Tuesday March 7
Been running through the major 7th intervals for 5 string electric bass. Finding the paths/patterns took a while as did getting used to the fingerings. Spent an hour on that and about a half hour on free playing with the radio. I felt free to find the roots and harmonic path of each song, some I knew and some I did not. Mistakes were irrelevant as I had no responsibility to keep the form or hit the roots. I could play anything I wanted but tried to hear and respond to whatever was on the radio (KCSM 91.1 FM).
Earlier in the day, I called and had to fire Agave's keyboard player. After 3 maybe 4 years it just wasn't working out. He said he was surprised by the news even though we laid out for him in our last band meeting all of our grievances. These included, flaking on rehearsal/recording/editing/mixing and coping an attitude when we asked him why he was late, that he should call if he is going to be late or has to cancel. Also, his sound and playing style just did not seem to be improving, there always seemed to be a struggle to get him to sound a certain way. I explained to him that we are working with a guy who has the sound we are looking for and that it would not be fair to anyone to ask him to relearn the keyboard and buy new gear (which he did last year). I clearly remember he and Mike struggling in the studio to make the keys sound a certain way. Dave almost walked out when a quasi compromise was reached. It was like pulling teeth, the job got done but it was painful and generally not fun.
The new guy has a great sound and a great attitude, so far so good.
Monday March 6
Spent about an hour learning to play Joe Henderson's Inner Urge, a modern, modal style jazz composition utilizing phrases and intervals not used very often when this song was recorded. I am not sure who influenced Joe back when he wrote this tune in the mid 1960's but I can only guess that, Stockhausen, Monk, and maybe Stravinsky were an influence. Maybe I will do some more research on that tune. The way Joe recorded it was at a fast tempo with the bass playing unison on the first 12 bars then walking the rest of the head, I however, like the B Sharp Quartet's funky hiphop version from their eponymous self titled 1993 release.
Sunday March 5
Short but sweet jam session with Paul. We played Inner Urge, Nothing Personal, 500 Miles High and Autumn Leaves. SWEET. We have a good rapport and I hope to play some gigs with him soon, maybe just duets. Next time I would like to revisit I Remember Clifford and maybe Django or a Wayne Shorter tune. Quality.
Friday March 3 and Saturday March 4
Did not touch the bass on either of these days. Shouldn't feel bad, but I did so I am practicing extra hard this week. Want to make significant gains in 2006. Reading, soloing improv and especially groove and keeping the form solid.