Pete Academy

[quote name='Pete Academy' post='707443' date='Jan 10 2010, 10:44 AM']I can only add underrated to this thread. Walter Becker. Or 'understated', maybe?[/quote] His bassline and playing on 'Jack Of Speed' demonstrates this, for me.

I can only add underrated to this thread. Walter Becker. Or 'understated', maybe?

It shouldn't take long. If you are finding it too much of a struggle, you can always detune the low B and use it as a strap.

How did I forget this??? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saVT0ZbyIHQ Simple but very effective.

Now that I've calmed down I think I owe it to J3ster as to why the original post incensed me so much. And before you shake your heads and tut, this will (hopefully) be my final word on the subject. Yeah, I'm passionate about Victor. He's obviously not everyone's cup of tea, as he resides firmly in the world of jazz/fusion (although the Flecktones are pretty hard to categorise). But I genuinely think he's misunderstood. I've heard virtually everything he's done, except for some Flecktone stuff. I've read The Music Lesson and watched his DVD based on it. I've also read a fascinating biography about him. If you dig deeper you'll find he's not just a bass player or musician, but much more as a person. Going back to the original post: "I'm not saying he is rubbish that would be stupid but seriously I do not really even consider him a Bass player in the true sense of the word and if anything I think he is more Technique than Talent. He has opened our eyes to different ways of playing (most of which he just brought to the masses but was not doing first) but most of what he does is a nonsensicle mass of self indulgence that if you saw in a pub you would smirk at. Any number of us can flap our hands over the strings and fretboard and recreate our own wooton wood whack but one of the best Bassists in the world.. Whatever" What is a bass player in the true sense of the word? I would agree that the primary role is supportive, and Victor certainly does that. Listen to The Flecktones. He often plays simple lines and knows exactly when to lay back. In my opinion, the song is everything. A bass player's job is to make the singer and the song sound as good as possible. You will rarely, if ever, hear Victor overplay in a song situation. More technique than talent? Double thumbing and tapping weren't new, I agree, but VW has added an extraordinary groove which he's absorbed through years of gigging, helped by being amongst a phenomenally talented musical family. Check out the rest of his brothers - they're all virtuosos in their own right. Of course, he's got his 'party tricks'. What bassist wouldn't show off at times if he or she possessed such a sublime technique? The problem is - and I know I'm repeating myself here - it's those bits that everyone focuses on, especially on YouTube. I'm the first to admit I find the 'thumb battle' with his guitarist brother, and the detuning to the point of the strings flapping about while he's slapping, quite tedious and unmusical. And if this is all you saw, you'd be mightily unimpressed. It's the same with other players: Flea, of course. But listening to some of his supportive lines on more recent albums proves him (IMO) to be a world class player. Same with Mark King. I would suggest a look at the first part (before the slap battle) of Live At Bass Day 98. The opening section is brilliant. And finally, I agree he's never written a 'popular' catchy bassline like 'Peaches' or such like However, if you listen to 'Me and My Bass Guitar' from the 'Show Of Hands' album [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ybn1ytS4Y0E"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ybn1ytS4Y0E[/url] and ignore the corrny lyric, you'll hear what sounds like a complex part, but is actually only a few notes. It's the technique he uses that brings the notes to life and creates such a great - and I reckon - catchy groove. That's my opinion, and I know many will still disagree. So, hope there's no hard feelings.

With working in a shop I never get chance to visit any specialist bass stores. However, I can vouch for Mark at Bass Direct. Always helpful, even if you're discussing something you've bought from somewhere else. Personally, I wouldn't use anyone else. For other smaller items I've used Strings Direct. Excellent customer service.

I agree with Doddy. It's probably more a technique thing. Slap bass is quite hard and takes a fair amount of time to perfect, so you'll expect to hear those harmonics. When I first started slapping, I sounded horrendous (my brother's comment). Stick with it - it will improve, believe me. A few lessons with a good teacher would be a good investment.

[quote name='Happy Jack' post='706892' date='Jan 9 2010, 06:53 PM']Finally got around to reading this thread. Fascinating stuff, but I was surprised how long it took to connect back to what is - for most people here - the "real world" of day jobs, families, and competing other interests. Page 6 of the thread, in fact. There's a depressingly long list of things I'd love to have the time for, and musical theory is definitely pretty high up that list, but it hasn't quite reached the top of the list yet and it is, frankly, not essential for the level of bass-playing to which I aspire, or the covers band in which I play. Desirable, yes, but not essential. The other factor that interests me hasn't been mentioned at all - age. I learned some basic musical theory as a teenager (singing in choirs, piano lessons) but that was [i][size=1]mumble mumble [/size][/i]years ago. Do I really want to be starting musical theory all over again at my age? In similar vein, I could easily have memorised every note on the fretboard when I was 17; I'd have hated doing it at the time but my mind was far more malleable then. Doing the same thing now would be a real challenge.[/quote]

[quote name='Adrenochrome' post='706513' date='Jan 9 2010, 01:17 PM']I find it interesting that opinions contrary to those held by the village elders, get a bashing. Is this a discussion forum or a 'protect the status quo' website? I notice that anyone who's not keen on Ps usually gets a thrashing as well.[/quote] Protect Status Quo? Are they under threat of extinction?

