Needless to say, the use of multiple meanings of words can help further your career in the music industry. At this point you are wondering "what in the heck is he talking about?" Well the answer is with the word of the day. So let's get down to the "root."

The word ROOT in everyday conversation typically relates to one of two things. It can be the lifeline portion of any plant or it also refers to an origin. For some of us that were raised in the 70's it could also be a mini-series. Root in the context of being an origin is where it enters the wonderful world of music. Knowing the origin of what you are playing both stylistically as well as geographacially is a crucial part of your role as a bassist. Still lost? Good because, I have to type a whole lot more to have enough words for this article.

Let's examine the root of a typical playing genre. For example, let us discuss a Blues shuffle in the key of "A". Now, believe it or not, there are three major "roots" to this example right off the bat with more waiting under the surface. First, let's look at the genre itself. It is the Blues. Good 'ole, deep South, gnawing on a chicken bone in 100 degree heat with no money in your pocket Blues. See what I did? I set up part of the root per se. The bad part is that now I want chicken for dinner. Seriously, step one of examining the root of the gig is to know your genre. Take some time to read up on your genre. In this example for instance study the Blues. Check out a book or, I strongly suggest, check out old recordings like Blind Lemon Jefferson or Robert Johnson. With a strong understanding of where any musical style comes from -- whether it be Deep Mississippi Blues, Norwegian Polka, or post-British Invasion pan flute -- you can be well on your way to nailing the gig. Even better you will play what NEEDS to be played.

Now I mentioned there were two more "roots" to our example. Part Deaux - What the heck is a shuffle? A-ha! there it is! You need to come down to the origin or "root" of the feel you need to play. Just knowing your genre is not enough to nail every tune. Remember, if we are to slather our vast array of groovitude all over the gig, we need to do what? Know what to play!!! Soooooo, it may be a grand idea for you to actually a) learn what a shuffle is (there is a sub-root), b) how to play one (oh crap, another sub-root), and c) if there is a regional preference to said shuffle since cats in New Orleans do NOT shuffle the same as Kansas City. (Dear Jesus, what have I done?) Is your brain exploding yet? Guess what? This is only ONE example. Insert Evil Scientist laugh here (bwahahahahahahaha).

At this point you may be begging me to stop, but where is the fun in that? The third "root" in today's example is possibly obvious by now. What key are we in? The key of "A" right? That is also the "root" of the chord "A". And you guys and gals thought Professor Roy was the only one that was going to sling theory at you like a slush ball fight in January. Silly Groovers. I'll attempt to be serious for a minute. You have studied up on the genre and understand that blues, like bar-b-q, is different in Texas vs. Memphis. You have practiced your shuffle to the point where you don't swing like a manhole cover. Did you remember to play the right notes in the shuffle? I won't harp because we bassists always play the right notes -- as far as you know. I just wanted to make a point and show the example. Know your theory and chord studies so you can play the right notes. I'd hate to hunt you down and give you a Purple Nurple.

So with all I've gone over you may still be curious to how this applies to Music BUSINESS Survival. Take the same approach to the gig. Imagine getting the call for the exampled Blues gig. Take time to learn the "root" of what makes your artist tick. Are they a Mississippi style Blues artist, for example, or does the Chicago feel get them off? Are you doing 12-bar walking lines all night or New Orleans shuffles? Making sense yet?

By really spending some quality time learning the "root" of each gig you can be a shining star. Simple tasks like seeing what makes the artist tick, where they come from, and really knowing the style of music that gets them off can really make the difference between the big stage or no stage. Granted, I enjoy a good cup of Ramen on occasion, but I will never turn down filet mignon that I can afford myself because I actually played a paying gig. Learn the "root of all grooving" and you will yet again rule the day, get paid, hired again, and - oh yeah, by the way - eat.

Until next time,

Keep grooving,

S

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