Doing the bass part for Jesus Christ Superstar next year.

[rascool]

Real excited about it...

However it's going to be a real step up for me to do it properly so I'm wanting to start practicing early (it's in August next year).

So I was wondering if you knew anything about the best recording of it to buy (I guess the best selling version would be the one?), and also where you can get the bass music for it (as in written sheet music).

Thanks a ton!

 

[user3653753]

I'm not sure where you're based, but most large music stores with a decent sheet music section will carry at least a piano score for it. And I'm sure you can download great versions of the audio from iTunes.

Easy,

Janek

 

[OliverH]

Funny that, my first real bass gig was playing the bass in JCS as well!

I think one of the directors had the full score for it so it had the bass part in there, you should be able to buy it from any music store that carries sheet music for musicals.

I listened along to the original cast recording, which was in the UK from memory... some time in the 70s. It has a real grooving P-bass with flats type of sound, definitely good for working up your funk chops! More recent recordings are a bit too clean and clinical in their approach so I wouldn't recommend listening to anything from the 90s onward (unless the musical director is using that as their guide).

Lots of fun to play, as long as the cast can sing. I'd also recommend a decent sustain pedal as there are some long held notes that you don't want to die too quickly.

 

[rascool]

That's really cool. Kind of feeling the same way about doing this show: it's the first one where I've played bass with sheet music and all of that. I seriously can't wait. There are some really cool older guys in the band with me as well (one an old clarinet teacher that I haven't seen in 20 years!!!) so really looking forward to it. Added to this it will be the first show in our newly refurbished local theatre!

It's going to be great.

That has helped heaps . I'm going to head online and get a copy of that recording, and then off to the nearest sheet music store (a couple of hours away).

Thanks from Gore, in rural New Zealand (Southern end. Nearest end to Antarctica). Pop in if you're ever coming through this way

Especially in August!

 

[CMac86]

Hey man,

You'll be provided a part by the music director closer to the time of the show. When you get the part varies by production. When I was doing school shows, I got the music/book at least 2-3 weeks before rehearsals started. The last few shows I've done [professional non-equity] I have been getting the music between a week before and at the sitzprobe.

I've tried to purchase just the bass parts to theater shows to no success thus far. I've contacted MTI [musical theater international] and eventually went as far as contacting the composer and orchestrator for a variety of shows. They probably think I'm a nut job, but they will remember my name due to being the kid who wanted to do a Musical Theater Play-A-Long for bass.

I've got a system that I use to learn theater shows that has paid off immensely. Jo Ann Daugherty taught it to me. She's Assistant Music Director/Keyboard for the Chicago Production of Jersey Boys. I was extremely fortunate in that she was the Pit Band Coach for my school's production of 'Starting Here, Starting Now'. It was essentially a course in how to prepare for a theater show/gig.

For recordings-I'd start with the OBC [original broadway cast] album OR if you can (preferably) ask the Music Director what recording would be the most appropriate.

From this point-I'm dividing the process into before you have the book [sheet music] and after you get it.

Before
If you have an iPod, put the album on it. Listen to it at every chance you get until it's firmly in your head. I like being able to sing/hum the main themes of the show-it gives me an instant tempo indicator. This is where you can also get an idea for the tones that you will be using. I divide the tones into 2 main zones-modern and vintagey/old school. For me, mostly modern tones will be my Ray5 w/rounds and for a mostly vintagey/old school sound will be a P-Bass with flats.

Do a google search for a summary of the show & the background of it. This will help give you an idea of the typical style areas that you will cover along with a better idea of the show.

Make a list of the tracks on the album and do tap tempos for each one-include any time they shift. This way, once you get the boo-if tempos aren't marked, you can jump in.

This phase is all about preparing to get the music & learning as much about the show as you can. Once you've grown sick of the music-still listen to it a few times a week. When I learned 'High School Musical'-I listened to it on my way to/from work, when I go for a walk, while grocery shopping, etc. In that case it was vital for me to know the music before getting the book because I was subbing in for a buddy and i had 3 hours to learn it.

After
Ok, at this point-you can sing back the major themes, know the major feels, and can feel the groove to the show.

Once you get the book, I recommend listening to the album while reading through it. You can see how much different the arrangements on the album are compared to the production you are doing.

The rest is just working up the reading. If you are a strong reader-it's all gravy from here. If you aren't-take the time to learn it right. When I'm struggling with a section, I break it down into the smallest chunks I can. I do a pitch inventory so that I can find a position that I can hit the most notes in, break down the rhythm into individual beats [if need be], and take it as slow as possible & gradually build it up.

My last show at school was 'The Wild Party' by Andrew Lippa. There's a dance break in The Juggernaut that I struggled with until I took the hour or so and broke it down. After wards, I can play it perfect even now. It's a kick playing it on double bass [i'm not nearly as clean on that though].

Best of luck with the show!! Playing musical theater is one of my favorite sides of bass playing.

all the best.

