Latest
Jam Night: Slap Basics With Doug Johns
Meet Doug Johns –
So, you know how my articles have always ended with the phrase, “Get out there and jam with somebody?” Well, the other day, down at a local club, I did just that.
I got a last-minute call to fill the bass chair at a local jam night – which, incidentally, I’m glad to see “jam nights” are still alive and kickin. Coming up in the music scene, that was pretty much the way you shedded out material you were working on: hit the local jam night.
Anyhow, the thing I want to touch on concerning that recent jam night is: LISTENING! Or, in some cases, the lack thereof.
Throughout the night, different cats would come up to play, and very quickly you could tell what his or her agenda was. You have all sorts of musicians who want to hit the stage – fully rehearsed bands looking to book a future date at the club, cats who want to sit in with the host band, and just all-around great musicians looking to bring it to the stage.
But no matter who hit the stage that night, the one thing that kept coming to my mind was listening. It seems so simple, but it’s the key to anything musical; everything falls under the umbrella of listening.
Communicate: When sitting in, listen to the other cats – talk before you play wherever possible. “Hey, whaddaya guys wanna do?” And when the beat kicks off, listen to the drummer – get a feel for the pocket. Is the drummer ahead, behind, on top? Find out quickly, and set your groove right where it compliments everything best.
Volume: “Seat” your instrument’s volume – whether it’s a bass, keys, guitar or vocal – so that you’re working WITH the other band members, not against them. Listen for the overall volume of the ensemble, and ease your instrument into the mix.
Watch: Chances are, you’re going to get thrown a curve ball – and that’s the greatest thing about a jam night! Keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for cues the other musicians might give (i.e. a hand gesture for upcoming chord change).
Listen: This is most important. So it’s funny that when I try to write about listening, it’s tough for me. Listening is something that’s never-ending, something that you can only learn by playing in different situations. You truly have to earn it. Truthfully, you have to get on the stage…. And screw up!
Through these inevitable mistakes, you really learn the lessons that stick with you. Keeping your ears in tune with the musicians around you will make you a better player, period.
By listening, you’ll learn how to add to the bigger picture instead of competing with it, and that’s what will keep you working. Don’t hit the stage looking for openings to cram in the latest lick you’ve learned – just let it flow naturally. By doing that, your ears will direct your actions; that is the essence of a truly great artist.
Now, I’m not saying to never play those awesome licks that you’ve been working on when you’re on the stage – I’m just trying to stress the utmost importance of developing your ear first (through unfamiliar musical situations) so that the real You will flow from your heart and soul.
When you do step out, and it’s appropriate to do your “spot,” you’ll play naturally because you’ve been listening, soaking in the chords. The music becomes a part of your soul, and the whole band will sound better for it.
As for me, I had a new groove I’d been dying to run past an audience. But when I tuned in to the musicians on stage with me at that jam night, I knew it wasn’t the time or place. Listening – instead of playing – made the whole performance stronger.
Now, get out there and jam with somebody!
Thanks ~
Doug
Gear News
New Gear: 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
Bass CDs
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
Bass Videos
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
Featured Videos:
Visit Online:
www.derekfrank.com
www.instagram.com/derekfrankbass
www.youtube.com/derekfrankbass
www.facebook.com/derekfrankbass
Latest
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
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
Gear News
New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by 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
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
