for the experience but will definitely prepare some questions about playing approach and such that may work for other styles too.
 

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