Author Topic: Carol Kaye interview in Bass Player (Read 182 times)

jazzyvee · « **on:** July 03, 2011, 11:30:41 PM »

Words of wisdom from Carol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9idtdWAAEA&feature=related

Jazzyvee

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** July 04, 2011, 04:20:01 PM »

Really interesting video! Thanks!

I play a lot of scales, but then a lot of those scales are actually pentatonics, which lean toward chords. And I'm starting to use more inversions, especially first inversion - 3-1-3-5.

I'm not sure what she's referring to with the word cycles; if I knew that term, I can't recall it now. I do practice moving through patterns like 2 5 3 6; and this morning I was playing around with 1 4 b7 b3 b6 b2, that kind of thing.

Anybody know what she meant by cycles?

neyman · « **Reply #2 on:** July 04, 2011, 05:14:44 PM »

She's talking about the Circle of 4th's/5th's. Odd that she calls it a cycle, but what do I know!

David Houck · « **Reply #3 on:** July 04, 2011, 05:20:45 PM »

Oh! Yes, playing through those is a good exercise.

Glynn · « **Reply #4 on:** July 05, 2011, 12:31:12 AM »

Yes she is talking of the Circle of 4ths one way and 5ths the other. Also useful for identifying flats and sharps in each key. ie.(in fourths) C = no flats, F = one flat, Bb = two flats, etc. and the other way round the circle (in fifths) C = no sharps, G = one sharp, D = two sharps etc. She is a legend on bass and I didn't realise she plays 6 string guitar as well. Glynn

terryc · « **Reply #5 on:** July 06, 2011, 12:16:44 AM »

One of the first things I learnt many years ago when I started playing jazz was the cycle of fifths, I knew absolutely nothing about jazz chordal work and it all seemed so complicated until I learnt that 'secret'.
Learn to play 'Ornothology' or 'Autumn Leaves', that is pure cycle of fifths
Carol Kaye..First Lady of Bass and what chops as well

edwin · « **Reply #6 on:** July 06, 2011, 12:41:48 PM »

I took a lesson with her about 12 years ago. It was scheduled to be an hour and we spent almost 3 together. I had already become aware of the importance of chords over scales, but she really put a lot of things in perspective. It was amazing to see her pure love and enthusiasm of music. Her next student (who patiently waited at least a half hour for us to be done) was an young woman who was still a beginner, so it was great to see Carol spreading her wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to musicians of all levels. It was also extremely startling to see her chops in action and up close. I was only really familiar with her pop and television work. She is a bebop monster.

PS Autumn Leaves is one of the first tunes my students learn. It's perfect for learning the cycle of fifths as well as making the connection between major and minor keys.

bigredbass · « **Reply #7 on:** July 06, 2011, 10:18:53 PM »

Carol is just a gem. Like all very experienced musicians, you're always surprised at the other things they play when you think you know what they're about from afar. I can only imagine the steel in her to have thrived in a very 'Boys Club' environment in the studios in the 60's. The first method books I ever bought were hers back in the 70's. CK has always had a deep teaching aspect to her. One of the great gems.

J o e y

to_81_0190 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 07, 2011, 04:51:22 PM »

Carol Kaye is one of my favorite bassist. Thank you for the post!

Toshiaki