louisthebass

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1430243395' post='2759452'] Yes, for some bands dress code is a big part of their offering. Blue [/quote] Definitely on the gig - looking the part can be a big selling point.

Last time I auditioned for a functions band (2011), I took my rig and a couple of basses. Clothes-wise just a T-shirt, jeans and trainers - I'd gigged with the drummer and the vocalist before, so dress code wasn't an issue. When it was up and running, dress code was just as important as the music on the gig...

One bass usually does it for me.. Just tend to change pickup selection, or use the tone controls on the bass for whatever the song needs.

[quote name='lowdown' timestamp='1429882407' post='2755968'] Many Bassists by nature tend not to be lyrical in style with solo playing, and possibly during regular support playing. Which is understandable, after all, Bass apart from supplying rhythm, is laying down and outlining harmony and chord movement. So I suppose, it's hard to get out of that way of thinking, and think more melodically. But what do I know, just a Bass player. A nicely phrased simple melodic Bass solo at about 02:50. (Marcus Miller). Not sure about the Album cover...lol.. [media]http://youtu.be/_2or5RqfyIc[/media] [/quote] Great track - used to be the theme tune to the Robbie Vincent radio show (on Radio London I think?) years ago. I've got that Dave Grusin CD - definitely the cheesiest album cover I've ever seen! .

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1429968470' post='2756795'] For some of the best of Roscoe listen to the 4 or 5 Robben Ford and the Blue Line CD's. IMO required listening for serious bass players. [/quote] Agree - those are great albums .

[quote name='White Cloud' timestamp='1429814755' post='2755313'] Sting is a great bassist...in no way a virtuoso, or master of the instrument...but a really great bassist. [/quote] Agree with this. Sting's bass playing is always complimentary to the song - and he loves playing in 5, 7, and 9!! I've got a book written by Phil Mulford that transcribed some of Sting's lines from his Police, Blue Turtle, and solo eras. Not sure if it's in print anymore, but well worth it if you can get a copy.

[quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1429800296' post='2755095'] I think about soloing a lot, not because I am egotistical but because I am not very good at playing the double bass!! [/quote] I'm confused (which isn't difficult for me really) but having looked at some of the people you've played with in your initial post, you must be good at playing DB?

[quote name='natjag' timestamp='1428582033' post='2742646'] I don't know your level of reading, If you're just getting into reading I would also suggest Stuart Clayton's books. [/quote] +1

The Yamaha BB1100S is a great bass - the pickup selector gives you a nice chunky P bass tone when you need it, or if you want that burpy J bass tone, it does that too . I had one for years, and is the best 4 string bass I've ever owned (wish I still had it).

[quote name='casapete' timestamp='1429089815' post='2747789'] Just heard this on Radio 2, never realised the horns were out of tune before - they just sound so right. And love the organ part, played I believe by the great Spooner Oldham. Wonderful stuff. [/quote] To be honest, I wasn't aware that they were out of tune until I read "Sweet Soul Music" by Peter Guralnick many years ago. Couldn't have been much in it (where the tuning was concerned) if the guys in the studio missed it on the playback....

Loads of good advice on here. Having reliable gear and car is a must. Be on time, and confident but respectful, and just as important - play what's needed. Got my first dep gig 20 odd years ago - a mate of mine recommended me to a local covers band he knew a few of the guys in. Next thing I knew, it was one 2 hour rehearsal, and then straight into two gigs in four days, and I did some work with them and some other bands over the next few years. Word of mouth can open a lot of doors for you . Good luck!!

Sad to hear that, another 60's Southern Soul legend gone . Weird to think that "When a Man Loves a Woman" was released, they only realised that the horns were out of tune[i] after[/i] it had been pressed.

[quote name='Mykesbass' timestamp='1429014856' post='2747014'] Bad Influence are great, all top musicians with Pete Stroud (Mybass on here) on bass usually. [/quote] Good band who vary the Blues / Rock thing, have seen them a few times - always a good night .

[quote name='pfretrock' timestamp='1429012708' post='2746966'] On tour this autumn [url="http://www.joanneshawtaylor.com/#!touring/c12n5"]Joanne Shaw Taylor tour dates[/url] [/quote] Thanks for that - Shoreham looks like the most doable for me even though I'm closer to London .

This: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CWINWtUuo0 Original was done by The Small Faces, just prefer the urgency in the cover...

Mine travel in a laptop style bag I bought from John Lewis a few years ago. I'm another of the velcro tie users - keeps everything nice and tidy. If anyone's looking for a specific bag for their leads and whatnot, Gruvgear do one, but it ain't cheap....

Tone is in the hands - those guys were always going to sound good regardless of how much the instrument costs and where it's manufactured. The Warwick Rockbasses are good for the money. I remember trying out a Corvette 5 string a few years back and being very impressed with it .

Don't show this thread to this guy.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l-HHuZNnFc

Agree with Visog's comments earlier, although I still think the 4 has a place in music. Some people are happier on a 4 for various reasons - to each their own. Just to expand on Visog's last paragraph (for anyone who may not be aware), the 5 became a necessity in the mid 1980's as synth bass was featuring on a lot of pop / funk / soul music at that time. Bassists with 4 string basses (for the most part) were either having to invest in synth bass keyboards and adapt to get below low E, or risk not working.

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1428281729' post='2739945'] +1 for Richard Cousins. I'd also point out Chris Chaney, who started out with Alanis Morissette and has progressed under most people's radar. [/quote] +1 for Chris Chaney .

I'll nominate Mike Visceglia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oclv-EqJbvY Really tasteful player I've seen play with Suzanne Vega a few times. Also like Richard Cousins from Robert Cray's Band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-Q26wKox-0

Will Lee uses the fretting hand baseball bat grip, but still somehow manages to groove hard and sound great .

Just to kick some life back into this thread... This kid has a promising future ahead of him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzyUz1DzZcM

[quote name='Spoombung' timestamp='1428158966' post='2738632'] Hahaha! I'm just trying to rescue all you 5 stringers. It appears I'm too late. [/quote] Too late where I'm concerned, respect your opinion and the 4 string still does have a place in music, but have you ever tried a 35" scale 5 string? Both my Overwater Jazz and my Yammy TRB5 are 35" and all the notes on the low B string pop out .

I've got a bit of Tinnitus, probably from playing with a few loud bands, and the old feedback squeals from PA over the years. Started using plugs about five years ago, and it's saved my hearing. I never thought I would get used to it, but glad I persevered.