Silvia Bluejay

Welcome, E! Watch out, you live dangerously close to Fodera's workshop! I've been to NYC - and Brooklyn - a couple of times recently, and I'm hoping to visit again soon. When that happens, we'll ask you where you're playing while we're there, and pop down to see you.

They seem to have a brand new website that's not working very well - in previous years there was a contact page with emails etc. I'll see if I can put you in touch with someone.

Here are the clickable images of those beauties by Peter. Thanks again for your kind words, everybody

Second, full length gig at Kew Market on 6th September. Photo album here: [url="https://flic.kr/s/aHskneRPiD"]https://flic.kr/s/aHskneRPiD[/url] Videos Bright Lights Big City [url="https://youtu.be/7ibmN-uHVoI"]https://youtu.be/7ibmN-uHVoI[/url] It's Your Thang [url="https://youtu.be/pdawNJCIJ3k"]https://youtu.be/pdawNJCIJ3k[/url]

The band's first mini-gig was at the Fiddler's Elbow on 9th June this year, as part of a multi-band evening. Vid is here: [url="https://youtu.be/GQBw4iohKz0"]https://youtu.be/GQBw4iohKz0[/url]

The most recent addition to Jack's active bands roster They've only existed for a few months, but have already played two gigs and have one more in the diary this year. The Sapphire Grooves "We've raided blues, rock, soul, jazz, gospel, you name it. We don't care what it's called so long as it depends on groove. We're not loud, we're cool." Pics and vids in the next posts.

[quote name='FuNkShUi' timestamp='1444817741' post='2886274'] Could also argue those who are "song purists" havent got the skills to interpret tastefully [/quote] I think audiences in general will have time for a band's or an individual's 'tasteful interpretations' of other people's songs when said band or individual is famous enough on their own strength. If I go to a pub knowing there's a covers band on, I hope to hear every song played well, that is, as close to the original as possible, allowing for differences in lineup, sound equipment and similar. Incidentally, going back to Joe Cocker's cover version, I far prefer the Beatles' original.

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1444814306' post='2886223'] The only backlash should be against closed minds and bad players. There are many poor players and poor listeners amongst hobbyists, week-enders and the lazy and incompetent but taking a song and rearranging it or "doing it our way" are valid ways of making good music. One of the best examples is With A Little Help From My Friend by Joe Cocker. Surly the best cover ever. Tina Turner was an expert in knocking out a great "cover". As with everything, some rearrangements work and some don't. Don't paint them all with the same brush. [/quote] Joe cocker and Tina Turner were originals acts who did a few covers every now and then. They were not covers bands, nor did we buy tickets to see their concerts just to hear covers.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1444813586' post='2886206'] This is the problem I have with covers and why I don't do them. People pay to see a covers band to hear songs they know and love. You are being paid to reproduce those songs. In my view they should be played as closely as possible to the originals, within the parameters of what is possible, i.e. production values, what the engineer had for breakfast, etc. etc. Most covers bands won't do this, and far too often will use the 'it's our interpretation of it' to mean 'we couldn't be bothered/it was too hard to learn it properly'. Well-known hit songs are well-known hit songs for a reason - if you want to do your own thing then write hit songs of your own. And another thing, it's extremely rare to find a bass cover on YouTube that is anywhere near correct! *Awaits backlash from 'song-interpreters' and those who can't be bothered to learn the songs properly* Thhppp! Thpp!! [/quote] No backlash from here! I agree 100%.

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1444802172' post='2886075'] If I need to learn a song, I'll usually do it by ear. I found that being familiar with chord tones and chord progressions helps a lot - it makes it easier to anticipate what will come next, and that understanding also helps you to play around with the line a bit later on. [/quote] This. The first thing I try to determine is the initial key and any modulation from it further on in the song. That will help me predict what chords to expect, although it's also wise to keep in mind the occurring of passing notes, chromatic fills, etc. Listening to the highest possible quality recording/MP3, with the highest possible quality headphones, will help too, of course. Having said that, there will be sections where the bass is simply inaudible or so muddy you can't make it out. In that case, if you know what key you're supposed to be in, you can provide your own suitable bassline. It's great fun

And the band returned to their home soil at the Chiswick Club Society last Saturday: https://www.flickr.com/gp/bluejay_my_photos/X68R49

LOL and David was so incensed he posted the thread twice! Threads now merged, for our enjoyment.

Once again on their home patch - come along if you're in the area. 9-ish pm, free gig.

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1444402594' post='2883001'] You rang, M'Lady? [/quote] You are excused - you are usually dragged kicking and screaming to the LBGS by yours truly, and would much rather sit at home practicing...

Oooooo!!!! Look what I found on Facebook! [quote][url="https://www.facebook.com/londonbassguitarshow/posts/967119976679783?fref=nf"]London Bass Guitar Show[/url] We will be announcing our first artist for the 2016 show very soon - a bass legend who has been described as "a master of the fretless bass without rival". Who could it be? [/quote]

[quote name='Chownybass' timestamp='1444378652' post='2882651'] I'll be exhibiting there. Nervous. It'll be my first one as an attendee let alone as an exhibitor. Everybody at the Manson's Show was regaling me with horror stories of what it's like. Would love to meet everybody so make a point of coming by and saying "Hi" [/quote] Have you been listening to the usual whiny voices of those who bemoan the excessive slapping and high volume, and then turn their amp to 10 and slap the hell out of their bass as soon as they find an available spot at a stand? No, the LBGS is nowhere near as bad as its detractors describe it (they may well have an agenda in doing so). It's noisy, yes, incredibly hard work, yes, exhausting, certainly. But great fun. I will be around both days, with my cameras, and will certainly come to your stand, say hi, and take pics. Lots of 'em.

I'll be there as usual, covering the event and taking the customary million photos, plus video footage.

YAY! Of course you can. Feel free to download the original, or I can send it to you if it's easier.

Thank you all for reading, and for your support, as always

Blog is published! As always, please let me know about errors, horrors and omissions! [url="http://wp.me/p2ZbyY-ut"]http://wp.me/p2ZbyY-ut[/url]

LOL LOL Chill, and get on with posting the 8-string NBD thread, will you?

Last youtube upload - the first 10 minutes of the talk by Andrew of D'Addario UK. The noise in the foyer makes listening a bit difficult, and it got worse as the talk progressed (there were people arriving at the bash with trolleys of gear, talking to each other, introducing themselves to Colin and Nik, etc.). [url="https://youtu.be/MLVLzt3OnM0"]https://youtu.be/MLVLzt3OnM0[/url]

I've uploaded a couple of songs Stu played at the masterclass (you may recognise one especially!), and some precious insights - and some banter - on his solo album. About the inspiration for his album: [url="https://youtu.be/tsy26AXlqGI"]https://youtu.be/tsy26AXlqGI[/url] Song: [url="https://youtu.be/u9EhHgGzBag"]https://youtu.be/u9EhHgGzBag[/url] Song: [url="https://youtu.be/A1Q0UHt6QMM"]https://youtu.be/A1Q0UHt6QMM[/url]