dmccombe7

Yep that's the tricky part playing that A. Took me ages to get that right by watching VID clips of Andy Fraser playing it. I just knew i was missing something until i saw him actually play it slowly on a documentary clip. He had a similar technique to Jack Bruce using fingers and thumb. Hugely talented bass player and songwriter. Dave

All of the covers we do were singles in 70's and usual endings were faded out. We had to derive our own endings without making them sound the same no matter who the band was. That is down to what "feels right between us" We try a few different endings for a song and then agree on best option. We record that version for our own records for the next reherasal to make sure there's no debate which is very rare anyway in this band. On a few of the solo's we had to re-arrange to suit our instruments too but the general feel and sound of the songs needs to remain true to the original. Occassional ad-lib notes from someone during a rocking out section is accepted when you get in the zone but only if it suits and fits with the song. If it doesn't one of the other guys will say so and suggest not to play that particular run again. That's quite rare tho. We specifically aim to capture the parts that people will know ie the guitar riff in the instrumental section of Jean Genie needs to be exact as people recognise that. Siren in Blockbuster people remember so we ensure that's in the song. We're not a tribute band but we are aiming to replicate the originals as near poassible. Dave

The Cort Rithimic bass isn't hugely expensive either. Sure Bass Direct had one new at £750 and i've seen them 2nd hand for under £500. Bass was demo'd by our very own Dood and he liked it so it must be pretty good. With regards using the Markbass set up i recently saw a 15" cab in Guitar Guitar that was as deep as the JB combo next to it. I didn't check the detail of whether it had a tweeter but you can usually switch the tweeter off anyway. Add the standard Markbass head and you have almost the same set up in seperates. Its quite a chunky looking amp or cab altho lightweight. The physical depth of the JB combo quite surprised me when i saw it. Its good reliable gear, lightweight and if you can get 2nd hand its great value for money. Dave

Quite fancied the fretted version but i currently have a PJ so not really worth having two of the same for me anyways. I prefer my basses to be different and have different sounds to play with. Dave

Did you still go ahead with the band or decide to drop it there and then ? Worst i've had to do was learn 34 songs in 3 weeks without rehearsals and after first week went by i decided to ask the guitarist what keys as i had assumed they were all the original keys but nope they played half their set in different keys and had to do them over again. Dave

I have the Zoom as well but found the singers phone gave a better recording sound for some reason. Maybe just where i had the zoom sitting but its easier for him to start the recording with his phone.

We record our rehearsals and have started a new keys player attending his first rehearsal with us tomorrow. We gave him the list of all our songs with keys and what versions. I also gave him a copy of our rehearsals to get the song endings and of course give him an idea of how we sounded. I also gave him my notes on how every song ended (regarded as the bible of notes in our band) As much information as possible to allow him to get up to speed as soon as possible with our current set of just 32 songs. Dave

I couldn't play in a band that doesn't learn the song properly or as near as possible. At the very least they should know the structure. I'll accept small insignificant things that really aren't noticed in the big scheme of things and i include myself in that. In some bands i've adapted the bassline to suit what i feel is right in a live band. I can get away with playing more or with more aggression than the original recording. A lot depends on the band i'm playing with. If they want the exact note for note version then that's what they get. I def like a little freedom tho and my current band allows me to do that. I can't play with guys that turn up at a rehearsal and try to ad-lib or wing it thru the songs especialy when i've spent hours learning the bass line spot on. I find guitarists are the worst for that IME Dave

Bit of an odd one but last year i joined a covers band doing songs by Greg Allman who i had never actually heard before. Also Tony Joe White.

To play the right notes

Its the main reason i've grown my hair long again.

Let us know how you kill time between gigs. I find it the hardest part even a 2 or 3 gig mini tour over a weekend can be murder trying to find things to do during the day in a strange place. Not that i've done it very often to be honest. Gig diary is always great fun to read on here so please share with us and wishing you all the very best with the tour sir. Dave

Band i was in 2 yrs ago was taking £500 for a club gig but they were regulars on the club circuit. Not sure what they took for a pub gig as i never actually played a pub with them but i know it was less. For a new band in a club i would be expecting £300 upwards from what other musicians have told me. We've just been offered £1200 at a social club for a first gig as Glam Rock covers band altho our singer has played this club solo with backing tracks for £300. The gig is also on 28th Dec so that's gonna make a big difference. This is a new band and looking to start gigging in April this year. (new keys player starts next week) The band are all pertty well known on their respective circuits and have come together to do this project as we all have a love of 70's Glam Rock. They are talking gigs £1k upwards doings clubs and theatres. Drummer ex-Glitterband (1990's era) and keys from Racey (circa 90's era) I'm really quite excited about this wee band. Great fun so far. Dave

ENT consultant years ago told me i had a deviated septum and i get a blocked nose on my right side and now that you mention flying it brought back memories of flights even as far back as 80's when plane decended my right ear got painful. If i am subjected to any noise i initially get a pain in my right ear too but no issue with my left. My hearing is above average for my age apparently as checked every 2 yrs thru my work. GP stated my ears looked fine. I recently started to snore more than i used to...........not that i ever hear it but the elbow in my ribs tells me i definitely snore. Just wondering now if the recent ringing in my ears is something similar.

Well done sir.

Me too and youtube as well

Always one of my favs to play if the band is really into it. Think i had the bass tab for that somewhere and agree the bass behind the solo is nice to play. Dave

First time i saw a Sabre bass was the bass player from King on TOTP's back in the day. The give away back then was the headstock with 3 tuners on top and one on bottom. MM were the only company doing that back then as far as i know. Dave

I think its a Musicman Sabre. He had that on a stand when i saw him in 80's altho he used the Jaydee all night if i remember right. Close up of the bass at 1:27hrs. Think i might still have the concert programme Dave

This was what he was using when i saw him with The Firm

First saw Tony with a band called The Firm with Jimmy page and was very impressed by him. Crackin sound back then but i'm sure he was using Jaydee basses. I've also bought albums he's played on like Blue Murder. He has a lot of demo vids on youtube too. Very talented altho he does come across as a "bit forward". Famous for his playing rock music with his fretless P basses over the years tho. Not heard this particular bass i'm afraid. Dave

A lot of drummers used headphones back then when playing to click tracks incl Neil Peart so its not that uncommon altho these days its probably IEM that are used most. Dave

Came across this but sorry about the VID clip itself.