| Author | Message | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1486 Registered: 10-2003 |
Played Blues at the Crossroads yesterday evening with the fabulous Jill Shutt. Had a great time even with nothing but a LOUD 60hz hum in the monitors.. ;) Admittedly, we played more jazz than blues.. It rained most of the day, so the tech crew had their hands full getting things setup and running in a timely manner. No sound check, which explains the monitor situation, but I'm told it sounded great out front. C'est la vie..   John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1487 Registered: 10-2003 |
 | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1488 Registered: 10-2003 |
Paul Sturm  | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1489 Registered: 10-2003 |
Bill Foraker  | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1490 Registered: 10-2003 |
Your's truly and the amazing Will Foraker..  | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1491 Registered: 10-2003 |
John, Will, Jill, Bill and Paul..  | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1492 Registered: 10-2003 |
And a link to a short preview feature done by a local TV station... http://www.wthitv.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?clipId1=2902756&at1=News&vt1=v&h1=Blues+at+the+Crossroads+Preview&d1=138866&redirUrl=www.wthitv.com&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&clipFormat=flv&rnd=51516611 John | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7038 Registered: 5-2002 |
Nice pics, and nice video! I especially like how the video ends with an Alembic logo shot! The TV station did a really nice job editing and assembling the footage. [edit: typo] (Message edited by davehouck on September 15, 2008) | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1499 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks, Dave.. Jill is great to work with. Lots of talent and excellent stage presence. She does a lot of theater, and could probably make it as a comedian if she didn't have such awesome pipes.. John | ||
| andbassforall
Junior Username: andbassforall Post Number: 15 Registered: 9-2008 |
Hey I'd recognize that Genz Benz amp anywhere. I have a few of their pieces. How do you like it. Is that the 700 or the 1200? | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1509 Registered: 10-2003 |
It's not mine. It was the communal bass amp, and seemed plenty nice enough. I had it barely turned up with the EQ flat using what I think was the passive channel only, and that through an Ampeg 410. I've only heard good things about the Genz Benz stuff. John | ||
| andbassforall
Junior Username: andbassforall Post Number: 16 Registered: 9-2008 |
Very cool. I hardly touch the EQ. Maybe 5% here and there. Almost never with fresh strings. What do you typically play through? | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1512 Registered: 10-2003 |
I use an Ampeg B5R these days, and like it a lot. That's run through one or two Kustom 410H cabinets, which I also like a lot. I've been using Fender flatwounds for awhile now as well, and am pleasantly surprised how easy it is to get good tone out of the whole setup. John | ||
| andbassforall
Junior Username: andbassforall Post Number: 17 Registered: 9-2008 |
I've played the B5R a few times. I have a late 80's SVT-II. I haven't played through any Kustom stuff. I'm curious about it. Been playing the Genz-Benz stuff the last year. I have a Neo 2X12 cab. I was using their NeoPak 3.5 head, but I got the newer Shuttle head now. It's even lighter than the NeoPak and twice the power. . It's crazy. I'm thinking of getting the 1200 head that I think you were playing through in that photo. That's why I was curious to see what you thought of it. It's been years since I've been excited about amps until I started playing this stuff. As for the flats.. I'm not too hip on them, but I'm always surprised when I find out who plays them. I have a feeling one day, I'm going to get hip to them. Thanks for taking the time to share the photos and rig info! | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1513 Registered: 10-2003 |
Actually, what turned me on to flats was the quest for Paul McCartney's tone. I've always been a shiny-sounding Rotosound user, so this is new territory for me. John | ||
| new2alembic
Junior Username: new2alembic Post Number: 30 Registered: 9-2008 |
Hey John thanks for sharing. Looks like y'all were having some fun up there. I would have liked to check you guys out in person. I am about 3 1/2 hours from you. Carl | ||
| andbassforall
Junior Username: andbassforall Post Number: 18 Registered: 9-2008 |
That's quite an extreme opposite from your Roto's. I used Roto's for years. When I got into 6-string I couldn't find a decent set of Roto's I liked as far as sizes. I went to D'Addario. I'm stocked D'Addario came out with the Pro Steels, They are actually a bit less expensive than the Roto's. I really dig McCartney's tone. It's still one of the most unorthodox and recognizable tones. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1551 Registered: 10-2003 |
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=50237111575157307&hl=en | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7205 Registered: 5-2002 |
