seashell

Saturday night, but I've only just got the chance to write it up. It was a new development in my bass playing journey. A local singer songwriter asked me to do a small acoustic gig with him. I was quite flattered initially, as the last time I saw him play he had an excellent double bass player with him. So it was always going to be a hard act to follow. Rehearsals were a bit tense. He made it clear he didn't want me to do much more that root notes, and even frowned when I tried to throw in the odd arpeggio. I was quite nervous because I've only really played with quite noisy bands before, and I fondly imagine that my mistakes are somewhat drowned out by the rest of the band. But this was just me and him, sitting on stools and looking moody. Nice. So I was quite scared that if I went wrong everyone would hear. Anyway, all went well in the end. A very small audience, but they were all listening properly and all seemed to appreciate it. Singer from my current band turned up, so we had him up to do a couple of acoustic versions of our Stones covers which also went down well. So all in all a good night, and another excellent learning opportunity for me.

Actually, just remembered, that's FOUR drummers I've been out with. Will I never learn?

I've been out with three drummers. I have to agree. I do love 'em though, obvs.

The next 'big name' I will be seeing is Bad Company in October. My old school friend is coming up to Brum for the occasion, so it's going to be a fun weekend. We will be the ones down the front throwing our knickers at Paul Rodgers.

[quote name='KevB' timestamp='1464600600' post='3060583'] Inaugral gig with new band yesterday, technically I guess it was afternoon rather than last night, 4pm-6pm slot with a break, did about 2x50 min or so, enough for that type of gig and style of music (mostly 80's classic rock). Pub looked a bit quiet (sun was shining, folks have better stuff to do on Sundays) initially but then filled up a bit closer to showtime, drummer invited a few mates and family which swelled the ranks. Our very own Seashell made it up from the west midlands which was great and in the end the crowd seemed to like it. I wasn't impressed with my own performance, I knew I was under rehearsed but the original deal was I would come in to dep gigs the main bassist couldnt do and I'd be starting late June or early July. Then a couple of weeks ago the bass player quit and didn't work any notice period so I've had to step in early.to avoid them cancelling too many gigs. Still got some positive feedback and the landlady immediately got the diary out to rebook us so it can't have been that horrendous. [/quote] Kev's gig was great. The fact that they managed to get people up and dancing on a Sunday afternoon in broad daylight says a lot! Very professional outfit. Really good (female) singer with an engaging personality. Kev sounded great, of course. He claims he made some mistakes, but it sounded spot on to me. And his stripey trousers certainly added a bit of je ne sais quoi to the occasion!

[quote name='MoJo' timestamp='1463688670' post='3053436'] My Daughter had other plans, so I spent the afternoon in 'Airspace' [/quote] I wondered why no-one was wearing a radish.

[quote name='ras52' timestamp='1463392148' post='3050889'] This thread has reminded me, it's been a while since we heard anything from Lord Gaga... [/quote] He's just been appointed as a High Court Judge

[quote name='Machines' timestamp='1463235013' post='3049807'] I went for white with black stripes. [/quote] I still don't know who you are! I was one of the four or five women there. I was sitting next to another woman. I was the one with the Lemmy shoulder bag. :-)

Reviving this thread because I have only just discovered the joys of Jerry Jemmott. I was listening to a Wilson Pickett greatest hits CD in the car. There's his cover of 'Hey Jude' on it. I was instantly struck by the fact that the bass playing was somewhat tasty No musicians listed on the CD, but after a bit of googling I discovered it was Jerry Jemmott. Wow. Can't believe I'd never heard of him before.

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1463042775' post='3047972'] I did. I didn't find them that different from their standard flats, to be honest. Yeah they were a bit brighter, but not incredibly so. What put me off straight away was that the E string was dull dull dull... I contacted Status to see if it was normal or maybe I got a bad batch and they were not interested. So I lost interest in Status strings ever since. The Cobalts are a lot brighter, and less flatwound-like than the halfrounds, for sure. [/quote] Interesting. I used to love Status halfwounds. But the last set I bought were way too bright! It was also strange that they came all together in the packet instead of each one in its own paper envelope. And the gauge was just written on the front in Biro, not printed. I think Status may have some quality control issues! I did consider contacting them, but from what you've said I wouldn't have got very far. So my search for the perfect strings resumes. From what's been said in this thread, I think the Cobalts would be too bright for me. :-(

[quote name='Machines' timestamp='1463131497' post='3048807'] I'll be there too. Look for a moody looking tall guy. I would wear my BC polo shirt but I can't be bothered to iron it. [/quote] Ironing is for squares, man.

