| Author | Message | ||
| jimmyj
Advanced Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 293 Registered: 8-2008 |
Hey Bruce, Thanks for the nice post, it's great to hear you're still playing and even working in music. I'm still having fun too! "Nostalgia lane" for me shrouded in a thick fog ... but you must be son of Mark? Arrowhead was a great experience, it was the first place where one got to feel like a musician. We were only there because we played an instrument and I enjoyed the feeling. I don't remember trying to teach up there though, that memory is gone. I've just visited my brother and been through some old boxes of junk including photos from the Debb Johnson days so it's been a nostalgic couple weeks. Those were fun times and as I said I'm still having fun so I have no regrets. Best to all, Jimmy J | ||
| brucebass
New Username: brucebass Post Number: 2 Registered: 8-2011 |
Hi Jimmy, Yes, Mark's son. I took lessons from you at your parent's home - still have some pictures of my first lesson with my new 1974 Gibson EB-3 bass. I had an Alembic when I was on the road, but it, along with most of the band's gear, was stolen and I couldn't afford to replace it and of course had no insurance. I do currently have a nice bevy of basses, and now that my kids are almost out of college, am hoping to purchase an Alembic again. There's a dealer in Maple Grove here in MN. I work at MakeMusic in Eden Prairie, and about 85% of the employees are gigging musicians - which is great. A few of them also went to Arrowhead. Anyway, great to hear from you, and I hope to see you play again sometime soon. Bruce | ||
| afrankie
New Username: afrankie Post Number: 6 Registered: 6-2011 |
Yeah tonite! Seatbealt working? | ||
| gbulfon
Junior Username: gbulfon Post Number: 26 Registered: 4-2010 |
Thanks so much for all the great rehearslas at the Baked Potato!! ;) One curiosity....what tracks did you play in Symbiosis? | ||
| jimmyj
Advanced Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 301 Registered: 8-2008 |
Gabriele and Franco, thanks for coming to the Spud. I'm glad we had a chance to hang out. I think I played on "Midair Decision" from that record but that was a long time ago and I can't find my copy of the CD to confirm it... Ha! Seeya, Jimmy J | ||
| afrankie
New Username: afrankie Post Number: 7 Registered: 6-2011 |
Hi jimmy, we are glad to met ya too,don't worry but I try againg, don't call it lesson just 'music talking' if you want :-) I'm in town till the 3rd. :-) Else listening two live gigs at the spud already was 'music talking' Hope to see ya soon playing Franco | ||
| gbulfon
Junior Username: gbulfon Post Number: 27 Registered: 4-2010 |
Hey Jimmy! When I was in L.A. I didn't know you've been recording the upcoming album of Vince Mendoza "Nights on Earth"!!!!!! AAAAaaaaaaaaaahh!!!! And you did it with Alan Pasqua!! And Peter Erskine!!! And...and...and!!! If I knew that I would have asked you so many questions about it! Mendoza is one of my favorite composers of our era.... Can't imagine what you all may have come out with, under his direction and over his compositions! Do you have any insights about it? Please...... ;) can't wait to buy it  October 18 is very near..... Here you are.....: http://richbreen.smugmug.com/Studio/VinceMendoza-3-2010/11409914_iJnbm#801933465_SiiHK Gabriele. | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 3010 Registered: 10-2002 |
That's a nice studio. Graeme | ||
| jimmyj
Advanced Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 302 Registered: 8-2008 |
Yeah Graeme, Conway is one of my favorite studios and I've had a chance to do quite a crazy variety of things there over the years. Gabriele, Vince is indeed a great arranger and composer, a very talented guy! I look forward to hearing how this music came together for him, it should be a great listen! I'm proud to have been invited along. As a side note, I rarely talk about projects I've worked on before they are released because sometimes I'll get the record only to discover they've recut the tracks with a different band or for whatever reason I am no longer on it. No big deal, I have replayed bass parts for guys and been replaced myself a few times. So I usually wait until I can read the credits to see if I'm still there. I learned years ago not to tell my Mom until the record actually comes out. HA! So ... hopefully I'm still on some of Vince's tracks! I can't remember too many specifics about the dates except that we were all doing our best to play what he had written on the page. Being a great arranger means he had a lot of specific parts in mind (he sent demos and charts to us in advance of the date). But he also knew all of our playing and left leeway for us to interpret what he had come up with. It is a very musical project! Seeya, Jimmy J | ||
