Volume 1 Issue 3

The Colorado Bass Newsletter

BASS CD REVIEWS

Victor Wooten

A Show of Hands

Compass Records

Well, if your into this kinda thing..... this 'thing' being a recording that offers listening enjoyment, a couple of laughs and numerous wild bass riffs to cop, you'd be well advised to take a listen to this release.

Recorded in Nashville at Top of the Hill Studios with the exception of some vocals recorded at Will Lees' loft studio in NYC(The Powerless Station), this CD showcases Victors' fine bass playing and includes some vocal cameos by his mom, dad, brothers, J.D. Blair, Will Lee and others.

I guess if your going to take a few days and record your bass, (whap!), a one time, straight to tape, no overdubs kinda thing, you need some friendly faces for inspiration.

Listening to this cd you can also pick up some inspiration as well as some flying two-hand tap riffs, some groove that musta come from the bottom of his shoes, and some funk, that, in the words of one vocalist, is "Getting so funky, I'm gonna hafta light a match!". Believe it! This cat throws down some grooves that seem so effortless it's amazing. That's when you know you're really groovin' along - when you forget you're doing it.

Using just his 4 string Fedora bass, he includes a classical "Medley", the classical inspired "Classical Thump" and the always-popular-with-your-girlfriend "Me & My Bass Guitar" that tells it like it is and shows off a few bars of super clean/tight funk forward rolls.

Advisory Warning: Non-Bassists will probably become bored a couple tracks into this cd and threaten tactical nuclear strikes on strategic sections of your music collection. Be prepared, have food nearby, as it will sate their thirst for blood and make them groggy and more pliable to your will.

To order this cd call Kim at Compass Records 1-800-757-2277 or write her at 117 30th Ave. So., Nashville, TN. 37212. (Good luck trying to find it in local stores). Also, the Flecktones should be back in Colorado in early September, so keep an eye out for 'em.

(Editors Note: We do not rate music. We review selected music, tell you what it's like and leave you to decide whether you like it or not. Yes, in our infinite wisdom, we have decided you have minds of your own, so use them.)

Glib & Droll Snippets

Overheard, well not actually overheard, this joke was told to me by Mike, the bassist for Riot Act. He said, "I may not be the greatest bass player in the world, but I'm the greatest bass player in this band!" So, use that next time a guitarist is giving you some shit about some great player, or better yet, slap him silly to emphasize the point. (Get it?)

Musicians Reminder: Do your part to support the live music scene here in Colorado. Only support those clubs that provide live music, by patronizing those clubs (and spilling a few bucks there, not your beer), you help insure they can continue to make payroll, hire musicians, eat, pay rent and other bills.

If, by chance they don't make money, just which one of those things do you think they'll decide to do without?

What's in it for you? I think that's obvious, more live music, more beer, more clubs offering live music, more beer, better paying gigs and, of course, happier and more receptive club owners/managers.

For a look at Will Lees' Manhattan home studio, "The Powerless Station", check out the Aug. issue of Bass Player Magazine. Jeez, talk about a wad-o-gear & gizmos!

BASS CD REVIEWS

World Class Players on The Bass Player 5th Anniversary CD

O.K., so this cd was put out in '95 and was inspired by two shows. One occurred at the Winter Namm, the other at the Summer Namm. The cd is like the summation of both, via resubmission of some of the performed pieces by the artists involved.

And, well, uh, I gotta tell ya, it is this kind of "jaw-dropping-fell-on-the-floor-can't-find-it-cause-my-head...ee's-broke...-free-for-all-no-holes-barred-kinda-bass-playin..." that makes me want to just slap the shit out of them and say... "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!!"

Whether it's the multiple tunings during the same song, during the same take, no overdubs of Michael Manrings' "Music for Armchair Funambulists", (look it up yourself), or the 'better tone than your guitarist' bass rhythm and leads of Brian Brombergs' "Fooled Ya", or the slippery and stinging groove of "Around Midday" by Victor Wooten and Steve Bailey, this is a must-hear for all of us bassists trying to break new ground- or as we say 'desperately trying to keep up'!

I'll tell you right now, one listen to Dave Pomeroys' cut "The Day the Bass Players Took Over the World" and you'll never see your family or friends again! Local low-enders Gary Willis and Rob Wasserman are also featured, "Giant Steps" and "A Tribute to Willie Dixon" are their respective and also timeless contributions to this round thing. Also showcasing their sonic stylings, bassists who need no introduction Tim Boggert baring it with " Rosalie", John Pattitucci seems to pull "Backwoods" outta nowhere, John Pena brings "El Flaco Funk" to the floor and last but definitely not least Mr. Dave LaRue winds his way thru the landscape of "Hub City Kids".

Wow, it's a good thing they don't charge you for this cd by the lesson!

Considering the sheer number of players, engineers, postal employees and obstacles involved, I think Jim Roberts did a stellar job producing this compilation and if we dig it, it's because he put in the effort required to bring it to us, a big THANKS to him for it.

Although this cd was only released in limited numbers, I'm sure you can find someone with one you can check out. You'll be glad you did.

Rock News

David Lee Roth, Sammy Hagar? Dave, Sammy, Dave, Sammy. Just what the hell do you think is goin' on with that? In what could be described as an odd move, rockers Van Halen have replaced their replacement front-man Sammy Hagar with the original, Diamond Dave Roth. I'm left wondering if it's true that nothing ever really changes, I mean, what circumstances preceded this turn of events?

A long day of beer drinking followed by a ceremonial coin toss?

" Heads! No, Tails! No! Heads!"

I don't get it. But...Who knows, it could work for 'em.

After all, publicity is publicity.

Rob's Links

BASS ADS

Yes, these here are some free ads, so if ya got bass related something's to sell, trade, borrow or buy, send a postcard to the address below with all the info and your phone # and it will appear here as if by magic, and yeah- we'll run it as long as you need us to.

Bass Repair, Set-ups and Technical Advice

All types of repair & assistance available at very reasonable rates. Trouble shooting, technical specifications and documentation available. Why let another day go by when you can get that instrument feelin' it's funkidoobiest!

2 Basses For Sale:

Fodera "Monarch" 6 string, will consider partial trade for quality 5 string, O.B.O.Custom made Hill fretted 4 string, Pedulla MVP type body style, EMG pickups and more, all reasonable offers considered.

Published by Groove Zoo, Inc.

Questions & Comment?

Or Write:

R. Lee

Colorado Springs, CO. 80906-7733

Publisher is solely responsible for content.

Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited without written permission.

Copyright 1996.

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