A little bit of my taste....

I love to hear what other people are listening to, it's always great to find new artists, especially from people you know. Peoples taste is a funny ol' thing, two totally different people could have exactly the same taste as much as two very similar people could have totally different tastes. So, lets start something, here's the first ten videos from YouTube that sprung to mind when I was asked....

http://www.mlc-academy.com/media/mlc_yt_tv.htm

Esperanza Spalding - I Know You Know

A true musician in every sense of the word with an incredible story, yes it's jazz, yes its' got heavy latin influences, but this is a shining example of beautiful songwriting from one of the most talented bass player/singer/songwriter in recent history.

Michel Camilo - From Within

Jaw dropping..... Anthony Jackson, a bass playing legend plays a substantial part in this exhibition of musical excess, don't try this at home...

George Benson - Lately

This is a beautiful interpretation of a classic Stevie Wonder ballad that genuinely captures the essence of the song and presents it in a unique format that is entirely valid in it's own right. Christian McBride display a perfect balance of taste and proficiency; one of those bass performances that sounds like anyone could have played, but they didn't, he did.

Jamiroquai - Space Cowboy (Stoned Again)

Think back, 1994..... Honestly, I would have been 10 years old with little awareness of the London acid jazz scene, thankfully I was later to discover what a 17 year old Stuart Zender was able to create with a band now synonymous with UK pop/funk band (although little remains of that particular band, the story paints an unfamiliar picture of Jason Kay). This song never fails to put a smile on my face.

Incubus - New Born

Cali Pop Rock anyone? OK so this particular track unearths the bands earlier, somewhat heavier roots, this one's for me more than you guys/gals, an early musical influences both as a bass player and vocally. The bands hyper polished, nothing left to chance approach saw the end of an era for original bass player Alex Katunich (aka Dirk Lance), Incubus always reminds me of the time I started really appreciating music.

Damian Rice - 9 Crimes

No need to say too much here... Lisa Hannigan's voice still makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

Amos Lee - Keep It Loose

This one song kept me sane for three whole months in a Mediterranean holiday resort with nothing but 2009's RnB anthems to be heard. Amos displays a tender and sensitive outlook on life that could warm the coldest of hearts.

Melody Gardot - Worrisome Heart

So there's definitely a theme forming within this playlist, beautiful songs. Melody actually used music as part of her recovery following a terrible cycling accident. As if Ken Pendergast' playing isn't enough to impress, the guys rocking a beard that can't fail to impress.

Herbie Hancock and Corrine Bailey Rae - River

This choice was more of an example of Corrine Bailey Rae and everything she has ever done. You've got to love her honesty as a performer. As if Corrine' astounding vocal wasn't enough, this particular performance showcases some of the worlds most talented musicians, funk and jazz legend Herbie Hancock, jazz legend Wayne Shorter, every drummers wet dream Vinnie Colaiuta and Tal Wilkenfeld who needs no introductions to bass players, if you've not heard her work, find it....

John Mayer - Who Did You Think I Was

Just brilliant, in every way, enjoy....

So get your own playlists together and get them posted....

Take it easy,

Scott

Going all the way back...

As I prepare a small collection of beginner bass video lessons for D'Addario that will be available in the new year, I find myself looking at some very fundamental aspects of playing the bass guitar, and if I'm honest, it's been a long while since I've looked at these parts of my playing. As we all progress with any learning curve, including learning a musical instrument, it's very easy to leave the fundamentals behind. If we all sat down and were brutally honest with ourselves, we would all probably find there's still room for improvement. Bring that honest about your own abilities is not easy, but very rewarding. Give it a go, find those old chromatic finger exercises and major scale studies, be brutal...

If you haven't heard of them, or if you already have, check out Deck D'Arcy super tasteful playing with Phoenix, great band great indie, here's the link for SPOTIFY users...

Take it easy,

Scott