 

[SteveC]

Hey man,

You'll be provided a part by the music director closer to the time of the show. When you get the part varies by production. When I was doing school shows, I got the music/book at least 2-3 weeks before rehearsals started. The last few shows I've done [professional non-equity] I have been getting the music between a week before and at the sitzprobe.

I've tried to purchase just the bass parts to theater shows to no success thus far. I've contacted MTI [musical theater international] and eventually went as far as contacting the composer and orchestrator for a variety of shows. They probably think I'm a nut job, but they will remember my name due to being the kid who wanted to do a Musical Theater Play-A-Long for bass.

I've got a system that I use to learn theater shows that has paid off immensely. Jo Ann Daugherty taught it to me. She's Assistant Music Director/Keyboard for the Chicago Production of Jersey Boys. I was extremely fortunate in that she was the Pit Band Coach for my school's production of 'Starting Here, Starting Now'. It was essentially a course in how to prepare for a theater show/gig.

For recordings-I'd start with the OBC [original broadway cast] album OR if you can (preferably) ask the Music Director what recording would be the most appropriate.

From this point-I'm dividing the process into before you have the book [sheet music] and after you get it.

Before
If you have an iPod, put the album on it. Listen to it at every chance you get until it's firmly in your head. I like being able to sing/hum the main themes of the show-it gives me an instant tempo indicator. This is where you can also get an idea for the tones that you will be using. I divide the tones into 2 main zones-modern and vintagey/old school. For me, mostly modern tones will be my Ray5 w/rounds and for a mostly vintagey/old school sound will be a P-Bass with flats.

Do a google search for a summary of the show & the background of it. This will help give you an idea of the typical style areas that you will cover along with a better idea of the show.

Make a list of the tracks on the album and do tap tempos for each one-include any time they shift. This way, once you get the boo-if tempos aren't marked, you can jump in.

This phase is all about preparing to get the music & learning as much about the show as you can. Once you've grown sick of the music-still listen to it a few times a week. When I learned 'High School Musical'-I listened to it on my way to/from work, when I go for a walk, while grocery shopping, etc. In that case it was vital for me to know the music before getting the book because I was subbing in for a buddy and i had 3 hours to learn it.

After
Ok, at this point-you can sing back the major themes, know the major feels, and can feel the groove to the show.

Once you get the book, I recommend listening to the album while reading through it. You can see how much different the arrangements on the album are compared to the production you are doing.

The rest is just working up the reading. If you are a strong reader-it's all gravy from here. If you aren't-take the time to learn it right. When I'm struggling with a section, I break it down into the smallest chunks I can. I do a pitch inventory so that I can find a position that I can hit the most notes in, break down the rhythm into individual beats [if need be], and take it as slow as possible & gradually build it up.

My last show at school was 'The Wild Party' by Andrew Lippa. There's a dance break in The Juggernaut that I struggled with until I took the hour or so and broke it down. After wards, I can play it perfect even now. It's a kick playing it on double bass [i'm not nearly as clean on that though].

Best of luck with the show!! Playing musical theater is one of my favorite sides of bass playing.

all the best.

This is pretty much what I do as well - for shows or anything I need to learn. I listen to it for a while before I even try to play it. When I get the book, I play along.

If I'm doing non-sheet music tunes, like for my band, I may try to do a rough transcription, jot down the main licks and form.

It's a great show. I played it a few years ago and had a blast. It's one of the fewmusicals I'd do again.

 

[Calebmundy]

I wouldn't make that trip for the sheet music unless you call and are sure they have it. Also a piano/vocal book or a condensed score will have very limited indications of what the bass part is, and may even have re-arranged forms. It may not be very helpfull. Congrats on getting the show. I love playing theater stuff, espcially the more modern stuff-anything after 2000 seems to inevitably have one "African" tune and one slap break.

 

[rascool]

Thanks guys, this really has been a fantastic help: just what I was looking for.

Like you guys I love playing in musical show backing bands. Gigs are great don't get me wrong (and they are! ), but there's something quite unique about playing in the orchestra pit.

Well, I'm gonna get to work then. Ordered the original cast CD last night so looking forward to that (OK, more like , he he).

Don't forget to pop in if you're down near Antarctica in August next year! Although if you see penguins you've probably gone a bit too far south....

 

[CMac86]

Like you guys I love playing in musical show backing bands. Gigs are great don't get me wrong (and they are! ), but there's something quite unique about playing in the orchestra pit.

What's been your favorite show to play thus far?

For me, it was Andrew Lippa's 'The Wild Party'. It's a doubling show with a ton of styles in it. From slap electric to string section double bass parts. Also-first show I've ever needed to slap while playing upright.

 

[mrufino1]

The original album is incredible, I still listen all the time. That bass tone is killer. The movie soundtrack is just okay, and I have yet t hear or see a new production that was very good, except when I saw it at Madison Square garden about 1995 (it was Super Bowl Sunday- 49'ers v Chargers, so whatever day that was). However, I had never heard it before then so maybe th emusic was good, maybe not. Dennis DeYoung was in it, as were Ted Neely (the 60 year old Jesus...) and Carl Anderson. Anyway, From what I remember playing it, the score is pretty well written, although some of the tunes are just changes. Lots of 5/4 and 7/4 too, which is fun. Someday I would love to play the show again. I think I may listen tomorrow now! Thanks!

