| Author | Message | ||
| molan
Junior Username: molan Post Number: 25 Registered: 6-2009 |
Nice article about Jimmy in Bass Player this month  Good to see you getting the recognition Jimmy! (Message edited by molan on August 22, 2009) | ||
| molan
Junior Username: molan Post Number: 26 Registered: 6-2009 |
Previous post edited so I could get a better scan  | ||
| sonicus
Advanced Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 265 Registered: 5-2009 |
Nice article | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 1012 Registered: 11-2004 |
I wish I was 0.001% as good as jimmyj! | ||
| georgie_boy
Senior Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 919 Registered: 8-2005 |
Man.......we all wish we were 0.001% as good as Jimmy J!! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8628 Registered: 5-2002 |
Great shot of the bass!!! | ||
| lidon2001
Senior Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 420 Registered: 4-2005 |
Recently posted on the Alembic myspace.com page:  | ||
| jimmyj
Intermediate Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 105 Registered: 8-2008 |
Thanks my kind pals, I haven't read the article so I can't say how accurate it all is, but Stevie is a nice chap. Feels a bit odd to see a new story about something played 13 years ago but it's always good to get some Alembic press, right? Maybe good to turn some people on to Holdsworth too. Interesting shot of my road bass that Tom posted. I don't know where that was taken but I have to giggle at the "art directed" knob settings. Cue boost at max? I don't think so! Ha! Jimmy J | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8631 Registered: 5-2002 |
Jimmy; I'm guessing Mica took that shot at Alembic, as the background looks like the same background she uses for the pics she takes of all the instruments, an example being the latest Featured Custom. And while we have that picture in front of us, I see that pointer for the master volume that you mentioned in a recent post. Also noteworthy (being a bit of a highlight on a wonderful bass) is the really cool tailpiece. | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 1015 Registered: 11-2004 |
That is a lovely example of THE classic Alembic bass layout. It is pornography for bassist's I must try and get a copy in the UK and try the transcription(ha ha!) Think I will go to youtube now and listen to it. It is Saturday night/Sunday mornindg and I am a bit drunk as I have been with a few bass playing mates and had a great time talking about bass stuff...they are intrigued that I am on internet terms with Jimmy Johnson..John who is a James Taylor fan doesn;t believe me so I am going to have to get to my house and show him the Alembic club!! | ||
| molan
Junior Username: molan Post Number: 27 Registered: 6-2009 |
I can scan the whole article if anyone wants it? I'm on the mailing list (in the UK) and seem to get my copies pretty early, this one arrived on Friday. Bass Player is much more available over here these days than it used to me. WH Smith in my provincial little town even stocks it so Jimmy's name is being seen in print all around the world now | ||
| mario_farufyno
Advanced Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 240 Registered: 9-2008 |
It is dificult to pick a Holdsworth's "best band" since this guy played with some of the best cats around, but this is the formation that turned me on his work (while blewing my mind) and stills on top into my heart. Love this full melodic rhythm section with Jimmy Johnson and Chad Wakerman. Hear MR JJ Tone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro26GZlg52A If not by his impressive playing skills, it was tremendously pleasant to see how kind Jimmy J can be. You're the cat, man! Remeber: The best things stays for ever (and you've made a lot to be hailed). | ||
| molan
Junior Username: molan Post Number: 28 Registered: 6-2009 |
Whole article & transcription now scanned in reasonable quality - file size about 3MB zipped. Zap me a message if you'd like a copy. Mario - thanks for that link, really enjoyed it | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2409 Registered: 3-2004 |
What great tone on that track, Mario! Man, I want to dupe Jimmy's strings and settings now. I was reading the article thinking about how great and tasteful Jimmy's playing always is, but never really thinking the tone was all *that* special. It always fits into the tune, but it sure seems special today. -bob | ||
| jimmyj
Intermediate Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 106 Registered: 8-2008 |
OK, you guys are all being super nice but I'm starting to blush so take it easy... As I mentioned in another thread, sometimes the chords you get to play over really make it happen. Since Allan has a harmonizer playing parallel 5ths (or 4ths?), this particular set of changes is more "open" than some and just makes you want to play melodies. And although the solo on that clip doesn't quite get there for me (wish I had another take) it was a joy just to TRY to blow over that harmonic bed coming from the other side of the stage. You know what I mean? Spot the bad edit at !:04 - the video editor seems to have misplaced a couple bars... As for the tone, again this was an unusual graphite necked fretted Series I which has since been converted to a fretless. It may have been recorded in stereo, slightly panned pickups, AND I was running a chorus on the bridge pickup for the solo and a couple other sections of the tune. Anyway, glad you like it, I'm not sure I sound like that anymore. Maybe I need to revive my old Yamaha E1010 analog delay? Dave, must have been a pic from Mica when the bass was up there for some work, that sounds right. You've spotted my "normal" output level mark on the master volume for those occasions where they are not expecting a line level from my DI box, and also my quick-change tailpiece. I'll try to post a closer shot of that, really handy for changing strings. cheers to all, Jimmy J | ||
