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flaxattack
Senior Member
Username: flaxattack

Post Number: 1867
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 - 2:27 pm:   Edit Post

my friday night jam host of 4 yrs just fired me. i got yelled at to stay on the bottom in the middle of "I want to tell you" for playing a plain old b note on the d string during the walking bass part in the middle of the tune. and trust me it was a great rendition and my bass line sang so well until the putz yelled.
later i was told to stay on the bottom on i am the walrus when i play a high c during the i am the egg man. why did they bother putting a g string on the bass to begin with?
its a jam for Christ sakes, i don't tell the guy not to hit the snare or bass drum when he plays or when he gets to high to hold a beat down. it was supposed to be a hang out, lets have fun and chill.
we were not a band- we were not gigging out but his attitude was its my house its my rules.
psst-mccartney doesnt have a five string....
i tried to explain that i try to comply but we all know when something pops in our head it goes direct to our fingers, there is no time to say oh wait,, he doesnt want me to go there,.,,,,
and i put the bass selector switch on scarlet just so he can have his deeper tones on his tunes,.
i'm venting as i am kinda bummed out,.....
hydrargyrum
Advanced Member
Username: hydrargyrum

Post Number: 311
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 - 2:44 pm:   Edit Post

You mean you didn't play the song exactly note for note just like the original!!!! I bet you haven't even grown a mop top or taken up with any Japanese conceptual artists!!!

Seriously, it sounds like the guy needs to lighten up a bit. Who wants to play the same song twice :-)
flaxattack
Senior Member
Username: flaxattack

Post Number: 1868
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 - 4:31 pm:   Edit Post

not me
its not the note for note thing per se- i get a fair amt of room kevin

its not playing ANY high notes on his tunes- gimme the ole 1-3, 2-4
or its not playing notes when high?
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 2871
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 - 5:04 pm:   Edit Post

Flax:

And I'll bet you were playing those Beatles' songs right handed, weren't you, you wild and crazy guy! Is this the same group I jammed with in Manhattan? Some people just don't grock "lead bass". Heck, it sounds like this guy would've kicked Phil Lesh out three years ago!

Bill, tgo
inthelows
Senior Member
Username: inthelows

Post Number: 407
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 - 5:14 pm:   Edit Post

It ain't easy being cheesey!! I luv playin' but hate it when you can't improvise a thing. Other than that ever-steady Church gig, I have a pure jam band just full of free spirits, and spend time composing and writing. I stopped gigging outside because it became a drag dealing with the egos. I find sometimes it's best to let it rest awhile until cooler heads prevail. If it doesn't come back then perhaps it's time to move on. LoL NLP
811952
Senior Member
Username: 811952

Post Number: 1309
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 - 6:45 pm:   Edit Post

Your brain will hurt less not having to deal with that sh*t. He doesn't know it yet, but he will really miss the creativity.

John
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 1058
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 - 7:07 pm:   Edit Post

Anybody who's taking a jam that seriously is taking the fun out. Once that happens, it's hard to play well. Better to give it a rest and, if cooler heads don't prevail, there are other musicians out there... Sorry to hear you getting chewed on for a little well-intended creativity. You and that new girl of yours will find other friends if need be.
Bill (the other one)
flaxattack
Senior Member
Username: flaxattack

Post Number: 1869
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 - 7:20 pm:   Edit Post

yes bill - those guys
thanks guys- i aint no saint and i aint no sinner
i can be- mica calls it flaxitude,, sometimes
to take it to the extreme
i was trying to cut back on my indulging. so i would take a hit or 2 on these friday night get togethers
so then one night i got- if you dont bring- you cant smoke- i said- not a problem i wont smoke youra, i will smoke alans- my friend of 35yrs
NO---- its my house and these are my rules- so you cant smoke anyones-
i had a talk with the sage tea leader, we are getting back in gear with gigs in feb.march
i found either them and or me a great drummer tonight, the keys player from sage tea who swore he didnt want to start something new is joining and bringing an excellent guitar player i heard him play with a few weeks ago. so my band ice blue roses is slowly gelling- first rehearsal tmrw
i said this to my annie a while ago- i am tired of getting screwed around- i want to play my music my way. i think i just flaxituded,,,,
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 1059
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 - 8:39 pm:   Edit Post

