dmccombe7

If someone suggests a song its probably the first thing i ask. What version ? You could get them to send the version they want to learn to all band members. Pretty easy to do that these days with modern technology. Dave

Got this album for Xmas and quite enjoying it.

Someone needs to lead the band and tell them what version. Take the lead Dave and dictate to them see how you get on. Otherwise the person suggesting a new song dictates what version. Dave

I saw a youtube VID of Neil playing this at an open air gig using his Kramer bass and the tone was sublime. Crystal clear and so easy to hear his fills. He jas admitted on here that he ad-libs a bit when playing it live so the fills aren't always the same but they are all exceptional and just great when you get the famous ones just right. Dave

where do you draw the line in reproducing the exact original as i play fingerstyle and many of the original bands i cover used a pick. I can use my index finger or thumb as a pick but i'm far more comfortable using fingerstyle and unless stipulated by other band members i'll stick with what i prefer. Perhaps that's just taking things to extreme and more what a tribute band might consider. Dave

4th - 26th January was the given delivery for mine. Dave

I can relate to so many of your points its funny to read it all laid out. To be fair i've not come across the clique of musicians that busk it or wing it as that's not really my scene but the rest is brilliant observation and well put together comments. Liking that. Dave

I've been in bands where someone was a little weaker than others and i enjoyed it because we all worked towards making the best of what we had. It can take a little more work and a little longer to get to gigging status but if its fun and enjoyable i stick with it. As long as everyone is putting in the same or similar effort i'd be ok with that altho these days i'm more used to a level of playing and commitment similar to my own. I guess that's maybe because as the age group i play with we have all gained a fair bit of experience and know our instruments quite well. That's one of the benefits of being a more mature player Love that Pro Tools comment Dave

You enjoyed it. It was fun. Job done and that's what its all about for me. Well done and many thanks for keeping us posted on how you are doing. I'm enjoying the updates and progress. Cheers Dave

Had to go and listen to that song. I'm guessing its Lenny Kravitz. I know the song but never really listened to it much but i hear the little quiet bass run before the solo. Nice song to play too. Dave

That's the 1st time i've seen the A on a bass tab.

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