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Quick: Name an American product that's had a worldwide impact, is more popular than ever, yet still looks the same as it did when it was introduced more than a half-century ago? Here's a hint: It might be the only musical instrument whose fame rivals that of the people who've played it . . .
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IN THE BASSMENT
Just like any other musician, good practice makes a good player. The problem, however, is that bass players can't carry their hardware with them all the time. Those who want to practice at work during break times have no choice but to wait until they get home. That is, until the development of apps that were developed specifically for bass players. Here are two bass apps that you can tinker with when you're not carrying your instrument . . .
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WATCH THIS
Emily Remler Bebop and Swing Guitar
All of the essentials of true jazz bebop and swing are taught here on this Emily Remler instructional DVD. Includes lessons on how to play in Wes Montgomery and Pat Martino styles, working with the metronome on 2 and 4, learning to identify changes, jazz-style blues, turnarounds, practice tips, passing notes and chords, chord substitutions, octave-style playing, and much more . . .
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Killer Joe, written by Benny Golson, is generally considered an improvising vehicle for beginner-to-intermediate players. The simple chord sequence in the A sections belies the fact that the tune lives and breathes from the bass line. This puts the responsibility for swing, groove, and forward motion directly in the hands of the bassist. These are great chord changes for the beginner to practice, but the straightforward framework demands that any bassist- beginner to pro-pull out all of the stops to create a compelling walking swing feel. How much can you groove? These changes are a level playing field to showcase your walking chops . . .
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GREAT GEAR
Loudest Lunchbox Ever! This classic Fender Blackface Deluxe Reverb Amp lunch box is not only great for lunch, it's the right size box for keeping strings, tuners, picks, capo's etc. Looks really cool too . . .
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ARTIST AWARENESS
Paco redefined flamenco guitar, taking it out of its traditional context and blending it with modern styles. More than that, his approach and technique were unparalleled. At one point, you could have perhaps argued that he was the world's greatest living guitarist -- there were few, if any, that could do what Paco did with just wood, strings, and his fingers. He was a natural virtuoso. . . .
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