SteveK

[quote name='Lfalex v1.1' post='1361581' date='Sep 4 2011, 10:23 AM']It comes across as lojo not being a permanent member of this outfit,[/quote]OK, if that is the case, and he's just doing them a favour by filling in , then, it's his decision and has every right to say "I ain't doing it".

[quote name='Doddy' post='1361672' date='Sep 4 2011, 12:06 PM']He's really not. [/quote]Oh dear! So, apart from the: zillions in the bank; big movie parts; his good looks; women falling at his feet etc. he doesn't really have much going for him.

[quote name='EdwardHimself' post='1361559' date='Sep 4 2011, 10:01 AM']I was reading an article the other day which said that Keanu Reeves out of the matrix is left handed but plays the bass right handed apparently.[/quote]Even if he plays it with his left foot, he'll still be a better bass player than he is an actor.

And if your drummer says, "I don't want to play East of London". Your guitarist says, "I don't want to play South of London". etc etc You see what I'm trying to say here? You're part of a unit - this means occasionally you'll be required to do things, that perhaps, you'd rather not. To say, "I'm not doing the gig, 'cause I don't want to" is a bit lame.

[quote name='Doddy' post='1361475' date='Sep 4 2011, 01:37 AM']'Headliner' is a bullshit term that promoters and bands use to make them feel better about themselves because they are last on.[/quote] Eh? 'Headliner' is usually a term that describes a band that the majority of punters want to see: They are the main attraction. Most of the shows that we do are as headliners and often there will be a band, or bands, on after us. The last band on is usually considered to have the 'graveyard' slot. We won't usually go on much after 9 to 9:30. Nobody wants to go on when the punters are knackered and pissed.

[quote name='silddx' post='1359214' date='Sep 1 2011, 08:45 PM']Sorry Steve, I'll stop now.[/quote]Sorry Nigel, my post wasn't aimed specifically at you. As for your OP... There really is nothing to feel guilty about re: reading. Since my early 20s I've been fortunate enough to have always had a reasonable to well paid gig. However, if someone thrust a couple of pages of music in front of me and said, "Play that", I'd be stumped. My reading was at best[i] fair[/i], and now best described as [i]barely adequate[/i]. I've simply let it go. But i've been lucky! I would also say that some of the best (world class) musicians that I've played with...Don't read! Don't let it get you down You're the best judge of what you need/want to do.

Come on guys...you're coming across like a bunch of 6 year olds. Nobody's forcing/laying anything on anyone. If somebody asks, " How do I become a better musician?" on a forum such as BC, It's perfectly reasonable to recommend learning to read and learn some theory. On a forum it's not really possible to tailor the advice. Advice is given, it's up to us adults whether we act on that advice, or not. Of course there's more to music than reading and theory, that's stating the bleedin' obvious...but, on a general level, it's good advice.

[quote name='silddx' post='1357256' date='Aug 31 2011, 10:41 AM']I see theory as much more important than reading[/quote] I wouldn't disagree with that... Problem is, by having no reading skills, learning and understanding theory will be a slower and more arduous task. Learning to read may not necessarily make you a better player, but it will make you more employable. Of course, that may not be important to you... If you don't read but you're enjoying your playing, then you certainly shouldn't feel guilty. If you enjoy it, then, there's a good chance that others will enjoy it.

I've had a Badass 2 on my Precision for about 30 years. Never noticed any improvement in sound. IMV The talk of [i][b]greatly[/b] improved sustain and sound [/i]is "geek speak" for those with a spectrum analyser The only reason to replace the original bridge is A Badass looks better than a bit of bent tin, and, of course, ease of adjustment. There are better more substantial bridges around today, offering even easier adjustments, but the fact is Badass were one of the first, so there is an element of nostalgia connected to the name.

I was in the MU for 35 years. I let it lapse about 5 years ago. There was a time when, to be a professional musician, it was essential to be a member... however, times change! They no longer have the power/clout they once had. I haven't done much British telly since the 80s (I work mostly abroad). To do TOTP then, you had to be a member. It's possible that to work on the Beeb today you still have to be a member, in which case, you can join when needs be. The MU fight against musicians having to play for free at charity events demonstrates to me that they are struggling to justify their existence. Just appeared to me that I was throwing a whole load of money down the drain.

