Huge Hands

Oh wow, just found [url="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy1ctn6F2Yg&feature=related"]this[/url] If you like your slapping, enjoy. (Solo around 3 mins 15).

[quote name='OldGit' post='341453' date='Nov 30 2008, 09:53 PM']JV series are the next ones - Big Squier, small "by Fender"[/quote] I have had one of these (Jazz) for over 17 years in suburst with tort guard. I love it.

When I was about 12, I used to watch a blues tape (no snickering, I said [b]blues[/b] tape!) that my dad had recorded off the TV. I fast forwarded to the end once and found half a BB King gig that he'd recorded over from Channel 4. It must have been recorded around when we had our first "top loader" VHS deck and when C4 first started. It was called "The Forum Presents: BB King". The music was an epiphany to me, and I loved the bass player, Russell Jackson. I reckon his playing is the main reason I decided to take up the bass. I have played this section of tape over and over for the last 20 years, and it is all worn out, especially now it is trapped and chewed up in a knackered machine. I have spent the last few years trawling the net to see if I can find it available to buy. I can't. I have since found a solitary section of it on You Tube: [url="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-sdT57QQTEE&feature=related"]Youtube Link[/url] The quality is a bit poor (looks like it's been recorded off my tape!) and as it's a slowy, isn't the best example of Russell's playing, but there's still loads of feel. For you hardware gurus, he plays a sparkly red P-J with a cover over the P pickup and he has another jazz pup tucked right against the base of the neck. If you look through You Tube, I think that's him on the Live Aid clips from 85 with a black version, same hardware layout. The clip says it's 1978, but I have found this description of it that says it's 1980: [url="http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/ihas/loc.natlib.ihas.200015538/default.html"]Library Listing[/url] I have since found Russell's current website and myspace, but the myspace clips seem to centre around his slapping ability (which is very good). There is one track on the Forum gig where he demonstrates this and it fits really well, but I was always more interested in just his standard blues playing and feel. If anyone has any ideas on how I could get a copy of this gig, I'd be really appreciative. I've never seen the first half hour, and would love of have another copy of it. It's worth it just to see the brass leader's orange suit and gold shoes again. My investigations have also led me to believe that may be Jabo Starks (ex James Brown) on drums as well. Amazing.

[quote name='BigBeefChief' post='340832' date='Nov 29 2008, 10:18 PM']I didn't realise we had so many silver-tongued cavaliers on here. It's like hanging out with John Nettles, Nigel Havers and that pouting prick from The Professionals.[/quote] Ha ha ha ha! tBBC never fails to deliver! What's the interweb abbreviation thingy? Oh yes, LMAO!

[quote name='tombboy' post='339551' date='Nov 28 2008, 01:12 PM']I hope I've explained that so you can understand....[/quote] Derrr - not yet, I am a bass player.... The reason I took up bass was because as a drummer, I could never find a band with a "proper" bass player, only g**tarists that had moved onto bass because no one else would. They may have been able to play nice melodic stuff, but there was never any raw feel. Note: Before I get flamed, that was my own limited experience speaking there.

[quote name='YouMa' post='339338' date='Nov 28 2008, 10:30 AM']I miss newcastle accents and my home town. [/quote] Me too

I know I've tried to address this with you before ARGH, but in my opinion, if you speak to people in real life the way you do to people on here, I'm not surprised to see you don't get regular happy gigs. Remember that thread about how you couldn't get a decent originals band? I actually liked and on the whole agreed with your first post on this thread - [i][/i]for me[i][/i]. I have never had the desire to be a full time muso because I'm too selfish in that I only want to play what I'm happy playing. That is a generalisation, as we currently play stuff in my current band I'm not keen on, but it's all about working in a team and understanding everyone's likes and dislikes, even the punters. If I had my way fully, we'd be playing 20 minute slow groove Issac Hayes style self indulgent over produced funky soul. I can't imagine there's too much of a market for that all night long. What I mean is, I wouldn't be happy sessioning on stuff I didn't feel happy playing, so I never went pro. I couldn't play "just for the cash". However, flaming people such as Ped and Jakesbass for having a different opinion is a bit too far out of order IMO. I do know some guys who are pros on such things as the cabaret circuit and as far as I know, they are happy playing Mustang Sally etc. I wouldn't be, but they are. You cannot force the world to think like you. You can voice your opinion though. Sorry mate, not trying to start a war, just wondering why you put up "shock" posts and then get really abusive with those who try and take you up on your comments.

Just asking to help us all out - wherebouts in West Sussex, and what genre of music?

WoT, never mind the Walkabout, those Precisions get me every time. Next time I'm up in the homeland, I may have to come knocking.....