| jakebass
Intermediate Member Username: jakebass Post Number: 125 Registered: 7-2007 |
Hi Jimmy, great to hear you've been working with Vince Mendoza, I really love his arranging. I especially like the Joni Mitchell Album with orchestra 'Both Sides now' I'm lucky to record at the studio where it was recorded: http://www.airstudios.com/ and I have some friends that played on the album, great players. I really enjoy playing the parts from good arrangers, it's such a joy when they understand the idiom of the bass and write properly for it. I look forward to hearing that and hope you make it to the final cuts :0) Jake | ||
| freddieb
New Username: freddieb Post Number: 1 Registered: 9-2011 |
OK, check it out, you can get VM's new cd "Nights on Earth" on Amazon. And Flim is on it!! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005HYNPSS/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B004UFDJ0Y&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0Z88HE3GTCTKT9D77HNQ | ||
| afrankie
New Username: afrankie Post Number: 8 Registered: 6-2011 |
Hi jimmy, will you come to Italy with james Taylor? you will play in milan so close to me, lets have an italian dinner if have time! See ya Franco | ||
| jimmyj
Advanced Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 303 Registered: 8-2008 |
Yeah Jake, never been to Air but it's one of the greatest! Such a treat to work in a place like that, it brings out the best in everybody. Freddie, welcome to the forum. It's good to see Vince's project is finished and I look forward to hearing it. (I may go for the iTunes version myself...) Franco, there is a good chance I will be in you neighborhood next March but it's still in the planning stages so you'll have to ask again later. I always look forward to the food!! Jimmy J | ||
| afrankie
New Username: afrankie Post Number: 9 Registered: 6-2011 |
I'll remind you :-) I've just get this DI, very cool, I'm traying your direct PA philosofy... with QSC speakers http://www.aguilaramp.com/products_preamps_tonehammer.htm | ||
| bassfingers
Advanced Member Username: bassfingers Post Number: 305 Registered: 11-2005 |
I'd just like to say Jimmy,I'm listening to your solo on '54 Duncan Terrace' from the Allan Holdsworth album 'Secrets'.No matter how many times I hear it,my jaw always hits the floor.Many thanks. Simon. | ||
| jimmyj
Advanced Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 307 Registered: 8-2008 |
Simon, Thanks for the nice comment. I was lucky to be given the opportunity to solo over such a lovely set of chord changes! Jimmy J | ||
| jos
Junior Username: jos Post Number: 46 Registered: 4-2009 |
Hi Jimmy! Are you going to perform in LA between 14-22 January, or anywhere close? I hope so because then I will be there……. J-O-S | ||
| jimmyj
Advanced Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 312 Registered: 8-2008 |
Jan-Olof, It looks like you're coming over for NAMM? I'm not involved in anything for the show but if I'm in town I may be playing somewhere. I don't know yet, I can barely plan what's happening next week! Ha!! thanks for asking, Jimmy J | ||
| gbulfon
Junior Username: gbulfon Post Number: 28 Registered: 4-2010 |
Hi JJ, latest Vince Mendoza "Nights on Earth" is marvellous, can't stop listening! And your presence just gives this work a familiar sound and nice surprises! I also just knew that you've just finished working on the new Chad solo work, with Allan and Jim Cox!! The same ones that mesmerized me years ago with Forty Reasons.....can't wait to listen........any insights about it? all the best, G. | ||
| jimmyj
Advanced Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 313 Registered: 8-2008 |
Hey Gabriele, I agree the Vince record came out great. Beautiful writing, arranging, orchestrating, and playing by all. I'm pleased to have been along for the ride! For years whenever anybody asked about a new Holdsworth record I would say "Chad's will probably come first". And indeed he is finally at the mastering stage of his years-long project. There are a few original composed pieces and a several short solo, duo and group ad libs. I think I'm on most of it, Allan is on much of it and Jim Cox is also on several. I don't know what he will call the album but it is coming soon! Best to everybody, Jimmy J | ||