"NO---- its my house and these are my rules- so you cant smoke anyones-"
Jeeeeeez! He should take his house and ...well...keep it (and if it doesn't fit, fold it!).
bsee
Senior Member
Username: bsee

Post Number: 1859
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 - 9:49 pm:   Edit Post

When I hear a story like this, I always wonder if there's anything behind it but a leader's wish to give the spot to a closer friend. I have seen a few things like this over the years and, usually, they already have a replacement in mind and were just looking for an excuse.

So it goes, Jeff. One door closes, another opens somewhere out there.
0vid
Intermediate Member
Username: 0vid

Post Number: 117
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 2:04 am:   Edit Post

When I lived in NZ, I used to frequent a jam night at the Blue Note. It was to some extent a jam and to a large extent not, the house band hogged the stage all night to play their pre arranged numbers. Lke a rehearsal for them with an audience. I'd seen on many ocassions musos bringing gear obviously wanting to jam only to go home at 1 am without so much as a chance. One time this guy brought in a guitar and a 4x12 half stack and sat there all night - how much more obvious can you get?

Some people don't get jam sessions...

The best Jam I ever witnessed was at Manny's Car Wash in NYC. You sign up on the board under your 'instrument' and they call out the next line up whoever it is. Don't know if they still do that but that's a nice concept.
keavin
Senior Member
Username: keavin

Post Number: 1335
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 2:44 am:   Edit Post

Sounds to me like ....first off your alembic was the Prettiest & best sounding /most expensive & most outstanding thing on that stage & alot ( or some) band members look at us bassplayers as we shouldnt out shine the rest of the group wheather it's our guitars or our playing.......trust me those crystal clear alembic bassnotes were killing him all along thus giving him "alembic gas" & he couldnt take it anymore so he had to find a bullshit reason to let u go out of what we call 'pure jealousy'!
glocke
Advanced Member
Username: glocke

Post Number: 284
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 3:52 am:   Edit Post

Bob, makes a good point, it could be he just wanted the spot to go to a a friend. It could also be that the guys on an immense power/ego trip and likes controlling things.

The guys Im jamming with now are like that. Theres one guy that fancies himself as the band leader who likes telling me where on the neck to play, ignores me when I call out tunes to play, etc, etc..

I wouldnt worry about it too much, people like that generally dont get very far.
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 945
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 4:40 am:   Edit Post

I was at a jam this past weekend. From the beginning we all agreed that a jam is an opportunity for self indulgence that we don't have in the structured environment of a band. Even when we were covering a couple of the lead guitarist originals it was play them the way you want.

Sounds like getting fired is for the better. Why get all uptight in a situation that is supposed to be relaxing.

Keith
cozmik_cowboy
Advanced Member
Username: cozmik_cowboy

Post Number: 257
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 6:02 am:   Edit Post

On the herbal end: being a firm adherent to the philosophy "If anyone's holding, I'm smoking; if I'm holding, everyone's smoking", I'm just sorry you didn't bitch-slap this ass before you walked. "You can't smoke mine" is selfish & childish; "you can't smoke his" is just flat-out wack. On the musical end: if it were a working band, and he was the undisputed leader and paying you, then it might be understandable him telling you what not to play - wrong, but understandable. A jam? No need to put up with that crap. All the way around, this is a good outcome. You need them a good deal less than they need you.

