• From: N. Little Rock, AR.
  • Registered: 2007-03-02
  • Posts: 463

Re: BigJeffJones

Okay, so I'm not alone in this! roll

    Yeah, I was talking more about the looser Tunes, and Tunes that have been brought over from other Styles. A Song like Born Under A Bad Sign does need to be pretty close to the original. Some Tunes have their Structure so ingrained in the psyche, that you can't do much to them.

    But, being a "Jammer" at heart, on some Tunes I am looking for ways to incorporate those ebbing and flowing musical statements.

    Currently, I am playing guitar and dobro in a Country/Classic Rock/Blues Band. And they are pretty open to doing just about any Tune. But, trying to get them to take a chance on stage? Well, they'll do it a little. But, we can never get to the point of maybe having anything more than "we'll just do the Verse a couple more times" type of mentality. I will try to suggest maybe a different Feel, or Instrumentation, etc. But, mostly they'll let me do whatever. However, they won't try to work with it too much. Especially if it involves a different type of Groove.
    I would like to add some more Feels to our Set List and Performances.
    I think my next attempt will be to introduce a couple of Los Lobos Tunes. Maybe I can hip them to a Live version of some LL, and that way, they will hear the Tunes in full "Jam" Mode, without any preconceptions.

    Anyway, that's where I'm at.

Early 80's 1957 U.S. Vintage Reissue Stratocaster (Surf Green)-Warmouth Soloist  Pearly Gates Neck, Pearly Gates Bridge- Larrivee D-03 (Mahogany/ Spruce)
Carmen Ghia Head- Marshall 112 Cab W/G12H 30  or  Custom 4 X 6v6 Head  or  Budda Twinmaster Plus Head-Traynor 212 Cab w/Eminence Texas Heats. 
Mo'D-Eternity-Blues Pro- Timmy-BYOC Chorus/Vibrato- TC SCF- Korg DT 10 Pedal Tuner
  • From: Edgewater, FL
  • Registered: 2007-12-08
  • Posts: 5,046

Re: BigJeffJones

You may be way ahead of them in some respect.  Skynard was not really a "jam band".  Or maybe the way you ask OR they might not be the vehicle for your creative spark.

Most of the time I'm comfortable enough to make any blues song my "Own" so to speak.  Give them time and maybe start the next conversation with "Hey guys I have an idea."  and introduce them to something you've already worked out the skeleton for, in advance.  Ask them to fill it in.

Just a thought.

Rock On & Keep the FAITH
             It is
Blues From the Bottoms

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  • From: Harrison, Arkansas
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 3,155

Re: BigJeffJones

bigjeffjones wrote:

You may be way ahead of them in some respect.  Skynard was not really a "jam band".  Or maybe the way you ask OR they might not be the vehicle for your creative spark.

Most of the time I'm comfortable enough to make any blues song my "Own" so to speak.  Give them time and maybe start the next conversation with "Hey guys I have an idea."  and introduce them to something you've already worked out the skeleton for, in advance.  Ask them to fill it in.

Just a thought.

Right on about Skynyrd. They definitely were not the Allmans in terms of jamming. I mean yeah, they had Free Bird, but that solo was done the same way every time.

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make"

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  • From: N. Little Rock, AR.
  • Registered: 2007-03-02
  • Posts: 463

Re: BigJeffJones

Good call, BJJ! big_smile

    I don't think I'm ahead of them. But, maybe I have logged more time listening to and absorbing "Jam" type Bands.?.

    I think I will work up something, and see if we can get everybody into it. cool

Early 80's 1957 U.S. Vintage Reissue Stratocaster (Surf Green)-Warmouth Soloist  Pearly Gates Neck, Pearly Gates Bridge- Larrivee D-03 (Mahogany/ Spruce)
Carmen Ghia Head- Marshall 112 Cab W/G12H 30  or  Custom 4 X 6v6 Head  or  Budda Twinmaster Plus Head-Traynor 212 Cab w/Eminence Texas Heats. 
Mo'D-Eternity-Blues Pro- Timmy-BYOC Chorus/Vibrato- TC SCF- Korg DT 10 Pedal Tuner
  • From: Edgewater, FL
  • Registered: 2007-12-08
  • Posts: 5,046

Re: BigJeffJones

Al:
I wrote it poorly.  Ahead is not good or bad; didn't mean that really.  One of the things that I struggle with so many musicians is the lack of production values (discipline).  I am really old school about some of that stuff.  I get really bored really fast if a jam turns into a slobbering wankerish display of self indulgent flagellation.  Besides... the stage gets sticky from guitar wankery spurting.  neutral

Changing a version with your own arrangement is GREAT.  NEVER ever lose sight that the reason you're there is to put on a show for the paying customers.  Think Joe Bonamassa.