What did you use to film this? I haven't plugged this in to my stereo yet, but the sound seems pretty good on my laptop. Nice bass line in White Rabbit! | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1552 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks, Dave. The camera is my Canon S5is point-and-shoot. I figure I might as well start using it! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7210 Registered: 5-2002 |
I'm running it through my stereo now, and the bass sounds really good! This is a topic I know little about; but I figure it's useful information to know. Did you use the 60 or 30 FPS setting? How big was the file size to record 10 minutes at that setting? And I'm guessing you recorded the sound with some other device, and then somehow synced the sound to the video. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1553 Registered: 10-2003 |
It's all the Canon camera. I set it for the low resolution (320x240) and 30 fps. For the audio, I had the wind gust filter on and left everything on auto. Just about as low-tech as it gets. I have recorded at high resolution and in PAL format, and while it looks better it kills a 4 gig card in about 15 minutes. Here's at the high resolution. Please ignore the instrument I'm playing. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8738972851729159646&hl=en John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1554 Registered: 10-2003 |
Ah, of course I forgot that youtube and google video scale everything down to a web-centric low-res/low-bandwidth file. Meh. John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1555 Registered: 10-2003 |
And I must add that the Alembic is strung up with Fender flatwounds in that river/rabbit clip. I love those strings on that bass! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7211 Registered: 5-2002 |
Well the sound is pretty good for a camera. Thanks for the info! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7212 Registered: 5-2002 |
Same bar, different bands. Dicky James isn't listed on your profile; is this a new band? | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1556 Registered: 10-2003 |
Yes, it's a new band. My brother is the "official" bass player, but I've been filling in. It would seem that I'll be playing with them more than he will though. He's also the "official" bass player for Pilgrim Blues Band, but I gig more with them than he does also. I guess I should update my profile. John | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7216 Registered: 5-2002 |
I see you've now updated your profile with another interesting picture. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1557 Registered: 10-2003 |
I'm at the end of my rope. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1561 Registered: 10-2003 |
I'm going to be subbing in a horn band at Casino Aztar in Evansville, Indiana, December 26th and 27th. Feel free to stop in and be horrified at my reading skills if you're in the area.. John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1566 Registered: 10-2003 |
My sister jumped the broom in a small ceremony with family and a few friends last Sunday. She decided she wanted the three of us brothers who play bass to provide the music, so little brother Pete through with a couple of arrangements whipped up on short notice... I'm on the high part. Alembic, Fender flatwounds and some fingernails.. Recessional: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2630771560999020077 Bassterpiece Theatre: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-421543441678033983 It was an obviously low-key affair and fun.. John | ||
| georgie_boy
Senior Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 612 Registered: 8-2005 |
Great sound!! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7276 Registered: 5-2002 |
That was great!! I'm just wondering what the audience was thinking. They didn't seem to be aware that this was a rare performance of Bassterpiece Theatre, including the even rarer dominant 7 ending as written on the long lost original version; and in a rare appearance by the Ford brothers! | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1567 Registered: 10-2003 |
The audience was mostly family, and *mostly* desensitized over the years to a room full of rumbling basses. And we bassists were mostly desensitized to a room full of mostly relatives! :P | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1572 Registered: 10-2003 |
Recovering from my weekend gig with Two Tone Express at Casino Aztar today. We played mostly a mix of Motown, Brian Setzer and Tower of Power. My hands still hurt from "What is Hip?" It was the most work I've had to do at a gig, ever, I think, but well worth the trouble..     The horns were tight and the drummer was a groove machine.. Good times! John | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7307 Registered: 5-2002 |
I would imagine What Is Hip would be a bit of a workout! For those of you who can't recall, here is Tower of Power's version. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1576 Registered: 10-2003 |
Ah yes, and FRP makes it all look so effortless! | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1595 Registered: 10-2003 |
