Seasoned bassist opens up about his musical coming of age, with tips for learning bass more effectively
Exclusive video interview with FBPO’s Jon Liebman
October 17, 2022
Electric and acoustic bassist John Adams is known throughout the Southwest as a go-to studio musician and bandleader. The Texas-based bass player has headed up the Special Edition Band, one of the Dallas area’s premier party bands, since 2005. Over the years, he’s also played or recorded with a wide variety of well-known artists and musicians, including Mel Tormé, Rosemary Clooney, Phil Driscoll, Woody Herman, Randy Brecker, Bobby Lyle, Chet Baker, and Dave Liebman. The bassist, composer, and educator also has experience playing in musicals and symphonies, and spent a decade as a jazz bass instructor at the University of North Texas.
Watch our interview with John!
See Jon’s blog, with key takeaways from this interview here.
I have found that over the years of playing, if I’m gigging a lot, I practice less. On the back side of that, I force myself into practicing and find that when I re examine a piece of music I thought I have’d right I have an ohhh! moment. Usually starting with things I’m familiar with.
Cool. Thanks, Jimmy!
No matter how much I’m gigging, my practice time is my opportunity to reevaluate my approach to a song, note selection, work on improving and rethinking my fingerings, and improving my tone, pizzicato tone and bowing techniques. It’s where my playing grows and improves.
It sounds like you’ve got a great perspective, Dennis. Thanks for the comment!