People piss and moan all the time at me about beating down the kids for noodling and jerking.  Most drunks don't know what they're listening to.  I see it all the time...wrong notes, lousy timing, the wrong feeling...  oh but I'm the A$$.

Do y'all step in time?  Do y'all take a minute and a half between songs.  Sing Harmony?  So much to work on.

pfui
bjj

Rock On & Keep the FAITH
             It is
Blues From the Bottoms

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  • From: Norddeutschland
  • Registered: 2008-12-03
  • Posts: 1,458

Re: BigJeffJones

Gentlemen,

been away for the holidays last couple of weeks with little or no I-net access so this is my first real catch up. Just wanted to say how glad I was this thread still runs. It's one of the first I look for. There are some wonderful 'Pearls of Wisdom' in here, coupled with some lovely dry wit. Keep it up.

Although not a 'player' (being just one of those arrogant toads that has to front the thing), I have found it extremely interesting to read the insights and views being expressed.

BJJ, maybe you already do, but if not I think you could offer a tremendous 'Musicians Agony Uncle' service. You know the sort of thing......

Dear Jeff,

The rhythm guitarist in our band has just bought everything ever done by Malmsteen and got the book 'Widdling for beginners' from the library. Should I be worried?

Nigel Tufnel

Only joshing of course, but I wanted to let you know this sort of stuff is appreciated even if I can't add anything of musical value. Belated NY's best wishes

MikeH

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012
  • From: N. Little Rock, AR.
  • Registered: 2007-03-02
  • Posts: 463

Re: BigJeffJones

BJJ,

    So, we have a Bassist now! big_smile

    He also sings with a higher ranged voice than the other 3 Singers in the Band. So, he's come to a few practices and we've done one Gig together.
    OH YEAH! cool
    He really has a great feel. And his Harmonies are bringing in yet more new sides to our Band. Very sweet.

    Anyway, just thought I'd post a little update, since my OP was spurred by " the search".

P.S.
Gear!
He plays a Fender 5 String through a Nemesis Combo. I think they are designed by David Eden, but I'm not positive.
    Sounds really good.

Early 80's 1957 U.S. Vintage Reissue Stratocaster (Surf Green)-Warmouth Soloist  Pearly Gates Neck, Pearly Gates Bridge- Larrivee D-03 (Mahogany/ Spruce)
Carmen Ghia Head- Marshall 112 Cab W/G12H 30  or  Custom 4 X 6v6 Head  or  Budda Twinmaster Plus Head-Traynor 212 Cab w/Eminence Texas Heats. 
Mo'D-Eternity-Blues Pro- Timmy-BYOC Chorus/Vibrato- TC SCF- Korg DT 10 Pedal Tuner

44 Reply by ken

  • ken
  • ken
  • Titanium
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  • From: Orlando, FL
  • Registered: 2007-05-28
  • Posts: 949

Re: BigJeffJones

Budda wrote:

Gear!
He plays a Fender 5 String through a Nemesis Combo. I think they are designed by David Eden, but I'm not positive.
    Sounds really good.

Yeah, those are Edens. A friend of mine had one for awhile, and it sounded great. He ended up selling it, but always regrets that he did. He got a really good deal on a used one.

  • From: Edgewater, FL
  • Registered: 2007-12-08
  • Posts: 5,046

Re: BigJeffJones

Gentlemen! 
I'm tickled to death that you (Budda) have a bassman/vocalist that can sing that high harmony.  I now have damaged vocal cords and I sound like froggy from the Little Rascals (giving my age away) from the intubation prior to surgery.  Not that I sounded much better berore, but at least I could "hollah the blues."

Sometimes it's just chemistry, isn't it?  Like sex.  No, don't laugh.  My piano teacher, 100 years ago, told me that making music was like making love.  I was too young and stupid to know back then. Now I'm decrepit and I get it. wink

Mike, Do you have LSD?  You know... Lead Singer Disease? lol  just playing...