Gigging in Mattoon, Illinois, this Saturday (1/17/2009) with a jam band of some sort, at Toasters Pub from 9pm to 1am local time. Feel free to stop in and say hello if you're in the area... John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1735 Registered: 10-2003 |
Gigging this Saturday in Marshall, Illinois, at the VFW with Soupbone (a jam band)... The drummer is fabulous... John | ||
| krystoof
Junior Username: krystoof Post Number: 47 Registered: 1-2009 |
Hi, John! Your vids and music are really nice, and you have such a wonderful sound with your SerieII, it's awesome!!! I guess this is the next bass I'll try to grab! If you have a minut, I have a gig anouncement just below yours in the list ( OmpaBompa), with a link towards the band myspace. Have a great day! Xtof | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1845 Registered: 10-2003 |
On Saturday, October 2nd, I'll be at McGilvery's Pub in Greenwood, IN, just south of Indy, for the Bridges of Indiana benefit motorcycle ride for autism with Dicky James and the Blue Flames. We play at 6 pm. If you're in the area, check it out.. John | ||
| pauldo
Senior Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 509 Registered: 6-2006 |
Sounds cool John - are you going on the ride as well as playing? | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1847 Registered: 10-2003 |
Didn't ride. It was a Harley-ish "loud pipes save lives" crowd, which isn't my thing. It ended up raining as well, so turnout was small but they were very very enthusiastic about the music. Good times, even if cold and wet.. John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1860 Registered: 10-2003 |
Playing this Friday (10 December 2010) at The Player's Pub in Bloomington, Indiana, with Dicky James and the Blue Flames. They've got excellent food and a nice selection of dark chewy beer on tap. If you're in the area, come out and feel some bass.. John | ||
| groovelines
Senior Member Username: groovelines Post Number: 643 Registered: 4-2003 |
Now, who could resist "dark chewy beer"? Have fun John. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1867 Registered: 10-2003 |
It was good. The band's at The Slippery Noodle this weekend, on the rear stage. My brother, Mark, is the bass player. Stop in a say hey if any of you folks are in the area.. John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1879 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thursday evening I went for a jam at a buddy's place. He's got a Pro-Tools setup in his basement, so we all plugged-in. The drummer and I have worked together before (though not in nearly a year) but the guitar player we'd never met. Good times though.. http://dl.dropbox.com/u/6530004/Last%20Jam.mp3 I have a set of cheap Fender flatwounds on the bass, but really like the tone.. John | ||
| groovelines
Senior Member Username: groovelines Post Number: 654 Registered: 4-2003 |
More bass solos and less gui . . tarrr . . . uh, sorry guys. The flats are just right. Nice jam to listen to on a cool January morning. | ||
| artswork99
Moderator Username: artswork99 Post Number: 1366 Registered: 7-2007 |
Sweet! | ||
| pauldo
Senior Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 531 Registered: 6-2006 |
Yeah John!  That's what I'm talkin' about - drive the song, play some groovin' solo and go back to the pocket! Very sweet! Thanks for sharing. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1880 Registered: 10-2003 |
It was definitely a good time and a time of great humility. Kade's specialty is Chet Atkins style fingerpicking, which I can't follow to save my life. Hopefully I'll have more opportunities to make progress in that direction. I don't think I'll be posting any of my lame attempts to keep up with that! Except for this one, of course.. ;) http://dl.dropbox.com/u/6530004/Mountains%20of%20Illinois.mp3 John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1881 Registered: 10-2003 |
And another.. http://dl.dropbox.com/u/6530004/Jam%205.mp3 John | ||
| charles_holmes
Intermediate Member Username: charles_holmes Post Number: 101 Registered: 3-2009 |
Bridge Street was an exceptional song! I loved the easy feeling of the song. Very, Very beautiful! | ||
| pauldo
Senior Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 534 Registered: 6-2006 |
That is some truly inspiring groovy, greasy playing John - thanks again! | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 1532 Registered: 6-2002 |
Nice grooves, John. Mountains of Illinois, eh? I am reminded of the Galena Territory (okay, so they're closer to hills, it's all a matter of perspective). Mike | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10027 Registered: 5-2002 |
Nice tone throughout John! Mountains of Illinois is beautiful; he's a very fine player! | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1884 Registered: 10-2003 |
It's surprising how well those cheap flats sound on that instrument. Easy to fit into the mix as well. And yes, Kade is exceptional. Hopefully we can put something together. John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1898 Registered: 10-2003 |
Here's some old fun.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yL_tK91IMA Bass is tuned down a 4th, if memory serves. Decent audio from an old VHS camcorder sitting on a pool table... John | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10071 Registered: 5-2002 |