| 2400wattman
Senior Member Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 737 Registered: 11-2005 |
Time on the road has made me late to the Ball on this one. If anyone has checked out the Miscellaneous thread I posted. um.....We love Jimmy!! Where's my beer? | ||
| afrobeat_fool
Member Username: afrobeat_fool Post Number: 76 Registered: 7-2009 |
Hi, Jimmy, My name is Nick, from Portland and I just heard you playing on James's covers album. Man. That is some sweet playing, on a diverse selection of songs. Thank you for a wonderful experience. Most times it is very hard to acknoledge a great player in the rythum section of a popular artist. I think it is really great of you to be available, as you are, on the club. Cool. | ||
| jimmyj
Intermediate Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 107 Registered: 8-2008 |
Hey Nick, Thanks for the nice comments. That project was a blast and you just can't go wrong with Gadd and Conte running the motor! I love those slightly wobbly grooves they can get going. Mmm mmm! It's a good hang in here with my fellow Alembic nuts, a nice bunch of folks. Jimmy J | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 1255 Registered: 6-2002 |
Adam, Your beer's in the fridge. Or else grab one of mine from the cooler! I sat and played 'The Secret of LIfe" with a close friend from high school this weekend. made myself all misty Mike | ||
| mario_farufyno
Advanced Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 248 Registered: 9-2008 |
Thanks Flim! I'd already gave up trying to figure him out years ago... You know, I'm just a "pop" musician and all this "grown-up things" were too much for my knowledge. But you finaly cleared me out on that. First I couldn't even understand what chords Holdsworth was using, but they are the same quartal harmony thing McCoy Tiner and Bill Evans brought. Thanks to you - and Barrie - I'll be back again to my harmony studies. Never too old to learn new tricks! | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2387 Registered: 10-2002 |
What month is on the cover of this Bass player Barrie? Up here, WH smith always seems to be a couple of months behind the rest of the world. and Nick... I've been listening to 'Covers' pretty much constantly for a couple of weeks and I agree, the playing is indeed sweet. if i was forced to choose, my favorites on that album would be summertime blues and not fade away that have been merged into a 'medley' on my CD. Graeme | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 2282 Registered: 6-2002 |
Graeme, for some reason US magazines always print the next month as the date for this month's issue. | ||
| afrobeat_fool
Member Username: afrobeat_fool Post Number: 81 Registered: 7-2009 |
Hi Graeme! You nailed em'. When I first heard the disk I did not know it was J.T. I was focused on the Bass. The tone is monsterous. Then I heard the technique. The quality of the playing. So I went into my buddies house and looked at what was on and it was J.J. with J.T. and my expression must have been priceless, cause' my bro asked me what was up. I then explained who the bassist was and where I knew him from. He s#!t his pants that JJ would be on the site and helping us all out like he does. Once again I got to hand it to Jimmy and all the other cats here on the site. Thank you all! Nick | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 1058 Registered: 11-2004 |
Same issue of BP - interview with Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts. BP: Who were your three main influences as a bassist and musician? JD: Right out of the gate, Marcus Miller was a huge influence. I also love Jimmy Johnson and Jaco.... JJ, you and your family are beginning to make regular appearances in BP. Rich | ||
| molan
Junior Username: molan Post Number: 32 Registered: 6-2009 |
It's the October cover with Mike Inez from Alice in Chains on the front. I also spotted that quote from Jay DeMarcus - good to see JJ getting mentioned twice in the same issue | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2394 Registered: 10-2002 |
Cheers barrie. I'll pop into Smiths on my way home to pick up a copy. it'll give me something to read while I'm up on Skye this weekend for the Big Tuna fest ;-) Graeme | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2395 Registered: 10-2002 |
Well it turns out Scotland is at least a month behind the rest of the world as my local shop was just puttig out the September Christian McBride issue. bought it anyway - I love mcBride's playing;-) Graeme | ||
| molan
Junior Username: molan Post Number: 33 Registered: 6-2009 |
Only a month? Sounds like they are catching up then. . . Say hello to my family - we're from the west coast of Scotland originally! | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 1024 Registered: 11-2004 |
Mr Holdsworth has put a copyright on the Panic Station video.. Does he think we will bootleg it?? | ||
| jimmyj
Intermediate Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 108 Registered: 8-2008 |