I let my other guitar player go.  MsTia and Sarah beat me up good about that, but there was no way to make it right.  Sweet guy, but incapable of putting in the time to learn something different...or unwilling.  Give him 3 easy tunes to figure out (with chord charts and a CD) and he would come back, 3 days or a week later...same minor pentatonic scale for every solo...did no homework,  Sad really. sad

MoBettaBlues
BJJ FDOL

Rock On & Keep the FAITH
             It is
Blues From the Bottoms

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  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,855

Re: BigJeffJones

Had something to say but I just got a huge brain fart tongue

Stay Safe
Spider

  • mitch
  • mitch
  • Gold Member
  • Offline
  • From: Swindon, UK
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 92

Re: BigJeffJones

Budda wrote:

Jeff,

    If I recall correctly, you're a Bass Player?

    And I had a question, that I thought would make for an interesting Discussion:

    What do you like and/or dislike about Guitar Players?

    Playing-wise, I mean.

    For instance, do you prefer Guitarists who lock in more with the Drummer? Or, do you prefer that they just take off and everybody kind of follows?

    Do you prefer a "loose interpretation" of Tunes, with longer Jams? Or, do you prefer concise, more structured Tunes?

    What was it about the Bands have you played in, that you stayed with the longest? What made you want to be in them?

    And what was it that has driven you to disassociate yourself from other Bands?


    Just some general questions about what's going on, up in the ol' Noggin! big_smile

    And if other Bassists' out there want to join in, great!

My bass player plays too much guitar in his spare time- in fact I doubt whether he actually practices his bass playing- consequently on a gig he now over plays and I end up keeping things simple on guitar otherwise we end up sounding like a crap version of Cream- i.e. everyone soloing at the same time...:D... he's a great singer and player, I'd just wish he's play more 'in the pocket'...!  That's the other side of the coin I guess...ha!

This don't look like no express way to me...
  • From: Lancashire
  • Registered: 2008-02-26
  • Posts: 700

Re: BigJeffJones

bigjeffjones wrote:

Give him 3 easy tunes to figure out (with chord charts and a CD) and he would come back, 3 days or a week later...same minor pentatonic scale for every solo...did no homework,  Sad really. sad

MoBettaBlues
BJJ FDOL

I was the same a while back (probably still am when I'm out of my comfort zone) I'd learn the song and rhythm fine but then I'd get dropped in to do a solo randomly, it was good fun but when you know your doing the same thing it kinda irritates you. Well I think the other guitarist in the band realised this, he showed me prob the single most useful thing I've learnt regarding soloing (tbh I dont really go for the showing off, I prefer to sing) anyhow he showed me how to play around with chords rather than a straight scale.. it helped me break out of the habit of falling onto pent licks and also opened my eyes to doing other stuff...

Something must be going right because I get a shot almost every song to have a twiddle. I think it was possibly a barrier stopping me progressing and now I'm over that I've been steadily improving and prob will continue to until another wall stops me..

49 Reply by bigjeffjones (edited by bigjeffjones 2010-02-10 20:15:59)

  • From: Edgewater, FL
  • Registered: 2007-12-08
  • Posts: 5,046

Re: BigJeffJones

Mitch:
In my not at all humble opinion, if a bassist doesn't play "in the pocket" then he's not doing his job.  If that's what you're saying?  I always grumble about players, even drummers, that can't count to 4... HELLO...1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4

If he's not doing his job, well adios muchacho.  All this noodling and wanking just to get your feeble lil rocks off does NOT impress me...Hurry up and finish dude, so I can solo...apllies to bass players too.  An adolescent sign of immaturity, complete with pimples, in a musician(?).

If you can't lay down a groove, then go play with Malmsteeeeeeen.  It's about making people FEEL something.
Besides a migraine.

But some bands are built on that funky bass and simple chan-a-chank guitar...all of our Motown favorites, for example.

It shouldn't be a struggle.  Everybody has their own style, sooner or later.  John is developing an extension of his style.  Respect.  But at the same time, if I want to know a solo or a progression (turnaround)...

I sit down with the CD and LEARN IT.  There's a new idea. tongue  Willing to do the work or not?  If another musico can show me something I didn't know (blame it on the tumor) I'LL TAKE IT>  please and thank you!

muchlove
funkyDoc

EDITZ:  Oye como va?  Mi ritmo, bueno pa' gozar, mulata...