Tight band! You guys had been together for quite a while when this was made. From one song right into the next; nobody needing to look at anybody else for cues. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1899 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks. We'd been together about 3 or 4 months, and this was our first real gig. Did you notice anything strange about my speaker cabinet? John | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10072 Registered: 5-2002 |
First gig?!! You guys must have practiced a lot. And no, I don't think I even noticed your rig; though I did notice you using some pedals on the floor. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1901 Registered: 10-2003 |
We practiced a couple of times a week for 3 or 4 months. Most of the tunes are originals, so in many ways it was considerably easier to learn to parts since we were creating them ourselves. It was the first time I'd ever worked with the drummer, but we hit it off musically from the very beginning. Having that relationship is the magic that makes everything else possible, in my opinion. I love playing bass when Will's on drums. The pedals are an original set of Taurus pedals, later replaced by Fatar pedals midi'd to a Vintage Keys module. I loves me some bass pedals. ;) The speaker cabinet is an isobaric dual-18" I built out of the shell of an old Peavey 1810 cabinet. It sounded fantastic, but put out way too much deep deep bass for the rooms we played so I eventually decommissioned it and started using a 4-12 cabinet instead... Good times.. John (Message edited by 811952 on January 29, 2011) | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1922 Registered: 10-2003 |
Here's a clip from Saturday night. It's not the Alembic, but it's a pretty fair example of what I do when I'm having a good time. It's my first experiment with "BassCam" video. Excuse the crappy audio. http://youtu.be/o81VsT8-wBs John | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 1329 Registered: 11-2004 |
Killer! My right hand got tired watching Want to share some details on the camera used? Pretty slick camera. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1923 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks! I velcro'd a borrowed Flip camera to the headstock of the Lakland. I couldn't get a good angle on the Alembic, hence the Lakland instead. I think probably the GoPro Hero HD camera is the way to go, as it's designed to be mounted to helmets and such. The Flip has a tripod socket and that's it. At any rate, I look forward to playing around more with this sort of thing at another gig. John | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 1330 Registered: 11-2004 |
Sounds like you could use the gopro on your motorcycle helmet too. That would be a fool addition to those pictorial threads you post about your tours. | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 1331 Registered: 11-2004 |
Sounds like you could use the gopro on your motorcycle helmet too. That would be a cool addition to those pictorial threads you post about your tours. | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 1257 Registered: 5-2006 |
A what camera? :-) | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1924 Registered: 10-2003 |
Here's the GoPro, which I would like to get: http://gopro.com/products/?gclid=CP2bmaPso6gCFdI42godCylyHw Here's the Flip site (I used an Ultra HD): http://store.theflip.com/en-us/?gclid=CJLKvcjso6gCFape7AodBkhkHw John | ||
| pauldo
Senior Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 603 Registered: 6-2006 |
Really cool - kinda surreal looking down the neck. Too bad the audio was shaky - that was a jam! | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1925 Registered: 10-2003 |
Here's another. Not quite the same level of excitement, but a good groove.. http://youtu.be/lKMX6mEli3A John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1928 Registered: 10-2003 |
Rollin' and Tumblin'... http://youtu.be/O_hvdVGytds John | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10160 Registered: 5-2002 |
Cool! Very interesting perspective! I might have to try that while practicing. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1930 Registered: 10-2003 |
I think this weekend I'll mount the camera on the point of the Series and see how that looks and sounds. Another from the 15th, clams aplenty but at good song: http://youtu.be/7QJttSHHD6s John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1933 Registered: 10-2003 |
Here's one from last night, other end of the instrument with Alembic flatwound goodness.. http://youtu.be/D0jjaSlVbNk John | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10170 Registered: 5-2002 |
I think I like the peghead perspective better. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1934 Registered: 10-2003 |
I concur. The audio is better though. *sigh* I guess at some point I just need to procure a real audio recorder and perhaps dangle a camera off one of the light trees. It's fun to play with. John | ||
| pauldo
Senior Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 609 Registered: 6-2006 |
