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Joe Q.
New Member
USA
69 Posts |
 Posted - 01/14/2006 : 22:54:37
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Mike,
I'm having a little bit of an identity crisis as a bassist/musician. I'll do my best to explain...
My formal training was classical double bass. I had a little experience playing double bass in a college jazz group (all parts written out; no improv).
My passion over the past few years has been electric bass. I have come to respect the e-bass and it's place in various types of music. I "tasted" a lot of styles on the e-bass. I've also "tasted" a lot of different techniques (slap, tap, chording, harmonics...).
I haven't spent a very long time developing these other styles and techniques; with the exception of classical double bass (which I haven't done for several years). Because of this, I am having a musical identity crisis.
Right now I am in a jazz trio with guys from work. I am improvising bass lines to about 15 tunes. I've been given chances to solo during rehearsal. Most of my solo attempts have been pretty lame. I find improvisational jazz to be VERY challenging! It seems so effortless for some people. I can't wait for the time when I can feel comfortable playing through chord changes and not panic. I am always interested in what people are thinking/feeling when they are playing. There must be some "system" that works for them. I can't imagine that people are analyzing everything they play as they play it. That's too much for anyone to think about.
I have been saving for a 6 string electric bass for some time. I now have the money to go out and order my instrument (Yamaha TRB6). Now that I can do this, I am questioning myself and my options.
Am I going to continue playing e-bass for my jazz trio?
Should I get the right gear to play jazz on my URB?
Maybe I should get an amp for my URB...
Should I focus on making the e-bass work for me in a jazz context?
I feel like I need to focus myself on one task to become proficient. It's frustrating being kinda good a doing a bunch of different things. I want to start playing with other musicians and actually make a little money doing it. I'm dedicated and hard working.
I guess I'm just not quite sure what my musical "voice" is going to be or how I'm going to find it.
Any suggestions/advice would be helpful. I respect you and your opinion.
Thanks,
Joe
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Identity Crisis
