Nathan Morris

Upright bass (rockabilly) & classical bass. M.Mus ('97), Syracuse U. Played w/: JW Jones, Syracuse Symph. Now: Barrow Gang. Dad+fitness: @FitFather50s

[Nathan Morris @FundamentalBass]

Value and respect the sound engineers at your next show and you'll be repaid in kind. Many sound engineers are singers and musicians in their own right. Like you, they've studied the art and technique of their craft to use it to create beautiful music. Take the time at new

[Nathan Morris @FundamentalBass]

I submitted a pitch for an article to a local magazine and they didn't reply. I asked a pal if I should resend it. "No", he replied, "just post it online." Thanks, Wayne, for this nudge. I started a bass blog:

https://t.co/keNLa71v02

[Nathan Morris @FundamentalBass]

Complex instructions from your bandleader?

* Repeat them back to check
* Ask to have them sent as text/email to avoid errors and misunderstandings
* Depending on the request, ask for example (e.g. "I want a contrary motion line under my leads". Ask for song with sound they want)

[Nathan Morris @FundamentalBass]

* more features you need (e.g. my new phantom power unit also has a preamp, thus no need to buy an extra preamp)
* better build quality (e.g. a high quality piece of gear needs fewer costly repairs)
* it may have higher resale value (subject to supply and demand, reputation)

[Nathan Morris @FundamentalBass]

Spend more on music gear and save money later. A contradiction? Perhaps if you pay for fancy trim or the fad of the month. But spending more today on music gear will save you $ in the future if you're paying extra for the following: ...

[Nathan Morris @FundamentalBass]

Of course it's great to enjoy the visual and social aspects of a show. But keep your eye on the ball. In this case, this means focusing on the bandleader or conductor and staying connected to the song, even if you aren't playing for a few bars.

[Nathan Morris @FundamentalBass]

Tough love: at a rehearsal for the opera Tosca, on the same stand as my bass professor, I took advantage of a few bars of rests to watch the costumed singers on stage. My bass teacher snapped "Get focused! You're not here to watch the show--your're here to play the bass part!"

[Nathan Morris @FundamentalBass]

Whether these unexpected changes are due to errors or an onstage creative spark, have your bandleader's back.

Yes, it's a hard job. You have to learn the official arrangement & make sure it's under your fingers. At the same time, always listen & be ready to follow change-ups.

[Nathan Morris @FundamentalBass]

Sidemen/sidewomen: follow the leader.

Your bandleader skips the intro and goes right into the verse? Don't grimace. Calmly skip ahead to verse.

Bandleader unexpectedly stays on the IV for 32 bars? Don't get wide-eyed and nervous. Play it like this was the plan all along.

[Nathan Morris @FundamentalBass]

On the G chord in the key of D, you're not relaxing; your improvised line should lead the listener to the next chord, which is likely a V chord. IV chords are called "sub-dominant" chords to denote this relationship to the dominant (V).

[Nathan Morris @FundamentalBass]

Singers who play guitar or piano often do a simple I IV V cadence before a new song to put the key in their ear. This is a good approach for sidemen and sidewomen, too, for songs that don't start on the tonic (such as songs starting on IV, V, or bVI). Putting the key in your ear

[Nathan Morris @FundamentalBass]

The G chord may seem to be the same whether it is the tonic in G Major or the IV chord in the key of D Major. However, you will treat them differently. The G as a tonic chord in the key of G is a place of rest and calm. The G as a IV chord in the key of D is a temporary place.

[Nathan Morris @FundamentalBass]

The first time I saw a well-known Canadian jazz guitarist perform, he was comping on piano.

Widen your musical horizons.

If you play bass, learn piano or ukulele.

If you play ukulele, learn bass or percussion.

If you play piano, get a uke or learn to sing.

[Nathan Morris @FundamentalBass]

@FunkyStickman Also how likely is it to find a pencil sharpener at a venue.

[Nathan Morris @FundamentalBass]

@FunkyStickman Gaff tape saved me at a recent rehearsal when a pickup came lose. It's more than a music tool, though. On tour in the early 2000s, my shoe's sole came lose right before a show. I gaffer taped it and did the performance.

[Nathan Morris @FundamentalBass]

"Swiss Army knife" music tools for gigging musicians:

* Equalizer pedal or rack unit
* Volume pedal
* A/B switcher pedal (easily switch between two instruments or two amps)
* Phantom power unit (if you use condenser mics; some mixing board may not supply it)

What did I forget?

[Nathan Morris @FundamentalBass]

Even if you play shows without charts, which is the norm in blues and rockabilly, you can benefit from having a notebook or binder to jot notes on songs. I have a binder for The Barrow Gang for jotting lyrics, bandleader comments, intro and outro reminders, and arrangements.

[Nathan Morris @FundamentalBass]

@FunkyStickman OperOttawa

[Nathan Morris @FundamentalBass]

@FunkyStickman Arrgh! I showed up to most recent OoerOttawa opera rehearsal without a pencil. Fortunately a viola player loaned me a spare, as conductor made lots of tweaks. As we speak, I'm putting two pencils in bass case.

[Nathan Morris @FundamentalBass]

You should be physically ready, with arms and fingers close to the instrument. As well, your mind should be ready. Think of the opening riff to get in the feel of the song. Watch the bandleader for clues to their mood and tempo. Even before the count-in, they may tap to the beat.

[Nathan Morris @FundamentalBass]

Big gig? Before every song, get everything set (instrument for song tuned, amp settings adjusted) and be in what my professor at Ottawa U called "ready position". You have left hand on bass ready to play the opening notes, right hand resting on thigh, but ready for action. Why?

[Nathan Morris @FundamentalBass]

If the bandleader or conductor just launches into the music, you want to be ready. Don't miss the start because you weren't ready.

Ready position is like the runners in the starting block. You're getting in the headspace for the music even before it starts.