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The Body and Soul of a Modern Walking Bass Line by Rhayn Jooste
The song/lesson for this month is the standard Body and Soul (Cuerpo y Alma) – music by Johnny Green. It’s inspiration is taken from Esperanza Spalding’s Esperanza album (2008). The key is Db major; however because the piece begins with an Eb minor, it means we are in Dorian mode. The technique you are aiming for is being able to walk a solid modern bass line through a jazz standard. Your goal is to master the basic pattern and riff and then play through the changes to create a dynamic walking bass part, with a twist – this standard is in 5/4. This piece will require a 5 string bass guitar.
Main Riff.
The main riff is a swung bass line that really accentuates the 5/4 feel with Latin tumbao offbeats. The primer should be used to get yourself acquainted with the main riff chord arpeggio shape (here an Eb minor 9) and counting the riff pattern – master that before moving onto the main groove part of the chart. There are some big stretches here, so go slow and get your left hand used to them first. Each bar of the primer adds something extra from the previous to build you up to the full riff – which does have a chromatic passing tone tucked away in it.
Things to note off the original are that Esperanza’s bass lines are rhythmic with lots of triplet and quaver pushes. An idea to steal off the record is Spalding’s subtle use of slides to outline the notes and definitely check out the scat singing with her bass line at 4’40”.
Technical bits.
To begin it’s worth saying that to play 5/4 convincingly in the pocket is going to be the main challenge here. So a few hints: break down the rhythm into smaller more manageable chunks of timing (think in terms of 3 + 2, or 2 + 3); count out loud with the record (away from the bass) to internalise the feel to gain awareness of the down stroke on the first beat (the 1) of each bar – that way you will never get lost rhythmically; most importantly sing the riff and bass line, really get it under your skin and into your head so that when playing it you will always know where you are in the changes.
Learn the road map of the main changes (pretty much straight from the standard). Sign post each one with a root note before walking up, down or around the chords. Know your chord arpeggios with the ability to move them around the fretboard (in other words know the names of the notes on each string – not just the shapes).
That aside this technique will not sound authentic without the right sound, think velvet acoustic – as Esperanza is playing this all on her upright bass. So pluck nearer the fretboard for a more sulcello effect. Turn down the treble slightly and add some more mid range. Another thing is to try some foam under the strings around the bridge (or constant light palm muting if foam is not your thing). Experiment with the right hand plucking position as you don’t want to lose those harmonic over-tones. For further listening check out Ray Brown or even J.S. Bach.
Backing Track.
This is a bass line that grooves and is dynamic in shape. The primer starts on all 5 beats and slowly adds in the syncopation, get used to counting the notes that are held. The track follows the music as written with a one bar break between the sections. The main section is where the chart begins with a bass solo groove for 4 bars. The piano then enters and doubles the riff. This section is where you will have to outline the changes – these are taken from the jazz standard and have been altered slightly. The piano is generally outlining chords in a 3 + 2 counting pattern and also doubles the main riff with the bass. Watch the rhythmic elements and understand how each chord tone is approached and left – (passing tones greatly aid the arrival of the chord tones). There are also hints from the melody see if you can spot them. Most importantly have fun with the groove and be sure to check out the original.
Backing track and track on Soundcloud.
http://soundcloud.com/rhaynj/body-and-soul-lesson-track
Lesson music/tab on Tumblr.
http://rhaynj.tumblr.com
About Rhayn Jooste…
Rhayn is a musician whose interest lies in musical spontaneity and improvisation. He is a commercially aware music graduate with in-depth insight into the processes of Indie music obtained through concerts and festivals.
A multi-instrumentalist, who shares, writes and elucidates music in a fusion of genres. It is the pure joy of utilising sound to create a magical world which others can share that inspires him. Currently playing bass in U.K. based rock group – Sankara.
Visit Ryan online at rhaynjooste.co.uk
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
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This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
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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
