What I do for the "artistic side"

Tom Barr

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Never been that good at art drawing, painting etc, guess never bothered to learn. But I have long picked up instruments to play music.

Several folks have been rather surprised that I play bass.
I played when I was in high school for the jazz band but honestly I was pretty bad.

I did not play for another 5 years really, then started playing a lot again, went looking for bands when I moved to CA bay area. Saw Stu Hamm and was blown away. Well, then the girlfriends act all lovey dovey when they first meet you and like the perception of a musician, rarely do they like the reality, it's something taking time away from them and it's loud and noisy being anywhere near. Zero support there. Could started drinking booze and gotten more cooperation and support(George Thoroughgood had a point).

About 4 years ago I picked it up again with a renewed interest and commitment.
I do not have time for a band etc these days. so I play and practice for myself which is pretty nice really.

I have a very wide musical interest like most bassist.
I have a bit of Stu, Victor, Les and other notable bassist in my influences.

I go from soft nice pretty stuff, to nasty hard metalish stuff, punk speeds to long languid tempos. I try to have a wide range of abilities and styles, techniques etc. The same approach is taken with aquatic plants as well.

Many other aquarist play a wide range of instruments as well surpisingly.
One of our local plant nuts is very much into guitar and is considering master's programs in the field. Others I've met are quite passionate about it as well.

Regards,
Tom Barr
 

detlef

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You think there is a linkage between keeping aquariums and playing music? Sounds interesting. How about other forumers?

I started playing my turntable a lot recently :D . Yes I'm one of the oldtimers who love LP's better than CD's. And yes, I'm a music lover too who used to play the guitar extensively a long time ago but gave up because it caused too much pain to my back. Became addicted to music some 40 years ago when I picked up my uncle's guitar playing it like Jeff Healey. That was only slightly earlier than when I kept my first tank. The artistic side expresses itself also in the liking and actively practicing photography.

I'm sure there comes a time (yes I like Neil Young and many others and styles as well) when we'll see Tom playing bass next to Victor?


Best regards,
Detlef
 

Tom Barr

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You'll see me at a NAMM show or at a bass clinic perhaps sometime in the next 1-2 years. He and other greats come and give sessions.

Like myself, they like to share and help folks learn more and get better at the art.

I just got a Modulus Quantum 6 string with a super quilted maple top.

Now if I can get a 5 string Dolphin warwick, and decent stick bass, and an alembic 32 " scale with side LED's and a pair of purple heart through neck, I'm set. And a nice solid spruce body Upright, and and and...........Like aquariums, we want more.
Quite a few folks are into music and a few play different things.

Regards,
Tom Barr
 

jazzlvr123

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Tom Barr;32663 said:
One of our local plant nuts is very much into guitar and is considering master's programs in the field. Others I've met are quite passionate about it as well.

and who could that be :D

I have talked about this in many other posts but I honestly believe there is a link between music and aquariums. they are both a practiced art forms that require years of hard work and patience. I believe cooking, painting, and sports to be in this same field. Think about it, lots of people listen to music while they scape, cook, run, ski etc. I believe there is a harmonious balance between music and other arts.

seriously though if you want to check out some nasty standup players check out, Paul Chambers, John Patitucci, Stanley Clarke, Dave Holland, Oscar Pettiford, Reggie workman, and the godfather of the perfect bass line Ray Brown. I'm sure you've heard of most of these guys (two of which actually teach at my school here in NY) but their still worth checking out if you haven't already.
 

Tom Barr

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But...the bassist for Kenny G is not bad either:)

Look him up on You tube;)

Sick, sad, but true, he's not as bad as I thought.

Regards,

Tom Barr