Bilbo

I remember visiting Stonehenge in the dim and distant. I can only think it was on a school trip because I cannot think of any other way I would have got there! I remember touching the stones so it must have been pre-'clinical isolation'. In fact, I think it was tied in with a trip to the other nearby stone circle at Avebury. School trips were the best in the late 60s/early 70s. As for a bucket list, I have no ambition to see anything, go anywhere or do anything 'remarkable'. I am fAAAAAAr too busy.

It is apparent that I am wrong. I promise not to let it happen again.

Monsters! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oyXF-tbeS8

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1410883532' post='2554293'] Bilbo lives in a place where windows are rare, East Anglia [/quote] Maybe I live in a place where the houses are far enough apart from each other to mitigate the noise, unlike London where they stack 'em high and everyone shares their lving space with 100 other people!!

I was walking my dogs lunchtime and realised that I cannot remember the last time I heard a musician practising through an open window. I used to hear it all of the time when I grew up, guitars, drums, saxophones etc but it is a very rare occurence now. I got to thinking how, when I was a kid in the 70s, everybody was trying to play, everyone was singing with a tennis racquet in front of the mirror, making drum kits out of saucepans etc. I wonder how much of it is because it is so rare for us to see any decent music on the TV that isn't just a singer or singers with backing tracks/musicians out of sight. I just don't think kids SEE musicians any more. Most young players I know are the children of musicians so they obviously do see musicians but I think we lack a presence in the minds of a lot of kids. Alternatively, is it just that kids are wiser and don't see the end result of 15 minutes of fame/being exploited by record comapnies etc as justifying the investment required. They may be right. If I did it for the money, I woudl have given up years ago!!

A close friend of mine has recently moved to the Gateshead area and is looking for work. He is absolutely top notch, creative, dynamic, musical, informed etc and really swings. If anyone in that area needs a Jazz drummer, PM me and I will put you in touch with him. Here is a live recording of him (with me, Jim Mullen and saxophonist George Grant). http://m.soundcloud.com/robert-palmer-1/unit-seven

I use this 'thumb' technique to create a different tension, like the way Al diMeola uses dead notes as part of his soloing arsenal. I deaden the strings with the side of my hand and play the lines with my thumb. I often play the opening bars of solos on ballads using this technique. When you come in with the fuller sound of the bass, it takes it up a level. It's a lovely dynamic option. Anthony Jackson using the technique a lot too - in his work with Michel's Camilo and Petrucciani.

I know but I cheated so I can't say... I am a bad man.

I have no children but what I would want from an education system is rounded human beings, not 'work units' equipped with the 'skills required by industry'. We already supplement most industry one way or another, why should we fund the training their workforce for them as well? I always thing of the martial arts training where they don't teach you how to fight, they teach you how to LEARN how to fight. Seriously, though, did anyone watch that TV programme on this subject last night? The shockers for me were, firstly, the 'music teacher' who didn't like music and just f***ed about self consciously with some djembes (waste of her time and the students) and, secondly, the school's budget for literacy (£200 a YEAR for the WHOLE SCHOOL of 160 pupils!!!) FOR LITERACY!!! Same school's budget for music = zero. WTF are they doing with our taxes? Life skills should be taught by parents, neighbours, nuclear and extended family, friends, siblings etc. If a school offers a session on budgeting, it won't make much difference if the parents are gambling addicts indebted to loan sharks. WHatever the kids learn at home will stick faster, good or bad. My understanding is that music students are better at other things too inc Maths, English etc It enhances a range of learning related skills that are transferrable to the rest of their education. What is apparent is that the music education in a lot of schools is shocking. The answer is to improve it, not remove it.

I started on e piece and then thought it was not going in the direction I initially envisaged so I have abandoned it in favour of something more 'in keeping'. Still need a genius musician to play the fecker, though

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1408534877' post='2531102'] Good afternoon, Bilbo... If you've a few minutes to consecrate, you may find this interesting... I think that this could maybe address your issue; I found it very useful (and easy, and free..!). Worth a look..? [/quote] Useful stuff, Dad. Opens up some useful ideas for me. Thank you.

