The IIB Monthly Newsletter
Volume 7, Number 3
Hello fellow bassists and friends!
Welcome to the latest issue of The International Institute of Bassists newsletter and the web site of the International Institute of Bassists!
Welcome to the latest issue of The International Institute of Bassists newsletter and the web site of the International Institute of Bassists!
Lessons Online - Michael Manring
Using Loopers As A Practice Tool
Sponsored By SWR Sound Corporation
One of the cool devices digital technology has us afforded us in this computerized age is the instant looper. These boxes were originally modeled after tape systems where literal loops of tape were threaded through a tape recorder so a sound could be recorded and played back repeatedly. In the tape systems, the length of the repeated sound was a function of the speed of the recorder and the length of the tape loop, so if you wanted your loop to be a certain number of measures, it was necessary to calculate the exact length of tape you needed and splice it together. For extended repeat times, tape loops could be yards long, sometimes wrapping around an entire stage or studio! Today's tape-less random access memory devices offer much more flexibility and control, better fidelity, tap tempos, unprecedented loop lengths, unlimited overdubbing, and even undo functions. All this, of course, is available in a nice, neat package without the awkward splicing. The appearance of the original digital loopers and their ability to allow one musician to create huge walls of sound live, on-the-spot, produced an enthusiastic cult following of loop-based musicians. The wonderful music these folks create has firmly established looping's potential for live performance, but I think it's the effectiveness of loopers as a practice tool that makes them especially valuable. ... Read More.
Artist Profiles - Keith Horne
Following years of performing as a sideman alongside artists such as Peter Frampton, Waylon Jennings, and Ricky Van Shelton, Horne completed the lineup of Hot Apple Pie in 2003. Fronted by Brady Seals, formerly of Little Texas, and comprised of some of the finest musicians in country music including Mark "Sparky" Matejka on guitar and Trey Landry on drums, Hot Apple Pie has since seized the attention of audiences, critics, and radio industry executives alike through their refreshing sounds. With four equally-versed multi-instrumentalists and a recording that contains a diverse collection of country, bluegrass, R&B, and rock-infused tracks, any number of which could be hit singles, Hot Apple Pie has already become one of the top bands to have stepped out of Nashville within the past couple of years. Backed by the hip-hop vibe of their first hit single, "Hillbillies," Hot Apple Pie's self-titled release debuted at #6 on Billboards' Hot Country Albums chart, ahead of Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Big & Rich, and Gretchen Wilson. Besides the strong airplay it received on radio stations around the country, "Hillbillies" established itself as a fan-favorite on both CMT's and GAC's Top 20 video countdowns. ... Read More.
Bass Tips Of The Week
Jazz Improvisation - "Phrasing - Charlie Parker"
One of the most effective ways to learn how to improvise involves the transcription, analysis, and emulation of phrases as recorded by your favorite soloists. Similar to learning a new language, improvisation involves studying and using a vocabulary to express and develop ideas. Because variables such as note choice, rhythm, and phrasing are too much to consider at the beginning, we need to limit our focus to basic concepts so we don't overwhelm ourselves with all of the potential possibilities that are available to us as soloists. In this lesson, the focus of our studies will be rhythmic development as it pertains to constructing solo phrases. More specifically, we will analyze some of the most common rhythmic figures utilized by one of the most influential musicians in the history of jazz music, alto saxophonist Charlie Parker. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts to becoming a great improviser. If shortcuts existed that actually worked, everyone would have the ability to produce advanced improvisations with very little training. It takes many long hours of hard work, dedication, and the ambition to constantly push the boundaries of your ability through practice. Keep in mind that your bass will always play better than you are able to play it. No matter how good you become, there is always room for improvement. Every melody you could possibly play is located on the bass, and it is up to you on how to arrange those notes. ... Read More.
Jazz Improvisation - "Superimposition"
With regard to improvising solo lines, superimposition is a concept that involves taking a phrase that was originally intended to be used over one particular chord and then playing it over multiple chord types. You may also hear this approach to playing referred to as "chord on chord" improvisation. Although the concept of superimposition is very basic in theory, the results of superimposing lines can sound rather advanced because the overall tonality generated by the phrases will often suggest that they are being played above the harmony. The phrases that are included in this lesson have been written to demonstrate the interchangeability of single measure lines over different chord types. Even though the sequence of notes within a single measure never changes regardless of the chord type they are played over, the function of those notes will change every time a one-measure phrase is superimposed over another chord change. For example, the chord tones of one chord type may become tensions when played over another chord change and vice versa. As a result, this four-measure phrase will sound stronger in certain situations than others depending on the arrangement of the notes relative to the chord change, but you will still be able to hear the ii-V-I chord progression being outlined as you play the phrases. ... Read More.
