New England, New York, New Jersey Aug 8 Parsippany

[glocke]

hey all,
 
I have one keyboard player confirmed for saturday.  My friend Wayne will be able to stay from 11:00 to 6:00.  Since there did not seem to be many guitar players coming, I invited a guitar player from the area to join us, (he will use my skylark).  
.
 
If I get motivated enough I'll break down my rack mount rig that contains an SF2 and bring that also.

[toddharris]

Hi Everyone!
 Very excited for next Saturday and to meet.  As regards possible songs to play, while I have posted a list of songs I play and sing, I offer these thoughts for your consideration:
Though I can teach some basic chord progressions to songs like Breakdown, Long Train Running, Heart of Gold and more, the easier way to develop the list would be to consult the guitarists and keyboadists because, in my view, it is easier for us as bass players to follow chord changes even when we don't know the song, than it is for guitarists and keys to play from root notes (inversions and variations).  If it is not possible to consult ahead of time, I'm sure folks will have ideas when they are together and we could probably put 4 or more songs together for recording on the spot.  As a vocalist (it doesn't matter to me if I play bass or not though I'd be happy to), I well cover much of the work of Sting, Elton John, Counting Crows, Eagles, CSNY, Neil Young, Steely Dan, Gin Blossoms and many more top 40 hits dating from the 60s.  I'll have a wifi laptop with me so I can bring up song lyrics to any song people call out as long as I'm familiar with the melody.  Wish I knew Terrapin Station for those of you who love the Dead, but am familiar with Trucking and Friend of the Devil.  Spirits in the Night, Hurricane, Long Time Gone, Benny and the Jets, Mr. Soul, Border Song, Rocky Mountain Way, Ready for Love are all songs I can nail to give you an idea of what type of voice I have. Not Elvis or Sinatra - good stuff, but not within me!   Open to trying anything vocally and have a great ability to harmonize - whatever is needed.  Let me know what you think - see you Saturday!  Todd

[otis]

Hey, Everyone!
 
I'm also very excited about next Saturday. Todd's idea about following the guitarists or keyboardists is a great idea- and from my experience, the way to go. We all know chords, and notes, if we just have the guitar player or keyboard player start the song, it would be far easier than having them try to follow us.
 
Also, something else to consider- I've heard a lot about cover songs, but what about originals?
 
Covers are fine, but I feel like sometimes, we're inundated with everyone else's music, and we don't play enough of our own...
 
I have a lot of original songs that would very much lend themselves to having multiple bass players. And I know that a lot of you probably have originals, too. I would love to jam on some originals, personally, in addition to some covers. I mean, if we're going to have a studio, at our disposal, let's lay down some original jams, too! We're all creative individuals, let's make some magic!
 
 
Just some thoughts to ponder. I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone and doing some jamming, of whatever kind that happens!
 
Peace;)
 
Frank

[otis]

Improvisation also rules;)

[hg30904]

Phil Jones Pure Sound
 
www.philjonespuresound.com
 
Michael Albronda, NY/NJ rep for Phil Jones, has agreed to come loaded with a few demos. He plans to bring two combos and a head/cab combination. He will be able to answer questions about their entire product line, and have literature for us.
 
Michael and Phil Jones equipment were arranged by club member bkbass.
 
Thanks Barry!
 
Harold

[willie]