Peter
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 2872
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 6:50 am:   Edit Post

Flax buddy, you're really going to miss that paycheck, aren't you! lol Interpersonal dynamics among musicians can really be a bitch. I've jammed with some excellent players who wouldn't let you even for a moment forget how good they were and you weren't. Conversesly, I've had wonderful times playing with guys who were not only outstanding players, but made me feel comfortable and welcome. I've done some of my finest playing in these situations. I remember back in '96 or '97, after the final show of "The Other Ones" tour (Grateful Dead following Jerry's death with Steve Kimock and Mark Karan on lead), I jammed at a party with Mark for about 3 hours. Several other guitarists joined in. Mark was far more accomplished than the rest of us, yet everyone had a blast. He was just a really nice guy who dug playing music. That's what it's about. You just got out of a dysfunctional musical marriage, now go have some fun.

Bill, tgo
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 1576
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 7:19 am:   Edit Post

Sorry to hear this Jeff. Finding a band that's fun where you get on with all the other musicians can be a hard thing to do. Sounds to me like Ice Blue roses is going to be Sage tea without the a$$hole guitarist. make sure you make it fun.

Graeme
flaxattack
Senior Member
Username: flaxattack

Post Number: 1870
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 7:26 am:   Edit Post

i jst got my final email from him- look i can be a pain- but this one comment that got me was
you played the riff once and i complimented you on it and said thats the way i want it played- shit you think i remember what it was?
the lead guitar plays every intro to every song i do picking the beat and continues to play til i tell him to shut up = asked him not to do this for 2yrs- i cant,i need to set my sound- cant you set your sound with a chord or random notes? no...
i was dealing with 2 guys who its all about them
i even got my balls busted for not bringing entermens 2$ cake for after- gee i travel 2+ hrs to get there, aint that enough?
you might be right on the replacement comment- his other band auditioned bass players 2 weeks ago- that thought crossed my mind already
upsides- i can be my own man now
i get to spend more time with annie
sage tea is gonna get in gear next month
audutioning next wed for another band
going into the studio tonight for a run through with my own band in the works
what impressed me the most? the guy brought up stuff from three years ago in the last email.
i think a day or 2 and i will get over it
i dealt with one guy-bill for you that fat one who literally never shuts up between sets, repeats stories for 30yrs, and a guitar palyer who never stops playing during the set and adolff on drums. when i tell you that silence was rare i am being kind- its like- wow no ones pounding my ear- oh joy! cherish the moment
my final reply just to him was -0
GO ---- YOURSELF YOU A-------E
glocke
Advanced Member
Username: glocke

Post Number: 287
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 7:45 am:   Edit Post

Just to reiterate, you are MUCH better off without people like that in your life.

Not to hijack this thread, but I have had guys try and tell me what bass to bring (for some reason people like to tell me to bring my '72 jazz instead of my series I), what effects to use, what tone to dial in, etc, etc....Ive even had people tell me to use their shit bass amp instead of my demeter pre/QSC power amp, and these were all non-paying, just for fun situations. My overall philosphy about music anymore is that if someone wants to pay me money to play, I'll do whatever they ask/tell me, but if Im not getting paid, and Im driving 30 minutes to an hour for what is basically a friday night jam/rehearsel band, Im going to do pretty much what makes me happy/feel good musically (not in an obnoxious/stand out way of course).

As far as his comment on smoking goes, that just seals the fact that this guy sounds like a complete Azzhole.....Anyone who holds out on herb or makes a comment like that deserves a smack upside the head.

Life is just way too short to spend it playing music with morons and assholes...
bassman68
Junior
Username: bassman68

Post Number: 13
Registered: 10-2007
Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 7:58 am:   Edit Post

Jeez, What an a--hole. Don't these people understand what a 'jam night' is,it's exactly that 'a jam', & as for the cake, I know where he could shove it!
Picture the scene last thursday night, a guitarist friend of mine invites me to a local jam night & when i get there,the house band are blowing the usual blues stuff they do.
Halfway through the night we get called up on stage & i remove my rogue from the gigbag..''Is that thing active?''i get asked, studying the bass players Gibson/Epiphone EB,''Yeah'' i reply & with that, i get a scowl/tut as he turns the gain on his amp to virtualy zero,''you're not going to slap that all night,are you?''.
So there i am for three numbers, barely audible, with a bass costing more than this guys complete set-up, virtualy miming & getting 'daggers' from 'house' guy every time i look at his amp.
My guitarist friend Laughed his head off all the way home!
Ignorence or jealousy, you decide....
briant
Member
Username: briant

Post Number: 53
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 12:04 pm:   Edit Post

Karma is a wonderful thing. In two months he'll be begging you to come back and play with them because they can't find a suitable replacement.