| redcloud
Member Username: redcloud Post Number: 84 Registered: 5-2011 |
Jimmy j, I am new to bass and this forum, yet after looking on Utube and other links of you in action, I must say you are really something. It seems like everyone that aspires to be a musician has a tone/sound in their head to which they try to emulate. Your playing is what I would wish to emulate. scott | ||
| jimmyj
Advanced Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 314 Registered: 8-2008 |
Hey Scott, Welcome to the forum and thanks a bunch for the kind comments. What you say about having a sound in your head is true. I probably mentioned somewhere in this long thread that my dad played bass and was also a piano tuner and technician. As a young kid I remember being UNDER the family grand piano as he was tuning it. He liked to hit the keys hard to help "seat" the strings as he tuned. And that big, round, LOUD sound of the bass strings must have gotten into my head because I think it's a part of what I went after. I played a few different instruments before happening upon Alembic around 1975 and this is where I've stayed for over 35 years(!!). It may not be everybody's cup of tea but the tone still makes me smile. I admire bass players who have a whole arsenal of different sounds to choose from, I've never had that, but I have been lucky to be able to fit my sound into many different situations over the years. Blah blah blah! What's gotten into me this morning? Welcome to the forum. Jimmy J PS: my wife is an SLP so I know what "trigeminal" means. Ha! (Message edited by jimmyj on November 20, 2011) | ||
| gbulfon
Junior Username: gbulfon Post Number: 29 Registered: 4-2010 |
Hi JJ, I see you're coming in Milan on March with John Taylor, am I wrong? Any chance to have dinner/lunch with me and Franco?? ;) | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 3079 Registered: 10-2002 |
Hey Jimmy. So now you're collaborating with Duran Duran's Bassist! When were you going to tell us? hang on a minute - maybe gabrielle means James :-) I also saw that Allan H is touring Europe from May. Will you be part of that band? Graeme | ||
| gbulfon
Junior Username: gbulfon Post Number: 30 Registered: 4-2010 |
Ohps! Sorry! :D Yes, James... BTW, Allan will be touring with Virgil Donati and Jimmy Haslip I will be there And, BTW again, .....I really hope someone will be taking a movie of the Chad Wackerman CD launch at the Baked Potato next week..........can't wait to have the CD!!!!!! | ||
| jimmyj
Advanced Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 337 Registered: 8-2008 |
Oh Graeme, you trouble maker! Yes Gabriele, I expect to be in Italy with James in March. I believe it will be a very small band, maybe in small theaters (?), I haven't seen a detailed itinerary yet. And as you say, Allan H is touring with Donati and Haslip this spring which should be very cool! Virgil and I have played on a few NEW tracks for Allan and I suspect the other Jimmy will as well. Allan's making progress with these but its slow going. We all look forward to some new music from his planet!! I got to sit in on the mastering session for Chad's new record and hear the interesting tracks he has collected over the last several years. A few organized tunes and several short group ad libs with some unusual musical moments. I think you will enjoy it GB! And the gig should be a kick too. Chad and I haven't played with Allan for a while and never live with Jim Cox, so I'm sure some fun things will happen. Best to all, Jimmy J | ||
| fmm
Advanced Member Username: fmm Post Number: 332 Registered: 6-2002 |
Jimmy: I had the pleasure of seeing your brother play during happy hour at the Dakota last Friday. It was the highlight of my week. | ||
| jimmyj
Advanced Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 338 Registered: 8-2008 |
Yes, brother Gordon makes the upright sound easy - which to me it seems impossible... Jimmy J | ||
| bbutler123
New Username: bbutler123 Post Number: 1 Registered: 1-2012 |
