Len_derby

[quote name='icastle' timestamp='1360704281' post='1975199'] A [i]squabble of bassists [/i]struck me as a pretty accurate description for some reason... [/quote] Indeed. Two others. A Winge of bassists. A Delusion of bassists.

I've used by Roland 100w Cube as a stage monitor a few times. Works just fine.

[quote name='Toddy' timestamp='1360603658' post='1973182'] Thanks guys,,hospice gag is a classic...[b]err dunno who Kim is tho Len,,think you might have mixed me up with another [/b]player,, regards anyway,, [/quote] Sorry mate... It was my invisible Apache friend, he told me to say it.

That looks a good tour to be on Kim, well done. If you're doing the Hastings date and you get the time I can recommend a look around the Old Town. Fascinating place. The net-drying huts on the beach are unique. Still got that Hartke cab?

In itself it's a good name but, for me, the association with Spinal Tap would be too strong. I'd expect a comedy act, hopefully doing a cover of 'Stonehenge' complete with cardboard megaliths.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1360009302' post='1963564'] That's good to know, but what have you been using them for..? [/quote] I've used them as general-purpose storage and transporting things. They will take a lot of weight used in that manner, for example books or vinyl records. Not as stands, I never thought of that use. I went for the much more expensive snake-oil, aka Gamma Pad

I've used quite a few of these over the years. They sometimes give out at the 'hinge' mechanism on the folding side panels. However, I've got a couple that have been in daily use for about five years. You can't really go wrong at the price.

Welcome Ben. Just a bit down the road from you.

Good Morning Little Schoolgirl. A brilliant riff, but a complete no-no to play live. Particularly as one of my jobs is working in a junior school...

Wait until after the audition before making any decisions. Two drummers to choose from! Lucky you.

[quote name='silddx' timestamp='1359063491' post='1949430'] I don't go to church but how does British church bands' music compare with some of the ultra funky American stuff? [/quote] As alluded to, it's generally 'safe' and middle-of-the-roadish. But, the point of the exercise is to serve and encourage the congregation. If, as I do, you play in a church that has a sizeable proportion of older, conservative people, the music should reflect that (while at the same time gently 'pushing the boundries' ). There are large, succesful churces geared-up for younger people and their music reflects that. I think it's fair to say though, that US-Style funk is thin on the ground. (I'm very happy to be proven wrong though!). As far as I'm concerned, traditional does not have to equal bad, or boring. And, as with any music in any context, if the musicians are not engaging with commitment and enthusiasm to it then it's a broken situation. Once a month we have a real traditional service using the vast organ. But, the thing is, our keyboard player can't play the bass pedals. So, I get the job of playing the bass line. It's great fun. Some of those walking basslines in the old hymns are magnificent. It improves my reading and I can really let rip on the low end.

This whole topic is really only an issue in the world of pop and rock. I wonder what musicians like Howling Wolf, Miles Davis or Charlie Mingus would have made of it. Their responses would probably have been short, pithy and rude.

One name to add to the lists above. Tony Levin. Surely one of the coolest bass players on the planet, well over fifty and head like a billiard ball. There's some good advice been given already and I would echo the losing weight tip. It doesn't look good at any age, and sheding some will guard against back trouble (the musician's curse). It worked for me. Keep on rockin! Len (54)

[quote name='PTB' timestamp='1358805530' post='1945505'] Blues is a broad term so it might be worth trying to narrow down the style of your prospective band. [/quote] This is sensible advice. You've already been given enough listening suggestions to keep you busy 'til the levee breaks.

Big Momma Thornton and Junior Wells were two artists who performed 'Hound Dog' in a minor key. Elvis, for his massive hit, sung in a major key. There's a great B&W tv version of Big Momma Thornton singing it on You Tube. I think she's actually carrying a handbag too. Buddy Guy on guitar.

I do a lot related to church activities. I currently spend about ten hours a week on it and get in an average of two performances per week. If that's the sort of community activity you might be interested in get in touch.

[quote name='barneyg42' timestamp='1358681118' post='1943118'] Do you think at nearly 52yo I could be capable of reading music again? [/quote] [quote name='Doddy' timestamp='1358696273' post='1943485'] Yes. [/quote] Glad you said yes Doddy. I'm trying to progress beyond the rudimentary at the age of 54.

Glad you got there and back and glad it was good.

'Simplicity is the final achievement. After one has played a vast quantity of notes and more notes, it is simplicity that emerges as the crowning reward of art.' Frederic Chopin Courtesy of Silddx from the Musicians Wisdom thread. I hope this isn't going to degenerate into another 'Clayton is a poor player' thread.

[quote name='seashell' timestamp='1358590034' post='1941711'] Thanks for popping in Joel I'm sticking with BGM despite the mistakes and howlers. Really enjoyed the Yolanda interview this month and last month's Glen Hughes/Andy Fraser double interview was a treat. I like having a proper hard copy mag. I loved th Steve Harris cover photo on the Oct issue and have it[b] pinned to my fridge[/b]. You can't do that with an on line mag, lol :-) [/quote] Thanks for that 'Shell. I don't feel quite so creepy now for doing a similar thing with the Yolanda cover. Glad to hear from you Joel. I know you'll be buried under advice/tips but have you spotted the threads about the Charity Bass Relay? Started and led by Jim Ryan of this parish. It could make a great magazine feature, and help raise even more money for a worthy cause.

That thing fell off during the (unfilmed) second encore. They were playing Scone Free I believe.

'E Flat, and I is flat too' - Charles Mingus

I'd love to do one of those courses. Please share your experiences with us afterwards. Anyway, the reason I've put up this post is that I was up around the vacinity of Jon Shuker's place yesterday on a delivery. Expect snow. It's lying about 5cm thick at the moment and there's more forecast from Friday midday.