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Bass and Drum Solos



 
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jhatpro
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 09, 2018 9:15 am    Post subject: Bass and Drum Solos Reply with quote

What are your thoughts on when and how often bass players should solo.

Same question about drummers.

I ask because I lead a small trad (Dixie) group and I like to spread the solos around but I don't want to let democracy outweigh musicality.
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Jim Hatfield

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
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Speed
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Location: Mississippi

PostPosted: Sat Jun 09, 2018 11:00 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Despite being a longtime bass player (as well as playing trumpet), I think bass and drum solos should be infrequent and last for just a few bars. They can add interest to a song if done well. If the goal is to entertain the audience - or to be invited back for a return engagement - my inclination is to use them, but minimize them.

On the other hand, if the drummer or the bass player is the leader, the audience will likely expect some solos from them.

Bottom line is that a little goes a long way, IMHO.

Take care,
Marc Speed
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jhatpro
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 09, 2018 12:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks, Marc.

Yeah, I agree but I always worry about limiting a fellow player's creativity.

I just emailed the guy who'll be on bass for our next gig and asked if he like to solo a lot, not much, or just keep the groove.

I included the set list so if he does want to jump in I'll know which tunes.
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Jim Hatfield

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle
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Speed
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Joined: 13 May 2015
Posts: 295
Location: Mississippi

PostPosted: Sun Jun 10, 2018 2:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

A tourist once landed in a third world country. As he was getting off the plane, he heard this rumbling, rhythmic drumming echoing through the hills. He asked an airport porter about it, who replied, "Very bad when drums stop."

The tourist caught a taxi into town. The windows were down and during the entire drive he continued to hear the sound of the drums echoing through the hills. He asked the cabbie about it, and the cabbie replied in hushed tones, "Very bad when drums stop."

The tourist checked into his hotel. Standing at the front desk, the the sound of the drums were driving him crazy. He angrily shouted at the check-in clerk, "Are those blasted drums ever going to stop?!?" The clerk looked down, wanting to avoid eye contact with the tourist and warily replied, "Very bad when drums stop."

About that time, the drums stopped. For just a moment where was complete silence, and all the locals turned eastward toward the hills. The tourist looked at the clerk and asked, "What happens now?"

The clerk replied, " Very bad when drums stop."

He paused and added, "Now come BASS solo."

Take care,
Marc Speed
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jhatpro
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PostPosted: Sun Jun 10, 2018 2:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Rim shot!
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Jim Hatfield

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle
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homebilly
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Joined: 24 Dec 2010
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PostPosted: Sun Jun 10, 2018 10:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I find that bass solos are a good time to check my email


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ron meza (deadbeat jazz musician) & (TH 5 post ghost neighborhood watch ringleader)
waiting for Fed-Ex to deliver a $50 trumpet to my door. shipping was prepaid by seller of course!
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jhatpro
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Joined: 17 Mar 2002
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Location: The Land Beyond O'Hare

PostPosted: Sun Jun 10, 2018 11:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Oh, that's cryogenic, man!

I think we're going to observe some of the advice found here, especially the part about the stop time and footballs.

http://jazzbackstory.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-bass-solo.html
_________________
Jim Hatfield

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle
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jazz_trpt
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Joined: 25 Nov 2001
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Location: Savoy, Illinois, USA

PostPosted: Mon Jun 11, 2018 5:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

It kind of depends on the gig.

For my sets, where I'm doing 8-10 minute tunes, I'll try and make sure the bass player gets a couple of cracks. Definitely not on every tune. Drums, maybe trade 4s/8s on a few tunes and give them their own space on a flag-waver at the end of the set.

But that's for a crowd that is used to that sort of thing.

If it were more of a casual (like playing at a wrinkle ranch), or playing for dancers, I would try and keep that stuff to a minimum.
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Jeff Helgesen
Free jazz solo transcriptions!
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jhatpro
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Joined: 17 Mar 2002
Posts: 10202
Location: The Land Beyond O'Hare

PostPosted: Mon Jun 11, 2018 5:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Good advice, Jeff!
_________________
Jim Hatfield

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
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