Any good bass player can pick and choose gigs to do. There is always a million bands looking for a good bass player. You don't have to put up with obnoxious people - just move onto the next gig and don't look back. Even better to have no hard feelings but things don't always sort out in the most optimum manner.
flaxattack
Senior Member
Username: flaxattack

Post Number: 1871
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 12:52 pm:   Edit Post

No going back brian,....
i never go back....
thanks guys... it still pisses the poop out of me- but honestly- i deserve some of it becuase i told myself if he pulled the stay on the bottom crap
i was gonna up and leave- and i didn't
i just wanted to play my bass...
been there on the open mic night
usually the first question is what did i pay for it-i surely wont say the real price- its non of your business- or 2 grand cause anyone who doesnt know alembics doesnt know the cost

what the other guys will do is torture the new player if there is one into playing stuff he doesn't know- this is what they do when the original bass player wanted to sit in for a night
i once asked them to do i fought the law- 3 chords
wouldnt do it., too hard
hb3
Advanced Member
Username: hb3

Post Number: 294
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 1:16 pm:   Edit Post

I've got nothing to add, except to say that everyone on this thread is making good sense. They're not paying you, so wtf?
briant
Member
Username: briant

Post Number: 56
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 1:56 pm:   Edit Post

"No going back brian,....
i never go back...."

Well yeah... I know that you won't I was just sayin' that they will likely be begging you and you can decline over and over again. It's a very satisfying feeling to tell someone who previously fired you and/or was a complete jackass "no" over and over again. :-)
alembic76407
Senior Member
Username: alembic76407

Post Number: 559
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 1:58 pm:   Edit Post

Congratulations jeff, getting fired is the easy way to force you to go out and find something better,
hell sometimes I wish my band would fire me so I could move on, but I'm to lazy to do it on my own.
someday you'll look back on this, and it will all be funny, but now your mad, and your mama sad and papa says he knows I don't have any money!!!!!!



sorry got off on a Springsteen thing
keep on smilin

Sir David
ajdover
Senior Member
Username: ajdover

Post Number: 597
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 8:12 pm:   Edit Post

Unless someone is paying me a hideous amount of money, I usually play what I like. Open mikes are notorious for the "blues guitar player mindless solo mentality over I-IV-V progressions" IME. Why would any bass player expect a different reaction from what flax got? Our only option is to do what flax did - walk. I submit it was the right decision.

If I go to an open mike, I'll play what I like, period. If they don't like it, well, tough &hit. It's an open mike, not a "musician's approval society."

I've pretty much stopped going to open mikes. Most of them are boring, featuring the same people playing the same things, hosted by individuals who use it as their platform to "shine." Guitar players play the same old crap (think every blues tune ever composed), and are disdainful of anyone who steps outside that comfort zone. God help you if you're a bass player who can play past the seventh fret.

Flax, you're better off, trust me.

Alan
flaxattack
Senior Member
Username: flaxattack

Post Number: 1872
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 9:42 pm:   Edit Post

ya know
i hear ya on the open mic stuff-
so anyway
i get this email tonight copied to the other 2 and he says look what jeff sent me
so i went off on the jerk snd apologized to the other 2 since he needed help fighting his battles
i mean really went off-
and of course he had to send something back which i deleted and replied back
grow up - dont you have anything better to do?
you think i have time for this garbage?
----
end of story
audition was ok- tweaky tweaky
and best of all -at one point i said self
this is YOUR band- take a solo- what the f---k
but i am really flattered that my bro on keys who is a professional musician is right there with me on this,. hell of a complement when someone says they wont do start up then says yes he would
flaxattack
Senior Member
Username: flaxattack

