There are plenty of bass players who are leaders of bands. They're the main solo instrument. Stanley Clarke, Victor Wooten, Marcus Miller, Brian Bromberg to name just a few. These cats are at the top of their game. They play great, lead the band etc etc... They're the head chef.
But now there are other bass players who like me, just like to stand in the back and play low notes. (this blog isn't much on cooking, or is it?) As the bass player, I work hard like the head chef, but the pressure isn't so much on me. I'm the sous-chef. I support the head chef/the artist to make them look good.
Here's an example I think you'll be able to relate too.
I was at a club listening to a band. Drums, guitar, keyboards, bass and a horn player. The guitar player also sang. Now with that configuration, there's a lot of music being played. A lot of notes. Ya know? If everyone was to do THEIR job, it could be a beautiful piece of music. A nice experience in sound. Nice textures.
For me, when listening to music, I immediately latch onto the bass and drums. If they're not working together, its a distraction for me. I'll move on and find the person in the band that is actually doing THEIR job and listening to the others in the band.
Music is a conversation. Cooking is a conversation. When I get to cook with my friend Jeanne, there are times when I know she's looking for something. OR I'll notice that she's low on a certain ingredient. I'll grab more of that thing for her so she doesn't have to stop doing what she's doing. It's communication. You don't always have to use words.
Back to this band....
The bassist had what I call, "frustrated guitar player syndrome". He was playing all the notes above the 5th fret. He was tapping. He was dancing around like he was at the enormo-dome onstage in front of millions. In turn, making a fool of himself in front of a room full of musicians.
I guess what I'm trying to say.... do your part. We're not ALL supposed to be head-chefs. We're not all supposed to be the lead singer or lead guitarist.
All that to say, I like playing the BASS parts. I like playing low notes, standing in the back and supporting the leader. I like being the chameleon and playing so you don't realize I'm there. But then, I'll throw a lil' something in to make you think, "Hmm... that bass player is smooth."
So I want to be that sous-chef. Be a support to the head chef and every once in awhile, make that salad the best way I know how. Make that bread better than ever. So that the customer says, "Wow... that was the best salad I've had in a long time!"
of course I'm chatting with 3 different people while I was writing this.... did any of it make sense?
have a great night!
ck
