bassbiscuits

Depends on the reasons I suppose. The tribute band and the function band I play with stick closely to the originals for obvious reasons; a few are in different keys, but arrangements and other important details stay the same. On the other hand, my solo work and my blues/soul trio are full of “interpretations” of songs which have been rearranged and rejigged into something that works best for us in those formats. That’s not the same as being too lazy to learn parts, or being incapable of playing them properly. That’s just freedom to experiment (with the caveat of them actually sounding good!). But yeah oversimplifying or messing with songs for no good reason seems a bit daft.

I absolutely love playing it - something closer to the “Bowie at the Beeb” version. Epic tune

And I opted to leave my 1970 P at home this time - but it’s almost identical to the one that chap brought to the gig.

Just back from playing at the (mostly) annual Let’s Play Bowie tribute gig at Leicester’s International Arts Centre. My first gig of the new year, this time as part of a multi-band afternoon gig, playing bass on a six-song Bowie set (Ziggy Stardust, Starman, Moonage Daydream, Boys Keep Swinging, Andy Warhol and Queen Bitch). The gig was a sell-out and nicely full by the time we played just before 5pm. Lovely to play a gig where someone else is sorting out the sound (very good it was too) and I just turn up with a bass and a cable. Took my red/tort Squier Bitsa P bass project strung with GHS Precision flats. Provided bass rig was a Markbass LM2 into an Ampeg 2x12 (I think). I got to catch up with other local singers and musicians, one who had brought his genuine 1971 P bass for the gig, which was splendid. What a brilliant afternoon out and a lovely thing to be part of.

Good spot! They are from when we took the kids to festivals when they were little. Very handy tho….

I’m not yet sure what category this will fall into, but I bought this secondhand back in November for my youngest lad who wants to start learning. Pearl Export 4-piece kit, some bits in great condition other bits needing some TLC. Luckily it’s all pretty mechanical stuff which is my sort of level of understanding and ability to fix. It won’t go to waste in this house full of musicians even if he doesn’t take to it, so I’m hoping it comes in the “best purchases” category. To be continued…

KZ-ZS10 or ZS10 pros are about the best of the bunch on a budget. I use them and they have plenty of bass, though I hear enough of that from the cab behind me anyway, so I have a mix with backing vocals, bit of drums and guitar etc. They’re all good all round budget IEM for about £40.

I’d like to develop the acoustic guitar playing side of things more. I play bass with three bands but my acoustic guitar playing is only ever part of my solo gig stuff. A while back I worked up a load of really nice grooves just experimenting with a basic looper pedal, and I’d love to develop those ideas into something for a duo that’s completely different from the other stuff I do. Edit: I’m summary I’d like to have the confidence to try out these original music ideas live!

In 2026 I’ll have been playing bass for 40 years. How the hell did that happen? (And I’ve still got the Arion tuner and guitar stand I got for Xmas 1986). Here’s to the next, errr, 40 years.

My final gig of 2025, with the Elton John tribute, at Bibi’s in Leeds. The usual matinee and evening gigs, both really well attended with the audience up for singing and dancing. Its a long day with travelling and a gap between sets so I came prepared and had a nap in my car between sets. As ever, plenty of good food, good vibes and a lovely way to round off my year musically. The usual rig of P bass and Yamaha basses (for the different 70s and 80s sounds), Markbass Traveller cabs, Little Mark II head and effects board. Just about managed to cram it all, along with the drumkit (and drummer) in my car. Long live old Volvo estates.

My main band is a blues/soul trio which I assumed would be P bass with flatwounds all the way. Not so. I use a Yamaha BB604 active bass with roundwounds. It’s a very loud bass which pushes my amp to the edge of distortion when you really dig in, or ease off for a really textured, chiming sort of warm rasp which really fills out the space in the trio format when needed. Play softly near the neck with your fingers and it’s smooth, dig in with a pick by the bridge and it’s a full-throated roar. It’s a wicked sound. If I have any sort of signature tone, it is accidentally that one.

Er, no… schoolboy error. Entirely my own fault.

I was waiting for someone to buy this for me. Alas none did.