Jammin' on the Bass

I always wanted to "jam", ever since I was young. I would see my mom jam with singers, percussionists, while she created sweet sounds on her Hawaiian guitar (Fender). She played mostly Indian classical, but also popular musics of that time. She could rock out, if she wanted to but her passion was in Indian (Hindi and Bengali songs). My uncle plays the tabla, and had the privilege to learn under the most renowned Tabla Pundits. Through him I learnt somethings about rhythm, Indian music, appreciation for classical music... Classical Piano was something I was sent to lessons for, however I was really bored, as my progress was very slow, mostly because I did not enjoy the pieces I had to practice. This as well as some other negative experiences, created a dislike for piano lessons. Perhaps I never found the piano teacher that could teach me the way I needed to learn. However this did lay down my foundation in music. I never got to jam with anyone however.

In high school, the boys would jam during break, one on the piano, guitar, and drums, and a singer. I so longed to jam, but I was not equipped with the skills to do so. It was a lifelong longing.

Until...

Ryan, was setting up his guitars, 9 months after moving, finally taking out all his guitars, acquiring a new electric drum set, and other little creatures of guitaring. I wanted to play the drums; I tried; I was not too good at it. So he handed me the bass, and it seemed to be my calling. I rocked out! We jammed several songs and I loved it. I have been learning, playing, and composing with Ryan since then. To me it is a kind of meditation, it is very deep, and  relaxing to me. It brings out my creative energies, and helps with catharsis.

One day our musician and wildlife documenter/naturalist friend, Miles Reed, invited me to come over and teach me a few bass tricks. I knew this would be an interactive learning experience with a very experienced musician, so we took our instruments over and jammed! Ryan on Rhythm , Miles on lead, and me on the bass! it was fabulous music making, so much fun, relaxing. I was so nervous prior to, although this was a dear friend, just because I didn't know what to expect, and jamming with Miles and Ry turned out to be great.

It was like group meditation if I may say. We were all into this groove, and going with it wherever it would take us. We shared a few of our own compositions with Miles, and sang a few tunes for him, although I was still shy to sing in front of other people (although I frequently leave close friends and family "singing voicemails").

Music no matter what instrument it is, has so much more meaning when coupled with other instruments, and the pleasure of it multiplies with the more instruments you add to it. I feel so lucky to be able to share in this intimate experience with music. Yes it is much like a tango! Though challenging at times, but mastered through practice, music has never brought me more joy.

Practice:
someone once told me - "don't practice - one day and you know it

two days and the critics know it

three days and the public knows it"

So practice everyday!

and remember to 

Breathe!