Small Combos

One great way of becoming a better player is by actually watching people perform live. Just last weekend I went out and watched the Ron Davis trio play at the Top o' the Senator in Toronto. It was a good time watching these three play. I've always been a fan of trios and small ensembles. Each person has the opprotunity to be expressive and supportive at the same time. The drawback is that you are vulnerable to having the listener catch all your mistakes. As a bass player I've found that with a comping instrument like a guitar or piano, combined with drums, you can sometimes correct yourself within the rhythm section. Eliminate one of those elements and you, as a bass player, are exposed completely. So, in these situations, it's important to have confidence in your playing. I've also found in small combos, a bass player sometimes may be drawn into playing more than "the foundation". By foundation I mean, trying to be a little too expressive and overpowering every body in the rhythm section, let alone the soloist. A bass player should try ti fill in the holes when they come around; either in the soloists phrasing or when the rhythm section needs a bit of a boost. Anyway, when done well, like Friday night at the Top o' the Senator, it can become a great experience for both performer and listener.