I'm with Dave - the peghead view allows more to be seen. None the less it is all very cool and John- your bass playing is always a treat to listen to. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1937 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks! You're a kind man. ;) When we getting together in Chicago again? Here's another, it's the title track from Dicky's latest CD: http://youtu.be/iTX6T2zoha0 John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1940 Registered: 10-2003 |
Messin' With The Kid http://youtu.be/LVT9pYRuYiE John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1945 Registered: 10-2003 |
Playing this weekend for the first time with a new band, Cry On High, at Mulligan's in Terre Haute. We start at 8:00 pm and do two long sets of a mix of covers and originals. Will likely only play the Alembic on a couple of tunes, since the Dean 12-string seems to fit well with most of the material. Some of you Indy folks may know some of the other members. Jeff Wisbey, Tim Huber and Gary Ooley. If you're stuck in the 'haute, drop in.. http://cryonhigh.com/ John | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 1561 Registered: 6-2002 |
Have a great time John. Rock the house! Mike | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1949 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks Mike! Gig went reasonably well, and I've begun uploading clips to youtube. Spent about 1/3 of the gig on 12-string, then recovered with some quality Alembic time... Happiness is everything.. http://youtu.be/rDQyfp6XiYo John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1951 Registered: 10-2003 |
Prime Time, for all you Tubes fans.. http://youtu.be/sOt1JhCIiJ4 Of course, one thing leads to another.. http://youtu.be/liqZ3k4-c1Y John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1952 Registered: 10-2003 |
Heart Full Of Soul.. http://youtu.be/u7B8RshtOV0 I'm Comin' Home.. http://youtu.be/7z5Gsa4DgHU John | ||
| groovelines
Senior Member Username: groovelines Post Number: 690 Registered: 4-2003 |
The Tubes...my first live concert, Munchen Cirkus Krone, 1979. What an eye opener that was. Nice rendition and great grooving. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1953 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks! Here's a tune you may be familiar with.. http://youtu.be/ev38o1v5uLo "The Maker" I really enjoy it.. John | ||
| pauldo
Senior Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 625 Registered: 6-2006 |
Nice! What are you recording with now John? Audio is much better than the 'headstock' cam. The little galloping part towards the end of Lucille was cool! :-D | ||
| groovelines
Senior Member Username: groovelines Post Number: 691 Registered: 4-2003 |
I also liked "2 Tickets". I've always liked the way the bass holds that song together. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1954 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks, guys. I parked a Flip camera over at the edge of the stage. Works reasonably well for what it is. It has a fairly narrow field-of-view, which makes placement a bit of a challenge. We've "rehearsed" on and off for a couple of months (a couple of hours at a time on a handful of Saturday afternoons), and still didn't know the songs very well. We relied heavily on "gig magic" to get us through and for the most part, it did. After playing the 12 for several songs, the Alembic felt like a toothpick (thankfully) in comparison. I almost put roundwounds on it before the gig, but the sound guy said he liked flats on a bass so I left it be. Might do rounds at some point though. John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1955 Registered: 10-2003 |
Some pics..      John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1957 Registered: 10-2003 |
Fire of Love.. http://youtu.be/cQ-sKse853I John | ||
| malthumb
Senior Member Username: malthumb Post Number: 494 Registered: 5-2002 |
Lots of good stuff there,John! Love the finish on your Alembic. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1960 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks! Sure wish it had that extra string. Great to see your gig pics! John | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2950 Registered: 10-2002 |
you've had a haircut! Graeme | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1961 Registered: 10-2003 |
It's something I do once every 9 to 12 months or so, whether I need it or not. ;) Funny thing is, I shaved my beard and my wife didn't notice for well over 24 hours. :D John | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 997 Registered: 10-2006 |
I know the feeling, John; when I married my wife I had a fu manchu moustache. One day her mother walked in the door & exclaimed "You cut the ends off your moustache!" My wife looked shocked - "When did you do that?" "About 2 weeks ago" I answered. but to get back to the thread, there's something wrong with your gig pictures. I've been watching recent posts by others closely, & I think you're supposed to have a cute girl on stage, aren't you? Peter | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10233 Registered: 5-2002 |
