Back to Square One

I have been practicing with a local group here in Hollister, but they have other commitments and can only practice infrequently.  For that reason, I won't wait for them and any other bands, I will practice on my own.

My goal is to play string bass for jazz standards, jazz swing and mellow jazz.  Therefore, I will discard all practice of other music genres and concentrate on what I love.

I am currently gathering sheet music and chord charts of songs from "the Great American Song Book," that is, standards like "Moon Glow," "Star Dust," "Misty," "All of Me," etc.  I will make it my business to learn many of these songs, and then look for a jazz trio or quartet who loves the same music.

I am cutting to the chase.

What Should a Musician Do When He Doesn't Know Where He's Going?

What should you (a bass player) do when you are at a crossroads in your music career, and don't know what to do, how to plan or where to go?

Simple.  Practice your scales and arpeggios until your fingers bleed.

The basics are always worth repeating, over and over again.  Then when you do figure out your next step, you'll be ready for it.

Saith the Brahman of Bass, the Shaman of the Strings, the Mystical Musician, the Nadir of Notes.  Bass 17: 34-48.  You can look it up.

And yes, I will follow these commandments, just as soon as I finish folding my laundry.