Rock On & Keep the FAITH
             It is
Blues From the Bottoms

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  • From: Norddeutschland
  • Registered: 2008-12-03
  • Posts: 1,458

Re: BigJeffJones

bigjeffjones wrote:

Mike, Do you have LSD?  You know... Lead Singer Disease? lol  just playing...

Big Jeff,

just glancing at this thread and I can FEEL there is no damage done in your thinking department. Why? 'cos bro, you can still cut me to the quick.

LSD? bless your sweet heart. Like those muso's are gonna listen to anything I say! Sure, I quarterback 'em a 'lil bit sometimes with a 'go long' before the solo, but only if I know they are in the zone and the folks can take it. Gives me a moment to slip to the bar but if I hear 'em losing their way I get back in there sharpish so nobody can see the join.

I love what the guys (and you guys) can do. I know the work they put in and I'm always impressed how fast they learn and develop a toon.

By comparison, what do I have to do? Learn a few words, open my gob and act like a fool (which ain't noooo stretch).

Lead Singer Disease. 'Course I've heard of it but I can't think it could apply to me. Yeah so I pick the songs, choose the set list, mix the sound, tell them when they screw up, own the bus, choose the booze we drink, collect the money, but I ask you in all honesty

What have the romans ever done for us?

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012
  • From: Edgewater, FL
  • Registered: 2007-12-08
  • Posts: 5,046

Re: BigJeffJones

Blasphemy?  Graffiti?  Naughtius Maximus?  NAH!

Tell us more!

Rock On & Keep the FAITH
             It is
Blues From the Bottoms

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  • From: N. Little Rock, AR.
  • Registered: 2007-03-02
  • Posts: 463

Re: BigJeffJones

"How do you know when there's a Lead Singer at your door?"

    "They can't find the Key, and they don't know when to come in!"

     big_smile

           tongue

                     lol


    *Just kidding! I just saw a cheap shot, and I took it!
     Actually, I wish I could sing well. I'm jealous.

Early 80's 1957 U.S. Vintage Reissue Stratocaster (Surf Green)-Warmouth Soloist  Pearly Gates Neck, Pearly Gates Bridge- Larrivee D-03 (Mahogany/ Spruce)
Carmen Ghia Head- Marshall 112 Cab W/G12H 30  or  Custom 4 X 6v6 Head  or  Budda Twinmaster Plus Head-Traynor 212 Cab w/Eminence Texas Heats. 
Mo'D-Eternity-Blues Pro- Timmy-BYOC Chorus/Vibrato- TC SCF- Korg DT 10 Pedal Tuner
  • From: Norddeutschland
  • Registered: 2008-12-03
  • Posts: 1,458

Re: BigJeffJones

Aaaaargh

Et tu Buddah?

Still I do like these little jibes. We had one for our keyboarder which was

"What do a keyboarder and a condom have in common?"

The answer being that you can do it with one, but it is much better without!

Ouch......and apologies to all ivory tinklers everywhere. Our guy was very good, but just a little  bit too hen-pecked for rock 'n roll. I do miss that Hammond Leslie sound though, but not lugging the damn heavy ?*$%*§&*$%?$ up and down stairs.

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012
  • From: Edgewater, FL
  • Registered: 2007-12-08
  • Posts: 5,046

Re: BigJeffJones

There are so many nuances and egos that get exposed like raw nerves in the music biz(?).  I had a gig for tonight. Obviously I won't be playing that.  My drummer called me and said I don't want you to worry So I called Don & Dino to do the gig WITH ME...Now one is my good buddy and one is my arch enemy, for reasons that are at least half my fault.  Frigging guitar players  roll 

So I was relieved that he took the reins, but I was groaning about him using HIM.  When he explained what happened to the rest of the band *crazy stuff* and told me there was no way to replace me...Not true but nice to hear...and the KB can play left hand bass, he saved the gig and I felt better.

Next chapter:  Outa the blue the ex president of the local blues society calls me and says, I gotta tell you something about your arch enemy.  All the hair went up on my neck.  Now what?

"He performed a healing ritual for/on you when you were out cold.  I guess he was afraid he wouldn't have a worthy adversary."

WTF?  Love conquers all.

MuchLove
BigJeffJones

Rock On & Keep the FAITH
             It is
Blues From the Bottoms

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