seashell

[quote name='wateroftyne' post='1269800' date='Jun 15 2011, 10:51 AM']Cosntance Redgrave: Annie Clements deserves a mention for out-and-out hotness: [/quote] Thanks for posting this of Constance Redgrave! To my shame I hadn't heard of her. Now I want to BE her!!

I'm not really a musician, but as an actor I think that any live performers always deserve respect. So always make a point of applauding after at least 2 numbers even if the rest of the pub isn't paying any attention to what's going on. If the band is actually good, and I've had a few, I have a tendancy to lurch up to lead singer and say ' You were great you were, can I buy you a drink, I'm an actor you know, wanna come and see my play?' .. and then wait until a kind friend gently leads me away. Since playng bass I will definitely watch bass players in future for good tips! But will try not to get drunk and harass them inappropriately afterwards

[quote name='fatboyslimfast' post='1253761' date='Jun 2 2011, 11:48 AM']+1 to all of that Seashell. Well, apart from the dancing. Me trying to dance would not be a pretty sight.[/quote] I bet you'd be great. Everyone can dance if they've got a sense of rhythm!

Well I haven't played me bass in public yet, but years of acting and dancing experience has taught me that drinking before a performance would actually make me *more* nervous. I feel I need to be really alert in order to remember lines/moves etc. And also get a true feel for how it's going down with the audience. On the rare occasions I've had the misfortune to act opposite someone who's had a few, they seemed to think it was hilarious to keep adding lame ad libs, and thought that the audience was laughing in delight and not derision! I've tried *practising* the bass after a few vinos and it did nothing for my manual dexterity I can tell you. So I'd definitely join the sober majority in this.

I am notoriously lacking in self descipline. Have always loved music and over the years attempted to learn piano, viola, keyboards and drums. But always faltered in the early stages due to not practising enough. For years I did jazz and tap dancing - went to class but never practised in between and never progressed further than enthusiastic amateur. So just didn't think I had it in me to apply myself properly to anything. When I told my friends that my New Year resolution was to learn to play the bass that the Ex had donated to me, no one believed I would stick with it. But 5 months down the line and I have practised every day. I think I was just waiting to find the right instrument! And also the right teacher. The fact that I am going to lessons really helps, because I would be embarassed to turn up and be just as sh*te as the week before. It was different when I was going to dancing lessons because you can stand at the back and get lost in the crowd, but with a one to one music lesson there is nowhere to hide! Although I obviously wish I had started sooner, I have found it a joyful experience to be able to learn something new in middle age! I've become a bit obsessed with me bass now and can't stop boring all my friends about it. I guess the things I particularly love are: - I love deep sounds! - the fact that it is so rhythmical - It's a beautiful looking instrument. I love the long neck... looks so elegant. It just sits there in the living room inviting me to pick it up and play it! seashell

Hi Ray, welcome. I fall somewhat into the same category as you.. However, I think we should live in hope. Life is full of surprises and you never know what might crop up...

Thanks for the welcome guys. I'm sure I will pick up a few good tips if I stick around..

I wish it did help... I'm touch typing pretty much all day at work. But when I'm playing bass my little finger seems to take on a life of it's own and waves about in the air! It takes an effort of will to bring it back into line never get that problem typing.

Well I've been lurking here for a bit, and making the odd tentative post. Now I think it's time to intorduce my self properly. I'm a female of a certain age.. Last year my ex moved out and left behind (among other things) a bass. I felt my options were to a) sit around feeling sorry for myself or pick up the bass and start playing!! So glad I chose option B! Since February I've been going for proper lessons with a lovely teacher who has really helped me progress. I feel my fingers are not so much like a bunch of bananas now... more like the fingers of an incompetent chimp. When I reach the level of a competent chimp I'll feel I am really getting somewhere The great thing is I have remained friends with the Ex ( writer of comedy folk songs) and will be playing on a couple of his songs at a gig in June. This would never have happened if we had still been 'together'! Bass playing has turned out to be the best therapy

Well I liked it. Thought it kicked more ass than anything else on the show. And I could hear JPJ - agree he could have been louder though.

'Every Picture Tells a Story' on vinyl. I'd forgotten how good Rod Stewart was when he was with the Faces.

Female, admitting to 'over 40'. 4 string - just learning. Influenced by my teacher who is great and has very wide ranging tastes. Will be venturing out of the bedroom in June. A friend is indulging me by letting me play on a couple of his original songs at a little charity gig. Kind of country and western feel. Gonna keep it VERY simple in an effort not to make too much of a tit of myself. Absolutely NO chance of soloing in the foreseeable future!

Yep, I'd agree with pretty much all of that, spongebob. Although I didn't see the Hugh Laurie episode mysfelf. Totally agree about the sound - a bit tinny. Although maybe that does have something to do with my poxy little TV!

** May not get laid I love the caveat! seashell

Well wouldn't say influential exactly since I can barely string two notes together, never mind actually emulating any briliant players. But I'd say my faves would probably be... Andy Fraser John Paul Jones Chris Squire Jack Bruce Paul McCartney Inspirational, yes seashell

Hiya - it was great to see your post! I am also a newbie. I'm a 'woman of a certain age' who has only just started having lessons. Loving it, but wish I had started years ago as I know I'll never get good enough to actually be considered a musician! Your post gives me inspiration that it's never too late to start something new and reach a reasonable level of competence :-) So even if takes me another 10 years I won't be quite past it Good luck with your band.. I will look out for them since I live in the same vicinity. seashell

Nothing wrong in basking in the glory of a few compliments you guys! If I ever get good enough to venture from my bedroom and play a note in public I shall just take it as a compliment if people don't throw things. seashell