Real Bass Player?

[bassjones]

Thought about commenting there, but we're not supposed to so.... A recent/current add in the musicians wanted forum kind of pissed me off.

I have an opening coming available in the next 2 months for a bass player who knows and understands Country, Classic Rock, and Blues.
Someone who knows how to tie in with the drummer. Must be solid and understand his/her place in the rythm section. Some vocal harmony ability will be a plus.

The successful candidate must be available for midweek and/or weekend rehearsals. Good quality gear a must. Must be ready for some serious fun. Recording Contract may be pending.

Don't waste my time or yours! If you are in love with music e-mail me.

Okay, so I know that as a bass player, 90% of my time will be spent in lock-step with the drummer, and I'm generally cool with that, but the fact that I like to stretch beyond that on occasion makes me not a real bass player???? So, you're saying Jaco, Victor, Marcus, Stanley, Haslip, Oteil, Bootsy!!, etc... aren't "Real" bass players?

I know exactly what this guy is looking for and it's somebody to go stand back by the drummer, stay out of the way and play root - V bass all night. In the right setting that's cool, but just because someone doesn't feel like playing that way doesn't make them less than a "Real" bass player, does it? I guess that wording just irritated me a little - okay, more than a little, okay fine, a lot!

Also, what exactly does, "Recording Contract May Be Pending" mean

It means, we'd like to think we're good enough and we sent some dude at a record company a crappy demo, but they haven't been smart enough to call us back yet.

[Garr]

Holy crap. You completely left out Claypool. . .

[G Fresh]

And what about Flea?

[sevesd93]

What if this guys drummer really sucks? Then it might be a challenge for you to lock in with him.

[Brandon]

I feel that no matter what instrument, a "real" musician knows all styles in and out and knows what is appropriate to play in any situation. They can do great things technically, but can lay down the best simple groove ever (which like you said is 90% of the time or more) and have fun with it. Like Steve Jordan said: "Simplicity is not stupidity."

[Garr]

I feel that no matter what instrument, a "real" musician knows all styles in and out and knows what is appropriate to play in any situation. They can do great things technically, but can lay down the best simple groove ever (which like you said is 90% of the time or more) and have fun with it. Like Steve Jordan said: "Simplicity is not stupidity."

I think you're thinking of a composer. . .

A philharmonic guitar player probably doesn't know sh*t about playing metal or ska or punk (but he may) and I don't think that makes him or her any less of a "real" musician.

Composers need to have that broad understanding. . .at least under my definition.

[bassjones]

flea and claypool are in the "etc..." I listen to more jazz and funk, so the guys I named are jazz/funk guys. I could also add Jack Bruce, John Paul Jones, John Entwistle, Paul McCartney (yes, really, go listen again), Jack Cassady, Anthony Jackson, Willie Weeks, and 100 more. All very much "real" bass players and all played more than just root-V bass lines.

[=^-..-^=]

Unless it's the philharmonic, yeah, when people get that specific, you're probably dealing with an ego here that doesn't want you to step on his/her toes - or play BETTER than them. There's plenty of people that would be happy playing root - fifth all night, and go home with 50 bucks and free beer. You know that's not you, so let it go.

I try to keep an open mind and a good attitude, but when guitarists have gotten too specific with me on what to play on the kit, I just ask them if they would kindly remove the B-string from their guitar because I don't think it fits the music.

[Brandon]

when guitarists have gotten too specific with me on what to play on the kit, I just ask them if they would kindly remove the B-string from their guitar because I don't think it fits the music.

Ha! Nice.

[Garr]

adding to the list of great bassists. . .

Geddy Lee
Sting

[WBOB]

but when guitarists have gotten too specific with me on what to play on the kit, I just ask them if they would kindly remove the B-string from their guitar because I don't think it fits the music.

a big fat touche'

[SHAWN]

but when guitarists have gotten too specific with me on what to play on the kit, I just ask them if they would kindly remove the B-string from their guitar because I don't think it fits the music.

a big fat touche'

Ok, just my two unwarranted cents, but asking a guitarist to remove a string is not comparable to requesting/telling a drummer what to play. Asking a drummer to remove a particular piece of their drum kit is, tho. I've had this argument with a drummer before. If I'm playing a riff and the drummer isn't grooving it, how can I not tell him? That would be doing a great disservice to him as a band member. If I write a song, I probably have at least an inkling of an idea of what the beat is going to be. I will communicate that as well. It's all about communication.

Removing a guitar string isn't even like removing a piece of a drum kit, it's more like removing a drum head or a stick.

Many drummers (not all drummers, relax there, sparky) in the Fort Wayne area are guilty of grossly overplaying. (Not that guitarists are exempt from overplaying, mind you) I have, over the years, had many times where I requested a dummer to play K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid) and not put quad rolls into a blues riff, etc. I don't know if that comes from close association between Fort Wayne and Neil Peart, but I really didn't see that much overplaying in Nashville, yet most of the the drummers I encountered there we complete badhammers! By the way, I'm not refering to country music when I say Nashville, either.

Now, getting back on subject:

Bottom line: If someone has a vision for thier particular project, let them have that vision. Whilst playing punk rock for years and years, I would not allow a bass player to slap. It didn't fit the genre and sounded stupid. Double kick in punk? Moronic. However, The Migraines drummer, Dave Oliver has now added double kick because we are now a metal band, not a punk band. Makes perfect sense.

Sounds like the guy in the original post is looking for a specific thing and won't settle for less.

I applaud him.

Not everyone wants Jaco, Geddy or Claypool. Personally, I wouldn't trade Craig Weitz for anything. He plays exactly what I was thinking, yet he's far from technical. He is however, very creative and I can always count on him to be in the pocket, slammin', and be there on the 1.

Now, understand that I have nothing but respect for Brad Jones and Keith! Two of my favorites in the area. They just play music that is more high brow than what I play. I still love Back in Black! Still love DLR, too!! ; )

Shawn

[=^-..-^=]

Of course you are right, Shawn. There is a balance in there somewhere. If you have the right musicians, they will almost instinctively know what to play that's right for the song, and the constant instructions won't be needed. I mean, look at Bonham on Kashmir - simple 2 & 4, and that's all the song needed.

I am a chronic overplayer! I use my double-kicks, chinas, and cowbells in Sunday morning worship; but if these things are used when the song calls for it, (and at the proper volume) there is no problem. One of the elders once commented that I always seem to play what is just right at the time in the song.

It all fits, if you use it right.

[sevesd93]

I will play double fornicatin' kick and hit my fornicatin' china in any fornicatin' song I want to!! Cause I am REAL fornicatin' drummer!!

[Shaggydoo]

Bottom line: If someone has a vision for thier particular project, let them have that vision.
Shawn

That is a great piece of advice! And an excellent example of K.I.S.S.

Well done!