Why learning bass requires adapting to who-knows-what kinds of musical situations

Jon Liebman
December 22, 2025

During my Florida years, among other places, I spent a lot of time at the Burt Reynolds Theater in Jupiter.

It started with filling in for the regular bass player while he had his appendix removed. At the time, I was playing another Broadway show, Into the Woods — tuxedo, big production, very formal. Tight book, lots of responsibility, everything exactly where it needed to be.

As that run was wrapping up, I was asked if I could step right into Dreamgirls up at Burt’s venue. Completely different world. Funky, relaxed, casual — and the kind of music I grew up with.

Same job — playing bass — totally different vibe.

And then there was the lobby party.

One night, as the outgoing and incoming casts overlapped, a party took place in the theater lobby. Naturally, there was music, and I was the bass player. What made it unforgettable was jamming with Desi Arnaz Jr. — playing “Wipe Out,” the “I Love Lucy” theme, and a few other tunes, just for the fun of it.

Tuxedo pit gig. Funky theater show. Celebrity jam session.

All three happening pretty much at the same time.

That stretch really drove something home for me. If you want to keep working, you have to be a chameleon. Same instrument. Same player. Different hat every time.

I had so much fun during those Florida years.

Quick note

This episode wraps up the Tales From the Pit limited series. We’ll be taking a short holiday break the week of December 29 and will be back on Monday, January 5, with a new Essence of Groove video.

Going forward, I’ll be focusing on one primary weekly video so I can go a little deeper and make each lesson and story really count.

Watch the video, then leave a comment below with your takeaways.

Let’s play bass!

— Jon