How I survived my niece’s wedding

By Jon Liebman
January 13, 2025

Have you ever had to play bass in a band and there was no drummer? It’s a whole different feeling, isn’t it!

I’ve been teaching bass for a long time and I’m always telling people about all the things they should and shouldn’t do as a bass player.

Sometimes, though, it’s just not possible to do all the “right” things. At least not to the extent that we want.

One date in particular that stands out for me was my niece’s wedding. She’d been engaged for about a year or so, with the big day scheduled for…

March 2020!

You don’t have to go back too far in your mind to remember what was happening in the world in March 2020. The pandemic had pretty much brought life as we knew it to a grinding halt.

Obviously, the wedding had to be postponed, but the family managed to hold a small outdoor ceremony a few months later, in June.

In true Liebman family tradition, there was live music for the ceremony, with me playing bass, my son playing guitar, and my nephew playing saxophone (my brother was otherwise occupied, walking his daughter down the “aisle!”).

Then things got really uncomfortable, musically speaking…

I had to play bass in a way that was a lot busier than I normally would. There was no one else laying down the foundation, setting up the feel, the time, the pulse. I had to do it all by myself.

We got through the music and everything was fine, but it was a real eye-opener. 

As you watch this week’s video, you’ll hear some insights on how to keep the music going, even when circumstances are not ideal. As they say, the show must go on. 

Let me know your take on this story and tell me if anything like this has ever happened to you. I’m interested in knowing how you dealt with it.

Let’s play bass!

Jon

P.S. Be sure to show some appreciation for the drummers out there and don’t take them for granted. We need them!