 

[Reverend_Dan]

Okay, I personally think the previous replies have overcomplicated matters a little!

JCS is a great show to do, and for an Andrew Lloyd-Webber show, the music is actually good. I know! Unbelievable.

I'm a reader, and there's nothing really that challenging in it, aside from page turns and tapping with your left hand.

Things to watch out for: A G major scale in semiquavers from low G to middle C. Nasty string crossing or do it with a shift. Also if it's the recent score there's a slap part on one tune (sounds like a Prodigy riff) but when you get to the finale they've transcribed some stupid wanky part that the player did on the most recent production and it's a bit of a bitch. It's a slappy hammer-onny kind of thing.

Otherwise, it's a great show to play and just enjoy the funky parts while you can because they don't last long! It's also one of the few shows that is just music all the way through so make sure your stamina is okay and you'll do fine!

Enjoy it!
Dan

 

[Reverend_Dan]

What's been your favorite show to play thus far?

For me, it was Andrew Lippa's 'The Wild Party'. It's a doubling show with a ton of styles in it. From slap electric to string section double bass parts. Also-first show I've ever needed to slap while playing upright.

The Wiz! I love that show. I'm not a fan of musicals but both times I've done that show it is the most fun I've had in a pit. Well, apart from the illegal cock-fighting.

 

[CMac86]

The Wiz! I love that show. I'm not a fan of musicals but both times I've done that show it is the most fun I've had in a pit. Well, apart from the illegal cock-fighting.

From the sound track, I'd love to do that show! We'll see. I've lined up 'Evita' and 'Sunday in the Park with George' once 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' is over. I think 'Evita' will be a blast-I haven't played much electric since I did 'High School Musical' in July.

all the best.

 

[Spaldo]

there was a really good movie version done in the early '70's, i've used this as a reference each time i've played in the orchestra for JCSS....in fact, i knew it so well i hardly had to sight read it! same goes for 'war of the worlds', i guess it helps to absorb as much of the music as you can before you jump in the pit

 

[rascool]

Hi everyone

Well, thought I'd come back and say a big thank you to and update everyone who gave me advice on doing JC Superstar. We had our final night of the show on Saturday: it was great success, and we've had nothing but great feedback on how good the band sounded! So thanks a heap.

Have really enjoyed the orchestra pit experience, and am definitely looking to do more of it. I did some once as a clarinet player in high school (18 years ago! , and enjoy it just as much as I did back then, so going to see if I can get the bass part for Les Miserables next year. Apparently that's very challenging as well.

While in the pit I ran into a flute player (she's doing a PhD in music) who is learning classical guitar. I got a lot of practice routine ideas off her for things like improving scale knowledge and reading ability which was very helpful. She practices 2 to 3 hours a day, and superglues her fingers back together if the tips crack from too much practice.

Now that's dedication.

I've been reading a few of the threads that poor college bass player has written (those have been great. Thanks!) and found those very interesting. I live in New Zealand, so don't know if I'll be playing in Chicago anytime soon (though you never know ), but it's really interesting to get an insight into the skills that the full time theatre bass players need to master. I certainly appreciate it better now that I've done this show!

And another thing for what it's worth too. I currently use a Schecter Stiletto Extreme 4, fairly entry level but has suited me fine so far. Anyway the jack came loose on the second to last night and started turning and broke a wire off (the show had to stop, and I got rewarded with the idiot's hat for the night: was no way round it really . Anyway, a friend of mine lent me his Ibanez (it costs around NZD$1000 new and has eq dials by the volume switch) and I couldn't believe the difference: the sustain just rang forever, and it was so much easier to finger: "What's the Buzz" suddenly became quite an easy piece to play!

So I was thinking it might be time to look at stepping up to "that bass": one that you could buy and know that you'd probably never need to buy another one. Any ideas?

Anyway, wanted to say thanks. I have thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from this show, so wanted to thank all you guys who helped me out. Thanks again!

 

[rascool]

Sorry, I'm meaning Cam McIntyre (Poor College Bassist Your threads have been really interesting. Keep them coming

 

[user3653753]

While in the pit I ran into a flute player (she's doing a PhD in music) who is learning classical guitar. I got a lot of practice routine ideas off her for things like improving scale knowledge and reading ability which was very helpful. She practices 2 to 3 hours a day, and superglues her fingers back together if the tips crack from too much practice.

Now that's dedication.

I used to do that with super glue and ping pong balls when a nail got broken when I was playing classical guitar. Cut it out to the shape of a new finger nail and super glue it on... brutal. Glad to be rid of finger nail problems with the bass now!!

Easy,

Janek

 

[Sascha]

Hi Rascool, great that you've played JCS! I've been searching everywhere to get the full music score of JCS, or at least the bass part, but no luck so far. Does anyone have maybe a scanned copy of the bass part of JCS? Pls let me know. Thx!

 

[sfmag1]

The movie soundtrack has the killer .
Bass playing.