Yank

The Louvin brothers had great harmonies and were influential to both the Beatles by way of the Everly Brothers and Gram Parsons.

Congrats, Blue. Just like in a club, pick out some smiling faces in the crowd and play to them. Remember, they WANT you to be good, they're on your side.

Jimmy Page first joined the Yardbirds on bass. I have no knowledge of his playing, but if I had to guess, I bet he played well. OP, don't be offended if you ask for examples and then blow off their answers.......... unless you enjoy being offended.

I played an upright once. Unbelievable how you have to jump for the root-fifth. I definitely had sore hands. Good for you!

Yes. Anouther vote for Ronnie and Keith. This IS a fact, Next you'll say you don't like their guitar playing.

Hell, once you lose your sense of humor and try to tell others how to phrase things, you might just as well move to a communist country where you'd fit right in. In a free country you can call me a jerk and unless I want to fight you over it, I have to let it slide or insult you right back. Remember, if someone insults you with a smile on their face it's male banter. Sometimes you gotta have a thick skin.

Guitar or bass, tune up when setting up, let instrument adjust to the room, tune before starting each set.

Wow! Surprised by how gigging is seen as a chore by many. I'm 62, been playing since 10 y/o, gigging since 15. Have gigged as a drummer, singer, guitar player, harmonica player and bass player. I love to gig! I've always used gig money to get great gear, so it didn't come out of house funds. I also love to practice, where you get creative to make your parts better, and love to teach, to pass on tid-bits of knowledge and see students progress. music is a gift and I feel blessed to be able to use it in my and others' lives.

Blue, you're mom was a treasure!

Your fault. If you had learned to sing BV, you would have judged auditioners purely on their guit skills. Then again, if you had learned to play guit, you would be looking for a bass player, and we're all reliable.

That is a way cool project. It must be dripping with mojo!

Even though I might be told that a song is to be learned per the recording, and I copy down the outline per the recording, come first practice, if it deviates, I'll mention it if it diverges, but l always ask if they want to change the arrangement. I don't care. My job is to enhance their vision of the song. Where they lead, I follow.

or a woman.

I use floating thumb, and mostly index and middle. However, sometimes my ring feels left out and joins in the fun without my conscious knowledge or consent.

To quote Bob Seegar "Is that a woman or a man" on bass? Not that I'm judging.

Tool kit. Screwdrivers, plyers, etc. I have them in my gig bag, and use them at home on my gear, but can't remember the last time they saved my bacon on a gig. I'll be ready though.

I think there will always be people who want to get up onstage and make music, but now you have more who just want to be a "star", thanks to the proliferation of shows like American Idol.

Ha, Ha!

That's a shovel. Spade has a point. Check a deck of cards.

I've got my main bass plus a spare........counts as one.

Full on - pointing at lower far corner of bridge.

Sax? Ben Webster!

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? I just watched the movie "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid" a crappy movie from the 1970's with Kris Kristofferson and Bob Dylan. Bob did the music tracks and played a Tex-Mex style similar to "The Texas Tornado's" who didn't form until years lator but were individually incorporating this style years earlier.

The right name is important. It has to be in keeping with the style of music, so someone who hasn't heard you has a clue. You knew right away when you first heard of "The Slits" and "The Sex Pistols" that these weren't wedding function bands. You also knew that "The Mellow Tones" weren't someone you wanted to see.

I've been a musician since I was a wee lad, singer, drummer, guitarist, harmonica and bass. I love playing and practicing. I get lost in the moment like when I did a lot of rock and ice climbing. There is no past or future, only the NOW. Very zen.