Ross Brown Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Haven't been playing much... by design... I needed a break. Picked up bass tonight... first time in a few weeks. played along with Jeff Healy... hoochie coochie man.... then Grace Potter ... Nothing but the Water II.... nailed them both.... felt an incredible groove.... My last band played both songs... I sang HCM and my wife blew the Grace Potter song out of the water (no pun intended)... First time I felt good playing bass in a while. I moved to Philadelphia area for a new job and have been really busy... looking forward to finding a new band and playing again.... not as far off as I thought it might be... Just wanted to share... What is the longest break that you have taken from playing bass? Mine is about 6 months... "When I take a stroll down Jackass Lane it is usually to see someone that is already there" Mrs. Brown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groove Mama Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 I took a year off when my mom broke her wrist and then was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do. You lose a lot in that period of time when you've only been playing a few years, like I have. But it all eventually came back, and then some. Queen of the Quarter Note "Think like a drummer, not like a singer, and play much less." -- Michele C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Gollihur Posted November 14, 2014 Share Posted November 14, 2014 When I lost my voice to cancer I was hit pretty hard, I always sang and couldn't bear it. I stopped playing with others for four or five years, during which I also had difficulties with hand/nerve issues that jeopardized my ability to play. I slowly started, to be sure I could hold up my end as a band member, and haven't stopped since. 1000 Upright Bass Links, Luthier Directory, Teacher Directory - http://www.gollihurmusic.com/links.cfm [highlight] - Life is too short for bad tone - [/highlight] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EddiePlaysBass Posted November 14, 2014 Share Posted November 14, 2014 Sounds good, mate! I have one rehearsal left tonight and one gig next week, and then I am taking a break from bands. No idea how long. As for the instrument, sometimes I go weeks without playing. Never months, so far. "I'm a work in progress." Micky Barnes The Ross Brown Shirt World Tour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groove Mama Posted November 14, 2014 Share Posted November 14, 2014 When I lost my voice to cancer I was hit pretty hard, I always sang and couldn't bear it. I stopped playing with others for four or five years, during which I also had difficulties with hand/nerve issues that jeopardized my ability to play. I slowly started, to be sure I could hold up my end as a band member, and haven't stopped since. Wow, that must have been a really tough time. Good on ya for pushing through it all! Queen of the Quarter Note "Think like a drummer, not like a singer, and play much less." -- Michele C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard W Posted November 14, 2014 Share Posted November 14, 2014 I moved to Philadelphia area for a new job Where in the Philly area? I'm on the Main Line. Haven't taken a break from picking up my bass (almost) daily longer than a week or two when a vacation would take me out of town. "Everyone wants to change the world, but no one thinks of changing themselves." Leo Tolstoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b5pilot Posted November 14, 2014 Share Posted November 14, 2014 Good for you Ross! A couple of times I've taken as much as a year off mostly due to outside circumstances. Currently, due to the declining health of the BL, my band has been off for roughly 11 months now. I can probably say the band is kaput. I'm really itching to get back into another band right now. Lydian mode? The only mode I know has the words "pie ala" in front of it. http://www.myspace.com/theeldoradosband Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric VB Posted November 14, 2014 Share Posted November 14, 2014 I moved to Philadelphia area That should make finding quality bandmates easier than it was in the past for you. What is the longest break that you have taken from playing bass? I sold all my gear in order to buy my girl a birthday present once when times were hard(er). I probably went a few years without. 2014 is shaping up to be the 2nd busiest year for me in terms of gigging. Things can definitely change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Brown Posted November 14, 2014 Author Share Posted November 14, 2014 I moved to Philadelphia area for a new job Where in the Philly area? I'm on the Main Line. Haven't taken a break from picking up my bass (almost) daily longer than a week or two when a vacation would take me out of town. King of Prussia "When I take a stroll down Jackass Lane it is usually to see someone that is already there" Mrs. Brown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenfxj Posted November 14, 2014 Share Posted November 14, 2014 King Of Prussia? Shoot, we're all practically in the same neighborhood! Push the button Frank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicklab Posted November 14, 2014 Share Posted November 14, 2014 What is the longest break that you have taken from playing bass? Mine is about 6 months... I took at least a 6 month break from playing after my daughter was born. My playing stopped for a good 2 months around her birth. I picked the instrument back up to do a little recording with S&S. But following those sessions I put the bass down for a good portion of 2013. How long? I honestly don't know for sure, but it was several months. And even after that I haven't been playing nearly as much. In the past 6 months I've been working some of the rust off, and it might be time for me to get things moving again. I think that taking a break can be a very good thing. I've taken breaks before for several reasons. Work. Bad experiences in bands. And now family. When I've come away from those breaks I've felt more refreshed and ready to get back into things. Just experiencing life can give you some fresh perspective on playing, and it can serve to reinvigorate you. I moved to Philadelphia area for a new job Where in the Philly area? I'm on the Main Line. Haven't taken a break from picking up my bass (almost) daily longer than a week or two when a vacation would take me out of town. King of Prussia Seriously? I was just there on Sunday for the Great American Guitar Show! Obligatory Social Media Link "My concern is, and I have to, uh, check with my accountant, that this might bump me into a higher, uh, tax..." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Brown Posted November 15, 2014 Author Share Posted November 15, 2014 I am liking the KOP area so far.... still finding my way around and super busy at work but there will be time for bass playing (band) at some point in the near future. I still commute back to York on the weekends until we sell our house.... strange life right now but it will all be better soon.... "When I take a stroll down Jackass Lane it is usually to see someone that is already there" Mrs. Brown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wally Malone Posted November 15, 2014 Share Posted November 15, 2014 About ten weeks when I ripped my bicep tendon at the elbow and had to have it reattached. I was performing at Tony & Tina's Wedding in San Francisco. My sub liked getting that work while I was out. Wally I have basses to play, places to be and good music to make! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seamy ALB Posted November 16, 2014 Share Posted November 16, 2014 Good stuff Ross! I took 2 breaks in playing live for about 5 months at most, first was ok cause I was studying for my degree finals, the second nearly drove me insane. I have never not played since I started, even on holiday I seek out instrument shops, sad I know!! http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Little-Bitter/185235472447 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danzilla Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 I've only really played bass three times since March of this year. This doesn't include the occasional 10 minute noodling. I've been playing guitar in this band, but was prepared to sub for our missing bass player at a gig (we ended up finding a different sub). However, he is officially quitting after our next gig (mid December), so I might be switching. Lots of turmoil in the band right now, so there might not be something into which to switch. We'll see what 2015 brings. "Am I enough of a freak to be worth paying to see?"- Separated Out (Marillion) NEW band Old band Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremy c Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 Longest break from playing was for the three weeks of my honeymoon 36 years ago. We are celebrating our anniversary this coming Saturday! Free download of my cd!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard W Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 King of Prussia I could spit and hit King of Prussia, if I got in my car and drove 20 minutes. I've got a gig next Saturday in Bryn Mawr, Flip & Bailey's, 900 Conestoga Road. Stop on by and introduce yourself. We now return you to your regularly scheduled thread. "Everyone wants to change the world, but no one thinks of changing themselves." Leo Tolstoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.