Well my friends that was a clip from the Tokyo Dream video (tape and videodisk) which was for sale at that time, surely still owned by somebody and clearly marked as copyrighted material. So whoever posted it did so illegally. On top of that, Allan was not happy with his own performance, tried to exercise his right to STOP it's release and was ignored. So I suspect he would like the entire experience to be deleted from history and we should respect his right to pull it. I needed another take anyway! Ha! Jimmy J | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 1260 Registered: 6-2002 |
Which brings up another interesting (to me) point... I sometimes did/do my best ensemble playing in basement rehearsal spaces or to empty clubs. The kind of moments where you can break out in goosebumps because of the interplay. Jimmy, do you remember any special musical collaborative moments that wound up on the cutting room floor or live only in memory now? Mike | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 1025 Registered: 11-2004 |
Pity, it was nice track, I best go and get the DVD then as there is some other great stuff on it. Everyone does a crap performance at some stage but having it recorded can rub salt in the wounds though. Personally I thought it was fine! | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2398 Registered: 10-2002 |
Barrie, by sheer coincidence I've just come back from a couple of night on Skye. There are photos of the scenery (and the band) here Graeme | ||
| jimmyj
Intermediate Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 109 Registered: 8-2008 |
Mike, I have an old school way of thinking about this because it used to be that ALL live performance was meant to exist only in that moment for those in attendance. In this day of endless cellphone video streaming (who would have thought?) the "exclusive" experience for the attending audience has kind of gone by the wayside. Why bother going to a show when you can just watch your favorites on YouTube? I don't actually understand why people at a concert feel the need to shoot video. Why do that when you could just watch, listen and enjoy the experience while it's happening with whoever you came with... I once saw a guy in the Louvre shooting video of the Mona Lisa. He was standing 6 feet from the painting and only looking at it through the viewfinder... Like I said, I'm old and it's an old way of thinking. Every single gig has great moments. With Holdsworth, the music itself is on the edge and all the musicians are trying to push the envelope at all times. Within this format we individually have good and bad nights but there are always several cool moments. If nothing else, Allan's other-worldly ad lib chordal introduction to the ballad "Above And Below", different every night and amazing every night. (And he says he can only do that in front of an audience...) Anyway, the situation you describe, rehearsals or empty clubs, may just reflect your state of mind - when you are most relaxed, not worried about an audience but just concentrating on what is happening musically. I think the trick is to not let the setting distract you and you may discover that these moments happen all the time. Terry, you may find that Tokyo Dream never legally made it to dvd. Seriously, Allan did not want it released in the first place. cheers, Jimmy J | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8676 Registered: 5-2002 |
Jimmy; for what it's worth, I disagree with your first sentence. Instead of the word "all", perhaps "most" would be more accurate, since recordings of live concerts have been commercially available for longer than we have been around to listen to them. If the Rolling Stones' Mobile Sound Truck was parked outside a concert hall, chances are good that the artist performing that night did not intend for the performance to exist only for those who attended. When The Who released Live At Leeds, I'm guessing the exclusive experience for those attending had already gone by the wayside. And as for why go to a show if you can watch a video. I went to see Eric Johnson a few years ago. The bass player that night was Roscoe Beck. I was excited to see both of them. (My review of this show is here.) I never heard the bass; and the whole performance was way too loud. Even during the bass solo, the sound quality was so poor I couldn't make out the notes he was playing. So yes, I would much rather have seen a good quality video; at home I can at least control the volume. Also, at this point in my life, I really don't find it comfortable to stand up in a crowd for hours at a time; so if I am going to see a band, I prefer to go to a venue where I know there is ample seating available with reasonably close views of the performers. And then there is the cost; for most major performers, the cost of a DVD is far less than the cost of a ticket to the show. And in my budget, cost is a major consideration. On the other side however, I agree with your comments about the experience of a live performance, both from the band and audience perspectives. I have experienced that in-the-moment communication among band members and between musicians and audience that makes a live performance the magical thing that it can be. Seven or eight years ago I went to see Victor Wooten's band (his band, not the Flecktones). It wasn't until halfway through the show that the soundguy got the bass dialed in; and in a Victor Wooten show, the bass is kind of important. But I had arrived early enough to get a good seat, and once the sound was dialed in, the show was very enjoyable. So for me, I guess the things that I would tend to look for are a small venue with good seating and a great sound system with people that know how to reproduce quality sound at a reasonable volume; and at a reasonable price. Otherwise, I tend to stay at home watching videos with good sound and picture quality at volumes that I control, and with excellent seating. | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 1367 Registered: 2-2005 |
