Bass Returns To This Place: Big Band Rehearsal 04182022

The band missed me. They missed me a lot. I didn't miss them too much.

It was nice to have an extra week off to practice. Pfff, yeah right! I allowed myself to be too distracted to practice. You probably don't want to know what I was listening to.

https://giphy.com/gifs/stickupmusic-hive-stickupboys-battleaxe-AobPC1jh48luCFEREk

🚹 New Drummers:

They don't say much. Vibe is chill. Rehearsal is smooth. One makes lots of excuses. The other makes way for the vending machine. I need to ask where it is located. A fun new tradition might be... oh junk food...
Anyway, I'm glad I was exposed to a person that studies samba. Most drummers seem to be attempting a difficult version of Samba rhythm. Too much. Stop it.

"Play less," I tell them.
"Just the half notes... 1 and 3 are good enough," I say.
"Don't worry about that pattern, just keep pulse," I will say.
"It's over lots of peoples heads," I wish to say.
"Give me your money to hire Phil," I pay?

🔁 Road Images and Sunset:

Time to go!

Like ol' timers would say, "Traffic was kind to me."

We're all friends on the 405 freeway...

🅿️ Parking:

It's always been two dollars to park. I'm glad it hasn't gone up. The yellow curb in the image is mine. It was red. I got a ticket while loading for their events concert. I complained about the red curb and the parking spaced next to it. I said it was blocking loading area. I paid. I complained more on Twitter. A year or two passed and now the curb is yellow and the parking spaces are gone.

Two dollars ain't that bad. I've complained before. It's a small price to pay for an education/workout... all dudes though. Price of gas is much more now. In the past I included a gasoline estimate in each post.

🛄 Gear

This is a gig bag mod bro! I always bring my own electrical cables for the amp's power and to charge my old phone. I don't want another item or bag to cary in for these rehearsals. I've been searching for the perfect place to attach the power cables. Hands free and tight is the goal. This is what i've come up with so far...

Fortunately, I discovered a new technique. The image below shows my new technique basking in the beautiful #SoCal #sunset. I've had the cables in the front pocket of the gig bag, but it always feels too tight. Feels like it might damage my bass some day.

Everything is dependent upon the yellow and while bungee, but for now, all is well. The weight of the cables keeps the bungee secured to itself.

🚻 Instruments

Let's start with this GIF. It contains a few of my favorite images from the rehearsal.

I got liberal with the images. I don't care at the moment. I tolerate a lot. I serve. Many of us do the preparation. Many band members do the homework. Personal time with the music is essential for this band's members.

▶️ Music

We do not yet have a set list for the concert on May 2022. Tonight, we get two new songs. Both are "latin" feels. One of the new songs is a Mambo rendition of a classic tune called, "A Night In Tunisia."

I'm sure you've all heard A Night In Tunisia somewhere. Car commercial or jazz inspired trance party, sword fight, dog fight, cock fight... Our big band is doing this exact version arranged by Michael Mossman

Wanna see the entire music score while the song plays?
Check out this second video of the same version of A Night In Tunisia we are playing. Also arranged by Michael Mossman.

The version or big band is performing is in a feel called Mambo. Yup, music for butts. Mambo is for dancing and this is a song with wacky chord changes and big band rhythmic figures. Hits!

Same song gets cooler... 🎺

THE Essential Miles Davis rendition is great to listen to, but our big band won't be sounding this way. This version of A Night In Tunisia is being performed by a jazz combo. Less instruments, less rigidity, maybe a little less form... not sure... jazzy...

It's also importatnt to know of the Dizzy Gelespsy version:

MUSIC POP QUIZ!!!

Did you notice a major differences between the two songs? Notice anything obviously different?
Here's a hint: The version or big band is doing is Mambo for the entire song. Straight mambo... "latin" feel for the entire song. No swing section right?
The original version of A Night In Tunisia is popular because I typically moves between the two different feels. The "head" or the melody section is partially straight, like a mambo and the rest of the melody is swinging. All solos are in swing feel as per jazz tradition.

Was that a good quiz? Your thoughts? Please leave a comment.

Finally, Dexter Gordon with a great recording of it. Notice the bass line. Famous, right?

You know it? Have you heard that famous bass line before? It's cool. It's a signature characteristic of the A Night In Tunisia...

I'm not playing it. I'm not playing it like that famous bass line. Nope.

Or big band version is kinda wacky. I like it. It's fun. I usually stay away from high notes on a bass instrument, but people want it. It's weird. I'll practice it. If I was really slick, I would play it as it written for the ensemble parts and then play all the same notes an octave lower for the solos. Also any where near the end that needs big juicy bombastic low-end and or deep booty-penetrating bass.