One of the most effective ways to learn how to improvise involves the transcription, analysis, and emulation of phrases as recorded by your favorite soloists. Similar to learning a new language, improvisation involves studying and using a vocabulary to express and develop ideas. Because variables such as note choice, rhythm, and phrasing are too much to consider at the beginning, we need to limit our focus to basic concepts so we don't overwhelm ourselves with all of the potential possibilities that are available to us as soloists. In this lesson, the focus of our studies will be rhythmic development as it pertains to constructing solo phrases. More specifically, we will analyze some of the most common rhythmic figures utilized by one of the most influential musicians in the history of jazz music, alto saxophonist Charlie Parker. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts to becoming a great improviser. If shortcuts existed that actually worked, everyone would have the ability to produce advanced improvisations with very little training. It takes many long hours of hard work, dedication, and the ambition to constantly push the boundaries of your ability through practice. Keep in mind that your bass will always play better than you are able to play it. No matter how good you become, there is always room for improvement. Every melody you could possibly play is located on the bass, and it is up to you on how to arrange those notes. ... Read More.
Jazz Improvisation - "Superimposition"
With regard to improvising solo lines, superimposition is a concept that involves taking a phrase that was originally intended to be used over one particular chord and then playing it over multiple chord types. You may also hear this approach to playing referred to as "chord on chord" improvisation. Although the concept of superimposition is very basic in theory, the results of superimposing lines can sound rather advanced because the overall tonality generated by the phrases will often suggest that they are being played above the harmony. The phrases that are included in this lesson have been written to demonstrate the interchangeability of single measure lines over different chord types. Even though the sequence of notes within a single measure never changes regardless of the chord type they are played over, the function of those notes will change every time a one-measure phrase is superimposed over another chord change. For example, the chord tones of one chord type may become tensions when played over another chord change and vice versa. As a result, this four-measure phrase will sound stronger in certain situations than others depending on the arrangement of the notes relative to the chord change, but you will still be able to hear the ii-V-I chord progression being outlined as you play the phrases. ... Read More.
News
The IIB Monthly Giveaways
Each month, the IIB gives its viewers the opportunity to participate in various monthly giveaways and win amps, effects, strings, instrument cables, straps, DVD's, lessons, apparel, and much more. The total value of our monthly giveaways is over $5,000!
ENTER TO WIN TODAY! ... Read More.
ENTER TO WIN TODAY! ... Read More.
The IIB MP3 Bass Sampler - Volume I
The IIB MP3 Bass Sampler - Volume I is comprised of selected tracks that have been recorded by many of today's premier bass artists including Marcus Miller, Michael Manring, Adam Nitti, Gary Willis, Norm Stockton, Gerald Veasley, and many more.
OVER 1 HOUR OF MUSIC! ... Read More.
OVER 1 HOUR OF MUSIC! ... Read More.
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As a subscriber, you will receive the following benefits:
The IIB Monthly Giveaways - Each month, your name will be entered in all of our various monthly giveaways providing you with the opportunity to win amps, effects, strings, instrument cables, straps, DVD's, lessons, apparel, and much more. The total value of our monthly giveaways is over $5,000! ... Read More.
The IIB MP3 Bass Samplers - You'll receive access to every IIB MP3 Bass Sampler released within your subscription year. Each MP3 sampler will contain selected tracks that have been recorded by many of today's premier bass artists including Marcus Miller, Michael Manring, Adam Nitti, Gary Willis, Norm Stockton, Gerald Veasley, and many more. OVER 1 HOUR OF MUSIC! ... Read More.
Bass Tips Of The Week - You will have access to a huge database of lesson material that has been written on subjects such as Classical & Jazz Music Theory, Sight Reading, Ear Training, Bass Line Construction, Right & Left Hand Technique, Soloing, Jazz Improvisation, Slapping, Tapping, Chordal Techniques, Harmonics, Fingerstyle Funk, Altered Tunings, and Concepts For Solo Bass Playing. All of the lessons are available as downloadable PDF files.
By becoming a subscriber, you will help keep this resource online for you and others to enjoy in the future. Plus, you'll receive "IIB Subscriber" status within the IIB Forums so people will know that you have directly contributed to our efforts.
The IIB MP3 Bass Samplers - You'll receive access to every IIB MP3 Bass Sampler released within your subscription year. Each MP3 sampler will contain selected tracks that have been recorded by many of today's premier bass artists including Marcus Miller, Michael Manring, Adam Nitti, Gary Willis, Norm Stockton, Gerald Veasley, and many more. OVER 1 HOUR OF MUSIC! ... Read More.
Bass Tips Of The Week - You will have access to a huge database of lesson material that has been written on subjects such as Classical & Jazz Music Theory, Sight Reading, Ear Training, Bass Line Construction, Right & Left Hand Technique, Soloing, Jazz Improvisation, Slapping, Tapping, Chordal Techniques, Harmonics, Fingerstyle Funk, Altered Tunings, and Concepts For Solo Bass Playing. All of the lessons are available as downloadable PDF files.
By becoming a subscriber, you will help keep this resource online for you and others to enjoy in the future. Plus, you'll receive "IIB Subscriber" status within the IIB Forums so people will know that you have directly contributed to our efforts.
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Thanks so much for your continued support, and I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Editor: The IIB
March 2006
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If you have any comments, suggestions, news-related items such as press releases, or products that you would like to submit for review on the IIB, please feel free to e-mail me at: Editor@InstituteOfBass.com.
Thanks so much for your continued support, and I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Editor: The IIB
March 2006
To Unsubscribe from the IIB's monthly newsletter, simply go to: http://www.instituteofbass.com and submit your e-mail to be removed.
