geoffbassist

Hi Guys, I've just posted another new lesson looking at adding Ghost notes to your playing. I hope you enjoy it. Cheers Geoff http://youtu.be/llBZutC66Cw

[quote name='timbass' timestamp='1386229666' post='2297364'] I keep coming back to the Willie Dixon vid. Love it. Technique specialists out there care to comment? He sounds amazing, yet seems to break all the rules - doesn't brace his thumb against fingerboard, stands alongside the bass rather than slightly behind it. What can we learn from that? [/quote] I have the same thoughts about Charlie Haden, he seems to break all the rules and sound incredible. It's all about developing an individual voice on the instrument, as long as you can accurately play what you hear then your technique is right. It's a different thing when you are trying to play what someone else has written though as you will only get so far with some approaches. It's an interesting balance, especially as modern musicians are required to be so versitile. It's a good thing to be reminded of why we decided to play music though and that Willie Dixon video is so inspiring.

Check out this new video by Bozo. I didn't know the piece, but it's superb. http://youtu.be/qrSyOs7aKtk

Awesome. It would be great to see it in action.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1385748281' post='2291857'] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBqcHDDuDo8[/media] [/quote] I LOVE that tone! It's a great video, thanks for sharing.

Happy to help Pete :-)

Here's another lesson, I hope you guys enjoy it. It's a simple soloing method for beginner jazz double bassists. http://youtu.be/kHN5554nn7w

Great news. That looks like a very tidy job.

[quote name='Fran Diaz' timestamp='1385284447' post='2286312'] Great bassists on this thread: I would like to add my favorite double bassist to this list: Avishai Cohen. I was front row at one of his concerts three days ago and I'm still in a complete state of bliss: [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU-zKp7Rjb0[/media] [/quote] This is incredible. Thanks for sharing!

[quote name='fatgoogle' timestamp='1385158688' post='2285285'] How much more tension then the belcanto's did the originals have roughly would you say? I don't think building up left hand strength will ever be a problem just a bit if an annoyance [/quote] I'm not honestly sure, but I remember the Blecantos being a lot easier on the left hand. In terms of tension Im not sure. I have played the solos at orchestra pitch and they were really easy to play.

That's great news. It's good to see a company who realise the how much we all care about customer service and stand behind their products. AI have a great rep in this area.

[quote name='ubassman' timestamp='1385069606' post='2284213'] It can be a wierd thing though with strings because they can sound great on one bass and not so great on another EDIT - my conclusion over the years is to narrow the choices down to some good recommended/options and then try different sets to see which my bass likes the best. The variables between basses can be immense. [/quote] I couldn't agree more. It's a never ending cycle as by the time you have played each string you buy a new bass and have to start again. Hey Sam, I know what you mean about Belcantos being a bit boring, they are a bit plain, but I love the way the play. It may well be that the Original FC are too high tension. I would recommend trying them first as they are so expensive. I bet your teacher will have some good suggestions too, especially as he can hear your bass with the current Belcanto's. Good luck mate, finding the right string can be hard work.

I do like the Flatchrome steel's and prefer them to Felxocore, but out of that bunch I would go for the original Flatchome. Whenever I have this discussion i need to visit this page to remind myself what the hell I'm talking about! :-) http://www.contrabass.co.uk/orchestral_strings.htm Back on point, the permanents are great, but a bit too bright for me. YMMV though as my favourite is the Belcantos.

[quote name='timbass' timestamp='1384955804' post='2282735'] Thanks Geoff, again something I would never have found! Also thanks for the great online lessons - helped me improve, very kind of you. [/quote] Glad to help. I'm loving this thread and the classical one as there is so much great music being shared. Your Arvell Shaw video is AWESOME Tim. I can't believe how far he takes it. Not many bassists abandon the form and just go off on one, but that is incredible the way he does. It just keeps building, incredible.

Hey Sam, I'm not a huge fan of Flatchrome Steels, they are good.....but I do really like the Original Flatchromes. I wish pirastro were clearer with there names! The flat chrome steels are popular but if money were not an issue then I would rather go for Original Flatchrome Steels which, on the right bass, are an awesome sting. I consider them the industry standard against which other classical strings are measured in the same way spirocore are for jazz. They are a lot brighter edge than Belcantos and are a great orchestral string. You may find the E string similar to the Belcantos (which are my favourite classical string) in that its a bit weak. Permanents are brighter still and quite aggressive under the bow, but also a lovely string. I'm not sure about the E, but they are a great set and like the original FS's they can cut through, whilst still retaining a lot of body. I actually really like the medium Kaplan strings and think they could be worth a shot. They really do sound great. I really wouldn't know what to suggest overall, but it sounds like you are on the right track.

Yeh it's really intense. I LOVE that that if its meant to be played loud, they play LOUD. It's great to see such commitment to the music and expressive use of dynamics and textures.

Awesome rig. I bet it sounds massive through that amp!

[quote name='ubassman' timestamp='1384901001' post='2282219'] Whats amazing about these incredible players is how humble they often are and how generous they are with their knowledge. Great role models as people and as musicians. [/quote] That is so true. I find that when I have studied with players like Bozo like the impact they have on me personally is huge. It goes way beyond music and really inspires me to strive to do better.

[quote name='ubassman' timestamp='1384898283' post='2282159'] Stunning playing ...brilliant ! thanks Geoff - just awesome that you have studied with the great man !! [/quote] It was really awesome, he has endless energy. I just wish I could play like him! :-) He is a real hero of mine.

[color=#333333]Here's another favourite. Bozo Parakzik and Mira Wollmann perform Schubert Arpeggione Sonata (1st mov.) I have studied with Bozo and he is one of the most incredible people I have ever met. [/color] [media]http://youtu.be/V2FGE8h8YSw[/media]

[color=#333333]I LOVE the explosive start to this! Check out Rinat and Alina Ibragimov perform Bottesini's Gran Duo for Double Bass and Violin. [/color] [url="http://youtu.be/lm8W8jMtQyA"]http://youtu.be/lm8W8jMtQyA[/url]

I have to add in Larry's video! It's too good to leave out. Larry Grenadier with the Brad Mehldau Trio. The tune is really beautiful and Larry has the first solo. For me it's perfection. http://youtu.be/p6nBm8NNdm8

I have 3 jazz guys who I listen to all the time. John Patitucci, Christian Mcbride and Larry Grenadier. Here's some of my favourite video clips. John Patitucci is the man! Check this out. http://youtu.be/JK9Vzdjtxtg Christian McBride. There are endless videos of him playing jaw droping solos. He has it all. Great feel, technique, a unique voice on the instrument. Check out his crazy fill at 05:19. I just love his positive vibes! http://youtu.be/LZaAdtJH6JY There are a lot of other guys who I love listening to but heres todays top 3.... :-)

That great Jimmy Garrison video made me think of this short video interview with the late Art Davis who played along side Jimmy Garrison on John Coltrane's album Ascension. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1737726083/channeling-coltrane-a-concert-video-of-electric-as/posts/260867

It's an interesting concept. I know Steve Berry had a fretted EUB, which I think has had them taken out.....He said it sounded like a P Bass on steroids!