seashell

I'll come and stalk you if you ever get over to the West Midlands. But I won't be taking a bus, haha :-)

IIRC the dates for the 2017 show weren't confirmed until the preceding November.

Yeah, I've pretty much given up trying to be funny on here any more. Been shot down by too many grumpy gits. I still have the odd burst of levity if I'm feeling particularly flighty though.

[quote name='Coilte' timestamp='1503045384' post='3355236'] Scales are indeed useful but only if they are practiced in the right way. I have often come across people who claim that they "know" their scales because they can play them from root to root all over the neck, at a gazillion BPM's. Not a bad thing in itself, but REALLY knowing your scales involves knowing how chords are derived from them and knowing how to harmonise a scale. When you have nailed this, only then will you feel confident playing in the scenario you describe above. [/quote] Oh yes indeed, I've got a way to go yet! :-) But I wouldn't recommend to the OP to just learn songs without at least a bit of the underlying theory. Also agree with Blue, above.

[quote name='Stylon Pilson' timestamp='1502981221' post='3354850'] Roses are red Violets are blue Can you test the mic, mate? One, two? One, two? S.P. [/quote] Winner :-)

Personally I found scales really useful. Go to a jam and someone says 'We're doing a blues in G' - if you've practiced your scales your fingers will just automatically find the notes you can play around with. I haven't absorbed much music theory (as is probably obvious from the way I expressed the above), but surely we all need to know our major and minor scales and arpeggios, don't we?

[quote name='oldslapper' timestamp='1502899729' post='3354288'] Clear & timely communication is key on both parts, if you use a dep. This includes (from the band); Songs Keys Song Arrangements Venue Times Important image considerations (yes this is important see BRX above) I have turned up for a video shoot with the "wrong" bass as the agent forgot to communicate that they wanted a vintage instrument, not a jazz bass..and I didn't ask beforehand. Also give more than one contact number out for the day of the event. If you can find a recommended dep, all the better. Most deps I know aren't after your job, and have a number of different reasons for depping. I've played gig's where the regular bassist has turned up & we've had a lovely chat afterwards. There's a facebook page for dep musicians I believe? Sorry, gone on a bit. John [/quote] Thanks for 'going on', John! This is an interesting checklist for me as I have my first (proper) dep gig coming up on Sat and I'm still a bit concerned about a couple of the things on your list. In particular, song arrangements. They are all Rolling Stones covers, one or two in different keys which they have told me of in advance and I'm fine with. It's just the arrangements I'm concerned about. If they are exactly as per the original recording then fine, but if they suddenly chuck in an extra chorus or do a longer/shorter intro then I'll need to be on my toes! Also how are they ending the ones that fade out on recordings? Plus I still don't know the estimated start time. Just been told we're 'last on'. Also been told 'don't worry, have fun, it's just a charity gig'. I'm not really comfortable with that attitude - there is still an audience there who are going to want to enjoy it. I don't expect they'll mind if I don't sound exactly like Bill Wyman, but I think they might notice if I'm still playing a final chorus when the rest of the band have stopped, lol! :-) Having said all that, I'm still looking forward to it. I was really pleased to be asked (I previously played in a different Stones covers band and sax player who is in both bands recommended me). And I love playing all those old Stones hits, so as long as I turn up at the right place and time I think I can probably wing it!!! :-)

Sometimes I wonder why I've never been to a major festival, and then I see a thread like this and remember...

. But she quickly adds.. I love all you slappers. I'm just not one myself.