[quote name='molan' post='325257' date='Nov 9 2008, 01:27 PM']And then play it back to back with the Diana Ross version and hear the progression. I love what he's doing towards the end of this version [/quote] I could be wrong, but I thought Bob Babbitt claimed the Supremes version?

Didn't Jaco use chicken grease? I'd be too busy licking my fingers to play anything......

Apart from "I Was Made To Love Her", the one track that really made sit up and notice his bass playing was "Chained" by Marvin Gaye. I had a Marvin Gaye greatest hits and it was on that. I have never managed to get anywhere near it without sounding like I am strugging to play it.

[quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='319807' date='Nov 1 2008, 08:26 PM']Awesome big band in the first clip....[/quote] I also noted Lou Marini of SNL and Blues Brothers fame playing sax in the front row, and was that Kevin ??? the original trumpeter from Incognito on the back row? Do I win any points??

[quote name='bilbo230763' post='317517' date='Oct 29 2008, 01:15 PM']I may be mistaken but I don't think I mentioned jazz.....[/quote] Apologies Bilbo, that was my assumption. [quote name='bilbo230763' post='317517' date='Oct 29 2008, 01:15 PM']As for my top ten? it is of no consequence.[/quote] I think it is. We all know there will never be definitive agreement on these polls. I have only been a member here since April and I've already seen several identical ones, probably all with differing results. I like to read them though, as I get to hear about players I don't know of due to my own personal taste not having got me near them! I especially like to read the ones from people like yourself who I know will mention names that are so far away from what I know I'd never hear of them otherwise. Keep it coming Bilbo! I'm now off to look at the couple of names you mentioned I haven't heard of. Thanks (in advance) for the heads up.

[quote name='bilbo230763' post='316795' date='Oct 28 2008, 03:54 PM']Whilst I am aware that these polls are a crock, it is interesting to note that NONE of my favouries even registered. Why? Because the importance of a player is proportionate to the popularlity of the band he or she plays in, the public profile of those bands and the number of records they sell. So, even though there are some astonishing players out there that noone here has mentioned, they won't get any 'votes' because their music appeals to a minority, doesn't get played on tv or radio and doesn't get acknowledged by high volume sales. So, lets call this a 'Most Popular' poll rather than a 'Best' because, objectively, most of the players everyone here is raving about are pretty limited and, considering the full basket of skills, are likely to be found wanting.[/quote] Woah, I sense a backlash from tBBC coming, and if I'm right, I think I'd agree with him. Whilst I agree most polls are a crock, and this one certainly didn't appear to be taking itself that seriously, I don't think "best" to each individual person necessarily needs to mean "most skilled". I am aware of Victor Wooten and co and and also had my own full on jazz phase for a while (listening to, not proclaiming to be able to play). Maybe it is because I don't think I can play it and shut down against that type of music, but spending an hour listening to a bass virtuoso does not make him the greatest in my book. Talented yes, obviously worth his place in music, but not the greatest (to me). Having said the above, I don't think I could play much of Jamerson's stuff, and don't often attempt to, but I can never get enough of listening to him. Yes, to some he probably overplayed, but to me, his role in the Funk Brothers was pivotal. I don't expect everyone to agree with that, but I think so. I guess I can only liken it to Buddy Rich when I was learning to play drums. I was loaned two cassettes of him (those were the days!) - one of his big band orchestra, the other was him playing on his own for a whole 60min tape. While the chops on the latter tape were impressive, I couldn't listen to it, and all of that only made sense when hearing him with his band, at which point I thought he was amazing. Anyway, back on track. Sorry Bilbo, I don't want to start another Jazz versus tBBC thread, but inevitably people are going to pick their faves and the ones who made them pick up the bass in the first place. Funnily enough, I am guilty of trying to fix the poll in that way - one of the people I wanted to put was Russell Jackson, an amazing guy who played with BB King in the late seventies/early eighties. He was probably the defining player that made me think "I want to play bass". I didn't put him, because I figured no one will have heard of him and I didn't want to waste my vote. Therefore, I'm probably agreeing with you Bilbo! Now then, who are some of your faves that we've not heard of? Name names and we can all go check them out! I will admit it does make me laugh when Channel 4 does these "100 greatest hits" as voted for by the public, and last year's X Factor winner is in 3rd place with their nondescript one hit wonder single! All the young girls spending a fortune on the "Resend" function when text voting.

[quote name='slobluesine' post='307879' date='Oct 16 2008, 01:03 PM']anyone know about these... seems a good deal...[/quote] Ha ha, may be Gear 4 Music's "premium" range, but still comes with the humongously massive blown polystyrene case. At least I'll be able to save myself some money on a coffin when I eventually pop off...

