Bass Fun

I've been having a ball playing lately. The fun level has been extra high because of the people I've been playing with. It's so easy to play with good players, you just relax, and enjoy it. When I was taking voice lessons, the master, George Peckham used to tell me, "Let yourself sing!". I think this applies to playing, singing, and life. We constantly second-guess ourselves, and doubt and panic under pressure, when what we need most, is to relax and flow. Let it happen. The more you think, the more you miss.
The rhythm section has to lock up. For me, this is everything. The difference between fun and work. If we're in the pocket, I can play all day and all night. If there's conflict or a weak link, it's just one long struggle to survive and get the money.
The highlights of my recent fun were an outdoor patio gig with some of my favorite players overlooking sunset on the Olympic Mtns., and a recording session last night with a different group of 1st call local colleagues. The weather was perfect both days which always puts a western Washingtonian in a good mood, and both locations are stunningly scenic. The recording session was at guitarist/vocalist Steve Trembleys place on Whidbey Island, so the drive was pretty too.
Back to the music. That is what was and is mega-fun. When you have a solid drummer, and at least one good rhythm player, guitar or keys, I'll be grinning. Now it's a rhythm SECTION, a band. Really great players can carry the groove alone, AND with the band. I have played with guys that are great while the drums are going, but tentative alone. I think that playing alone is a separate skill, related, but separate. That's because I have seen the opposite situation, where someone can groove their *** off alone, but doesn't fit in the rhythm section somehow. It takes two people to play together, and one to **** it up. Sometimes this is even worse than just a suck band. If I like the drummer, but someone else is not with it, my disappointment and frustration are overwhelming. Now it's a loooong gig, let's stretch the breaks a bit, yeah? I keep thinking, "Man, if only (offending groove saboteur) weren't here, we'd be having fun!". Luckily I've not had to play at a casino in a while, where groove and fun destruction is the norm. Maybe your casino gig is great, I have played a few that were, but for the most part I found it a humiliating grind of trying to do your job while bound and gagged . If it's changed, be sure to let me know.
OK, I feel better. Just had to vent, bad memories. (12 yrs. in Vegas)
Thanks to whatever diety is responsible for all my recent triumphs in the musical and fun categories, really appreciate the love.
Keep it in the pocket,
James

Jammin!

I played a really fun jam last night. Some friends have a recording studio set up in an old church, and we go nuts there once a week. There is absolutely no discussion of what's going to be played. No wrong notes, no keys or bars, no rules at all, and it's all recorded. There is some searching and wanking to be sure, but there's lots of magic fire and art telepathy as well.
The music really evolves in this setting. We know we're not making triple-platinum records, we're just enjoying playing music and bouncing ideas off each other. It's such a great contrast to normal gigs where you have to play specific parts and songs.
Contrast is my motto anyway since I love contrasting musical situations, but this jam is unique in my experience. Super-fun!
I have a stack of CDs of our jams over the years, great music for long car trips. I think some of it would make good soundtracks for film.
I'm researching putting up my own website, when I do, I'll post some choice moments from the jams we call "Farm".
More soon,
James a.k.a. "Basspresso"

Bass for today

I just set up my new drums in the jam room! This is going to be "Sofa-King" sweet! Drummers will come from far and wide to play here, because they don't have to set up, or tear down. The coffee is out of this world too, and free.
Today's bass thought:
Just keep laying down big grooves, and everything else will be all right.
More soon,
Basspresso