No, I hate new strings. Like to build up a bit of a patina, lol :-)

[quote name='bluejay' timestamp='1502484815' post='3351845'] Pity again! Hopefully catch up before the LBGS. [/quote] Yes, that would be great xx

That's the spirit! Love it :-)

Hello you soft Southern bar-stewards, lol! Unfortunately I doubt if I'll be able to join you this year. I no longer have relatives living in the area so I don't get down to Surrey that much any more. Hope you all have a great time, and hope to see some of you at LBGS next year. xxxx

I played a wedding gig with some friends of mine last week - mostly Everley Brothers stuff. I didn't realise there is was so much more to them than 'Cathy's Clown' Songs like 'Claudette', 'Be Bop a Lula', 'Leave my Woman Alone' and (my favourite) 'Rip it Up' had everyone up in the dance floor. Huge fun.

[quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1501342968' post='3344165'] On a serious note ([size=2][i]badum-tish[/i][/size]) if I ever went back to Country I think I'd string a P up as B-E-A-D. It might make root-fiving in E and G a bit more convincing. [/quote] Hmm interesting. Might just try this, since I have recently joined a Country band by accident.

REM, The One I Love. Quite short, but really passionate guitar solo that fits the song perfectly. And quite modern by my standards (1987, lol!)

Congratulations and so glad you've 'come out' to the BC community. Lovely pics, you both look stunning xx

[quote name='Raymondo' timestamp='1498079443' post='3322450'] I went to see a Country and Western band that wanted me to join them ,a few years ago...I was terrified when the audience all stated firing there six guns into the air ...I kid you not this did happen ( along with the line dancing) I decided that it was not for me. It may not happen now of course ...it was some thirty years ago but just be aware 'shell. [/quote] Haha, that sounds brilliant! I think I've been guilty of bigging this up a bit. I'm not doing the full set, just guesting on a few songs. But it's all part of my evil plan to worm my way in with them, mwaa haa. Also they're not that hardcore. There will be some folky and pop stuff as well. I will be playing a P bass with halfwounds - I do like a thumpy sound anyway. I might try that sponge under the bridge thing that some of you recommend as well. And if I can get anywhere near a mic, the banjo joke's definitely in. I'm such a show off, lol :-)

All good answers, thanks chaps. Roots and fifths is my kind of bass line, lol :-) Deffo going to wear a checked shirt and cowboy hat, but might have to leave off the spurs due to Health and Safety regulations. [quote name='Burrito' timestamp='1498047667' post='3322195'] .....don't be seen to be not taking it seriously. I've never played C&W but I've been around the country / country rock / bluegrass / Americana / Roots circuit for a very long time. [/quote] Good advice for any performance situation I think. You've got to respect the audience. You can have fun, but you don't want them to think you're taking the piss out of them.

I'm going to be doing a gig with a Country and Western band soon! There may be waistcoats and cowboy hats, and there will definitely be a banjo Really looking forward to it. Any tips for getting an authentic C&W vibe?

Probably wouldn't do for your sort of set, but '16 Tons' (made famous by Tennessee Ernie Ford) is a winner. I've been playing it recently - the bass line couldn't be simpler and it sounds great! :-)

[quote name='Maude' timestamp='1496761768' post='3313698'] I've been getting up to speed with R. Dean Taylor's "There's a ghost in my house", Frankie Valli's "The night" and Dobie Gray's "Out on the floor". Not particularly taxing but great fun to get in to . [/quote] I'd love to do There's a Ghost in my House. Terrific song.

I Saw Her Standing There by the Beatles. It's bloody fast! Played it in public for the first time last night. Went down a storm. I felt very proud of my little self. :-)

I've met loads of the buggers. Go to a Steve Lawson gig in Brum on a Sunday night and you can't see across the room for 'em. lol :-) Seriously though I have met a fair few at bass bashes, LBGS and formed some lovely friendships.

[quote name='Bassassin' timestamp='1495978319' post='3307870'] I didn't know he played on that! Met Jayne/Wayne County a few years back. I was in a band with a trans guitarist/vocalist at the time, Jayne seemed to feel a bit threatened, which was a shame. [/quote]. Me neither! Was genuinely surprised. I don't know much about Jayne/ Wayne but I used to love that track. Reminds me of my student days. :-)