I've been trying to figure out if I can make it to this. I would like to meet everyone and get to check out all the Alembic Basses and Guitars. But I'm still recovering from very seriois back injury. I don't feel like typing all of what I've been through but its in a thread where BigBadBill was asking about a meylogram. Its in the archives under misc.
I'm also waiting for a chip Mica is sending me for my F1-X. If I do come I'll have one of my racks and a 1X15 and 1 4X10 cabinet and would need help moving them. It's only 3 pieces I would need help with. I also have a drum seat I can bring because I can't stand very long with a bass on my shoulders. It's been a year a and a half recovering so far but still along way to go. People in my family say I should definetly try to go and I know if I don't I'll regret missing it. I also haven't played with a band for over 1.5 years so my confidence and chops are not what they used to be. I know the people going to this are good musicans and most are currently plaing with bands and are very competent players. I would still like to meet other people who play Alembic instruments and appreciate their quality. Most people I talk to haven't even heard of them. I have a Europa and an Essence built more like a S.C. with Essence electronics and tunes as a tenor bass. I've never got to play that bass live because I couldn't get anyone in the band I was in to play the regular bass lines so I could play the tenor bass on top as a lead bass.
The studio is only 1.5 to 2 hrs from where I live. But the question remains. Do I try to go despite the pain it wouild involve?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Will

[otis]

Will,
 
I definitely think you should come.  I'll personally help you with your gear.  You're too close to not come, and you'll have a blast!  No one's chops are what they'd like them to be, except maybe Stan The Man, and at the risk of sounding sacreligious, he probably has his off days, too!
 
The key here is your desire to come and your family's urging.  Listen to your family, they know what's up!
 
Besides, how can I meet you if you don't come?  Oh, one other thing- there's going to be tons of amps, you probably don't need to bring your rig.   But if you do, I promise to help you move it.
 
Peace;)
 
Frank

[toddharris]

Hi Will,
 Please come - as much as anything, this is social and a chance for Alembic lovers to meet and share their instruments.  You might want to leave your amp and speakers home - there will be plenty enough to go around and than you don't have to worry about re-injury. As for chops, I'm sure we are all over the place in terms of ability levels and this is in no way a competition, everyone has their own favorite bass lines and we can share without any thought of not measuring up. Very much hoping you can make it - I'm excited to meet others who have the Alembic affliction!!!  Sincerely, Todd

[marco555]

Hey Will,
What are you recovering from?  
A year and a half ago I first had a brain operation(growth on the pituitary-it doesn't completely work by itself), then a neck operation with 12 hours on the table, 3 verts in the front replaced, and 5 in the back fused, nerve issues, etc. Don't worry about where you're at, chops, etc. Many of us have been there, done that, etc. Come and have fun--it'll probably be good therapy for you. As Todd and Otis said you probably don't need all your gear, the studio should provide plenty. Crank it up, take a rest, crank it up again. It takes all types, just do it.
Marc

[serialnumber12]

 

  (Message edited by davehouck on August 07, 2009)

[marco555]

Hey Otis,
I wanted to throw my two cents in about your view on kicking it off--I think it's the best way too! (re) following the keys or the guitar, whether it's a song or a jam. WE'RE BASS PLAYERS! It's what we do, so I really don't think we'll have any issues other than just breaking the ice with each other.

[otis]

Hey, Marc!  Good to hear from you.  I feel like I know most of you, already, from the Club, and different threads, but I'm certainly excited to meet fellow Bass Players/Alembicians face to face.  Networking via Cyberspace is all well and good, but nothing beats hanging out and jamming in person, right?
 
Like I said, I have some music that should be up most bass players' alley, and probably wouldn't even require a guitar player (although I'd be intrigued to have one or more if they're up for it).  It would be awesome to hear an original from each and every one there, but whatever happens, I'm quite convinced it will be very cool!
See ya all Saturday!!!
Peace;)
Frank

[hg30904]

So Kevin, you bringing #12? You bringing drumsticks?  
 
Pictures? We don't need no stinking pictures!
 
Seriously, we plan to have plenty of pix of instruments and players ONCE WE GET THERE! But, I don't think that we will beat Chicago's number. :-(
 
Harold

[dannobasso]

Though I can't be there please say hello to Mike Albronda for me.
He's a helluva player. Ask him to bring copies of his solo cd too.

[otis]

Danno,  
 
I'm quite certain one of us will convey your Hello to Mike.  Sorry you can't make it, I would've loved to meet you and check out your collection- I've heard its quite legendary.
 
Peace;)
 
Frank