New to forums...and now a question

[eddue]

Just wanted to introduce myself to the members here. First , while I do play the guitar, I am a bassist, double bass and electric. I have been playing off and on, most of my life. I have always like the guitar and guitarplayers and that's the reason I play the bass. I like to support the other musicians and provide a solid foundation so others can express themselves musically.

In a jazz setting, my role as bassist takes many forms. Sometimes the timekeeper, sometimes following or leading. Often I alone am the rhythm section. But when I am playing with great musicians, it's like being at a concert, and having the best seat in the house.

I come to these forums to learn and become a better bassist. When sitting in with others I haven't played with before I can usually follow the guitar(s) or watch what they are doing to help me fit in with the music. I can also apply the same scales and chord patterns when playing or arranging music.

Sometimes I am substituting for another bassist in an established group with little or no rehearsal and often no written music or chord charts so I can always look at what the guitar, or sometimes piano are playing to help me fit in faster.

Something I have been noticing lately with local bands here in Michigan. Often the musicians seem to be competing with each other, playing too loud or too much and playing on top of vocals.

Does anyone here notice musicians with more desire to be up front than in supporting positions. There seem to be 100's of lead guitars and not many rhythm guitarists. Especially in the jam session or improvised settings.

Do you guys find more players out front than in the pocket. Not just guitars but all musicians?

What do you think?

Out in front or in the pocket?

[wizard3739]

Definitely out in front and little consideration for supporting others and little ability to support a singer. Especially true of many keyboard players who can't seem to play without a strong melody content in their playing.

wiz

[eddue]

What about the ratio of lead guitarist to rhythm guitarist?

[derek]

See it all the time. Really takes alot away from the music. You can't listen to what others are doing around you and respond, if all you can hear is yourself.

Oh and welcome to the group.

[eddue]

Thanks for the welcome Derek. Seems like a good group here. Looking forward to forums. I think the lesson are great here. Hope I can add something as a bassist.

[derek]

Originally Posted by eddue

Thanks for the welcome Derek. Seems like a good group here. Looking forward to forums. I think the lesson are great here. Hope I can add something as a bassist.

As a part time bassist, will be great to have someone more knowledgable around.

[jazzbow]

Hey eddue, you sound like you're in the right place, just a shame that sometimes other band members are not. Too many egos spoil the brew but one ego can push the collective.....oh, now my brain hurts....

[eddue]

A lot of the music and musicians that are popular today seems to be more about self promotion and looks, so much so that the music suffers. Those considered to be the current overnight superstars cater to an audience that prefers hype over music. I just want to play music, all types. Jazz seems to be where I want to be right now. Playing the old standards, backing a great vocalist or other musicians. Just being around those who enjoy listening and playing music.

[wizard3739]

welcome aboard eddue,

"I just want to play music, all types. Jazz seems to be where I want to be right now. Playing the old standards, backing a great vocalist or other musicians. Just being around those who enjoy listening and playing music."

Me too, eddue, that quote pretty much describes what my wife (vocalist) & I are doing in our retirement years. We do many of the old standards and a few old jazz standards.