Post Number: 1873
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 9:44 pm:   Edit Post

in case anyone cares
it was scarlets night
glocke
Advanced Member
Username: glocke

Post Number: 290
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 3:39 am:   Edit Post

I think this story just reinforces the fact the many musicians are just plain, downright nuts....I play in a Dead type cover band with some guys who are a little older than me (Im 40, their 50+) and are frankly crispy critters...Some of the stuff that goes on is just nuts. They have been trying to get a band off the ground for years, but have been unsuccesful. Why? a) They dont want to jam with anyone who cant do EVERY friday night, b) Every two weeks they put together a new list of songs to learn, so this means I spend time learning one list, than go back the next week and theyve ditched that list and put another one together.

To top it off, we have been looking for a Bobby guy for awhile, and this guy came out to audition last friday. He wasnt that familiar with the Dead repertorie, and was alot more clean cut than the other guys, but having a strong jazz background, the guy could play, and was obviously the type of guy that could take things to the next level, and also wouldnt have a problem picking up on the Dead/Bobby style.

Despite everything sounding awesome with the guy, and me being pretty vocal about keeping the guy, did they keep him? Nope...Why? Two reasons, 1) he wasnt a dead head, and 2) he was too "clean cut"....
bigredbass
Senior Member
Username: bigredbass

Post Number: 1272
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 4:09 am:   Edit Post

I'd gift wrap a #0 Phillips screwdriver (just get a Stanley, no need wasting money on something really good) and send it to him.



J o e y
flaxattack
Senior Member
Username: flaxattack

Post Number: 1874
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 6:19 am:   Edit Post

thats retarted greg
i just posted another ad in craiglist
i put it out that i want someone more lead than rhythm to share with other gman and i dont wont someone who plays jerry note for note- aka dont be a clone
getting several repsonses thanking me for saying that
i have sat with some guitarists who actually copied how weir strums...i think those guys you play with are missing a sheet of rolling paper or 2
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 2874
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 7:15 am:   Edit Post

Hey Greg:

I can do the Bobby thing (just ask Flax), I know the Dead tunes, I'm a long time deadhead, I have a beard and earring, and I can bring my own rolling paper! I'm free every Friday after 7:30. I may be 50+, but I ain't no crispy critter! How long is the drive from Oakland? hehehehe

Seriously, though, I feel very lucky that I've found a bunch of people to play with who all get along and realize THIS IS FOR FUN! My bass player and I go back about 25 years through various configurations. Singer about 15 years, drummer about 12 years. The other guitar and the fiddle are relatively new, about 2 years. We NEVER fight. As for playing, once in a while a suggestion might be made, but it's always in a creative vein. For example, we just started learning Blind Faith's "Sea of Joy" and the other guitarist thought it might sound cool if I played it on acoustic, so I got out my Godin Acousticaster and indeed it added a nice touch. I play for fun. If it gets aggravating and it ain't fun no more, then bye bye.

Bill, tgo
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 1700
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 7:20 am:   Edit Post

Creative VEIN is good, but creative VAIN is not.
:-)
flaxattack
Senior Member
Username: flaxattack

Post Number: 1876
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 7:22 am:   Edit Post

he can do bob greg- rumor has it he did
but he uses a volcano so i cant swear about his rolling ability
terryc
Senior Member
Username: terryc

Post Number: 419
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 7:52 am:   Edit Post

flaxattack..you are best without that a***hole, if he want the exact sound then tell him to put a CD on the house player.
Jam session..to play the right notes, to play the wrong notes, to de stress after a bad day at work, that's what it is all about.
Glocke..I don't care if I am getting paid or not..I bring what is required, I mean you wouldn't tell the drummer to bring his other kit or the guitarist to bring certain pedals..why do they always give us bass players a hard time. It really does p**s me off. At the moment my current band we do get on well together and the gigs are very enjoyable but I bet everyone in this thread has some right horror stories
terryc
Senior Member
Username: terryc

