Follow Your Bass Instincts--When Being A Bass Session Player--Why?--Here's Why

Yeah,okay, lets say you've done what Ive said in earlier articles on Bass Session playing--and played bass sessions of music you don't like just to get a resume, experience as a sideman in the studio, and live to get a paycheck.

 Most of you won't do what I say because you think you better than me. Has that gotten you anywhere being an in-demand bass session sideman? Fuck no!

 Very few play the sessions they want or have their own band playing their own music--so they don't have to be a session guy. So the one's who actually follow what I say and that being less than 1%, fantastic! Here's what to do if you get approached for doing bass session work with band's who's music you love and are a rabid fan of. Play your way, not theirs.

 They might have you play cold with the band on a track, or they might have you listen to a track they already did, and play to that to fill in where the bass track would be. First of all, if they say they want you to play their way, walk away from the project. What? you said you have a lot of experience and maybe your own band to boot. You're making money.

If you're the bassist they want--and said to play it their way, why?

 You're there to give a track what it needs. An element of your style, not what they want. Something most players can't do. As well, figure out what type of bass axe--strings--amp and effects if needed
 will fit the bill, not for the band but the song. You're not there for the band but for the song and the fans. Not marketing bullshit. 

Another thing is, play the music you love. That has to come out of you.  

If your influences are bass players like Jaco, Sarzo, Burton or Tony Phillips or Flea, study them and play to their music and do the music you want. Yeah, some of their taste will come out of your playing, but keep it the way you play. And stop doing sessions for bands who's music you don't like. 
If you can swing it financially not to have to do them. 

It's so critical to think about doing session work on music you like and being a fan of their music. You will be able to give the session what it needs if you're a fan in the crowd, not if you hate the music or can do it blindfolded. Study the greats of bass, play sessions you want and be true to your music,not someone else's. 



If you need assistance on what kinds of bass sessions you should do, email me at:mdgrove@rock.com