Ray Brown's Words of Wisdom

Bunk McNulty

Bunk McNulty

It is not easy to do simple things correctly
Supporting Member
Dec 11, 2012
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#1
I was going to post this in general instruction, but it's sort of beyond that. I saw it the other day in the "bitter and jealous" rant, and now I can't get enough of it. Two and a half minutes of truth from a bassist who really did do it all.

"You'll work for the rest of your life."

 
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#6
buldog5151bass said:
Guess I missed the thread - not sure how this could be considered bitter and jealous.
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The subject of that thread was the OP putting forward his contention that bass players that have an issue with “busy” (his word) basslines and players were simply angry and bitter because their inferior skills which lead to their inability to be constantly playing “over the top” as he put it. I think the Ray Brown video was offered there as an example of how superior musicianship and technical skill isn’t the same thing.

Most participants viewed the OP’s premise as an attempt at flame baiting.
 
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#7
40Hz said:
The subject of that thread was the OP putting forward his contention that bass players that have an issue with “busy” (his word) basslines and players were simply angry and bitter because their inferior skills leading to their inability to be constantly playing “over the top” as he put it. I think the Ray Brown video was offered there as an example of how superior musicianship and technical skill isn’t the same thing.

Most participants viewed the OP’s premise as an attempt at flame baiting.
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Ah, yes, I remember. The "look at me" thread.
 
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#12
I saw Ray Brown play in Oakland about a year before he passed. It was a wonderful experience listening to his big sound. Afterward, I met him and expressed appreciation. Also said I was learning how to play the bass (I was just a few years into the process). Will never forget his response: He encouraged me and said, "Play every day." Repeated it a few times, too. "Play every day." There is a lot of repetition in our business! Necessary to learn how to consistently get the good sound.
 
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#19
Such great advice on this short video. And I agree, his Method Book is an invaluable tool. Want to know your fingerboard and play in tune? Learn to play 2-octave scales, 3rds, 4ths, 5ths, 6ths, 7ths, octaves, and 10ths. Doesn't matter whether its on upright, fretless, or fretted electric bass. Start there, and you'll have a solid foundation.
 
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#20
Paul New said:
I didn't know his basses were 4/4s. I know they were large, especially the one that John Clayton has now, but thought they were regular 3/4s or maybe 7/8s size basses. Christian McBride has another that was his.
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Same. I'd love to hear more about the claim he played 4/4 basses as they would have been exceptionally rare in America during the time he was coming up.
 
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