#1831962 - 10/29/07 08:11 AM
Poor Job for Live Show at BPL 2007
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The_LA_Scene
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Registered: 10/29/07
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To the editors,
I attended Bass Player Live 2007 for the first time. I was thrilled with the clinics and being able to have access to some of the great bass players of my generation. It was a true learning event.
However, the concert this year was a disaster.
I watched videos of last year's concert. When you have Stanley Clarke and Marcus Miller doing what they did last year, that was truly something special. To me, that is the type of event that is "Hall of Fame".
I realize BPL 2007 had a lot to live up to, but to give MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO a headliner-type of billing was just a collosal mistake. Shame on the organization team on this one. I realize that it might have been a "risk" putting Meshell on the bill, but I also expect the BPL staff to be better in touch with the audience, the fans, and the readers. I'm seriously questioning the BPL editorial staff on how well they are in touch with the readers. And this is not one person talking - when you see the fans exiting during the performance and virtually no energy in the room, you have a problem.
Meshell may have a lot of talent, but she appeals to more of a niche audience and does not have the widespread appeal of a headliner.
I sincerely hope that for 2008, BPL looks to the audience and does a better job at getting in touch with the fans and readers on what would comprise a headline act. BPL is truly a world class event, and I hope steps are taken to keep it that way.
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#1832722 - 10/30/07 11:23 AM
Re: Poor Job for Live Show at BPL 2007
[Re: The_LA_Scene]
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Bill Leigh
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Registered: 06/23/03
Posts: 35
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Hello,
Thanks for your input about the show. I'm sorry you found it disappointing. Are you the person I spoke to about this at the hotel on Sunday?
What did you think of the rest of the weekend? How about the rest of the concert? What was your opinion of Garrison, Levin, and the all-star jam?
Bill Leigh
_________________________
Bill Leigh, Editor in Chief
BASS PLAYER
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#1832833 - 10/30/07 02:40 PM
Re: Poor Job for Live Show at BPL 2007
[Re: The_LA_Scene]
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Bigfoot68
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Registered: 10/29/07
Posts: 1
Loc: Brooklyn, NY
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I agree that Meshell was not really a traditional choice for a headliner for BASS PLAYER LIVE, especially when she hardly played the bass that night. I also agree that the energy in the room was real low; I was in the front against the stage and when I turned around I was very surprised that the room was clearing out. I enjoyed the show nonetheless. The all star jam was good, but what happened to Jonas' gear and the sound was not quite balanced.
I enjoyed the Saturday clinic (I sat in with Steve, Lee, and Doug Wimbish). I regret not getting to Sunday's clinic. I think last year's clinics were better. Janek's and Adam Nitti's were incredible, and the debate between Steve and Jeff...priceless; I really admire Steve. Jonathan Herrera also did a really fine job. I look forward to more clinics of that caliper.
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#1832916 - 10/30/07 05:56 PM
Re: Poor Job for Live Show at BPL 2007
[Re: Bill Leigh]
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The_LA_Scene
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Registered: 10/29/07
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I think Bigfoot sums things up very well in terms of the rest of the event.
I wasn't the person in the hotel, although I've had several conversations about the concert and I think there is a consensus.
For me to get to meet Leland Sklar and Tony Levin was an unbelievable experience. But there were others - Chuck Rainey, Jimmy Earl, Doug Wimbash, etc. To have the kind of access to these folks was unbelievable.
Thanks so much for the prompt reply. I do plan on being back for sure next year, but I also think I needed to be honest and frank with my comments. I look forward to making this a yearly ritual.
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#1832918 - 10/30/07 06:04 PM
Re: Poor Job for Live Show at BPL 2007
[Re: The_LA_Scene]
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_Sweet Willie_
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 04/05/02
Posts: 7985
Loc: New Jersey
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I wasn't able to attend the concert, so I can't comment about that. I was blown away by the Hellborg clinic. Blown away. Really cool stuff.
I also liked the informal playing and Q&A with Tony Levin on Sunday.
I would've dug seeing Meshell -- even if she wasn't playing much bass. Maybe I'm in that niche audience!
More comments later.
Peace.
--Willie
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#1833535 - 10/31/07 06:46 PM
Re: Poor Job for Live Show at BPL 2007
[Re: _Sweet Willie_]
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57pbass
Platinum Member
Registered: 11/02/01
Posts: 1785
Loc: FOREST HILLS,NY,UNITED STATES
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It going to very hard to top last years concert...it was a classic event for electric bass players
Clarke,Miller,Wooten,Berlin,Sheenan and Hamm..and they all performed great..there was also another guy who opened up the show who was a killer..I am sorry I dont remember his name but he was excellent...
I did not attend this years concert.so I cannot comment.
I have seen Michelle perform and I cannot imagine her being so bad that the room cleared out.... I guess everyone was looking for a bunch of chopmeisters????
The BP Live at the hotel was well done..there was a good crowd..not overwhelming..
I imagine the manufactureres want to see big crowds but it was nice to be able to access the vendors, the players and BP staff and spend some quality time with them...
My only complaint is that there where so many great clinics going on at the same time..but Bass Player will get me through this..
A suggestion that Tom Capasso made for a bass set up type of class would be well attended
Well done Bass Player.... looking forward to next years event
Thanks
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#1842991 - 11/18/07 11:30 AM
Re: Poor Job for Live Show at BPL 2007
[Re: 57pbass]
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Ron_K
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Registered: 10/01/07
Posts: 1
Loc: USA
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I have to agree with The_LA_Scene and the rest about this year's concert. This was my 1st BPL and I really enjoyed the daytime programs (yeah, too many concurrent sessions with too much time in between, though) but I was very disappointed with the concert. That was actually the 3rd time I've seen Meshell live and it seems like each time she gets more spacy and rambling - might be good to chill @ home with but to just stand there in a club (that's another thing, I should've brought a folding chair or maybe you guys could find a venue with some seating and perhaps food!)was a BIG energy sucker. My wife and I had both had it by the time Meshell was wrapping up her set so we ended up leaving before the jam. Didn't think we could handle it if the turnaround time between acts was as long as it was earlier in the evening. Hope next year's concert's better.
Bill, thanks to you and the rest of the BP staff for all your work on the whole BPL event.
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#1844334 - 11/20/07 02:24 PM
Re: Poor Job for Live Show at BPL 2007
[Re: Ron_K]
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Tom Capasso
MP Hall of Fame Member
Registered: 04/30/01
Posts: 7622
Loc: east meadow,NY,UNITED STATES
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I couldn't attend the concert this year. I've attended quite a few shows in earlier years. One thing I agree with Ron_K about is seating.
I have a pretty narrow list of acts I'd like to see. Just the same, I usually enjoy the experience even if I don't really love every performance. It is one of the few times I am in a position to hear something different.
Tom
_________________________
www.stoneflyrocks.com Be practical as well as generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars and keep your feet on the ground. - Theodore Roosevelt
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