Nice cover of Heart Full of Soul! | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1962 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks, Dave. It's a fun band. As Peter points out, though, we need a girl in the organization. Paint It Black http://youtu.be/EG1toYl_URo John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1984 Registered: 10-2003 |
From last night's gig with Dicky James: http://youtu.be/yvSubirAQP4 Immediately after we finished playing, a guy walked up to me and said "Hey, that's and Alembic and you really know how to play it!" :-) John | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 1427 Registered: 11-2004 |
John, When I grow up I want to play bass like you. Dang.... I am always impressed with your playing when you post videos. Plus I love the motorcycle touring photo-journals too. Think I can just live vicariously through you? | ||
| rustyg61
Advanced Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 290 Registered: 2-2011 |
Great stuff! | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1986 Registered: 10-2003 |
You guys are kind! Thanks! I have been fortunate to only gig with excellent drummers these last several years, which frees things up considerably. Lots of room to experiment. Getting ready for another bike/Jeep adventure in a couple of weeks. I wish my wife were able to join me, but she has to work. I may just be the luckiest guy on Earth. At least sometimes when I look at my family and friends it sure feels like it. John | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 1574 Registered: 6-2002 |
Excellent, John. It's good to see your Series doing the blues! gotta luv the Blue Flames! Mike | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1989 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks Mike! These basses make it all so much easier to just let go and do it to it. It's a fun band. It would be nice to gig with them more regularly, but a sub is a sub is a sub so whatcha gonna do? Tracy says Keavin (#12) and I have the same irreverent approach to the instrument, which I take as an extreme compliment. I think he connects the dots a lot better and more often than I do! I'd love to see some bass-cam from a dadabass gig. We need another Chicago soiree... John | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10355 Registered: 5-2002 |
Nice video! Watching Red House now. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1990 Registered: 10-2003 |
Red House = 9+ minutes of me trying *really* hard to not push it! | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 912 Registered: 12-2004 |
the reason we have the that same irreverent approach to the bass because LIBRAS don't mind tipping the scales! | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1991 Registered: 10-2003 |
Amen! | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 1575 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi again John. No bass cam from me, I still don't own a camera. Buit I am in process of gathering multiple camera angles from the Rewind 2011 show and will have some stuff on YouTube this fall There's some single cam videos up from various attendees and fans. Here's the link to videos by Rock The Hub . I'm playing with Andy Wilberding, Lavendar Hill, Gayle Grether, Hapton Road, and with Janet Lieb and Yesterday's Children (5 of the 9 acts I was bassist for). | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2018 Registered: 10-2003 |
Another couple of tunes, this time from a Zoom recorder near the bass rig.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OcMdC_B42g John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2019 Registered: 10-2003 |
And another.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xygWXB1C1Y John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2020 Registered: 10-2003 |
And one more 'nother one more again.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZdaVAbVZtI John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2024 Registered: 10-2003 |
And some more. Would you like some more? Well here's some more! Hard Rain http://youtu.be/Rmd0wEzrhw8 Cold Chills http://youtu.be/TfZKtDm5pjo We Get To Play http://youtu.be/4KId_LUhL5g Red Rooster http://youtu.be/oPERfObxri8 Travelin' South http://youtu.be/A3WRVlLZ_54 The Thrill Is Gone http://youtu.be/slsNYDqSROY Everybody Got To Pay http://youtu.be/zVHamxXaDd0 Rock Me http://youtu.be/n3_JQBoaaQQ Mojo Workin' http://youtu.be/gCUMnnxWDRw Messin' With The Kid http://youtu.be/p8FseqA__Qc Thanks for indulging me. John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2034 Registered: 10-2003 |
Have a gig this Friday 10/14 with Two-Tone Express (the horn band) in Evansville at Casino Aztar. If you're in the area, they are a great band to hear and of course I'd love it if you said hello.. John | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 922 Registered: 12-2004 |
Dont forget we've got birthdays this week!  | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2035 Registered: 10-2003 |
Ha ha! Yes we do! Getting older sure beats the alternative, my friend! | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2042 Registered: 10-2003 |
Lakland bass this time. I left my power supply, cable and tuner at the previous night's gig some 150-175 miles away. Oops! Last time I do that, hopefully.. Little Red Rooster and Hard Rain, sonic surprise about halfway through.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbyPMyNnwno John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2049 Registered: 10-2003 |
