sarah thomas

Take concert, Eb and Bb parts with you ready to dish out for a couple of tunes you already know inside out. Ask to sit in and call those couple of tunes. If you stay in for longer, then take a real book or ireal book so you can at least play the root over changes for songs that others call. At least, that seems to work round Cardiff. If you sit in, you call the tunes and after your tunes then let someone else (or the house bassist) take over again. Without exception, I have found house bassists helpful and friendly. With that in mind, it's a good idea to go early on in the evening so you can talk to the bassist and the leader of the house band. Plus, there always seem to be less people getting up to play early on and masses later on. You'll get a more relaxed and helpful response if you go on eariler while they are still canvassing for performers. I hope that's helpful, but no doubt others will have had different experiences ...

Mtroun - please come along! It would be extra great to meet another DB player. I'm a trained teacher so maybe there's a potential tradeoff ...

I was wondering how many of us have gone on to buy Innovation strings as a result of Daf's trial? I bought a set of Honeys after trying slaps, honeys and rockabillies. They sound great on my ply and now I'm thinking of a set for my German flat back but I'd really like to try the ultra blacks and the super silvers too. Who else has bought a set?

I enjoy the anticipation though! Please say what you think of the DVD once you've had a chance to look at it. I'm particularly interested in the man's posture. He always looks so at home and 'right' when he's playing and I think this must have a large part to play in the sound he produces. What are your thoughts?

I'm jealous. I have to wait until Christmas.

It's been re-released on DVD: http://www.dannythompson.bigcartel.com/product/bassically-speaking

I visited Keith at his home and got a fantastic welcome. I spent ages peering at the innards of a German flatback he was selling on behalf of a friend. The friend was there and made me tea. Keith broke a small hand mirror in his determination to make sure I could see all the repairs inside the bass. I played his other basses and he was so chatty and knowledgeable, patient and kind. He sent photos, videos, mail and texts and spoke on the phone while I ummed and ahhed over whether to make the journey from Cardiff to Harrogate. He advised on modifications I may do in the future and is now giving me advice on endpins. A truly decent chap. And the bass - oh wow. It is gorgeous. Loud. Great sustain. I am thrilled to bits.

November 10th it is then! I look forward to meeting everyone.

Great aucoustics in churches, if a little chilly at times. Cardiff's good for me and 10th November or 1st December would be good dates. That's if you don't mind a double bass joining in

Wise woman ...

[quote name='ChrisF' timestamp='1348952960' post='1820171'] Funny you should say that...I go to a rockabilly/rock n roll club once a month..and they usually have a band. And I have been tempted to approach the bass player on several occasions, but Ive never worked up the nerve...sad huh!? 47 years old and too shy to ask for a few tips. But its a good idea...so I might just have a few pints of courage and ask the next bands bass player....although I dont want to come over as annoying. cheers for the nudge [/quote] I felt just the same as you at open mic nights but then I had to ask the bass player if I could use his amp - and got such a lot of friendly help and advice. Bassplayers are great! Each and every bassist I've approached has been so lovely, friendly and helpful. One said that it was great to meet another bass player, adding that he didn't usually meet other bassists unless they'd been double booked. So I suspect your bassists will be only to pleased to have someone appreciate their skills and knowledge.

And do consider ply double basses. Cheaper than solid wood and more robust, so they will withstand the odd bang and crash. Also, you don't need a big car to transport a DB, just a bit of ingenuity. We used to get me, bass, amp and drummer into the Subaru until the drummer wanted to bring his drum kit. Now we have a Honda CRV but it's more difficult to heave the bass into the back than it was to put it in the front of the Scooby. Enjoy!

I've just had a 2 hour lesson with Jake Newman from this forum and want to tell all Cardiffians and those nearby that Jake makes regular forays to the south and west of Wales and is open to giving lessons in this area. I think he's great. He helped me to explain what I wanted from the lesson and went on to deliver in shedloads. I particularly wanted to look at posture and technique because I get loads of musical theory and tunes hurled at me but little advice on practicalities. So, after a few minutes chat he played my bass to check it out and to open my ears to how very good it could sound when played well. Then I played a line I've been working on and he watched from in front, behind and to the side. Straight away he gave me great advice and straight away my sound improved. He's a very approachable and experienced teacher who has a genuine interest in his students and the two hours with him was money extremely well spent. He has given me a set of ideas to apply which are like tools to work with. To be honest, it's a relief. It's a long, hard slog on your own and to have Jake's help, guidance and direction feels like a weight has been lifted. So, I'm adding my voice to the basschat chorus of approval for jake newmanbass. Yey!

I've just got a wheel off eBay. Now all I need is a little engine so I can ride the bass round the stage.

Still, I am thrilled to have won something and thanks, bluejay, for the congratulations! Perhaps I should have said 'don't include me in the draw as I already have this book,' but I thought 'Nah, what's the chance of winning anyway?' Just goes to show that the sun shines on the righteous

It looks very like, if not identical to the one I've got, which is a fine bag The extra pockets and handles are a boon when it comes to manhandling the beast around. The only problem I've had in almost a year of (2nd hand) ownership is that a couple of zip pulls have broken off. The zips still work very well though. The only improvement I'd make is to have rucksack style straps on the back. Hope that helps.

A chiropractor sorted out my back problems after several months of doctors just giving me stronger and stronger pain killers. The doctors treated the symptoms but the chiropractor treated the problem.

[quote name='oggiesnr' timestamp='1345411615' post='1777287'] On the self-help strategy I seem to recall a book about Alexander Technique and Bass playing which might help. However my basic thought remains the same, see a doctor! Steve [/quote] http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alexander-Technique-Approach-Double-ebook/dp/B004JKMSSE

I think that's a very generous, open hearted idea. Good for you.

???

Jazz Attic is at Cafe Jazz on St Mary's St, Cardiff, which is next to/part of the Sandringham Hotel. It's on Wednesdays now and some months there may not be a Jazz Attic, then there may be two. The next one is on Wednesday 29 August. The house band are really friendly and helpful, happy to sit in or step down as requested.. Parking is in the pay and display in Westgate Street. Show the bar staff your parking ticket and they'll refund it. St Mary's Street is pedestrianised but there's a handy bit of wide pavement right outside the venue where you can lug your double bass out of the car and tuck it next to the fruit machine before going off to park. Another jazz open mic is held at The Gate, (imaginatively called Jazz Cafe) in Keppoch Street, just off City Road, Cardiff. There's street parking at this one and it's held regularly on the last Tuesday of the month. (In term time, so I don't know if there's one in August - I suspect not.) This one's run by Bilbo's top notch mate, who also runs improvisation classes on Monday nights at the same venue. If you're there, come and say hello!