Two days in Milano

Two days in Milano

Feb 6, 2015 | Future, Instruction, News

Feb. 15, 2015 Ibanez Day in Milan La Salumeria via Pasinetti 4 17:00 Expo 20:00 Concert   Feb. 16, 2015 Clinic at BassLine Viale Piave 6  17:00 pre-register: info@bassline.it... read more
Masterclasses in France – update

Masterclasses in France – update

Jul 18, 2011 | Instruction, News

Triphasic will be conducting individual and group masterclasses for 2 days in advance of our concert on August 6th. August 4 & 5 9:30-11:30 Individual instruments 13:00-15:00 Masterclass with the trio €250 gets you 3 nights of concerts plus the 2 days of masterclasses. Register... read more
Random Groove Generator

Random Groove Generator

May 19, 2011 | Ask Willis

Hey Willis, I’m an American bassist living in Germany for nearly 40 years. I teach here at the Mannheim Music school. One question: When you’re playing random (sounding) lines on funk grooves, how would you describe the process of making your note/dead-note & rhythmical choices. Do you think a lot in terms of odd rhythmical patterns or do you just try to play as random as possible (using no patterns)? This might seem like a weird question but for me this is the main element of your playing style that sets you apart from most other bassists. thanks. Dave Hey Dave, Thanks for qualifying the word “random” with the word “(sounding)” ;-). Otherwise I might be tempted to become defensive 😉 One important part of your question is “Do you think a lot . . . ” and the answer is no. When I’m comfortable with my playing and creativity it means I’m not thinking and letting my conscious brain second-guess my instincts. On the other hand, over the years I’ve critically evaluated and edited my vocabulary so that my instincts are directed to avoiding the predictable. So if you mean that you hear me playing in an unpredictable way then yes that’s always been my goal. The process involves developing an acute awareness of your own vocabulary and when you sense yourself falling into the predictable trap – don’t. Try to create your way out of it by imagining a different idea or moving the predictable idea to a different beat. Still it’s a balancing act because the definition of something that grooves is its repetitive nature. Since... read more
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