I can't be arsed with all the buying and selling, Dad. And as for strings, pick ups ......zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Actually. you are right. My last post was the most boring in the history of Basschat, wasn't it? [size=4] [/size]

It is the ONLY thread I read and I am a moderator! That is, of course, a complete lie. I also read the double bass sections and the recording sections. My order of business every day is General, Off Topic, Theory and Technique, Recording. Everything else is only when I see something that piques my interest.

Doddy got it!! Go, man, go!

Watching University Challange last night, a question came up that I thought was a great idea for a thread that will run and run. The idea is to guess the album from the track listing - the only rule is that you must leave out any title tracks otherwise it's too easy (also, no googling as it takes the fun out of it). The answer sought is the band/musician and the name of the album. I'll kick it off with this... [color=#252525][font=sans-serif][size=4]1. Title Track.... [/size][/font][/color] [color=#252525][font=sans-serif][size=4]2. [/size][/font][/color][color=#252525][font=sans-serif][size=4]For Wee Folks[/size][/font][/color] [color=#252525][font=sans-serif][size=4]3. [/size][/font][/color][color=#252525][font=sans-serif][size=4]Delfeayo's Dilemma[/size][/font][/color] [color=#252525][font=sans-serif][size=4]4. [/size][/font][/color][color=#252525][font=sans-serif][size=4]Phryzzinian Man[/size][/font][/color] [color=#252525][font=sans-serif][size=4]5. [/size][/font][/color][color=#252525][font=sans-serif][size=4]Aural Oasis[/size][/font][/color] [color=#252525][font=sans-serif][size=4]6. [/size][/font][/color][color=#252525][font=sans-serif][size=4]Chambers of Tain[/size][/font][/color] [color=#252525][font=sans-serif][size=4]7. [/size][/font][/color][color=#252525][font=sans-serif][size=4]Blues[/size][/font][/color] [color=#252525][font=sans-serif][size=4]Winner sets the next one.[/size][/font][/color]

I wish I had learned piano at a young age instead of guitar. It is much more logical and gives you access to so much music. As I try to develop my composing abilities, the potential of the instrument as a means to and end is increasingly evident. I love the idea of being a self contained musician as most of my frustrations over the years have realted to the ability, willingness or availability of other musicians. The idea of being Keith Jarrett or Paul Bley and just doing my thing on my own is, on occasion, very attractive!!

Silver Machine - Hawkwind

Tracy W was Kenny Kirkland's other half.

I just like listening to music and don't really care what the format is. I mostly listen to downloads becasue I have an e-music account and get 50 downloads a month for £18. THat pace of new music seems to meet my needs and I rarely buy anything elxe on top of that. If I do get a CD, I copy it inot itunes anyway so I can listen on my ipod.

I know what I [i]want[/i] to do but will need to find some other musicians to make it happen as I cannot play any of the instruments involved to the required level. Mmmmm?

It doesn't matter. Just look for one that works for you. The weight of the bow is the issue, not the length. Try this site for advice. http://www.gollihurmusic.com/product/2014-BOWS_DOUBLE_BASS_BOW_CHOICES_A_BUYER_S_GUIDE.html

I can lock this thread, you know....

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1408636955' post='2532116'] Pics of Fenders and their clones have the same effect on me..! Sadowsky..? Encore..? Fender..? All the same to me..! [size=4] [/size] [/quote] Agreed - this one looks great, this one looks, errr, great!! Can't see it myself!

I took to it because it was the easiest instrument on which you could teach yourself.

As I said on my Soundcloud page, the piece wot I wrote was 'inspired by' the image. I was thinking about Salome's dance and didn't really get as far as dealing with the fact that she wanted John's head on a platter! I got the idea for the theme, which WAS inspired by the image, but the rest kind of rose out of the idea itself rather as some thematic development thing rather than as a 'soundtrack' to the image. Still, I appreciate the positive feedback, even if it doesn't get the votes.