Post Number: 420
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 7:58 am:   Edit Post

bassman 68...I know where you are coming from there so my little Roland BassCube 100W goes with me if I ever go to jam sessions(very rare now since my current band is so busy)
danny_bryant
Junior
Username: danny_bryant

Post Number: 31
Registered: 9-2007
Posted on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 8:39 am:   Edit Post

I thought the whole point of playing a cover tune was about giving it a personal stamp on the song and not trying to duplicate it not for note. Its obvious to me that the guy lives in his own little world. If someone told me to not hit a high or a low note I would turn around and laugh at them. This all about doing your own thing and not becoming just another bass player. Keep on doing what your doing. There is not a darn thing wrong with it Flax.
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 2877
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 9:25 am:   Edit Post

Hey Flax, I can ROCK and I can ROLL! lol

Bill, tgo
nate1884
New
Username: nate1884

Post Number: 4
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 10:22 am:   Edit Post

To continue the 'why on Earth are people such difficult' portion of this thread, I lived with three other musicians who I've known for years and used to jam with, until 6 months ago and I was so excited at the prospect of house of freedom and creativity and not just mindlessly gawking at the TV day after day. Boy was I wrong!

The other three used to be in a band together in their late teens so when two of them started a new project the bass player of the three had a tantrum when he wasn't involved, even though it was a style of music he hated and moved out after 4-5 months, having complained constantly about the other guys band. Apparently the drummer of the two was 'his drummer' LoL

I offered to help the pair out as a second guitarist even though it wasn't my bag either, as they had been discussing it as a possibility and I was trying to be helpful. this offer was plainly refused by the guitarist. Apparently he doesn't play with other guitarists anymore! On top of this, I would sit and noodle around in my room and would be constantly interrupted with someone coming in asking me what I was playing and telling me that they were going to use my riffs!! No asking, telling.

As a result I moved out when the lease was up and moved in with a buddy of mine who had previously been living with a classically trained pianist and had complained to me about the noise of him practicing, but I had assumed it was excessive as my friend is generally a reasonable guy. Again wrong! I now have to sit pretty much in silence every evening as he is neurotic about quiet. He used to organize raves and run a radio station for Christ's sake!

I am now looking for yet another place to move to, have barely played in the last 18 months, and everyone I meet who is interested in playing in London, doesn't want to do it for fun, but because they are going to be huge and make a pile of money! HA!! Why on Earth can't people just relax and enjoy the beautiful things in life?

Vent over, thank you for your time : )

p.s. the 'band' I referred to above are still gig-less 18 months down the line!
nate1884
New
Username: nate1884

Post Number: 5
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 10:25 am:   Edit Post

Sorry, where are my manners? Flax - I sympathize, and I hope that all the new endeavors are fun and fruitful.
bassman68
Junior
Username: bassman68

Post Number: 19
Registered: 10-2007
Posted on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 4:58 pm:   Edit Post

Oh BTW MCcartney did play a L/H five string Wal bass for a while...
bigredbass
Senior Member
Username: bigredbass

Post Number: 1275
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 6:13 pm:   Edit Post

Oh yes he did: listen to 'Pieces of Eight' on 'Tripping the Live Fantastic' and hear Macca trolling those low B's and C's.

J o e y
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 1062
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 6:46 pm:   Edit Post

(duplicate post)

(Message edited by bassman10096 on January 18, 2008)
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 1063
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 6:47 pm:   Edit Post