Gigged again with Dicky and company last night. Played the Alembic all night. It really is amazing how much better the sound is from that bass, and how much more responsive it is than anything else I've played. Rounds, flats, whatever, it's just one friggin' phenomenal instrument. John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2063 Registered: 10-2003 |
Stumbled upon this not too long ago. It's my brother and me in '95 at a gig in Akron, Ohio. I quite literally met the drummer and guitarist on-stage. Bass is tuned BEAD.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo7UCk14iUY John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2067 Registered: 10-2003 |
I had the opportunity to gig at a benefit festival over the weekend. 18 bands in three adjacent venues. Several people commended me on my tone, saying I had the only bass that cut through the mix and that it sounded incredible. Thank you Alembic! John | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10429 Registered: 5-2002 |
Cool! | ||
| pauldo
Senior Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 702 Registered: 6-2006 |
:-D Awesome archival footage! Sounds like you were slinging round wounds back then. That's your bro on the keys? He has some mad skills! | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2156 Registered: 10-2003 |
A couple of us have managed to get a jazz jam thing going at one of the locals clubs in the couple of hours before they get their open mic night started. There are moments of brilliance and moments of musical carnage but it's been a very good learning environment for me. Here's a clip from Monday's jam with me on that other bass, recorded with a new-to-me-so-I-haven't-figured-out-how-to-use-it-yet Zoom H4N recorder. The picture is of the other bassist who's been showing up, Eric Schatz, with that bass of mine.. Blue Bossa http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jjpz51OXZo And here is Eric playing a T. Monk tune. Different guitarist.. Well You Needn't http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSedLh5-cxA John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2169 Registered: 10-2003 |
Okay, I'm about to the point of pulling the glorious Alembic out again, to change it up and thinking maybe now I'll have a fresh approach to it after spending some time with the fretless Lakland. This is from last night's gig, Zoom next to the bass amp so I could get a good read on my intonation.. http://soundcloud.com/scarysharkface/hard-rain-fretless-bass-dicky Funny thing is, I recently installed a Mike Pope Flex Core preamp in my other Lakland 5 but have yet to pick it up at a gig either. I'm having THAT MUCH FUN with the fretless! John | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 1632 Registered: 6-2002 |
Sounding real good, John! | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2183 Registered: 10-2003 |
Tried something new at the latest Monday night jam. Drums,keys, two guitars and, ahem, two basses. It works better than one would expect. I'm playing the fretless.. http://soundcloud.com/scarysharkface/mercy-mercy-mercy-verve-2012 Recorded with the Zoom H4n pointed at the ceiling, direct line from my amp and a pzm on the floor in front of the keyboard amp. Very minimal editing and adjustment with Audacity (on Ubuntu Linux) and voila.. John | ||
| pauldo
Senior Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 793 Registered: 6-2006 |
very cool, if one bass is good then two basses is great! :-D | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2197 Registered: 10-2003 |
'Nother one.. http://soundcloud.com/scarysharkface/tune-06-caravan-2012-04-09 John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2209 Registered: 10-2003 |
Our weekly Monday night jazz jam has degenerated into this: http://soundcloud.com/scarysharkface/2012-04-30-vervejam-08a-remix I'm loving it. John It's a trio, by the way, Al Doti on drums, Tim Doyle on guitar and me on bass.. (Message edited by 811952 on May 07, 2012) | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 549 Registered: 2-2011 |
Cool stuff John! Very King Crimsonesque! | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2210 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks! Here's some more dinking around, this with the Alembic.. http://soundcloud.com/scarysharkface/2012-05-07-verve-jam-01 Plenty of clams and certainly not the most musical performance on my part, but I think it's neat to be able to capture the general flavor of things so easily with the little Zoom H4n.. John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2226 Registered: 10-2003 |
All Blues in 4, from last night's jam.. http://soundcloud.com/scarysharkface/2012-06-04-all-blues There really is nothing that sounds even close to the Alembic.. John | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 1653 Registered: 6-2002 |
A cool little fun jam, John. You've got some simpatico players around your neck of the woods. Mike | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2227 Registered: 10-2003 |
