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Expanding your Vocabulary with MIDI: Extended Bass With Al Caldwell

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I have a band called the Traveling Black Hillbilly’s. I play Banjo and Bass in the band. We played for a festival in Ohio in September and the show was great. When we finished, the sponsor asked if we could play one more song, so I grabbed my 11 string and set it to Harmonica. I thought of Stevie Wonder and his song “Fingertips”. He could work a crowd with just a Harmonica. Thank God for my trusty MPC 1000 drum machine.

We started jamming and the crowd was dancing and I realized that if I played with tons of chops, I would have lost the crowd. This started out as a sit down concert until I played some new material from an unreleased CD. They jumped up and started to dance; I didn’t have a clue that we were a dance band.

 

I thought of every harmonica motif that I could think of as well as sax riffs and horn lines since the last thing that I wanted to do was play a bass line with the bass set on harmonica. I get overwhelmed sometimes and change the settings in a song to show the audience that my bass can play tons of sounds, but I can feel when I’ve lost them. I regret my poor choice of “Brilliant Stage Thoughts”. This time I realized that they felt what I was doing and all they wanted was for the music to stay funky. That’s when I decided to sing a riff from one of my other songs. I was nervous as hell and my pitch started to drift. My brain said to run back to the harmonica and save yourself; I did and they danced.

I’m still learning how and when to use this new tool, as note selection and taste will always be paramount in making the right decision onstage. I still feel like a kid with a new toy. This bass has a role in the future development of tomorrows expanding musicians. I’ve heard music in my head since I was a little kid. Being able to find the sound you want and blend it with your bass sound or other keyboard sounds is unbelievable. The hardest thing is to control yourself.

I wanted you to see me have fun on a gig and to watch the live thought process when you have choices. I didn’t have a clue what I would do, but I do have a large vocabulary of riffs and lines, and I knew that “back in the day”, if you found a riff that worked, you drove it down their throat!! It seems that everyone plays everything that they know in three songs; we have to learn to pace ourselves. I’ve been in music for 37 years and I’m still learning when to make the right moves. I always hear too much. I feel like I’m 16 years old again with this MIDI bass. I have a great bass collection and I love my 5 string bass, but I’ve played “honest bass” for so many years that I have the hardest time leaving that respectful world. When I play Motown, I play like James Jameson or Bob Babbitt. I don’t try to improve what those masters played. It’s a hit song because of what they did. When I play Vanessa’s hit songs, I don’t stick in a lot of runs or put my stamp on the music. Her songs were hits before I came on board. The 2 CD’s that I recorded with her allowed me to play the 9 string bass (because of the tone and lower range), but I stayed true to the style of the musicians who were there before me. You must have respect for the situation. I played bass on a rock fusion project with Greg Howe. The CD was “Introspection”. I’m on 6 tracks. The song” Jump= Start” was a joy to play on. Check it out on “Youtube”. Greg plays so much tastefully fast guitar that you don’t have to overplay to put your stamp on it.

I sound like a guitar player sometimes now. I used to take that as an insult in the past. I sound like a trumpet player (I started as a classical trumpet player) and I’m learning to sound like a host of instrumentalists. My house is filled with instructional DVD’s. The point that I’m trying to make is to expand your vocabulary. In the new world of Extended Range Bass, the rules are being written everyday. You have so many people to listen to and to be inspired by. Some people play their basses like a Chapman stick. Some people, like Avon Lucas, can play his bass and sound like a symphony. I think that this new batch of musicians could change the world. Youtube has taught us that everyone can play fast if they practice enough.

The most beloved musicians were always inspiring because they could speak musically to the masses. Melody and taste always wins as the richest musicians play slow and tasteful. The fastest musicians play with themselves or other speed demons. I have nothing against speed. I’m old and I can still play fast as hell. I just want bassist and musicians to think about substance. That’s what keeps your phone ringing. If you can outplay most of your pals and your not working, then think about what I said. Music is new to me again. I feel like a kid again and have so much to learn again. This year alone, I have bought four guitars. I’m learning how guitars get such great tone, and am learning how patterns that we’ve heard on guitars for years lay so differently on bass. I’m learning how a mandolin player phrases. I’m learning country fiddle. I need to learn more bluegrass. It has so much to offer to a guy who grew up playing funk and jazz.

I too still need to continue to “Expand my Vocabulary…”

Gear News

New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses

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Doug Wimbish, pictured with the new Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses

Spector offers Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses…

Spector, a leading authority in bass guitar design, unveils two new Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses. Synonymous with bass excellence since 1987, Wimbish collaborated with Spector’s USA Custom Shop to create the DW-4 and DW-5 models, echoing the iconic instruments that have been favored heavily throughout his recording and performing career.
 
These signature basses faithfully replicate Wimbish’s originals, down to the smallest details like neck contours and nut widths. Customized EMG pickups, developed in collaboration with Wimbish, capture the distinctive sound that has shaped his monumental musical impact. These models invite players to explore the feel and response that have defined Wimbish’s signature style over the years.
 