While I don't agree all concerts are meant to be in the moment I think Jimmy has a point about all of the photos and videos audiences seem to make these days. I find it quite annoying to have cell phones and other cameras thrown up in front of my view while I am trying to follow the show. I can also say most of the audience shot videos I have seen are of very poor quality. If I had to judge the artist by these videos it would surely taint my opinion. Another thing that is different from a sanctioned recording is the fact that a particular show might not be representative of the artist. We all have bad days, nights or sound people so I think it should be up to the artist to not have that pop-up on Youtube or any other place on the internet. Not to start a tangent but I think part of this gets back to who owns the performance rights and the misbegotten belief (IMO) of the internet generation that everything should be free. Keith | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8679 Registered: 5-2002 |
I agree; and I should have stated that in my post. Thanks for making that clear. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2417 Registered: 3-2004 |
With regard to rights and ownership, there is no doubt that should remain with the performers. On the other hand, I wouldn't have a problem with recording for personal playback a la DVR. I do have a problem with all the judging going on here, though. People take pics and videos on vacations to show friends and relatives who didn't come along or for recollection later on. Just because someone is shooting pics or video doesn't mean they aren't in the moment as well. Enjoy things your way and let others do the same unhindered as long as they aren't stomping on your rights. Unless you're a stalker, you have no idea what their goals or priorities might be. | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 1368 Registered: 2-2005 |
Bob, There is a difference today about those vacation pics and videos (or in my day films). Where at one time it was sitting ones living room sharing your vacation slides today they all to frequently end up on YouTube, Myspace/Facebook or any of the other social sites. This changes it from sharing a personal experience with friends into a public showing. How do you determine or control this to be a private as opposed to public event? You can't in the current structure other than the rights holder staking their claim. I'll admit I am somewhat jaded as I make my living off of software. This is one of those items where folks try all of the time to crack it and make it readily available to the public. This directly affects my source of income. I see the same thing in unauthorized recording and posting of a concert. After all what is a recording but another form of software. In the end it is taking potential income from the rights holder. Personally I would love to take my 35mm SLR to concerts so I would have slides later on to help remember the show. However I am willing to forgo that for the consistent practice of no unauthorized pics or videos which I think makes it fair to all. In closing I would like to say I have nothing against groups such as The Dead who wish to make their sounds boards available or allow fans to record what they wish. On the other hand folks should not be upset by those artists that do not wish to be so free with their material. Keith | ||
| sonicus
Advanced Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 288 Registered: 5-2009 |
It looks like this discussion could very easily go the way of the definition of "FAIR USE' under U.S copy right law; Sections 107 through 118 ,title-17 U.S code. Perhaps ___________. | ||
| sonicus
Advanced Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 289 Registered: 5-2009 |
I am sorry if I am throwing embers into the dry leaves with my post # 288. This is a hot topic these days ________Very difficult to define . | ||
| jimmyj
Intermediate Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 110 Registered: 8-2008 |
Sorry, if this thread is turning too far left we can move elsewhere... My previous post was a bit wonky and the first paragraph wasn't even my main point. Let me retry... Dave, of course, if a show is being recorded by the artist or group with the intention of releasing a live record or dvd then yeah, that night's audience will be sharing the experience with whoever buys a copy (and you would get to say "I was there man!"). And it is also true that commercially released "live" performances are often more enjoyable than sitting in row 99 next to loud drunk singers in a lame sounding room... I'm with you on all that! Bob, I'm not trying to be judgmental. Personal use is one thing but public posting is kind of another. If I have a bad night and it's immediately up on YouTube it's kind of like somebody taking a picture of you falling down drunk and posting a giant billboard of it on Main Street... I believe most tickets to most events still say "no