| Author | Message | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 536 Registered: 8-2008 |
Very funny. In fact we played that song in the set on our first Cunard "adventure" in '09. The whole concept is pretty silly but ... passage for band, crew and gear to Europe at the cost of playing a couple short gigs on the boat makes some sense. It is a bit odd to play in a theater that is MOVING. I just hope we have better weather this time. Thanks for the good wishes, Jimmy J | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 2233 Registered: 9-2002 |
That's one of my favorite ancients, used to be in a band and the chart started on that flat-seven riff in unison, what a hoot. I love the sea, and what a treat to sail on such a ship on such a historic route to England. Plus your things don't get smacked around under an airplane, not bad at all. Well, here's hoping it's flat enough to water ski behind the Queen. J o e y | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Junior Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 27 Registered: 6-2014 |
I'll share this here... this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFvGq-52I8I of JT doing "Frozen Man" has the camera slowly pan across Jimmy in the background with (one of?) his cone-headstock Alembic five-strings. Can't quite tell what other features it has, but in addition to that being one of my favorite ever JT tunes, I must have played that clip 500 times just to hear the bass. One of the bands I play in has tried in vain several times to add this tune to the set list. Beautiful bass, and a great bass line too. | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 537 Registered: 8-2008 |
Thanks for that Gregory. That is a great song isn't it? It's also an example of how the bass parts are already written and played by JT on most of his tunes. I don't know of anybody who plays guitar quite like him ... and those bass lines come with the package. All I do is pick and choose how much of what he's already playing should be doubled an octave lower. That clip is from around '92 and is probably my "recording" bass - an '87 series II. Great to see Don Grolnick and Carlos Vega and remember that happy time. We miss those guys. Jimmy J | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11474 Registered: 5-2002 |
Nice video! Thanks for posting. | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Junior Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 28 Registered: 6-2014 |
JT is one of those guys you hate to pick favorites from, but yes, Frozen Man is epic. I notice you often reference the guitar bassline as the strongest influence on what you play. Couldn't agree more... I'm fortunate enough to be playing with a very gifted young guitarist/vocalist/songwriter with whom I'm able to do just that - listen to his lines and pare down from there. He often reminds me though, it still takes a bass player to *hear it* that way. I truly appreciate your craft. | ||
| eddievig
New Username: eddievig Post Number: 4 Registered: 4-2009 |
Jimmy J, I am very excited that I'll get to see you with JT in New Orleans come November. As always, I do hope you get time to enjoy some good eats and local music. I'll bring my "Grasshopper" album and a Sharpie just in case I get lucky enough to run into you again  Best, Ed Vigueira | ||
| rapsak_v
Junior Username: rapsak_v Post Number: 25 Registered: 8-2013 |
Jimmy, thank you so much for a wonderful concert here in Copenhagen yesterday. It was great to get to meet you and have a little chat. Bass idol AND super cool guy! Cheers, Kaspar | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 538 Registered: 8-2008 |
Gregory, thanks again for the above. Ed, that seems like a long way off but remind me when we get closer... Kaspar, It was great to hang with you and Mikkel for a moment Tuesday night, I enjoyed that. I'm glad you guys were free, thanks again for coming to the gig and saying hello. And for all the kind words posted here too! Carry on! Jimmy J | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 3586 Registered: 10-2002 |
Looking forward to monday evening Jimmy. should get a great view from the front row :-) Graeme | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 540 Registered: 8-2008 |
Yes Graeme, I guess I'll be seeing you too - in the front row! No heckling now. Requesting a bass solo is NOT appropriate behavior in this situation. Ha! Jimmy J | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11528 Registered: 5-2002 |
Enjoy! | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 3588 Registered: 10-2002 |
