It was interesting and fun to hear some perspectives and views on musicianship from Victor Wooten and Anthony Wellington (Official Facebook Fanpage) yesterday- They both share a very similar philosophy and one that I too fully agree with - here are a few words to try to pin point some of the key elements of musicianship from my perspective and in the spirit of what Vics saying too. The Real Music Theory is the Successful Execution of Interactive Musicianship - It has equal parts instrument knowledge and skill set, willing collaboration, and functional role play - defined as: the ability to support, react, communicate, and maneuver through vast musical territory using the language of music via subtle musical suggestion- as delivered from player to player with: visual cues, eye contact, and a fully engaged awareness and presence. ( this is not usually taught, yet is the single most important thing about being a good musician ). What is usually taught- is traditional academic music theory - which is of course useful in defining the mechanics or nuts and bolts of what music is traditionally rhythmically,harmonically, and melodically built with - but it gives us nothing in terms of preparation for the Reality of Musicianship . You see, there is much to be learned and explored when playing with yourself in your bedroom- and its fun, but things get Real only when there is another person involved - the entire thing becomes social. So unless we plan to be a solo artist ( not too common for us bassists =) ) our whole life, we clearly need to get some facts strait and attitudes in check if we wanna play, work, earn, and enjoy a long rewarding journey. Simply - It has less to with our individuality and needs, and far more to do with a politeness, respectful attitude of contributing to the greater whole of the musical synergy, and how we can make the song and the entire musical experience be its best by prioritizing restraint and executing joyful discipline. This is something not all musicians have a handle on, so its up to you, me, and the next guy to lead by example. If a cat is acting a fool musically, dont let him make you act a fool too. The Bass player is the center pole of the Musical Circus Tent - we hold the whole thing up-the others look to the bassist for that reassuring confidence that everythings cool-we got this. In the area of dynamics the bassist can really nurture and mold the song, from a whisper to huge massive power. In the event of a musical disaster it is the recovery or damage control skills used instantly to get out of trouble that really define the cats who know what musicianship is all about. We bassists need not freeze like a dear in the headlights - but rather, confidently lead the band from the ditch back on the road.
Posted on: Sun, 01 Jun 2014 18:05:55 +0000
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