Musical inclinations

[Galaxiom]

Someone complained once that Watercooler threads get sidetracked sometimes into posts about what great musicians we are.

I'm curious about how many here are musically inclined enough to play an instrument or sing and what kind of music they play.

I am a vocalist and I specialise in backing vocals. While some might think backing is nothing more than singing along there is actually a lot more to it. Skilled backing can make a real difference to the overall sound. It also helps the lead stay in precise tune.

Good technique requires intense listening to the instruments and other vocalists and producing a sound that locks them into phase. It is done by pumping energy into the high frequency components of the other sounds in the same way a phase locked loop works in electrical signals. If you were to hear this kind of backing in isolation it would sound quite strange.

It also involves carrying the the resonance through while the lead singer is taking breath.

I like a wide range of music but female vocalists are my favourite as they are most suited to my most comfortable pitch range.

 

[Vassago]

I'm learning the drums. I'm still in very early stages but I've been getting good practice in.

 

[ColinEssex]

I play drums in a band - mostly 60's covers. I also play bass at home, I used to play bass in the band, but our drummer left and I was "asked" to move from bass to drums. I play a Tama 5 piece drum kit, I've also got a Peavey bass and an Ibanez active bass.

Look up ColinEssex on YouTube and you'll see 2 or 3 videos and pics I've posted.

Oh, I try to sing a bit too in the band.

Col

 

[boblarson]

I play drums in a band - mostly 60's covers. I also play bass at home, I used to play bass in the band, but our drummer left and I was "asked" to move from bass to drums. I play a Tama 5 piece drum kit, I've also got a Peavey bass and an Ibanez active bass.

Look up ColinEssex on YouTube and you'll see 2 or 3 videos and pics I've posted.

Oh, I try to sing a bit too in the band.

Col

That's some darned good music. And the group is very tight. Good job!

 

[ajetrumpet]

i've played trumpet for 22 years. got pretty good chops too! =) i also play piano and all the rest of the instruments as a novice. i was a music major for 1 year at a small college. they made me learn those awful string instruments. blah blah

 

[Ron_dK]

Although I'm not a fully professional, I do play guitar and keyboards for quite a while. Have played in various bands and have made a couple of albums.
My website : http://www.myspace.com/carefullsteps may give you an idea of what I'm composing/playing.
Currently I'm working on a project with an Operetta singer, which is very interesting since this is an musical area I've never been in before.

Another project I'm working on is composing and arranging an album with
musical influences from South America, Tex Mex, and Cayun Music. This is really fun, especially setting up compositions and participation of native ( e.g. Brazilian, Cuban) musicians thru e-jamming.
It's really amazing what you can do thru the internet in terms of making music with people some 8000 km away !!

....It is done by pumping energy into the high frequency components of the other sounds in the same way a phase locked loop works in electrical signals. If you were to hear this kind of backing in isolation it would sound quite strange.

I don't quite understand what you mean here. Can you give an ( audio) example of this ?

 

[oumahexi]

I once played the triangle in a school concert

 

[namliam]

I am a vocalist and I specialise in backing vocals.

I do singing too, though I am thouroughly convinced to be the next winner of "XFactor", people seem to think my best piece is my impersination of the air alarm....

Atleast I can clear a room in record pace

 

[MrsGorilla]

I played the clarinet from elementary school through high school, with a smidgen of tenor sax thrown in. I was pretty good at the clarinet, not so much at the sax, just because I didn't do it for very long and didn't get to practice it much. I wanted to play drums but my mom wouldn't let me.

I would like to take up guitar or something now, but don't know when I would have the time in the near future. We'll see. My dream of learning it isn't dead yet.

 

[GaryPanic]

Acoustic Guitar for me .. just about stumm a song or two - ranging from 60's through to 2010- love listening to acoustic covers of songs that are way out there- punk to opera (all guitar based) haven't tried singing yet

currently learning Rythem is a dancer - (sagi Rai cover version) - as its good for quick changes and there is a chance to have a rest with the strumming chords

 

[ColinEssex]

That's some darned good music. And the group is very tight. Good job!

Thanks Bob, we're available for weddings, funerals and any other event!

Col

 

[ColinEssex]

I would like to take up guitar or something now, but don't know when I would have the time in the near future. We'll see. My dream of learning it isn't dead yet.

I'll volunteer to teach you bass.

Col

 

[boblarson]

Thanks Bob, we're available for weddings, funerals and any other event!

Col

Well, I know we don't necessarily get on that well, but I have to admit that if I were to need a band and you were in the area and within my budget, I would definitely consider it. It was pretty impressive.

 

[Vassago]

I played the clarinet from elementary school through high school, with a smidgen of tenor sax thrown in. I was pretty good at the clarinet, not so much at the sax, just because I didn't do it for very long and didn't get to practice it much. I wanted to play drums but my mom wouldn't let me.

I would like to take up guitar or something now, but don't know when I would have the time in the near future. We'll see. My dream of learning it isn't dead yet.

It's easier than ever to learn instruments with the internet too. There are tons of tutorial videos available at the click of a mouse. It's helped me greatly with my current dreams of being a drummer.

 

[ajetrumpet]

I'll volunteer to teach you bass.

Col

Charles Mingus could do a better job. too bad he's dead

 

[ColinEssex]

Well, I know we don't necessarily get on that well,

Old hat now Bob.

Col

 

[Ron_dK]

I once played the triangle in a school concert

You mean, the fourangles were out of stock ?

 

[MrsGorilla]

I'll volunteer to teach you bass.

Col

Jet on over to Tulsa and I'll take you up on that.

 

[ColinEssex]

Jet on over to Tulsa and I'll take you up on that.

I suggest we have a nice meal first, then maybe move on to a little quiet club somewhere. . . . . . . . .ahhhh - no, your hubby is a powerlifter - forget that, we'll get a takeaway delivered, whatever he wants - I'll pay.

Col

 

[MrsGorilla]

I suggest we have a nice meal first, then maybe move on to a little quiet club somewhere. . . . . . . . .ahhhh - no, your hubby is a powerlifter - forget that, we'll get a takeaway delivered, whatever he wants - I'll pay.

Col

Ha ha.

I have to warn you though, he's a big eater. Got to consume lots of calories to burn during that workout.