Len_derby

Berry and the Cakemakers.

Transitioning Vamp

Are you persevering with the JMJs Loz? I remember reading you were finding the neck uncomfortable to play.

Phew, glad it’s just not me.

Good book! I’ve read mine a couple of times. You don’t have to know him or his music to get things from it. In fact, I bought a second copy and gave it to the guitarist I mentioned in my previous post.

Welcome back. Are you working on any books at the moment? I enjoyed this one very much and often dip into it when listening to relevant cds.

Seven years ago I had an attack of Bell’s Palsy (facial paralysis), my vision was affected to the extent of not being able to drive or cross a busy street safely. To keep me going a generous guitarist friend came around to my house once a week and we played away acoustically, or quietly plugged-in, for a couple of hours. We even had a go at writing songs for the first time. I really looked forward to the sessions and they kept me going, musically, until my recovery. I hope you’ve got some pals like that. Good luck with the recovery and keep on rockin’ !

One thing I’m noticing is that the newer generation of pub landlords reflect, as you’d expect, the preferences of their own age-group. Music doesn’t play as big a part in their lives as it used to for older people and going to see live music, apart from maybe a festival, just isn’t on the radar and never has been. A case in point is the pub we played last Saturday. The bar manager is in his thirties and runs the pub for his mum, who’s the licensee. He’s a lovely fella and runs a good pub, but he doesn’t know his Chuck Berry from his Chuck Norris.

In principle, I’d be supportive of the idea but it would depend on the venue. Are they genuine supporters of live music who deserve to carry on? Sometimes venues fail because they’re rubbish and badly run. I guess the fact that bands have already signed-up indicates the former.

Sounds like the correct decision on your part.

Yes, I agree with you and @peteb on this one. When my covers band play Slither I drop my E string to a D. However, last summer I watched a local cover band play it and the bassist played It on a five string with no attempt to put the low D drone in the verse. The crowd loved it, and I doubt the rest of the band noticed or cared. Moral, we make things unnecessarily difficult for ourselves. But, I’m going to carry on trying to do it properly as I’m sure you guys are too.

I wouldn’t hold on to basses too long in the hope they’ll become collectible. In the next ten to twenty years there’s going to be a glut of instruments on sale as the boomer generation croaks or retires from playing.

Yes, Mick, and a genuine one-hand lift. Even for old codgers. 🤣

Yes Pete, those Chuck Berry words are something else. We play You Never Can Tell. Only two chords to worry about but witty lyrics. Truly a Rock n’ Roll poet.

A 5-7pm slot yesterday with the acoustic trio, The Desperate Cowboys. We picked up the gig after the booked band cancelled due to illness. A large, busy pub and we were playing in a roofed outdoor area. It started to get a bit chilly after the sun went down, luckily I’d put a pullover in the car for the second set. The audience wandered in and out a bit but there was always enough to make it worthwhile. Taylor mini bass through Trace Elliott Elf and Barefaced one 10. Home by 8 and a couple of cans of Hobgoblin Gold.