Jimmy, you're not going to believe this email probably, but 25 years ago, a friend made me a cassette tape of 17 jazz songs, 2 of which were Flim and BB songs, 'Just Another Beautiful Day' and 'Funhouse'. I have played the tape many hundreds, perhaps thousands of times. I played it back to back for months at a time, playing nothing else. It finally occurs to me that I should pay for this music that I have enjoyed so many years. I have gone to Amazon and paid 99 cents each for the mp3 of every other song on the tape, but cannot find single songs to buy from Flim and BBs. I know this sounds ridiculous, but could I find some way of paying for those two songs to you guys? (I not only have a conscience, but I am a musician who would want my own downloads to be paid for). -smile- My email is bbutler356@hotmail.com. I check it daily. I don't come to Alembic because I don't play bass. (guitar, though) Thanks for the time reading this. I wish you could know how much I have enjoyed those two songs. Brian C. Butler Eau Claire, WI (90 miles southeast of Minneapolis) | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10521 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi Brian; the Alembic club is open to everyone, especially guitar players since, in addition to the most amazing basses in the world, Alembic also makes the most amazing guitars in the world. But we have members who are here just because they appreciate quality craftsmanship and enjoy talking with a community of knowledgeable and friendly musicians. So stick around; we don't just talk bass clef. | ||
| jimmyj
Advanced Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 339 Registered: 8-2008 |
Well, that's rare! I don't think anybody has ever offered to do that before. Hey Brian, Welcome to the Alembic forum. As Dave said, feel free to hang around - nice folks in here. I'm glad you got such a kick out of those BB's tracks, it's always nice to hear from folks who somehow found and enjoyed those records. As for your kind offer ... let's assume that the friend who made you that cassette so many years ago actually owned the two CDs those songs came from. In that case, the band and I have already been paid and probably made out better than we could have now with Amazon or iTunes. So as far as I'm concerned, you are off the hook and if your cassette machine and cassette both still operate you should just keep playing it. Still, thanks for the thought. Jimmy J (now about 2000 miles from Minneapolis) | ||
| rustyg61
Advanced Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 361 Registered: 2-2011 |
Hey Jimmy, I just ordered a Flim & The BB's Tricycle CD from Amazon. Several reviews said this was the best F&TBB's CD to start with. I was wondering which was your favorite recording with the BB's? Rusty | ||
| jimmyj
Advanced Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 340 Registered: 8-2008 |
Rusty, That's a bit like asking which is your favorite child... There are some nice moments on each record - and a few cringe-worthy moments too. It was live to 2-track, with a bit of editing, but no real overdubbing (on this one) or remixing... Live solos... And it was a long time ago! OK, enough excuses. Tricycle was the band's first CD and sold the most. It was a favorite demo record for stereo salesmen because it showed off the dynamic range of the "new" Compact Disc digital format. That was the band's claim to fame - we could play soft and then REAL LOUD. We sold a lot of stereo gear! Ha!! Anyway, I hope you didn't pay too much for it, and it gives you some giggles. Thanks for checking it out. Jimmy J | ||
| rustyg61
Advanced Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 370 Registered: 2-2011 |
Thanks Jimmy! I haven't received the CD yet, it's due here Monday, but I can't wait to hear it! I paid $12.26 on Amazon with shipping. Rusty | ||
| redcloud
Intermediate Member Username: redcloud Post Number: 106 Registered: 5-2011 |
I tried to find it on ITunes without luck. | ||
| rustyg61
Advanced Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 372 Registered: 2-2011 |
Jimmy, I got Tricycle in the mail today, & I love it! There are some very tasty bass lines on the CD! As I was listening to it I came up with a new Pro Wrestler name for you, should you choose to change careers (please don't!) you should call yourself Jimmy "The Tone" Johnson! Your sound is amazing! I guess for the Alembic Club you can be Jimmy TTO "The Tone One!" | ||
| jimmyj
Advanced Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 341 Registered: 8-2008 |
Rusty, thanks for the kind (and silly) comments. Glad you like it. Yes Scott, this stuff is so obscure that it has yet to appear in any legitimate downloadable form... And since DMP was an "audiophile" label maybe someday they will connect with one of the new "high-def" audio sites. Who knows? Nobody is holding their breath waiting for that moment - not even the band. Ha! It's funny that we are even talking about such a teeny tiny small corner of the music world. It's all good. Jimmy J | ||
| afrankie
