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Freelancing in a College Town: Know Your Role by Jonathan Moody
Freelancing in a College Town: Know Your Role by Jonathan Moody… In the past two articles in this series, we’ve discussed things that aren’t as music oriented as they are professional (being dependable and reliable). This month I’m going to focus more on one of the key elements that the freelancer will use on the bandstand; the ability to know your role. I’m going to break this down into two portions; the technique and the gear.
This concept was firmly planted into my brain years ago when I went to one of the Victor Wooten/Steve Bailey “Bass Extremes” shows. During the Q&A section, I asked them what they think about when they’re backing up someone. I don’t remember Vic’s comment, but Steve looked me directly in the eye and said “My job is to make the lead sound as great as possible. I will play as much or as little to achieve that end result.” I didn’t fully understand (or appreciate) the lesson until years later, when I was freelancing with a number of groups.
Oftentimes, we have the luxury to stick with styles of music that we know, are comfortable with and want to play. However, there are those times that you may be faced with something that you may not want to do, or are not familiar with. In the case of my wake up call, I was playing bass in a country cover band. I was intrigued by the monetary aspect, but was not happy with the basslines of the songs; to be honest, I felt they were below me. However, with Bailey’s comment in my head, I decided to focus more on how the bassline fit in the songs over the specific notes that were used. While I ended up only playing with that group for a couple of months, I held the group together and helped move the songs along, mainly from putting my ego aside and focusing on what was most important; the song itself.
Currently one of my gigs is backing up a folk duo. Technically speaking, I am playing a lot of root notes, and whole notes at that. However, when you look at how the simplicity of the bassline moves the songs along, it is imperative that it stays rock solid and fluid; again, the notes are not as important as the song. And to be honest, keeping something simple with a lot of movement can be tough. However, I’m having a ball with my role in this group.
Secondly, in knowing your role, you also should know what gear to bring. This isn’t your “what bass is best for metal?” thread that we’re talking about; this is more of the “Don’t bring an electric bass to an upright bass gig” statement. With the aforementioned folk group, I use my NS Design CR-5M electric upright bass, because it more closely fits the style of the music. The ability to use a bow is another bonus over just bringing an electric to this gig.
In the case of freelancing, this is one of the questions you need to ask upfront; what is the person hiring you expecting, and can you deliver? I’m in the position that I can bring an electric and/or an upright, but for some people that may not be an option (either you don’t have an upright or do not possess the skills to gig with one). If your gear isn’t exactly what the person is expecting, you need to let them know. Whether or not you think it’s a big deal isn’t important; what they think is. And from talking with a lot of peers, if you address this upfront, you’ll find out that it isn’t a big deal. But that’s the thing; you have to ask. And in that oft chance that it IS a big deal, it is better to back out at the beginning and allow them to find someone that better fits their situation over showing up to the gig with gear that they were not expecting and fighting the sound all night.
Personally, I try to bring the gear I think is necessary for doing my job well and stylistically fits. With that has to come the flexibility to change things up if they aren’t working, or if there is a specific request. I’m currently in a run of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” probably one of my favorite musicals, at the local Civic theatre. This show is scored for electric and upright bass, and the whole pit is using in-ear monitors. During the tech rehearsals, the drummer was having issues hearing the upright as well as the electric; the MD requested I play the whole show on electric. I can fake an upright sound with my thumb muting technique, so it’s no big deal. I really like playing the upright in this score (it’s my second production of this show), but personal gratification at the expense of the quality of the show is not the preferred result, nor is it the way to get hired again.
When it comes to “knowing your role” in the gig, it’s all-encompassing. Musically, you want to play what is appropriate for the style and genre of music that you’re playing. This translates into the gear that you bring into the gig. You’re definitely not going to walk into an orchestral gig with an electric bass, so make sure that whatever you use fits the music and the expectations of the person hiring you. A superior musical product is the desired result, and you need to be able to check your ego at the door in order to do as much – or as little – as is called for to perform your duties to the best of your ability.
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
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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