[quote name='artisan' post='303585' date='Oct 10 2008, 08:25 AM']I don't know who this band were but they sound just like "9 below zero".[/quote] I've worked with them a couple of times a few years ago as a FOH soundman and they were not my favourites. That Dennis fellow (guitarist/vocals?) just seems to act like some sort of spoiled kid, which is not attractive in a 40+ year old bloke. To be honest, the first time they showed up, they brought their own soundman who was an @rse himself and insisted on changing all the mics and settings around even though it was a shared backline gig (which all band members had a paddy over). This was all only for me to then put everything back for the next band, and the 9 Below boys came over and started saying how much better it sounded to their gig. Not sure how they could tell that from on stage in their gig, but suffice to say they came without a soundie the next time. They just seemed to p*ss all venue, event staff and the other bands off as well. Everyone appreciated their talents, but all seemed to go away thinking they were a bunch of arrogant d**kheads.

[quote name='johnnylager' post='316380' date='Oct 28 2008, 07:56 AM']So did Rob Wright. Me neither. EDIT: Good work Jake.[/quote] So did Willie Weeks, no analness from me either. Must have been a nightmare trawling through our "but I also like these guys" posts.

[quote name='john_the_bass' date='Oct 27 2008, 01:29 PM' post='315785'] A good one! To be honest, we've kinda half decided on a pair of RCF powered tops [quote] RCF are a good choice. They have recently split from Mackie, so hopefully back to doing what they're good at Sorry Mackie fans! I am not sure about the rules of advertising (not my company but one I know) so I will PM now with the details.

Which brand do you want John?

[quote name='teej' post='314877' date='Oct 26 2008, 08:15 AM']That'll be Kitty, Daisy and Lewis, then? Sounds like a truly annoying masterwork of mis-management from this organiser. At least you got paid, but shame about missing the party. [/quote] Just checked out their myspace. Yep, that's them. According to the pictures and blurb, Mom plays the upright, so I don't feel so bad. I though the parents seemed lovely, but the kids were a bit "spoilt brat" for me. Maybe I just caught them on a bad night. As for mis-management, it appeared to be organised by a "hanger on" from her entourage. He was lucky he didn't get a kicking that night, there were several people getting majorly p***ed off with him (not just us).

Dear all, I've only just come back to Basschat after a couple of months away due to various reasons, so this story is not about last night, but rather a couple of months ago. I thought it might be worth sharing anyway. We showed up at Jazz After Dark in Soho one Saturday night for a gig that had been booked for ages. When we get there, we are told the venue is booked for a "private function". Affter a few minutes of excited whispering, it turns out it has been booked for Amy Winehouse's birthday party. As we start to set our gear up, another band shows up. Bearing in mind this venue is smaller than your average home's lounge and dining room, it starts to get a bit tense when they start moving our gear off stage. The bar owner, who didn't know they were coming and was presuming we'd still play, tells us they are a young group of 14-17 year olds who Amy either knows or is related to, playing skiffle and rock and roll. Apparently the deal is that when Amy shows up, they will play for about 30-40 mins and then we will do the rest of the night. We usually play 10-30pm-2.30am with breaks, so we think, ok, just lost one set. So the party begins and we stand outside, waiting for Amy to show, mingling with the paparazzi who've obviously been tipped off. Up shows Mark Ronson and Adele, and a few other people that prompt photographs (but no one I know). An hour or so goes by, so the bar manager starts pleading with the guy "organizing" the party to let us go on. Apparently they won't let him serve drinks til she arrives, so he is not happy about losing possible bar revenue. Mark Ronson overhears the commotion and even says "let the musos play" while looking at us. But no dice with this organiser fellow. The main issue is around drumkit. They are only using a snare and cymbal, but have filled the stage so much that even the venue' small jazz kit won't fit in its place so we can't play around their gear. It gets to 1am, and no Amy. Mark Ronson gets sick and starts messing about on their keyboard. Their guitarist (17 yr old lad) starts playing the snare and cymbal. Next thing I hear I'm being told "they need a bass player" so I run up and grab their old upright. We end up jamming "Bare Neccessites" and all sorts! In the end, most of their and most of our band get up and do this kind of extended blues jam. The whole thing lasts about an hour before we get told "You have to get off! Amy is nearly here and the skiffle band has to be ready to play the minute she walks in the door!" We all dutifully put the intruments down and go back outside. At this point I feel really guilty. I thought the upright was being played by the dad of the band, but turns out it's a 14 year old girl. I told her she should have come over and kicked me off, but I think she was cool with me. I hate to be an overbearing "watch this son and learn something" kind of adult, especially as most kids can probably play better than me! Suffice to say, Amy never shows, we never play. We do get paid, but we're still unhappy - especially the drummer who didn't even get to take his coat off and who'd rushed his DIY work to get there. Good points: We get to jam with Mark Ronson in the presence of Adele (is that REALLY something to be proud of?) Bad Points: 1. I'm jamming on an upright that is knackered, can't be heard and is set up for a 14-year old girl. It appears to have black nylon strings on it. 2. We're jamming, not playing the sets we know. We normally play stuff in a similar vein to what Mark currently produces, so it would have been nice to get some backstage party gigs off him! 3. We get grumpy and f**k off, only to read in the papers on Monday that Mark Ronson invited everyone back to his plush hotel suite for a party afterwards. Gutted! Anyway, that' my story, believe it or not. I thank you.

