Non-mainstream bass guitar

[sdgrsr400]

Who's out there doing "non-mainstream" bass guitar? Full respect to all pop/rock/jazz players, but I thought it would be nice to have a thread for discussion of music other than those which use the bass guitar. For example, worship, classical, avant-garde, ...

For me, I'm hoping do do some kirtan accompaniment (that's a kind of sacred chant, typically with harmonium and djembe/tabla as the other instruments).

I'm convinced the bass guitar is a really versatile instrument which could add a lot to other music contexts, so am keen to hear about what's happening. Over to you...

Edited June 28, 2009 by sdgrsr400

[acidbass]

Nice sentiment mate! It's always good to see the bass being used in less traditional genres - really expands the perceptions of what the instrument can do.

The farthest I've went from the mainstream with a bass guitar was to include it in some traditional Irish music, the sort that typically includes fiddle, acoustic guitar, banjo, concertina etc etc. Definitely forces you to approach music in a totally different way than you would have previously. Sometimes you can fall into the all-too familiar patterns and I think this can lead to stagnation if you aren't careful. Change is always healthy!

Danny

[bythesea]

[quote name='acidbass' post='527120' date='Jun 28 2009, 09:45 PM']The farthest I've went from the mainstream with a bass guitar was to include it in some traditional Irish music,[/quote]
Would love to give that a go - my last band was trad Irish where I played acoustic guitar and bouzouki, with other members on fiddle, flute/whistles and bodhran.

That was before I took up bass again though...

[sdgrsr400]

Sounds like a great jam, Danny. It's nice that they were open to admitting our instrument - sometime traditional players can be rather rigid in their views about what is or is not acceptable: of course they want to preserve the integrity of their tradition.

[Telebass]

Not really THAT odd, but I did briefly play for a Cornish punk band. With the lyrics actually in Cornish!

[thodrik]

I've done some traditional Celtic-type inspired vocal stuff and instrumental wierdness. Was a short phase though! I rediscovered Kyuss!

[geoffbyrne]

A few years ago I attended a small gig at the Edinburgh Fringe which was Flamenco/Jazz fusion - don't ask me who was doing it as I don't remember, but what I *do* remember was that we ended up with 3 guitarists & 1 Jazz bassist and it was a bloody good night.

G.

[yorick]

Playing EUB for a Northumbrian folk band, now sadly defunct.

[BigRedX]

You want unorthodox bass playing?

Take a listen to our very own [url="http://www.spoombung.co.uk/"]Spoombung[/url].

[Stylon Pilson]

Stop it with all of this craziness! Stick to root notes! Know your place!

S.P.

[tauzero]

Playing with a ceilidh band which is melodeon, dulcimer, guitar, and me, which means I'm the main supplier of rhythm but I like to put a good selection of notes in, with a slightly better than even chance of them actually fitting.

[hubrad]

[quote name='bythesea' post='527124' date='Jun 28 2009, 09:48 PM']Would love to give that a go - my last band was trad Irish where I played acoustic guitar and bouzouki, with other members on fiddle, flute/whistles and bodhran.

That was before I took up bass again though...[/quote]
Have a listen to my Myspace stuff if you fancy.. I do folk or blues stuff most of the time.
Just got my advance copy of Gina Le Faux's new album, on which I do bass duties. Chuffed to bits with the line up! Martin Simpson, Andy Cutting , Keith Angel and me, backing Gina. [url="http://www.ginalefaux.com/"]http://www.ginalefaux.com/[/url] is under reconstruction at the mo, but should be back up and running soon.
Played DB in a folk club one time with Gina, and at the end of the gig the organiser came along and said "wonderful sound - you don't often hear those played with a bow"

[bythesea]

[quote name='hubrad' post='527784' date='Jun 29 2009, 03:06 PM']Have a listen to my Myspace stuff if you fancy.. I do folk or blues stuff most of the time.
Just got my advance copy of Gina Le Faux's new album, on which I do bass duties. Chuffed to bits with the line up! Martin Simpson, Andy Cutting , Keith Angel and me, backing Gina. [url="http://www.ginalefaux.com/"]http://www.ginalefaux.com/[/url] is under reconstruction at the mo, but should be back up and running soon.
Played DB in a folk club one time with Gina, and at the end of the gig the organiser came along and said "wonderful sound - you don't often hear those played with a bow" [/quote]
Cheers Hugh - will give it a listen. And will listen out for Gina's album as well, love Martin Simpson's stuff - must have been great working with them!

[GreeneKing]

[quote name='BigRedX' post='527522' date='Jun 29 2009, 10:54 AM']You want unorthodox bass playing?

Take a listen to our very own [url="http://www.spoombung.co.uk/"]Spoombung[/url].[/quote]

I love Kev's stuff different though it most certainly is, in a good way. He's a very talented guy.

Has he been a bit quiet of late?

Edited June 29, 2009 by GreeneKing

[Jase]

[quote name='BigRedX' post='527522' date='Jun 29 2009, 10:54 AM']You want unorthodox bass playing?

Take a listen to our very own [url="http://www.spoombung.co.uk/"]Spoombung[/url].[/quote]

Yes, great things going on there! Names too... "Blubberpussy" Fab!

[phil_the_bassist]

the furthest I've got from mainstream is a bit of Drum&Bass/Dubstep stuff...which really ain't that far from the norm!

I'd love to join a classical orchestra, but even tho I've got pretty much the same range as a cello, none of the local establishments would let me even talk to them...all of 'em brushed me off via email