Len_derby

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.

Neil Fox - Derby, Derbyshire

I think Bill Black slapping that 'ole doghouse bass during the first explosive years of Elvis. That must have been one hell of a ride. As a second choice, anyone playing for Miles Davis.

[quote name='Jimryan' timestamp='1358015491' post='1931925'] True, but there's an awful lot of members on here that are local to others and/or get about a bit. It could work...COULD. [/quote] Ah I see, you're thinking more of physically handing over rather than posting. I know there's several active BCers within a 30 minute drive of me, so I'm sure it could work.

I like mad ideas! This sounds great. Count me in. We'll probably need to establish some ground rules, particularly on postage costs. What about the sender/passer-on pays for postage?

I sold a Badass II to Luke this week. The whole transaction done and dusted in three days. Perfect communications and prompt payment. A pleasure to do business with him.

[quote name='Dave Vader' timestamp='1357663630' post='1926284'] If you don't enjoy it (or don't need the extra dough it brings in) then don't do it. I can enjoy playing any old crap though, which helps. However, when looking for a band you do want to play in, it is easier to meet other musos while you are in a band, rather than sat at home. [/quote] Wise advice Mr Vader. In my experience, the very best way to keep (and expand) your skills is to play regularly with other musicians. If you did decide to go for it I would advise being honest and up-front with the rest of the band about your interest and commitment. That's what we'd all want wouldn't we? If they like the cut of your jib you might end up doing material with them that is more to your liking, by influencing their direction.

It finally arrived today. A very handsome book. The whole thing looks and feels top quality. Well done Rob.

[quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1357291028' post='1920329'] It is on Amazon at last.... [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mr-P-C-Chambers-Popular-History/dp/1845536363/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357290599&sr=1-1"]http://www.amazon.co...57290599&sr=1-1[/url] [/quote] Yes indeedy. I got the 'your order has been despatched' email this morning. Actually, I thought it had arrived a couple of days ago when I got an unexpected package from Amazon. However, when I opened it turned out to be a copy of 'Fifty Sheds of Grey', a joke present from my brother-in-law. Oh well....

I agree with Cocco. I'm a big fan of Yamaha basses (and guitars) and I've got a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz that, at £180 second-hand, is seriously good. If you're ever down Derby way drop in and have a try.

A drummer friend of mine also met his wife on a cruise whilst he was in the band. So beware! There are several members of this forum who have relevant experience, so hopefully they'll be along soon. Me, I get seasick far too easily to ever think of it.

[quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1355934815' post='1904725'] As a writer myself (oooer! did I say that out loud?), I can sympathise with the difficulties that journalists face in trying to tell the same stories again and again (try writing 440 pages on one musician without repeating yourself......(you can't )). Learned bass off my dad/brother/sister/friend.... First bass was .... Main influences are .... Favourite bass/amp/pedal.... Latest recording is... what it is like playing for *insert name of megastar in here.... ...where else can anyone go? I stopped buying music magazines a long time ago and gave my old back issues away to someone on here (I think he was called Jake?). I found that I was just reading the same things over and over and over again. Maybe everyone just uses them at a certain point in their development and then moves on. [/quote] I'm a subscriber and, for now, will continue to be so. But, maybe there just isn't enough material to publish a quality bass magazine of that kind each month. Personally I enjoyed BGM more when it was out every two months.