Available in 4-string and 5-string versions, each model boasts unique features & finish options. The DW-4 comes in Amber Stain Gloss and Black Stain Gloss options, while the DW-5 offers Dark Blue Stain Gloss and Faded Natural Gloss. Every purchase includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Doug Wimbish. Wimbish comments, “Spector took the time to get every little nuance right, and that to me is dedication and being thoughtful enough to know ‘I want to nail it,’ and they did. I’m able to pick these instruments up for the first time and play them like I’ve already had them for years.”

For more information, visit spectorbass.com/doug-wimbish-usa-signature-series/.

Photo: Doug Wimbish, pictured with the new Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses

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Bass CDs

New Campaign: Alberto Rigoni, Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings

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New Campaign: Alberto Rigoni, Nemesis Call - Queens Of Strings

Italian bass master and composer ALBERTO RIGONI is thrilled to announce his brand new project “Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings”.

Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings features a super talented drummer from Japan (TBA) and tons of female guitarists such as SAKI, Giusy Busetto, Alexandra Zerner (TBC) and many many others (TBA). Furthermore, Alberto has also launched a Fundraising Campaign for the project. 20% of the income will be donated to Lega del Filo d’Oro legadelfilodoro.it/it, an Italian association that helps deaf and blind children!

Alberto shares:
“Hello friends and music lovers! I’m Alberto Rigoni, an Italian composer and.. a BASS GUY! Between 2008 and 2024 I released 13 solo albums, spanning from progressive, rock, ambient to funky and experimental music, which also features contributions from musicians such as keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) drummer Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) and Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), keyboardist Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), singer John Jeff Soto (ex  Goran Edman (ex Y. Malmsteen), bassists Nathan East, Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani), Nik West (ex Prince) and many others. I’m also bass player for BAD As, Sunset Groove Society, Kim Bingham, The Italians bands and co-producer of Mistheria’s Vivaldi Metal Project.”

Alberto on the new project Nemesis Call:
“Even if my latest album “Unexpected Lullabies”, dedicated to my newborn Vittoria Parini Rigoni, will be released on June 4th, 2024, when Vittoria came to life I felt the need to compose new music (yes, I really can’t stop!!!!!). This time will be quite challenging because I’m willing to release an instrumental ambient/prog/rock/metal album, that will feature a talented and young drummer (TBA) and tons of female guitarists (that’s why I will call the album “Queens of the Strings”) such as Alexandra Zerner, YOKA and many others (TBA/TBC)). It won’t be easy to manage all such great musicians but I will make it!! Are you ready to face a new prog experience? The album will be released in Digipack CD and in high-quality digital format approximately at the beginning of 2025.”

The Fundraising Campaign:
As an independent artist, Alberto is looking for supporters who can help him reach the budget for the production (recordings, mix, mastering, artwork etc.) of this new album and has started this fundraising campaign that will end successfully on October 15th, 2024.

Get further information about Alberto Rigoni’s new project Nemesis Call Fundraising campaign at albertorigoni.net/nemesiscal

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Bass Videos

Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank

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Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank

Bassist Derek Frank…

Many of you will remember the last time I chatted with Derek Frank was back in 2017. The main thing that impressed me was how busy Derek was and how he juggled playing with many huge acts.

Now, I am happy to hear that Derek launched a new album last March titled “Origin Story” where he digs deep into his roots and pays homage to Pittsburg.

Join me as we get caught up after all these years and hear the details about the new album, how Derek gets his sound, and his plans for the future.

Photo, Stephen Bradley

Visit Online:

www.derekfrank.com
www.instagram.com/derekfrankbass
www.youtube.com/derekfrankbass
www.facebook.com/derekfrankbass

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This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram

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TOP 10 Basses of the week

Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…

Click to follow Bass Musician on Instagram @bassmusicianmag

FEATURED @foderaguitars @bqwbassguitar @lecomptebass @xvector_basses @vuorensaku_guitars @phdbassguitars @meridian_guitars @sterlingbymusicman @ramabass.ok @overwaterbasses

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Gear News

New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!

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Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!

Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!

Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!

The bass is entirely handmade in Italy, without the use of CNC or other machinery, and has rather special features. The VPR is a 5-string bass (but also available as a 4-string) with 30 frets, Seymour Duncan pickups, Music Man Alnico style, passive electronics (volume, tone and a switch to select series/parallel/single-coil mode), alder body, and American maple neck and fingerboard. Gotoh tuners that ensure perfect intonation. The bass is totally painted white (nitro finish) but other colors can be requested. The VPR has a weight of about 2.9 kg and suitable for any genre.

For more information contact Gaetanobass77@gmail.com or visit online at www.instagram.com/gaetanocostanzoluthier or www.facebook.com/GaetanoCostanzoLuthier

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