Yeah, Mike, there are a few of them around here. I feel I'm pretty lucky in that regard! John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2237 Registered: 10-2003 |
Clip from Friday night's gig with Dicky James. This one grooves along nicely. http://soundcloud.com/scarysharkface/youthinkyouso-2012-06-22 John | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 1661 Registered: 6-2002 |
Very nice! A good groove and some solid playing. Kudos to tha band! Mike | ||
| pauldo
Senior Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 838 Registered: 6-2006 |
Like the way you get that bass to burble! | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2239 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks guys! On the bass, neck pickup only, mostly flat. On the amp, "drive" is all the way up and "treble" is down a bit. I'm trying to channel an old Precision through not nearly enough amp, and those settings seem to work. ;) Here's a fun one. http://soundcloud.com/scarysharkface/goin-down-2012-06-22 John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2240 Registered: 10-2003 |
And by "not nearly enough amp" I mean that I've got plenty of amp, but want that "destroying the porta-flex" tone. | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 1662 Registered: 6-2002 |
He he he... I remember those days. MIke | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2266 Registered: 10-2003 |
A standard from our local weekly jazz jam: https://soundcloud.com/scarysharkface/2013-02-04-vervejam-footprints I'm struggling with a friend's MM Jazz Bass on this. It's always nice to be reminded why people nearly always get excited when they get to play the Alembic at these things. Anyway, at least I'm still getting to play regularly. John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2285 Registered: 10-2003 |
Caravan from last Monday's jazz jam. Alembic with flatwounds. https://soundcloud.com/scarysharkface/2013-03-04-vervejam-11-caravan John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2334 Registered: 10-2003 |
A couple from last night's jazz jam. Alembic with Alembic roundwounds. Basically just fooling around. https://soundcloud.com/scarysharkface/07-22-vervejam-01 https://soundcloud.com/scarysharkface/07-22-vervejam-02-durtwang John | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11130 Registered: 5-2002 |
Just listened to the first one; very cool! My favorite part was the transition at 2:35. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2335 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks, Dave. Here's another: https://soundcloud.com/scarysharkface/07-22-vervejam-08-allblues John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2349 Registered: 10-2003 |
Improv tune from last night's gig with my trio/quartet Jazz Beard. This isn't the Alembic, but instead is the Lakland with the Mike Pope preamp. Recorded with a Zoom H4n from across the stage. I've got too many nice basses. https://soundcloud.com/scarysharkface/jazz-beard-16-9-makes-12 John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2420 Registered: 10-2003 |
Been awhile, but I've been playing a lot.. Here's a tune with the drummer taking the lead vocals. Not playing the Alembic, but not that it would matter given the quality of the recording.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-txH6PM_Fk John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2421 Registered: 10-2003 |
And another. Interesting dynamic with this band. No rehearsal to speak of, but a couple of days before a gig someone will email a youtube link to something I'm unfamiliar with and we'll just kind of wing-it when the time comes. Sometimes it's a train wreck and other times it's almost brilliant. At any rate, even though we're not going to win any awards, I'm enjoying being along for the ride with these people who are about half my age. Karma Police https://youtu.be/u-_7_Kz3sJc John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2422 Registered: 10-2003 |
Mama told me not to come https://youtu.be/udgqAKjLFa8 John | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 12054 Registered: 5-2002 |
The first two videos are not working for me; the sound works, but the picture looks like it's been censored. Nice job by the drummer on Ophelia. And nice work on the bass all around. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2423 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks! The first two videos are just random video noise. I probably should have mentioned that before you went to check the ingredients in your tea. ;) John | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4769 Registered: 5-2009 |
Nice work on the musical content. I get the video signal scramble as well . | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2435 Registered: 10-2003 |
More gigs. Too many pedals, but I want the new Mel9 before I call it done. Life is good. https://scarysharkface.smugmug.com/photos/i-cKxHFQR/0/L/i-cKxHFQR-L.jpg John | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 12093 Registered: 5-2002 |
Mel9; they had me at Court of the Crimson King. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2438 Registered: 10-2003 |
Me too. Waiting for Sweetwater to ship it. Spending the minutes sitting on my hands in anticipation! John |