For me: James Jamerson Willie Weeks Aston "Family Man" Barrett I'd also add that one bloke who rarely gets a mention in the Motown thing is Bob Babbitt (admittedly this has got better since the Standing in the Shadows film was released) - the guy did a pretty good Jamerson impression in those days and has an impressive catalogue of tracks since then.

Sorry Kiwi, thought I had done a mix of both. Was trying to be as "this is only my opinion and experience" and non confrontational as possible. Slap on the wrist accepted.

I don't normally get involved in the contenscious threads, but here' my take (apologies, I couldn't be a**ed to read all 12 pages): As a young learning drummer of 12, I was desperate to join a band. My brother was playing keyboards in our church band (C of E) which didn't have a drummer, and they let me join. From a "learning your chops" kind of thing, it was great. Rehearsing every week, playing every other Sunday service (the church still had a traditional organist and choir as well who did the other ones) it was a good experience. We only played the Graham Kendrick/Mission Praise kind of stuff - i.e. "Shine Jesus Shine" was about as exciting as it got. Apart from having to put up with being shouted at regularly by my brother (who by then was the bandleader), I had a great time. My problem was I couldn't get on with the religion bit. I see faith and religion as two different things. What people do to find God and be spiritual is up to them, and in the case of my mother, who has attended church regularly all her life, I think it is great for her because she gets a sense of meaning and community spirit from it. However, in my opinion, and note this is only my opinion, I struggled with the automaton way that people recite the same order of service week in week out. I could probably recite most of "Rite A" now but the problem is I wouldn't be thinking about any of it. I would just be saying it. That is not worship to me. My other main issue at the time was the hypocrisy of most churchgoers - all saying this stuff week in week out, but acting completely differently. Lots of catty women fighting over who was the head of tea and biscuits in the church hall etc etc etc. I also worked with the Spring Harvest festivals for a few years as an outsider. I always considered these events to be the "extremists" of C of E - i.e. claiming to be the most into their faith and very "in your face" about it. I found the worst levels of hypocrisy there. I remember seeing a girl I had known at university there. When she found out I was only working there and not attending for the religious experience, she and her mates all turned their noses up and walked off. Great Christian attitude - thanks! I can remember, when drumming with the local church, our band being invited to play at another church where they were going to try and recreate the "Toronto effect" - i.e. where everyone closes their eyes, the Spirit of God is meant to fill the room and people start talking in foreign tongues etc. Now this may be legitimate elsewhere, but I was being naughty and had one eye open. That may have stopped it working, but I swear I saw a woman open her eyes, look around to make sure there was nothing in her way behind her to get hurt on, and then fall to the floor babbling away. I lost a lot of respect for these sorts of things that day. Again, this is all my own humble opinion. I will say this; the closest I have been to having a religious experience is playing music in a church. It may be God, it may be the acoustics, I don't know, but when it's right, you get the shivers down your spine etc. I got married last year and asked my brother to play the organ. The night before at the rehearsal, when he kicked it in full tilt with all the stops out, it reduced me to tears in seconds. I know some of it was probably nerves, some of it emotion, some of it was pride at my brother (the b*****d!), but I don't think I'd have felt that in a registry office. I guess I also have to thank that band for making me want to play bass. I was listening to a load of soul/funk/acid jazz at the time and was dying to play along with a good bass player. The one in the church band was a guitarist who was doing it because no one else would, and therefore he was ok, but no funkmeister. This made me want to explore the difference between the two and take up bass. I rarely play drums now, and my kit is collecting mould up in the loft. Unfortunately our current drummer is a left hooker, so I don't get to have much of a shot on his kit either! Anyhoo, sorry to ramble. I kind of agree with Hutton's post. I've been pointing out a few things that turned me away from the church. It doesn't make me hate (what I perceive as) God, nor would it make me want to tell others not to try it. It's just not for me. FWIW, I still think tBBC is hilarious.