Another fantastic show, we were right in front of James and could hear every note perfectly. Jimmy's playing - as ever - was beautiful - I really loved the 'duet' intro to Millworker which really highlighted Jimmy's tone. James threw in a handful of new songs which were great - looking forward to the new album coming out soon. As usual we had a really nice chat - great to catch up. graeme | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 541 Registered: 8-2008 |
It was great to see you and the Mrs again Graham. Always nice when true music lovers (and Alembic brothers) come and enjoy the show. Some good tracks coming on JT's new record. Great songwriting, singing and playing by all. Plus the engineer looks after the bass tone! Yay! Cheers, Jimmy J (Message edited by jimmyj on September 30, 2014) | ||
| eddievig
New Username: eddievig Post Number: 5 Registered: 4-2009 |
Jimmy J, Just checking in again concerning the New Orleans show; if it is at all possible (without being too big a pain) I'd love to meet up for a minute or two afterward. Let me know of any super-secret passwords, handshakes, or offerings to the security crew if necessary... Best, Ed Vigueira | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 544 Registered: 8-2008 |
Hey Ed, If you wouldn't mind posting here what seats you're sitting in at UNO then I will do my best to come out and say hello before the show starts. Concert starts at 8 (no opening act) so doors should open at 7pm. I'll try to be sitting in your seats and maybe we can squeeze in a bass chat before I have to report to work. That's the best I can offer you at the moment but if it sounds OK we'll give it a try. Even though I stand directly behind Mr. Taylor and am in many of his live camera shots I'm still basically unseen by the majority of the audience. I can usually wander through the venue and not be recognized, sometimes even right after the show. That's all fine me, I prefer it this way! Ha! Jimmy J | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 3600 Registered: 10-2002 |
Jimmy.."Even though I stand directly behind Mr. Taylor and am in many of his live camera shots I'm still basically unseen by the majority of the audience. I can usually wander through the venue and not be recognized, sometimes even right after the show. That's all fine me, I prefer it this way! Ha! " Amazingly this is pretty accurate. When you came to speak to us before the Glasgow gig I don't think anyone around us twigged who you were. It wasn't until the show started that our neighbours asked if that was 'the bass player' we'd been talking to :-) like you say, anonimity can be a good thing - We felt quite sorry for JT who didn't even get off the stage during the interval due to autograph hunters who mobbed him. He must have a cast iron bladder :-) Graeme | ||
| hammer
Senior Member Username: hammer Post Number: 610 Registered: 9-2009 |
Heard, as opposed to saw you, the other night when JT played in Minneapolis (had bad seats AND one very tall guy sitting/ standing in front of me). Can't get over how tastefully you play in that ensemble - my operational definition of "a pros pro." And while I assume I'm probably in the minority, I came more to listen to you than JT. | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 87 Registered: 6-2014 |
I'm hoping to catch the show in either Richmond, or Charleston later this month... that Monday 24th looks better than the Friday after Thanksgiving. | ||
| eddievig
New Username: eddievig Post Number: 6 Registered: 4-2009 |
Jimmy J, My lovely wife sang with Boz Scaggs for a number of years, and also enjoyed being able to blend in with the civilian population when necessary;) Best of both worlds, methinks... We're in section P, row 14, seats 5-7...the family and I are looking forward to it! Many thanks, Ed | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 546 Registered: 8-2008 |
Graeme, I'm surprised your neighbor noticed even as we started. Ha! Brian, Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you at least enjoyed the sound. You didn't miss much onstage action except of course for the 30 dancers and the pyro effects on "You've Got A Friend". Ha! Really, not much to watch with us old geezers, thus the somewhat busy video content... But for me it's all about the music and sound so I'm glad to hear that was coming through. Gregory, Maybe I can see you at one of those gigs. Let me know if it works out. Ed, OK, I'll do my best to get out there and say howdy. But even if we miss connecting with each other I hope you'll enjoy the evening. best to all, Jimmy J | ||
| jzstephan
Advanced Member Username: jzstephan Post Number: 283 Registered: 1-2012 |
Jimmy, when you're in Tampa, if you have any time, try to get some Cuban coffee (cafe con Leche) at La Teresita. I wish I was going to the concert, but I just don't like the sound in the hockey rink. | ||
| pace
Senior Member Username: pace Post Number: 1092 Registered: 4-2004 |