photography or recording devices allowed". I think what I'm trying to voice here comes down to artistic control and who actually "owns" a live performance. If I buy a ticket to attend a concert it never crosses my mind to record it and share it in any way. I don't feel like my ticket entitles me to any further ownership of that performance. I just want to go HEAR it. Back in the old days when people SOLD bootlegs it was an obvious infringement on an artist's rights. But YouTube is free, we don't expect it to be high quality audio or video, and it's not likely to stop a fan from buying the CD (iTunes, whatever), DVD or even going to the concert, so what's the harm? I suppose you could say the advertisers on YouTube are making money at the artist's expense but that's a stretch. Many artists don't care and just consider it publicity. Except our pal Allan is VERY sensitive about his performances and what is meant for public consumption. Anybody who has been to his live shows knows that he sets such a high standard for himself that he is often apologizing to the audience after each song. It's rare for him to enjoy a set. In the end it's his music and his performance and we should respect his right to try to keep it under control. Keith, I support what you do and have even paid a couple times for shareware that I use a lot. Writing code is a heavy skill. I was also going to mention The Dead as an exception to all the traditional rules. They would actually rope off an area for people with recording rigs and encourage the free exchange of the resulting tapes. That was unusual! OK, bed... Jimmy J | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2418 Registered: 3-2004 |
Youtube used to be fairly aggressive about pulling copyrighted materials off the site. These days, it seems they are more likely to have an overlay ad to assist you in purchasing the tune from an online vendor. I'm not sure if they've gone through some sort of licensing contract with ASCAP to do this. The local bar that has cover bands through on a regular basis pays them a fee, so why shouldn't Youtube. Even so, it would seem that a performance the "owner" doesn't want published or sold shouldn't be. I'm sure there's a fine line there, too. Regional and local bands would kill for enough people to see their videos for a following to develop. The publicity and exposure are plenty of payment to them. Fully established artists, on the other hand, mostly want to get paid for their work in cash, and there's nothing wrong with that. I do remember seeing all sorts of videos of people screwing up, getting into shouting matches with fans or otherwise embarrassing moments. Often, these would be up for a short period of time before being pulled. So, what it eventually comes down to is who is responsible. If you want to enforce a no cameras/no recorders policy, then do so. Some may slip through anyway, but is anyone even trying to enforce the rules at shows these days? After that, it should be on the Youtubes of the world to ensure they can identify the posters of content. If copyrighted content is put on their site, it should be a no-brainer to identify the publisher and go after them. It shouldn't be necessary because people should respect the rights of others, but what are you going to do? It's a surprise to me how few videos end up on Youtube when you think about it. How many people go to concerts that only a couple videos find their way to the web. I'd also say that everything in a performance is, by definition, meant for public consumption. I think what you mean, though, is that it isn't meant to be stored and replayed as part of a permanent record. There's good and bad in Allan's attitude about that. Everyone worth anything wants to give their best when they step out on the stage. Over the years, I'm sure there have been special nights when everything was clicking and songs soared beyond the norm. It's hard to live with the performances that follow and don't equal or exceed what has come before. On the other hand, that's the nature of improvisation. You'll live a sad life if you can't wrap your brain around that. I can't imagine playing where I couldn't enjoy a set for that moment in time and appreciate it for what it was. I might as well be digging ditches. As long as you didn't step on stage unprepared or planning to give 80%, there's never anything to apologize for. Put out an extra encore if it makes you feel better about the value you've given your audience. Stepping onto the stage at the start of the night with the plan to be better than ever is always a great thing, but leaving at the end of every night feeling dissatisfied can't be good. It happens on occasion, but sometimes you have to be satisfied with a great performance. They can't all be magical, or none of them would be. | ||
| jakebass
Member Username: jakebass Post Number: 87 Registered: 7-2007 |