Just to build on the "even cover tunes should bear the stamp of the musicians playing them" theme, I have a running dispute with one of my guitarists about this. He rarely can tell exactly what made the original sound the way it did, but picks and demands that others add specific, generally small touches he has been able to hear in the original. Then, when the result is not like the original (no one is surprised at this but him), he accuses the person he asked to make a change of "not trying to get it right".
Fortunately, he doesn't do this constantly (Only during certain phases of the moon?). But when he gets picky with me, I sit him down and explain that many times I do not want to play exactly the way the original player recorded the bass. Not (well, usually not) because I disrespect the player on the record, but because I want to challenge myself to come up with something of my own (even if it's not as good, at least it's mine). This does not mean I don't often practice original lines for the learning, but if my goal was just to hear the original lines for everything, it'd be easier and cheaper to invest in a better stereo...
Unfortunately, he, like some people, really can't understand why I don't consider "doing it exactly like the guy on the record" is not the end of my aspirations. Believe me, the guy has other redeeming features, but this issue is really frustrating!
811952
Senior Member
Username: 811952

Post Number: 1310
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 7:39 pm:   Edit Post

I have had that discussion with more than a few band leaders. My response is that I simply am unable to play the song(s) as recorded. For better or for worse, I just am unable to do it. Except for YES, Rush, King Crimson, ELP, Beatles, etcetera.. ;)

Of course, I usually play closer to what's been recorded than what the band leader thinks he's hearing, especially on motown stuff.

John
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 1064
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 9:08 pm:   Edit Post

Motown's probably the best example of the bass line not being what people think it is.
richbass939
Senior Member
Username: richbass939

Post Number: 911
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 9:48 pm:   Edit Post

I really feel lucky. It has been many years since I jammed with someone like the people some of you have described. All the musicians I know just want to stay somewhere close to the song structure and let the creativity happen. Often we aren't even playing a song, just doing a chord progression, letting the feel wander around, and seeing what kind of nice stuff can come out.
I'm just starting in with a jazz standards group. Even though we read notation charts and stay close to them, there is room to stretch out. They have even said to just read the chord names and do what I think works if I want to.
Flax, sorry you had to deal with such a bonehead. It seems to have nothing to do with music, just his own control trip. The "you can't smoke ANYONE'S stuff" comment is a pretty clear indication where the jerk is coming from. There have to be smoother roads ahead for you than the one that guy keeps people on. Good luck to you.
Rich
dannobasso
Senior Member
Username: dannobasso

Post Number: 687
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 9:52 pm:   Edit Post

If its a jam, then jam. I do think that if its a bonafide cover band try to stick to the original. But in this case good riddance to an individual with a case of insecurity. I still get razzed because I remember lots of tunes from playing in bands over the years. This is from guys who don't or can't cover tunes. Whatever, life is too short to stress over it. I sometimes jam with 2 friends at a local bar that normally has novice to deranged about their ability types. We jam on out there Frippish mixed with whatever comes up riffs. 10-15 minutes of wierdness, then back to the usual 3 chord fare.
Whatever it is, enjoy it and play the wonderful instruments we all work so hard to own. I hope you find a group of like minded souls and create to your hearts content. Then come out with your solo record!
flaxattack
Senior Member
Username: flaxattack

Post Number: 1879
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 10:40 pm:   Edit Post

ya know
i am being email stalked- he just insists on having the last word and copying in the other 2 guys i guess to have them validate his remarks
when he mentioned my mom must be proud of me caused i called him adolff and i am jewish
i last worded him back- its the taurus in me-
and then blocked him in email...
dannobasso
Senior Member
Username: dannobasso

Post Number: 688
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 6:25 am:   Edit Post

Wow, this is a guy with serious emotional issues.
Try to forget him and his musical fascism. (or put in a Seinfeld-esque remark)
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 2886
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 9:01 am:   Edit Post

There are plenty of "bands" out there that play every cover tune note for note exactly like the record. They are called "DJs"!

Bill, tgo
811952
Senior Member
Username: 811952

Post Number: 1312
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 9:10 am:   Edit Post

Life's too short and too precious to devote any energy to that arse, Jeff. Go play some music instead, and play it exactly how you feel at the moment!
kimberly
Intermediate Member
Username: kimberly

Post Number: 185
Registered: 1-2007
Posted on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 9:46 am:   Edit Post

Hi Jeff,

Pardon me but, 'what a crock'! And for an open mike no less. Sheesh...