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76RrdwElnTU"]((( )))[/url]

[quote name='Low End Bee' post='1341568' date='Aug 16 2011, 10:08 AM']At the level check [u]every[/u] time I record ... [i]"The bass isn't sounding very clean"[/i] "Yeah. That's right" [i]"Do you really want it like that?"[/i] "Yep" [i]"Really? It's quite dirty sounding?"[/i] "Absolutely" [i]"OK. If you're sure..."[/i] [b]Anybody else get this or is it just me?[/b][/quote] All perfectly reasonable! Can't see any problem with that conversation at all.

[quote name='Lfalex v1.1' post='1329078' date='Aug 5 2011, 06:37 PM']Two salient points (outside of the taste/talent argument) [b]Where'd he get the bass / pay for strings / pay for lessons (if applicable) There's some sort of advantageous scenario behind his ability. Will he still be able to do that when he has a considerably larger right thumb. I can lay my thumb parallel to the strings on an instrument with 16.5mm spacing, and cover 3 strings with it. That ought to be useful, but it ain't. [/b] Hope he manages to keep going and enjoy a career in music if that's what he wants in half a decade's time.[/quote] I've read and re-read your post and still not sure I understand what you're saying.

Jeez...you guys! You're a tough lot to impress. OK, so it's a bit scrappy, a bit clankety clank and lacks form, but the kid can't be much over ten.

Medleys? Cheeseville, Gorgonzola.

[url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Modern-Reading-Text-All-Instruments/dp/0769233775"]Louis Bellson's Modern Reading Text in 4/4 [/url]

A couple of weeks ago - Lorely "Rock the Nation" It had been p***ing down for most of the day, so credit to the punters for sticking around and giving us a very warm welcome :-)

[quote name='Jase' post='1303055' date='Jul 13 2011, 11:57 PM']Cool! Who were you playing bass for at the time?[/quote] Manfred Mann's Earth Band, and still am to this day.

[quote name='Jase' post='1302952' date='Jul 13 2011, 10:19 PM']Who endorses Warwick here?[/quote]In the mid 80s after a show I was approached by Warwick (fairly unknown in those days) and given 2 basses. I asked, "What's the catch? I'm not used to being given stuff!" I was told, "No catch, If you like them you'll play them, If you don't then you won't" And that's how it was. All they wanted was a photo to use in mags and promo stuff. Guess that makes/made me an endorser. Coincidentally, we've renewed contact in the last few weeks. They've done an excellent job in reworking those very same basses. I don't understand the "Who holds the power" question...power doesn't come in to it.

Oh, how I wish I sounded like Jaco when I pick up my fretless

Never heard of strings having a "shelf life". I wouldn't worry about it.

[quote name='Pete Academy' post='1299260' date='Jul 10 2011, 08:57 PM']Any good stories?[/quote]Pick a day from the last 35 years and I'll give you a good story Seriously though, 2 gigs from the last couple of years stick out in my mind, but not for good reasons. First: 5th Sept 2008, Danube Island Festival, Vienna (30,000+ punters)- Singer has heart-attack 2 songs into the set - Spends 2 weeks in Vienna hospital. Second: 2nd April 2010, Leffrinckouke near Dunkerque - Drummer collapses on stage with pulmonary embolism as a result of a broken ankle a few weeks earlier - Spends a couple of weeks in a French hospital. You would not believe some of the chaos and crap that went on backstage immediately after these incidents...needless to say, one or two people showed their true colours on those nights.

[quote name='bassicinstinct' post='1293562' date='Jul 5 2011, 04:21 PM']Magnificent!! I shall pass it on to my daughter who is due to get married next year. ( Hang on - that makes me the "brides father". Doesn't that involve hideous expense and/or 2nd mortgages? )[/quote]I assume that you will be making use of Derek's services. I would normally invoice Derek for 25% (my standard agents fee), but as we're all mates here on BC, and to save on paperwork, you could send the commission directly to me (PM me for details of my offshore bank account) This will, of course, benefit you, as I am prepared to reduce my commission to 20% (saving you 5%). A win, win situation for all.

Seems to me, Ryan Larson is to music, what [url="http://www.derekpyephotography.com/index.php"]Derek Pye[/url] is to photography. Check out "Derek's Photos"

[quote name='wombatboter' post='1292515' date='Jul 4 2011, 06:22 PM']Funny but I think he "overplays" (otherwise he wouldn't have been noticed so often)[/quote]aaaah! so that's the secret to getting noticed. From now on I shall be overplaying like there's no tomorrow. Expect to see me topping the bass players poll next year. [quote name='wombatboter' post='1292515' date='Jul 4 2011, 06:22 PM']but he does it so well that it doesn't bother anyone..[/quote] It bothers me...the fact that he is one of the most sought after musicians around, seriously contributing to and enhancing most tracks he plays on.