Rights over showing stuff on youtube is a mire of opinion, and a difficult one to say straight that one school of thought has more integrity than another, but we should remember this: The industry is in big trouble. One of the main reasons for this is how easy it is to get stuff without paying for it, and the sad fact about that is that even the most highly principled individuals feel good about getting something for nothing (me included and I am a strong advocate of copyright law) For me it's less about well established artists getting "even more money", which is one of the ridiculous arguments employed by those that are ready to steal copyrighted material, the fact that an artist has become wealthy through their work does not in my view justify a "they don't need it" response. And more about the general health of the industry. I feel that with less money in the industry less well known artists are really struggling to get the business support they need to get their stuff out there. I am MD for a fantastic singer songwriter based in London, she is recognised by many in the London scene as a major talent but attracting funding for her project is an exceptionally difficult task. One reason for this is the dire state of the industry due to copyright infringement. I realise I have become a little tangential in my discourse but for me this issue is at the heart of the matters raised above. Jake | ||
| jimmyj
Intermediate Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 111 Registered: 8-2008 |
Great comments you guys. Yes the "music business model" has completely changed in the past few years. And though it was far from perfect (as far as I am concerned the big record companies completely deserve to crumble), what had worked for about 50 years has now been turned upside-down with the advent of digital formats, file sharing etc. Observe the amazing scramble by the film industry to head off the same fate before download speeds catch up to the size of their product... The UP side of the Big Fat Web is that bands and artists just starting up now have a place where you can check them out whether they are in the garage next door or on the other side of the world. This is very cool! All the MySpace bands seem to offer their work for free download so they're using this medium as a promo tool. I have no idea how or if these artists will ever make a living in music but I'm sure the talented ones will rise up and hopefully find some reward for their hard work. It used to be touring was to promote the album but now I think it's the other way around. Prince simply gave his CD away with the Sunday paper in the UK a while back... Bob, there must be hundreds of employees at YouTube just to respond to claims of copyrighted, abusive or embarrassing material. What a huge can of worms! And you're right, with all the people that do go to shows there is not THAT much posted - unless something weird happens. So most folks are just grabbing it for themselves and that's totally understandable. I think the cat is out of the bag as far as enforcing the no cameras or recorders thing, and different artists have different views about it anyway. The bit I don't understand is the feeling of entitlement that video they've shot at a concert is theirs to share with the public. But never mind, seriously, I'm just being geezerly. Allan's situation and attitude is unusual although I do know a few other musicians who, like him, are extremely hard on themselves. The thing is, on his WORST night he plays many amazing things. But his mind gets caught on any mistakes he may have made and that's all he can remember... I never feel like the audience is disappointed, only Allan. Part of the insanity is to be awed by what he just did and hear him say "sorry". He is the classic tortured artist but this is how he is wired and resulted in his becoming what he has become. There is nobody else like him. Welcome to Al's World. Sorry for the thread twisting... Jimmy J | ||
| bassilisk
Member Username: bassilisk Post Number: 51 Registered: 4-2009 |
Firstly let me start off by saying - Jimmy, I have been a fan since I picked up "Tricycle" at its release. Your playing is inspirational (though I'll never get anywhere near it). I also picked up Metal Fatigue when it first came out on vinyl - it immediately became one of my favorites as well. Thank you for all the wonderful music you've made and continue to make. I play in a cover band - we're weekend warriors not pros, but we've had a measure of success over the years and work all the time. Our name and rep has become established locally (Long Island, NY) in the 24+ years the band's been around. A lot of good points have been made regarding videotaping of live shows but I must say I agree with you wholeheartedly. It's one thing to take some pictures or catch a bit of song here and there, but some people come with tripods and tape the entire show. For what? Why not just come see us again? We're doing covers for crissakes! I came in today thinking to start a thread about this very topic - see Miscellaneous. Jimmy, you're a class act and a monster player receiving well deserved acclaim. I avidly follow your exploits. Will (Message edited by bassilisk on September 02, 2009) (Message edited by bassilisk on September 02, 2009) | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 551 Registered: 10-2006 |
"...but I'm sure the talented ones will rise up and hopefully find some reward for their hard work." It is truly refreshing to see that kind of optimism in someone who's been in the biz as long as you have, Jimmy. I once went to see some friends' new band; at a break they asked me what I thought. I said "It's great! If you don't make it, there's no fairness in the music business." That cracked them up (as it was meant to). 2 decent albums, but they didn't make it. Maybe with YouTube they would have or maybe their albums would have sold even less. The whole thing is confusing to an old fart like me. Peter "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side." Hunter S. Thompson (Message edited by cozmik_cowboy on September 02, 2009) | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8688 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hunter Thompson certainly had a way with words. | ||