[quote name='MoJo' timestamp='1462880566' post='3046518'] Hopefully see you there Seashell. I will be wearing a radish in my lapel and carrying a copy of the beano to help you identify me [/quote] I ought to wear my BC lanyard, but I'd feel a bit self conscious.

[quote name='Sammers' timestamp='1462804617' post='3045762'] For those who don't know of Dave though, he's a monster player and a super nice guy so it'll be well worth heading down and sponging some knowledge and getting some free strings! [/quote] Agreed!

[quote name='pfretrock' timestamp='1462801232' post='3045723'] Thanks for this. It was a bugger to find. Looks like you have to register (free) [url="http://www.pmtonline.co.uk/blog/2016/04/25/all-about-the-bass-pmt-birmingham/"]http://www.pmtonline...pmt-birmingham/[/url] [/quote] That's right, you have do have to register. I have done this, although I suspect they only want it so that they can try to flog you stuff later! I shouldn't think they'd turn anyone away who just turned up, because they'll be wanting people to buy things. Hopefully see you Saturday.

Is anyone else going to this event? I couldn't find it on their website, but it popped up in my Facebook newsfeed. I don't know if I can link to a FB page, but here goes: [url="https://www.facebook.com/PMTBirmingham/photos/a.114895385277759.13164.114000572033907/795085283925429/?type=3&theater"]https://www.facebook...?type=3[/url] It's 1.00 - 4.00 pm at PMT Birmingham, Sat 14 May. Special offers on bass products. And performances and master class Q&A sessions with Dave Clarke and Steve Lawson.

Brilliant, Dom. That boy will go far now! :-)

[quote name='Painy' timestamp='1462032323' post='3039822'] My favorite description of heft is Discreet 's from a previous thread: "It's like having a very large, heavy, sinister rubber ball bouncing on the stage behind you in time to the music. That's heft." [/quote] Sounds a bit like Rover out of the Prisoner! :-0 But thank you both for that. I had no idea what heft was.

Pretty decent really. Another outing with the Stones covers band. Played the usual venue, small but packed. Audience really enjoying themselves. I had me leather trousers on and felt quite cool. Didn't make any obvious mistakes. I particularly enjoyed playing 'Live with Me' - it's a belter! :-)

[quote name='KevB' timestamp='1461702163' post='3036983'] I'll probably be playing it at a dep gig on Friday. If you pop along you can do it and I'll have a pee break [/quote] I'd be tempted to take you up on that, but Friday is the Beggars Banquet gig at Tower of Song! :-)

Sounds like a great fun gig, though I can see why you're a bit nervous. My first band used to do 20th Century Boy. It was a terrible band, but I'd love to play that song again Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Terrible. :-(

Any of you hep-cats watching?

Can't make it this year I'm afraid. Going on a band outing to see another Stones covers band. They're a proper tribute act, so we might pick up a few tips. :-) But it clashes with this unfortunately.

OMG, not just me then!! This gives me a strange sort of comfort :-)

[quote name='project_c' timestamp='1459841871' post='3020073'] Don't mean this to sound disrespectful but I don't think Roy Castle is intimidating in quite the same way as McCartney. isn't he a game show host? �� but yes there are probably exceptions.. [/quote] Ah, I didn't mean it response to his Dad being intimidating. I meant it in response to the comment about posh spoiled children not having much to say musically. I've no idea if he's spoiled (one would hope not), but I would venture he is definitely 'posh'. He went to Wellington College. I know that because I saw him in a school production of Cabaret there. He played MC (natch) and was very good, even though only about 18 at the time. But I'm probably drifting off the point a bit...