Category: Music
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To Be Announced
“I like ’em. They’re like, really good, eh?”” ~ Geddy Lee One of several musical groups given the moniker of “Canadian Power Trio” (despite the fact that they often have more than three members), To Be Announced (often shortened to TBA) is distinguished by their unique omnipresence — the ability to play multiple shows at…
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Before You Quit Playing…
Boredom, burnout, depression, disillusionment… Am I the only one who’s hit the wall and put down their instrument for some length of time, wondering why they still play? I doubt it. The love of music, like any relationship, is cyclical; highs and lows are part of the natural order of things. Maybe you’ve quit developing…
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Your First Audition (refresher course, anyone?)
Life is sweet during the garage band days. You buy an instrument, you hook up with friends, and you are born a musician and bandmate simultaneously. There are no questions about ability; you’re all learning together. But eventually, in your life as a musician, there comes a time when you can’t just walk into a…
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Top Seven Reasons to Play Bass
This month, the lighter side of bass playing. Welcome to my tongue-in-cheek Top Seven list for bass players only. It should have been a Top Ten, but there aren’t 10 good reasons to play bass. At least none that I could think of, and I should know. Paul… can I have some theme music please?…
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Beginning Bass: Posture and Finger Technique
What’s so hard about playing bass? You pick it up, hang it on a strap, and pound the crap out of it with your hand. You can play it around your knees like Geezer Butler, or play it with the headstock pointed at the ceiling like Fieldy. It ain’t rocket science. Is it? If you’re…
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So you want to be a musician…
If you want to be a musician, be prepared to spend most of your time, at least initially, playing with yourself… Start a daily routine. Lock yourself alone in your bedroom (or even the bathroom). Take out your equipment. Always treat it with care. Remember, you want it to last a lifetime. Start out slowly,…
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Beginning Bass: How To Choose The Right Gear
New bassists, young and old alike, ask this question all the time: What gear should I buy? I generally answer them with a level of detail that makes their eyes glaze over. Is it fear? Boredom? It’s difficult to tell sometimes. To spare you the pain of experiencing this yourself, I felt that writing an…
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GearWatch: Acoustic Bass Guitar 2001 Roundup
Summer is the time for outdoor fun. No news there, but with the great selection of acoustic bass guitars (ABG) these days, now you can add jamming to your list of summer activities. I’m pleased to have an even bigger list of models and manufacturers to bring you this summer. Did I miss one? Leave…
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Power to Influence – Power to Change
If you’re like me, you have a good day job and play music for fun and (sometimes) profit. If music isn’t putting the food on your table, why not use your position to help a deserving charity? How? Here’s some suggestions. Wear a T-Shirt that promotes your favourite non-profit organization. How easy is that? Put…