| jakebass
Member Username: jakebass Post Number: 88 Registered: 7-2007 |
Lots of good points coming out here. I agree that "the talented ones" will make it, I also agree that giant record companies could do with being brought down to size to hopefully inject a little integrity into the process, and there is a definite benefit available to individuals having media access in the way that this computer age allows (just like us being able to chinwag this subject whilst oceans apart :0) ) I am watching the next phase of the business with interest, and have felt for sometime now that live music could be an accidental beneficiary of this turmoil, it's the one thing that great artists have left in their exclusive possession. oh and I love the Hunter S. Thompson quote Jake (Message edited by jakebass on September 02, 2009) | ||
| medic162
New Username: medic162 Post Number: 2 Registered: 9-2009 |
Not to hijack... but I gotta say ~ after picking up the latest BP and seeing Mr. Johnson's story, I had to throw "Neon" on the CD player and comp along with Jimmy on my old favorite "Just Another Beautiful Day"! I first saw him play on some crazy laser disk a fellow musician bought when we lived in Athens Greece in 1986 or so. He was backing Lee Ritenour and we would sit there in awe of his tasteful fills. Wow how time flies. Jimmy is solely responsible for my love of Alembic instruments... I hate to admit I'd never seen them before then. At the time I had an old 4 string Carvin and a jazz bass. Got rid them to just have one five string. Life was never the same even if it wasn't the coveted Alembic | ||
| alembickoa
Member Username: alembickoa Post Number: 74 Registered: 5-2002 |
I don't know where I found this but it is a pretty good pic of one of Jimmy's basses... | ||
| mario_farufyno
Advanced Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 296 Registered: 9-2008 |
It seems Jimmy reached the "G" spot... | ||
| jimmyj
Intermediate Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 119 Registered: 8-2008 |
Brian, thanks for the nice comments. Cool that I helped you find Alembic although you would have gotten there on your own. If I remember that thousand-year-old BB's tune, I think the melody had a couple fingered harmonics in it - even higher than the note I'm working so hard to play in the above photo! Wee! Steve, I think that shot was taken when Holdsworth played "NearFest" in Pennsylvania in '07. Oddly, it's my recording bass (the straight tailpiece is the giveaway) so my road bass must have been somewhere else. The shirt could have used a touch of ironing too... Ha! Jimmy J | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1733 Registered: 10-2003 |
Ironing is for uptight people. ;) John | ||
| lembic76450
Intermediate Member Username: lembic76450 Post Number: 171 Registered: 5-2002 |
Jimmy Is the string spacing a little extra narrow on your Series basses? Kenn | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1307 Registered: 9-2002 |
If it's NOT custom, I'm guessing Alembic's 'classic' taper, which on fives would be 2" at the nut x 2.5" at the 24th fret. It's virtually straight, very little flair. I prefer it as it reminds me somehow of a keyboard, as if the strings are parallel all the way to the top. I hate these newer axes where they widen out so much at the top there's room for cup holders between the strings! But as always, Mica and the guys can make any taper you'd want. | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1308 Registered: 9-2002 |
Oh yeah, and I also meant to say one usually unmentioned benefit of the Series shape: This is an excellent picture to show how the fingerboard is almost completely clear of the body. Mica's always maintained that this shape is OK balance wise for short and medium scales, but can be a bit much for long-scale. And you'll really have to have a LONG talk with Susan before they'll do a 35/36" scale version. But since the neck is pushed out of the body (notice that Series axes don't have the bridge/tailpiece against the bottom rim like most basses), if you ever wanted an axe with the entire fingerboard open to you, THIS is the shape. I never imagined how easy I could learn to play WAY up the neck 'till the bigredbass came along, whose shape is identical to Jimmy's axe (save for a Crown head on mine). | ||
| jimmyj
Intermediate Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 121 Registered: 8-2008 |
Kenn, Yes, it is a tighter string spacing than normal. I actually think it's 5 strings on a 4-string neck, but can't measure it right at this moment... This was how my first 5-string came way back in '76 and I just got used to it. It works great for me but other bass players who try it feel cramped. Probably not good for blazing thumb action... (I wouldn't know!) Yeah Joey, the full access to the fretboard is a swell thing! For the reason you described - the bridge and tailpiece not being at the very end of the body - people usually guess this bass is some extra-long scale. I'm so used to it that I don't know if I could find the notes on anything else. The hardest thing to reach is the tuning pegs! And as you said, the shop can make you whatever anybody can think up, how cool is that? Jimmy J | ||
| medic162
New Username: medic162 Post Number: 4 Registered: 9-2009 |