[quote name='J3ster' post='705672' date='Jan 8 2010, 04:19 PM']If you justified your Opinion!!! with something tangible then maybe I would actually be ashamed.. A great Bass line in a song wooton has played maybe? something catchie and thoughtful, something I can actually listen to for more than 2 minutes, something dare I say!!! I can tappity tap my feet too.. Forgive me for not thinking playing at silly speeds on the Bass something someone should be world reknown for but for me (personally as an opinion) That's Not Bass Playing (which Is what I am judging my - oops I said it again Opinion!! on) Maybe then I would change my Opinion!! Surely lots people on here base there opinions of bands/singers/Bassists!! on what they have seen on Utube? I'm not having a go at you or trying to start a personal war but - Moronic - Bless Oh how ashamed I should be!![/quote] Re-read the comment you made, then try to find as much Vic as you can, not the YT stuff, but the album material. Personal opinions are OK, but in my "opinion" you made yourself look like a dickhead. I'm off to a gig.

[quote name='Pete Academy' post='705647' date='Jan 8 2010, 04:05 PM']Jeez, I've just discovered this thread and it's initial comment about Wooten. Well, it's no secret that the forum is divided with Vic, and I appreciate everyone's opinion, but this quote: "I'm not saying he is rubbish that would be stupid but seriously I do not really even consider him a Bass player in the true sense of the word and if anything I think he is more Technique than Talent. He has opened our eyes to different ways of playing (most of which he just brought to the masses but was not doing first) but most of what he does is a nonsensicle mass of self indulgence that if you saw in a pub you would smirk at. Any number of us can flap our hands over the strings and fretboard and recreate our own wooton wood whack but one of the best Bassists in the world.. Whatever" This has got to be the most moronic opinion ever from someone whom - correct me if I'm wrong - I gather has only ever watched the YouTube clips. It's just bloody sad.[/quote] You should actually be ashamed.

Jeez, I've just discovered this thread and it's initial comment about Wooten. Well, it's no secret that the forum is divided with Vic, and I appreciate everyone's opinion, but this quote: "I'm not saying he is rubbish that would be stupid but seriously I do not really even consider him a Bass player in the true sense of the word and if anything I think he is more Technique than Talent. He has opened our eyes to different ways of playing (most of which he just brought to the masses but was not doing first) but most of what he does is a nonsensicle mass of self indulgence that if you saw in a pub you would smirk at. Any number of us can flap our hands over the strings and fretboard and recreate our own wooton wood whack but one of the best Bassists in the world.. Whatever" This has got to be the most moronic opinion ever from someone whom - correct me if I'm wrong - I gather has only ever watched the YouTube clips. It's just bloody sad.

[quote name='obi 2 kenobi' post='705291' date='Jan 8 2010, 11:13 AM']2 of my my personal faves.... [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrDLLXnl0-I"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrDLLXnl0-I[/url] [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUXAqtVtd6w"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUXAqtVtd6w[/url] Great moog bass from JGW too ![/quote] Mine, too.

RIP, God bless him.

He certainly da man!

That's a lot of amp for 350.

[quote name='Rayman' post='703310' date='Jan 6 2010, 07:21 PM']Bet you're made up you started this thread Pete? [/quote] Er, yeah...but I feel a little humbled

[quote name='YouMa' post='703339' date='Jan 6 2010, 07:45 PM']No mate im going to have a shot at putting something together though,a wedding/function band that doesnt always play the same crap,ie play that funky music,or the kaiser cheifs.Im going to try and have a much more soulful funky serious functions band,a bit like miles davis,s band circa on the corner,i just need to find the right people.[/quote] Good on you! But watch out for the bride's mother if Abba or Lady In Red isn't in there.

[quote name='Pete Academy' post='703321' date='Jan 6 2010, 07:30 PM']A question, YouMa...judging by your recent posts, requesting help with certain songs: Are you just learning them for your own enjoyment, or have you just joined a band with the best set list in existence? [/quote] If it's the latter, can I be your dep?

A question, YouMa...judging by your recent posts, requesting help with certain songs: Are you just learning them for your own enjoyment, or have you just joined a band with the best set list in existence?

'Behind The Groove' is an all-time classic. Highly recommended for practising non-manic slap. This bass line really makes you concentrate on the groove. I promise you it will improve your groove skills 100%.

My favourite classic Kool tracks before they went all pop: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUh8sqMNNg4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DK6vNwNEtu4 The drum part to Funky Stuff is amazing. Check how the bass drum plays behind the beat. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl9IoIY7ghY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBGTu8Z84qs This track is a masterclass of funk.

Crochet? Isn't that like knitting? I love quavers, though...cheesy!

[quote name='bilbo230763' post='702513' date='Jan 6 2010, 10:04 AM']Its actually Kool & The Gang[/quote] Good choice.