Hey Jimmy!... My co-worker and I will be at the Mohegan Sun gig in a couple of weeks. Should be a good time as always.... LMK if you need to get 'off the reservation' (literally, not metaphorically) pre/post show... | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 548 Registered: 8-2008 |
John Z, thanks. If I were a coffee drinker I'd be all over that. But I will enjoy a nice midnight sandwich while I'm down here. I know what you mean about bad sounding venues. Our FOH guy is mighty fine but sometimes even he can't win. Mike P, maybe I'll see you there. Casino gigs are odd in that they pay very well but then they don't want you to play too long. Because when people are at the show they aren't gambling! That's a bit harsh, they're not all that way. I think we get to play our whole show at the Mohegan Sun (and we'll probably know the tunes pretty well by then) so that should be good. Let me know what seats you're in as it gets closer. If you know. Nice to see Ed V. and his gals the other night. Thanks again for the CD. Hope you all enjoyed the show. Jimmy J | ||
| eddievig
New Username: eddievig Post Number: 7 Registered: 4-2009 |
Jimmy J, Many thanks for taking the time to visit... The show was stellar, but the company was even better! It was truly an unforgettable night for us all. The gals and I are still buzzing about all of it a week later... Safe travels and Happy Holidays to you, yours, and the whole gang on tour. Ed V | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1511 Registered: 2-2011 |
Not sure if this has ever been posted, but Roy Vogt posted this on Facebook today - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7k5EQWfqVOQ Which lead to this amazing clip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiQMXgfnUVI Here's Roy's Facebook post - https://www.facebook.com/groups/162730003749416/868430789845997/?notif_t=group_activity Jimmy. you have been the tone master since the beginning! Incredible playing too! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3883 Registered: 5-2009 |
That was great ! | ||
| dead_head
Member Username: dead_head Post Number: 67 Registered: 5-2014 |
Wow! That was some amazing stuff! I just love that tone... | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 559 Registered: 8-2008 |
Over 30 years ago, yikes! I had no idea any of that Wayne Johnson stuff was recorded, much less on video. (For you youngsters, this was a year before cell phones were rolled out in the US). We had some good fun with that trio. I sure wonder where that bass went... 76-418 was stolen out of a van in Poughkeepsie, NY in 1987. A particularly odd axe too. The tailpiece was a plate with pins sticking up onto which you slid the ball ends of the strings. Cracked top on both sides of the bass pickup. 5-strings on a 4-string neck... Where could it be? In a closet somewhere? On the wall of some restaurant? Thanks for the attention and nice comments my friends. Now stop googling me! HA! Jimmy J | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 3637 Registered: 10-2002 |
Just pre-ordered Gadd's '70 strong'. If it's anything like Gadditude it'll be another great album. looking forward to listening to your playing on something new Jimmy, do we have long to wait? Hard to believe Steve's 70 this year; when we chatted last September I'd have put him in his early 60's at most. Must have a very effective fitness regime :-) can't be long till the new JT album comes out? Graeme | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11634 Registered: 5-2002 |
Those videos were a pleasant surprise on a cold rainy afternoon. Thanks! | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Intermediate Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 185 Registered: 6-2014 |
JimmyJ, I'd like to read more about that 5 strings on a 4-string neck, sometime when you've got time. I've thought about that a lot here lately, the logistics of how to do it. I hope to read here one day you have finally found 76-418. I've never had the misfortune of having an instrument stolen, but my Dad had a Gibson banjo stolen from his office in 1976... he still carries the serial number of that banjo and the phone number of the Wise Co. Sheriff's Office in his wallet to this day. | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 2312 Registered: 9-2002 |
