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Post by chromosomeaddict on Feb 19, 2009 6:21:27 GMT -5
I thought it would be interesting to see how many musicians we have here.
I play the guitar (AKA the most generic instrument going), the electric bass, the piano/keys/hammond organ and the saxophone. I play a lot of jazz, but as much as I love it, I prefer to play a lot of avantgarde stuff (especially things like Mr. Bungle and Frank Zappa - whilst jazz is a nice challenge, the sudden genre shifts and change in time really keeps you on your toes).
I'm mostly self-taught, but I have had some lessons with the sax.
Anyway, fire away, tell us what you play.
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Post by Kit on Feb 19, 2009 13:28:02 GMT -5
Seems like we have the same preferations.
I started playing heavy metal and such in my early teens, but nowadays I play mostly jazz. The theory behind music has come to interest me a lot, and I have grown more interested in making music than playing it. These days I attempt to learn the piano.
I am also a bit on the experimental side and dabble a lot with sampling and industrial music.
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Post by chromosomeaddict on Feb 19, 2009 13:40:46 GMT -5
About a year ago, a purchased the musician's notebook, but I haven't been able to come up with a single even half-decent piece, not even if I try. At the minute, I'm a terrible composer, but I think that may improve over time.
It's nice to hear of someone that actually has an interest in jazz, and not just the mainstream drivel. What do you think of Thelonius Monk? He was a very good pianist. You've probably heard some of his stuff, but if not, do give it a go, it might help you. Charles Mingus was well known for his contrabass skills, but he was a good pianist too.
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Post by Kit on Feb 19, 2009 14:29:20 GMT -5
I am a big fan of Monk. I even have an OC at this site named after him.
I see you play saxophone. I have done some reeds myself, and is improving. Heard of Eric Dolphy? (I have a DVD of him playing with Mingus) Also a big fan of the free players such as Archie Shepp and Albert Ayler.
I have never gotten around to going into depths of jazz, but I guess I could also mention John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Chet Baker and later groups such as Mahavishnu Orchestra and Weather Report. probably a lot more, but my memory is not what it used to be.
I'd love to get a bigger grasp of the genre as there has been a lot of innovating tricksters, especially on the theoretical plane.
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Post by chromosomeaddict on Feb 19, 2009 14:44:57 GMT -5
I think I heard Eric Dolphy playing the flute with Coltrane on a Newport recording. I'll have to have a look at some of his sax stuff.
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Post by Belchic on Feb 19, 2009 15:27:32 GMT -5
Not a professional, but I play bass guitar, I sing, and I have a little piano experience.
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Post by chromosomeaddict on Feb 19, 2009 15:43:07 GMT -5
You'd love the bass I bought off my uncle quite recently. It's an Epiphone American vintage from 1963. Has a very nice, deep tone to it. The amlifier I got with it compliments it greatly. It's worth around £1000, I got it for £700 (+£60 for the amp). Not bad, eh? I'm skint, though, now.
What's your vocal range and main style? I never really tried singing myself, perhaps because I daren't (at least not in front of people).
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Post by LoneWanderer Raiden on Feb 19, 2009 17:54:50 GMT -5
Well, I'm actually not all that much of a musician myself... at least not very good as of right now. But I do have an electric guitar(a Fender Strat actually) I own sitting in the corner of my room. I play it sometimes when there's nothing else to do.
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Post by chromosomeaddict on Feb 20, 2009 4:27:23 GMT -5
Even if it's not your kind of music, you may want to listen to some of Trey Spruance's playing (his performances in Mr. Bungle and Secret Chiefs 3 may benefit you most). You'd be surprised how much just listening helps. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME9d2H4WWU0
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Post by dollycartoon on Feb 21, 2009 15:30:20 GMT -5
I used to have violin and singing lessons, but i stopped, dunno why...
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Post by chromosomeaddict on Feb 21, 2009 15:41:59 GMT -5
Well, if you're not really into what you're doing, the worst thing to do is to carry on.
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Post by Aria on Feb 21, 2009 16:25:52 GMT -5
I don't play any musical instruments, though I do sing... rather well I might add. I've never been told that I was horrible, at least. ;3 I'm currently taking vocal lessons to polish up my voice, though. I mean, when I sing it's mostly just raw ability... >_O Which doesn't sound nearly as good as it should.
:3 But yeah. Tried learning the acoustic guitar once- found it boring myself. Kudos to those that can play it.
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Post by chromosomeaddict on Feb 21, 2009 16:34:41 GMT -5
Oh, the guitar's very boring if it doesn't keep you busy. Really, I only find jazz and music with odd structures fun to play on it (like Mr. Bungle - who I've mentioned probably a dozen times by now). Otherwise, I tend to get bored and just 'sleep' while playing it. I tried to play some Status Quo once, but it was just too easy. Fun to listen to, but not fun to play.
Do you know your vocal range (tenor, alto, soprano, etcetera)? I'd like to learn a little more about singing. Seeing as though it's not something I've really tried properly, it interests me. What style do you sing in?
And by the way, you may want to listen to Mike Patton's performance in any Mr. Bungle album. He's really the God of modern vocals, no matter what style you sing in, listening to him can only benefit you. He'll go from a high jazz scat into death metal growls, then into some kind of Jamaican Prince Buster-style singing. He pretty much covers every style. Incredibly surreal and entertaining.
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Post by Nemo on Feb 21, 2009 16:35:15 GMT -5
I used to take piano lessons for a few years, but I quit because school was getting in the way. Though I do sing, but when no one's around x3
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Post by chromosomeaddict on Feb 21, 2009 16:40:58 GMT -5
Were you taught to read music? I'm awful at reading (I'm currently being taught to do so by my sax teacher). I'm okay learning by ear, it's just when it comes to notation that I trip up.
And what style were you playing in? It'd be interesting to hear your preferences.
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