New Username: afrankie Post Number: 10 Registered: 6-2011 |
Hi jimmy, all Good? I wanna ask you if you or/and Steve Gadd are interested doin' a clinic when you'll be in Milan with James T. One of the best studios in Milan http://www.massivearts.com/ ask me for. Let me know and I'll reach you with them. See you soon, All the best Franco | ||
| afrankie
Junior Username: afrankie Post Number: 11 Registered: 6-2011 |
(Message edited by afrankie on January 27, 2012) | ||
| jimmyj
Advanced Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 342 Registered: 8-2008 |
Hey Franco, It's kind of you to act as my agent (or maybe translator?) in this case but I will say no thank you to the offer. Two reasons for me: 1, I never do clinics of my own, 2, if I am treated to a day off in the middle of a tour I like to take it. Most likely by that time I'll be trying to do laundry which can be surprisingly challenging when in "road mode" and in foreign lands. Say, that could be the subject for a good clinic... Ha!! What the studio really wants of course is Gadd and they're just trying every angle to reach him. I can't speak for him (or translate) but I'm sure they will will figure out how to contact him more directly and then we'll see what happens. I kinda doubt he would agree but who knows... Seeya, Jimmy J | ||
| afrankie
Junior Username: afrankie Post Number: 12 Registered: 6-2011 |
This was a free transaction I act only as a translator for the studio :-) I don't wanna be agent of anyone! Of course, we can arrange a laundry clinic for any kind of clothes :-) Seeya Franco | ||
| gbulfon
Junior Username: gbulfon Post Number: 31 Registered: 4-2010 |
Hi Jimmy, looks like you will be in Milan today! Any chance to meet? ;) Me and Frank will be at the Saturday night concert. Gabriele. | ||
| jimmyj
Advanced Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 345 Registered: 8-2008 |
Hey Gabriele and Franco, Actually, my itinerary says the Milan show is Friday the 16th. Will you guys be around that weekend? Maybe I can hear YOU play somewhere? Jimmy J | ||
| gbulfon
Junior Username: gbulfon Post Number: 32 Registered: 4-2010 |
Ohps! The Blue Note Milano schedules James Taylor starting today!  .....1,2,3 March 2012! You should be already around here!!!! Anyway, if we played around, it would be while you play at the Blue Note unless we catch somewhere at rehearsals during the day | ||
| gbulfon
Junior Username: gbulfon Post Number: 33 Registered: 4-2010 |
We're just outside the Blue Note, having a drink at the bar beside it. We hear you playing inside | ||
| gbulfon
Junior Username: gbulfon Post Number: 34 Registered: 4-2010 |
......shit.......we just discovered James is here for three days with another band............and we already bought tickets for Saturday............... | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 3098 Registered: 10-2002 |
Any James Taylor gig is going to be great, no matter who his band is. Graeme | ||
| jimmyj
Advanced Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 346 Registered: 8-2008 |
Ah, I'm sorry to say you have mistaken the James Taylor Quartet with the James Taylor that I work with. My singer-songwriter boss is not the organ player in this band: a different JT But these guys have been around for a while and though I don't know their music they obviously have a fanbase so it could be interesting - just different from what you were expecting. Keep an open mind and you may dig it as an accidental musical discovery. This is the confusion you can run into with a common name - like mine! Jimmy J | ||
| gbulfon
Junior Username: gbulfon Post Number: 35 Registered: 4-2010 |
oh no, Jimmy, this is really James Taylor the song writer, but with another setup, just for the three dates at Blue Note. There are stories about Blue Notes contracts forcing artists to play at very low fees, so he probably decided for a less expensive setup for these dates...... Anyway we'll have a chance to listen this Saturday, and be able to compare the results with your setup on Friday 16 We will keep the Saturday 17 free, if you will stay in Milan and will to spend some time with us ;) Gabriele | ||
| jimmyj
Advanced Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 347 Registered: 8-2008 |
Well... click on the link above and read what it says on the Blue Note website. Or try this one: http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Taylor_Quartet Sorry man, different guy. But I'd still be interested in your comparison of the results! You may like the JTQ better than the plain old JT. Jimmy J |