Gregory, I don't know Alembic's original work with JJ on his first, but it was common at the outset of 'off-the-rack' five strings. My original BB5000 Yamaha was essentially a 4-string BB3000 with an 1.75" nut width, modded with a five-slot nut, an updated 3+2 Yamaha P-pickup (strangely, an idea only now becoming common 25 years later), a slightly bigger head with the 'add-on' G-tuner, and a five-saddle bridge, all tooled to work inside the original four-string spacing, and these were fairly simple mods from the four-string blueprint. You essentially wound up with a five string with very tight string-to-string spacing, like a Ric or a very narrow Jazz Bass. Really 'cozy' down at the nut, but you got used to it. I had a Peavey DynaBass (I know . . . .) that was done the same way. This was not uncommon back in the late 80's, and the widths have been all over the map ever since. IF there's a 'standard', it's probably the ubiquitous Sting Ray Five that introduced it to most people, the first fairly easy five for most people to get their head around, plus they had that Music Man tone which a lot of guys were used to. And getting that big pickup to work on the B-string was not quite the hurdle required to make a P-pickup sound good in the same situation, a classic illustration of 'narrow' vs. 'wide aperture' tone. Joey | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Intermediate Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 187 Registered: 6-2014 |
Right on Joey, I know what you mean. I have an '87 Gibson V Thunder Series 5-string. Essentially it's an ordinary (well, by Gibson's standards anyway) shaped bass, wired up like a Thunderbird. Darn thing looks uncannily like a cone headstocked Spoiler, painted Ferrari red. The string spacing is pretty much 5 strings squeezed into the same space as the 4-string model, even used the same pickups. They made them for less than a year, and they're not well regarded at all, but it has enormous sentimental value to me. (and the string spacing as you say, you get used to it) Anyway, I'd given some thought to an Alembic restoration/conversion. Since it's partly Jimmy's fault I play 5-string basses, thought I'd go to the original Alembic fiver guy. | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 560 Registered: 8-2008 |
Hey friends, Graeme, thanks for supporting the team. Gadd record coming momentarily. James' record probably in a couple months. (Holdsworth record? Within the decade, we hope.) Gregory and Joey, I think you guys have got it right. When there was enough interest in 5-strings the builders felt the need to offer it but didn't want to retool everything. So what came out first was tight string spacing on whatever they were already making. Then later the Fender players complained enough that many went to standard P-bass "+1" spacing. What I landed on and got used to is a 1-3/4" nut and around 2-3/16" from the outside edge of the B-string to the outside edge of the G at the bridge. My fretless is even smaller with a 1-5/8" nut and that was clearly because Alembic only had one graphite "neck mold" to fool with at that moment in time. For a few years before discovering Alembic in '75 I was playing a Gibson Les Paul Recording Bass which was probably already tighter spacing than Fender (and a couple frets shorter!). So the spacing didn't feel too weird to me right off the bat. I also started on electric so I wasn't coming from upright. I guess that makes me a "bass guitarist" Again, it's just what I got used to and happens to fit my fingers, the way I play, etc. Almost every other bass player who tries my bass finds it a tight squeeze. Jimmy J | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 2313 Registered: 9-2002 |
I also prefer a narrow five-string. Both of mine are the Alembic 'Classic' taper, 2" nut by 2.5" at the last fret, so the strings almost feel parallel to me. Yamaha later went crazy with those crazy-wide fives on TRB's. If I had mad money to build a couple of 'what if . . . ?' axes, one of the first things I'd try would be like the fingerboard on a nylon string classical: Utterly straight end-to-end, no taper at all, and a flat-radius (i.e., NO radius) fingerboard, backed with a flat-back neck profile, REALLY a 'U-shaped' neck profile. It's interesting to me that I was never at home, a four-string was always too much work, the notes just didn't line up right to me. I'd read about Jimmy and Alembic, and a bass with FIVE strings just said to me "I'm waiting,Joey", and then when I got my first, the little light went on and everything made sense. There's a part of me that always wants a little P/J Precision (the current candidate is the ESP Frank Bello), but every time I pick up a nice one, something is STILL missing, so it just remains a daydream . . . Joey | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1513 Registered: 2-2011 |
Jimmy, your neck sounds very similar to my new Europa. Mine is 1.77" at the nut & 2.5" at the 24th. I haven't measured string to string, but with about 1/8" from the edge of the string to the edge of the fretboard, that would put it at 2 1/4" string to string. I love my narrow neck, & your bass was my inspiration for getting the narrow neck! My string spacing feels natural to me. Now when I play my Jazz Bass it feels like I'm missing a string in between the others! | ||