As with those who have said something along the lines of "it's one thing if it's a cover band and another thing if it's an open mike". I say exactly! The way I see it is the ahem...'dude' (intentionally not capitalized), should have been grateful you've played the gig for four years. What a maroon. I've hostessed an open mike for over a year now and if I had someone coming in week after week, to say I'd be appreciative is a gross understatement. Bottom line is, his loss, your gain. :-)

This really isn't a loss for you, it's opportunity to do better. And believe me, even if it's playing by yourself, you'll be better off in the long run. Personal practice is opportunity to succeed. IMHO, playing with this bozo is the road to nowhere. As John just said, "Life's too short and too precious". "Go play some music". :-)

Best Regards,

Kimberly <---takes a deep breath and calms down. ;)
bassfingers
Intermediate Member
Username: bassfingers

Post Number: 138
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 11:52 pm:   Edit Post

Jeff,

"...When something pops in our head it goes direct to our fingers...".

There's a word for that,what was it now?...Oh yeah,expression!.Jeez,I don't think I've ever played the same song the same way twice.Ever.Trust me I hold it down and do my job but little changes pop into my head all the time,like you I'm just playing my music my way.

It sounds like the guy has issues to resolve,especially when it comes to treating people decently.Or maybe he just needs to take the pickle out of his ass and lighten up.Either way it's his loss.Sorry to hear about this Jeff,if the guy doesn't appreciate what you do and how you do it,take your groove and share it with people who will and don't give 'Phil Allgaps' another thought.

Best Wishes,

Simon.
edwin
Advanced Member
Username: edwin

Post Number: 277
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Thursday, January 31, 2008 - 9:28 pm:   Edit Post

I once had a guitarist ask me why I didn't play the jam part of a Meters tune just like the record. I asked him why he didn't play the solo just like the record and he just laughed and never bothered me about that again. We ended up having a lot of fun together!

Playing should be about fun. It's one of the great things about Great American Taxi. We can do some really weird things and everyone thinks it's great. For Vince, the weirder, the better! It's a beautiful thing. Of course, everyone knows how to take care of business when that needs to get things done.

Edwin
paulman
Advanced Member
Username: paulman

Post Number: 277
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 - 7:02 am:   Edit Post

Heh we seem to all have been down this road.

Best Open Mic...calls my name and 3 others. 1 Bass, 1 Drum, 1 Guitar plus me guitar. We all say "What do you want to play" and we figure it all out on the spot, never having met each other before. That was a superb experience.

Worst open mic...guy walks up to me, while I'm playing (think it was "lovelite") and unplugs my guitar WHILE I AM PLAYING...and begins to play his guitar through his amp. I just keep on smiling and strumming. After about 3-4 minutes of Jam he unplugs, hands the cable back to me and says "I thought I heard strange noises from my amp" and walks away. Could be, but several people told me afterwards our jam was so great he wanted to take over (ego guy). Had several run ins with him since then.

Play for fun I say. And has any of these people ever listened to the band they are covering play the songs live? Strange...it still doesn't sound like the studio recording (but still sounds like the band). Rush is great live, but they don't even compare to their studio albums quality.

My $.02 If anything it is good to know we all have these experiences and walk away when it's no fun.
flaxattack
Senior Member
Username: flaxattack

Post Number: 1902
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2008 - 8:23 am:   Edit Post

had to laugh today
saw a cl posting
cream tribute band- must sing and play jack bruce
note for note= bet they want the same gear too.
does the bass player need to have done as many drugs as jack has?
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 1087
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Friday, February 22, 2008 - 9:23 pm:   Edit Post

"had to laugh today"

Just got the pun. Thanks. I needed that (LOL).

I'll bet at least on person associated with that project will have an unnatural level of concern with the gear they think Jack played. I, for one, was pretty surprised to hear he played Disraeli Gears on a Danelectro.

Bill
(the other one)

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