Why is it that I find the most obscure recordings that Jimmy contributed on to be the ones that speak to me the loudest? I was looking for a particular passage and remembered the bass part Jimmy provided on Lee Ritenour's "Earth Run" album for the song "Soaring". Absolutely one of the most discreet and fluent examples of using the BIG STRING in existence! Maybe I should spend some money on CURRENT MUSIC??? This is a really good thread | ||
| jimmyj
Intermediate Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 123 Registered: 8-2008 |
Brian, Hey, that one was only from 23 years ago, that's current to me. Ha!! Thanks for the comment, I can't remember the bass part on that tune but I do remember that playing with Carlos Vega made life easy. Jimmy J | ||
| medic162
New Username: medic162 Post Number: 6 Registered: 9-2009 |
Right on my friend! As my years have "increased" I've found that twenty three can be relatively recent...i.e "last week" What a loss when CV left us. Everything I ever saw or heard with him drumming was tasteful and rhythmically over the TOP! | ||
| alembickoa
Member Username: alembickoa Post Number: 75 Registered: 5-2002 |
Jimmy...that pic of you in the wrinkled shirt seems to have disappeared. Someone emailed me about it and before I send it anywhere else, I thought it might be good to check in here. If there are any issues with the pic, let me know. I won't send it or post it until I know. Thanks in advance...for everything. | ||
| jimmyj
Intermediate Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 124 Registered: 8-2008 |
Steve, Oops, well, the pics from that gig are posted here: http://www.studiomlive.com/nearfest2007/Allan%20Holdsworth/index.htm but there is a copyright notice. So I guess we can look at them there but are not supposed to repost or whatever...? All good. They got some nice shots. Maybe photoshop ironing is the answer? Jimmy J | ||
| oujeebass
Intermediate Member Username: oujeebass Post Number: 169 Registered: 10-2002 |
If you "hip hop"(photoshop)the picture, would the copyright be less enforceable? I got called out on a John Paul Jones picture I posted on here, so I couldn't resist to jump in on this. | ||
| alembickoa
Member Username: alembickoa Post Number: 76 Registered: 5-2002 |
Thanks, Jimmy...the person asking is a member. I will send off this link in case he misses it. As a photo hobbyist all of my life, I certainly did love the pic and do not want to infringe on anyone's work. Thanks for the others...there are 2 names. Whoever shot the pics did nice work. Regards... Steve | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2441 Registered: 10-2002 |
I just love this shot Jimmy. You really look like you're loving that bottom end ;-) Graeme (assuming it's ok to link to the photo's rather than posting them) | ||
| pindy
New Username: pindy Post Number: 3 Registered: 1-2006 |
Aww man. I came to this forum today to see if there was interest if I wanted to sell my Series I 5-string, then I saw this thread and wondered how in the world could I even think about that. Jimmy J is the reason I took up the bass in the first place and it's great to see him here. Every few years when I have a lean couple of months the same thought goes through my head, but I'll never go through with it. Like I'd get rid of my own leg. Instead of selling, I'm gonna get the RF upgrade and some Series II electronics—not sure how that makes me feel better, but it does! THANKS—this thread and all your enthusiasm talked me off the ledge. | ||
| artswork99
Senior Member Username: artswork99 Post Number: 895 Registered: 7-2007 |
Glad to hear that Dan. Inspiration is a wonderful thing isn't it. Continue to Play it Healthy! Art | ||
| jimmyj
Intermediate Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 126 Registered: 8-2008 |
Hey Dan, (As in son of Mike?) Sweet of you to say that. Hang on to that axe if you can, it's nice to have the best tools available when you feel the urge to use them. I recommend simply playing the bass to make you feel better. Save the upgrades for when you have the extra cash... Jimmy J | ||
| pindy
New Username: pindy Post Number: 4 Registered: 1-2006 |
Thanks for everything! "(As in son of Mike?)" The very same. "I recommend simply playing the bass to make you feel better." I can't think of a better prescription than that. You know what always makes it better? A really good set-up and a new set of strings. Time to call my guy. | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 1110 Registered: 11-2004 |
Dan, Coming from a guy who used to always have his basses setup for him.... give Joey's setup post a read in the FAQ section and then have a go at it yourself. I'm not gonna lie- I was scared the first time, but the directions are idiot proof and in the end I got the action *exactly* where I wanted it and now I can dial in my basses anytime I want and get 'em just the way I like 'em. The bridge design, dual truss rods and adjustable nut make them perfect for getting it just the way you like. Anyhow- the whole reason for all that ^ above was because I have a feeling that setting the bass up yourself and putting on a set of fresh strings will ultimately make you feel happier than paying somebody else to do it and you'll have it the way you want. Plus, I found that pulling it all apart and examining the bridge design, truss rods, etc gave me that much more appreciation for the bass- you get to admire and know all those intimate details when you do it yourself. Either way- glad to hear you're keeping it and playing it. Enjoy. Toby |