| muller1007
Advanced Member Username: muller1007 Post Number: 201 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi Jimmy, On March 31st I'm coming to see you play with Mr. Taylor at Theatre Carre in Amsterdam. We have great seats and that venue is really fantastic, so we're in for a treat. It's been some time ago since I've seen you play, 2012 with JT and before that with Allan and Gary in Zoetermeer in '09. That last one was one of the best concerts I've ever been to. The synergy of that trio was truly magical! I'm really looking forward to the JT concert. I hope the Alembic bass will be "nicely present" in the sound ;) If it's not too much trouble for you, is there any whatever way we can briefly meet up and say hello before the show? I wouldn't mind getting there early. Thanks! Duncan | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 564 Registered: 8-2008 |
Hey Duncan, Thanks for the note and the kind words about that Zoetermeer gig. Needless to say, playing with Allan and Gary together has always been a blast for me. And since you've already heard me in my alternate musical Universe you know what to expect at a JT concert. A different musical experience altogether but still a blast for me. We have a good sound guy so I think the bass will be well represented. Let me know where you are seated at the Carré and I may be able to come find you before the show. Itinerary says 8pm start and there's no opening act. Thanks, Jimmy J | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 2341 Registered: 9-2002 |
Jimmy, was so sorry to hear about the (unfortunately not un-expected) passing of Mike Porcaro over the weekend. I knew you'd played with Jeff, and wondered if you knew Mike very well, and did he do a lot of session work in his day away from Toto? Joey | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 565 Registered: 8-2008 |
Hey Joey, Unfortunate is right. I didn't know Mike very well but he was certainly a fixture on the LA music scene. Especially among the "locals" which included his whole family, Lukather, Carlos Vega, Landau... It mostly hurts to think about their dad Joe who is still an active studio drummer and percussionist. I can't even imagine... So far I'd have to say that losing friends and family is my biggest complaint about getting old. But on we go, all ahead full. Jimmy J | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 2344 Registered: 9-2002 |
I'd agree; sometimes I think of everyone I've lost and almost get 'survivor's grief', and it certainly is my #1 regret about living this long. It is for us the living to honor their memory and carry on, they would tell us no less. Joey | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 1821 Registered: 6-2002 |
Well said Joey. +1 Mike | ||
| muller1007
Advanced Member Username: muller1007 Post Number: 202 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi Jimmy, That would be really nice! We will be at our seats right after doors open, which is 7:30pm according to Carré. We'll be sitting at Parterre right (first ring around stalls) first row, seats 38 & 40. Thanks! Duncan | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 566 Registered: 8-2008 |
OK Duncan, I'll see if I can find you for a quick chat before the music starts. My book says doors at 7 but your info may be more accurate... Seeya, Jimmy J | ||
| eddievig
New Username: eddievig Post Number: 8 Registered: 4-2009 |
(Message edited by eddievig on March 29, 2015) | ||
| eddievig
New Username: eddievig Post Number: 9 Registered: 4-2009 |
(Message edited by eddievig on March 29, 2015) | ||
| eddievig
New Username: eddievig Post Number: 10 Registered: 4-2009 |
Jimmy, My daughter put together a poster with her 99 favorite artists for those times when she could use some inspiration...Alphabetically, that puts you between Elton John and Tom Jones! Jaco, McCartney, and Michael League are also in there representing the low end...I am finally convinced that I did something right as her dad ;) Best, Ed V | ||
| jimmyj
Senior Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 567 Registered: 8-2008 |
Oh Ed, that is funny! I'm honored to be a sideman among her list of actual Artists. Ha! And in a good spot between those two. I guess I would be hard-pressed to come up with 99 of my favorite anythings. Good stuff. Jimmy J | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 978 Registered: 12-2003 |
Jimmy, Here's a few to get you started: Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens Bright copper kettles and warm woollen mittens Brown paper packages tied up with strings Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes Silver white winters that melt into springs |
