Dukes of Dixieland - walking bass lines on tuba

[barry grrr-ero]

I once heard an older Dukes of Dixieland disc where the tuba player played just the most incredible walking bass lines. Any idea which of their many tuba players over the years it might have been?

[UncleBeer]

Gotta be Rich Matteson. https://youtu.be/F5LZj5TkHHk

[bloke]

These two cuts (in a row) are from a later-issued l.p. that was alternate takes (same recording session) of the originally-issues tunes on that l.p.

I actually got a hold of the "Alternate Takes" ('70's issued) l.p. before I got a decent copy of the originally-issued (late 1950's) one.

[GregTuba79]

Gotta be Rich Matteson. https://youtu.be/F5LZj5TkHHk

This is why I bought an electric bass, so there wouldn't be those huge gaps in the music where you gotta breathe. Very cool version of this song by the way.

[UncleBeer]

Gotta be Rich Matteson. https://youtu.be/F5LZj5TkHHk

This is why I bought an electric bass, so there wouldn't be those huge gaps in the music where you gotta breathe.

I think Rich handled this as well as anyone can. I actually like the rhythmic impetus the resulting pickup 8ths (after a breath) give the line.

[GregTuba79]

Gotta be Rich Matteson. https://youtu.be/F5LZj5TkHHk

This is why I bought an electric bass, so there wouldn't be those huge gaps in the music where you gotta breathe.

I think Rich handled this as well as anyone can. I actually like the rhythmic impetus the resulting pickup 8ths (after a breath) give the line.

I know, it's fun music and doesn't have to be as precise as classical chamber music..and most often drunks listening to this at a bar wouldn't care either. All the musicians hear that gap...circular breathing perhaps?

[UncleBeer]

I know, it's fun music and doesn't have to be as precise as classical chamber music..and most often drunks listening to this at a bar wouldn't care either. All the musicians hear that gap...circular breathing perhaps?

It's not meant to be 'precise'. And "drunks"?

[David Richoux]

There are tricks (besides circular breathing) to play almost continuous walking bass lines on tuba. It takes knowing the song and also depends on what else is going on at the time, but there are opportunities to sneak a breath in most phrases here or there. If you use the gap as you breathe as a rhythmic boost (instead of an awkward pause) in the patter it can work. Hard to describe as text, but it just takes experience doing it.

[GregTuba79]

I know, it's fun music and doesn't have to be as precise as classical chamber music..and most often drunks listening to this at a bar wouldn't care either. All the musicians hear that gap...circular breathing perhaps?

It's not meant to be 'precise'. And "drunks"?

lol you haven't been to any West Coast Dixieland Jazz festivals have you?

[Three Valves]

Drunks??

We prefer "Inebriants" thank you.

[GregTuba79]

I think there's plenty of both of ya. Anyone think they sound better on tuba when they are tipsy?

[Three Valves]

Not only do I sound better, (to me) but I speak more intelligently and get better looking!!

[GregTuba79]

Not only do I sound better, (to me) but I speak more intelligently and get better looking!!

Good one!

[Tabor]

I have heard that the trick to getting a good sound is to get a good buzz.

[DaveWright]

There are tricks (besides circular breathing) to play almost continuous walking bass lines on tuba. It takes knowing the song and also depends on what else is going on at the time, but there are opportunities to sneak a breath in most phrases here or there. If you use the gap as you breathe as a rhythmic boost (instead of an awkward pause) in the patter it can work. Hard to describe as text, but it just takes experience doing it.

It's easy to do. I did for years with the Hot Frogs Jumping Jazz Band, 1988-2004.

[lowbrassmaniac]

There are tricks (besides circular breathing) to play almost continuous walking bass lines on tuba. It takes knowing the song and also depends on what else is going on at the time, but there are opportunities to sneak a breath in most phrases here or there. If you use the gap as you breathe as a rhythmic boost (instead of an awkward pause) in the patter it can work. Hard to describe as text, but it just takes experience doing it.

It's easy to do. I did for years with the Hot Frogs Jumping Jazz Band, 1988-2004.

Oh the Hot Frogs, I remember that band. Fun group. Were you on the band's cassette and CD recordings by chance?

[mcfolks]

Along this same line: Does anyone know what make/model Helicon Rich used when playing with the Dukes on the 1960 recording? BBb/Eb?

[Stephen Shoop]

I believe the helicon is a Boston Wonder currently owned by Marc Dickman.