musicbassman

You may not believe this, but during WWII, Nazi officials dreamed up a set of rules that dancehall bands were supposed to adhere to, as follows: Pieces in foxtrot rhythm (so-called swing) are not to exceed 20% of the repertoires of light orchestras and dance bands; In this so-called jazz type repertoire, preference is to be given to compositions in a major key and to lyrics expressing joy in life rather than Jewishly gloomy lyrics As to tempo, preference is also to be given to brisk compositions over slow ones so-called blues); however, the pace must not exceed a certain degree of allegro, commensurate with the Aryan sense of discipline and moderation. On no account will Negroid excesses in tempo (so-called hot jazz) or in solo performances (so-called breaks) be tolerated So-called jazz compositions may contain at most 10% syncopation; the remainder must consist of a natural legato movement devoid of the hysterical rhythmic reverses characteristic of the barbarian races and conductive to dark instincts alien to the German people (so-called riffs) Strictly prohibited is the use of instruments alien to the German spirit (so-called cowbells, flexatone, brushes, etc.) as well as all mutes which turn the noble sound of wind and brass instruments into a Jewish-Freemasonic yowl (so-called wa-wa, hat, etc.) Also prohibited are so-called drum breaks longer than half a bar in four-quarter beat (except in stylized military marches) The double bass must be played solely with the bow in so-called jazz compositions Plucking of the strings is prohibited, since it is damaging to the instrument and detrimental to Aryan musicality; if a so-called pizzicato effect is absolutely desirable for the character of the composition, strict care must be taken lest the string be allowed to patter on the sordine, which is henceforth forbidden Musicians are likewise forbidden to make vocal improvisations (so-called scat) All light orchestras and dance bands are advised to restrict the use of saxophones of all keys and to substitute for them the violin-cello, the viola or possibly a suitable folk instrument. Whole article is here: https://flashbak.com/josef-skvorecky-recites-the-nazis-10-rules-to-combat-jazz-368094/

I'm sorry, but you've been well and truly shafted here. Shouting and banging your fists might make you feel better but won't change the situation. Yes, have a conversation or respond to the email, but keep it reasonably polite. You never know, It may all go t**ts up with their mate Carl and you can be ready to take his place, or if you've proved you've been reasonable you might get a recommendation for another band at some time in the future. My approach is always to keep it polite and professional, even if in this case they clearly haven't managed this. 😧

Did anyone else ever have a copy of this? Spoof band comic from the 70's. Worth serious money now, apparently.

Yes, you must go, and if it's a disaster, it was only a few hours out of your life, and you never know, they could be perfectly nice people if a bit.....errrrr.... limited musically. In these situations you'll usually have them sussed out within a few minutes of arrival. It's a thousand and one little tell tale signs, isn't it? For example: People taking ages to set up. Poor choice of songs to try out that don't really reveal much about anyones abilities. Excess noodling, or, conversely, reluctance to play. Excess volume, or, absolutely inaudible. Someone claims to be a singer, and absolutely can't. Someone brings a large amount of alcohol with them and is offended when you decline a drink. Various wives/husbands/partners are hanging around for absolutely no purpose whatsoever. And this is all above and beyond whether they can actually PLAY !!! Good luck.

This x 10, or maybe x 100 No ones going to notice your exact tone and which pup you're using, not even other people in the band. But if the feels wrong, absolutely everyone notices....

Yes, this is how it is for me. I think my mental hard drive is just about full. I seem to remember round about the time of Windows '98 that 'defragging' was a thing, to clean up and sort out your hard drive files. Does that even exist as a technique now? Anyway, that's what I feel I need. Not sure I have any space left in my head at all some days

For those who haven't watched the Live in MPLS video (embedded above) all the way through, spare yourself 5 minutes to watch the section starting around 1:20, where he teaches the audience to count in 25/8 time. No kidding, he really does ! 😮 👍

By the way, here's a little tip for those struggling to measure their action (fnaar, fnaar.). Just check it by trying various drill bit sizes. So if a 2mm drill bit just neatly fits between your string and the fret and is touching both, then your action is...... 2mm ! Simple is good.

Interesting topic. I play with what I expect some would consider a very high action - I've just checked on my regular bass and it's 4mm at the 17th. But this helps with eliminating all buzzes and clanks - which very much suits me as I use a lot of ghost and stopped notes, and the last thing you need is any of that business going on - I like a bright clean 'chonky' sound with well defined clear notes or percussive notes. PS - I play with fingers or a pick on a PJ with flats. And a dull thud certainly isn't the result. 🤗

If you're doing a West End gig then you really must have a dedicated driver with a ULEZ compliant van who can drop you off, disappear for the duration of the gig and then pick you up again at the end. Trying to drive yourself to a West End gig, unload and then somehow park up somewhere is impossible these days and you'll likely end up being late for the gig AND get a parking ticket AND a suspected heart attack due to extreme stress....

Depping with a band at a function in Poole. Did it with the same band last year and it was an absolute hoot - much silliness, so looking forward to it

Aaaaaawwww !! Cheers, Bubinga. And same from me to all the BC'ers everywhere.

....call that hard ??? I used to do some Thames riverboat gigs back in the '80's Load on was at Wapping Pier. Parking was in the narrow streets around what was left of the warehouses, and if your van and/or its wheels were still there when you came back then you'd had a good night. Worst thing was when it had been raining, and the tide was out. Then you'd have to take your gear on or off the boat by a slippery gangplank at a 30 - 40 degree angle. I was working in a Peddlers style organ trio so there was a C3 Hammond and a Leslie to manage. Looking back it was bonkers dangerous and I wouldn't contemplate doing it now.

Oh no ! I sense another potential flats vs rounds Basschat family row brewing here! - and just before Christmas too, like all the best family rows.

Mojo, I think a lot of people on Facebook will say they're free just to get the gig, and then they'll worry about minor details such as errr - can they actually play the songs???? later. Your approach is correct of course, but lying and blagging is the norm these days in all fields (see politicians) and thought, consideration and courtesy count for very little. Rant over. PS - I hope you get the gig.

Here's another idea - Ask the seller to tell you a really hard luck story - like how he's going to be evicted from his house unless he pays the overdue rent, and that would mean his family will be out on the streets for Christmas, and you buying his bass is his last hope to raise some money. You get the bass, and you keep a clear conscience. Job done

....surely the perfect woman doesn't exist ? ....oh, err,...hang on.....

No! Don't take any chances with dodgy couriers. Collect it from the lounge yourself !

....and now for something completely different....

Sometimes, just sometimes, I can side with the audience...

I've never heard of this band before today - that track is simply jaw dropping in its complexity and shape-shifting throughout the song - yet it's also got a massive groove and is absolutely the tightest thing. I've listened to it about 10 times today and I keep discovering more secrets. Good detective work Frank Blank, I'll check this gig out.

Lettuce - new to me. Just....wow......