Walking bass on Tuba

[enewberger]

Dear friends,

I don't think it's just selecting whether to play 2/4 or 4/4. Rather, supporting the unfolding rhythm of the tune is the tuba player's principal task. For me, building from an initial 2/4, while maintaining a 4/4 sensibility, is an understated way of propelling the rhythm, especially beneath a band that more accustomed to hearing a tuba do the old oom-pah thing. Then, as ensemble builds, you can expand to 4/4, using range and appropriate accidentals to increase the intensity. Also, if you breathe through your nose between beats, you can control the impulses much better than if you gasp for breath at the end of a phrase.
This all sounds impossibly abstract!

Here's an example of what I mean, in a nicely-recorded live performance of the Louis Armstrong classic, "Tears," for the Potomac River Jazz Club.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DZedus74oQ" target="_blank

I hope this helps!

Eli

[David Richoux]

Dear friends,

-snip-

Here's an example of what I mean, in a nicely-recorded live performance of the Louis Armstrong classic, "Tears," for the Potomac River Jazz Club.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DZedus74oQ" target="_blank" target="_blank

I hope this helps!

Eli

I want to hear that "rolicking (sic) solo by extrovert tuba player Eli Newberger."

I actually probably have, over the many years of catching the New Black Eagles at various festivals- you have been one of my biggest inspirations in playing trad tuba! One thing that really helps is having a consistant band with many rehearsals and performances, learning how to trust the rhythm section and being able to break free from constant 2/4 or 4/4 and still keep things swinging along...

[enewberger]

Here's the "rolicking solo," Dave!
http://www.elinewberger.com/media/02%20 ... 0Blues.mp3" target="_blank

But far the greater challenge to 2/4 - 4/4 rolicking was in the breakneck tempo of this "Jersey Lightning!"
http://www.elinewberger.com/video_JerseyLightning.html" target="_blank

And in trio format, where there's much more exposure, I'd offer this "I Double Dare You," with Jimmy Mazzy, and the late, great Joe Muranyi of Louis' All-Stars:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tx5J-mF4GlE" target="_blank

My best,

Eli



Eli

[J.c. Sherman]

Listen to Rich Matteson with Louis Armstrong and the Dukes of Dixieland.
Listen to Ray Brown.

Play along with recordings that you like. Do NOT read a bass part.
Learn to listen while you play.
Teach yourself to sneak breaths without disrupting the flow.
(Inhale when something loud is happening, or use circular breathing if you can.)

To become more familiar with chords spend some time with a guitar or keyboard, or even a ukelele. To become more familiar with the tunes, learn to play the melody. Learn the lyrics too.

Don't limit yourself to walking bass style. Variety is the spice.

+1

[bass0]

I know this is an old thread, but for what it’s worth, I just posted a YouTube video about walking bass on tuba. I hope it can offer some fresh insights or inspiration to keep the discussion going!

Walking Bass on Tuba... and Other Tips for Jazz Tubists
https://youtu.be/RneOLRL8A9w

[iiipopes]

In addition to all the above, I frequently play jazz/swing medleys in my regional community jazz band. Know your music theory and all scales cold, including especially dominant 7ths, in addition to listening a lot and learning common patterns leading into chord changes that you can then expand on. Be absolutely on the conductor's stick, not the echo coming around the rehearsal hall from the rest of the band, because you are leading the band with the conductor. You will sound like you are slightly in front of the beat, but you're not. If it bothers you, ask to sit right next to or right in front of the bass drum player. But to me the most difficult part is to get the style: the "bloom" out of the note that includes a soft attack and a slight fade on each note to emulate a double bass. Absolute breath support is the key.

[bass0]

I’d like to know more. What’s the band’s lineup? Do you have any recordings? Is it a typical kind of ensemble with staple arrangements & repertoire?

[iiipopes]

I’d like to know more. What’s the band’s lineup? Do you have any recordings? Is it a typical kind of ensemble with staple arrangements & repertoire?

https://republicband.org/
https://www.facebook.com/RepublicCommunityBand/

[MikeyMike]

I started with this:

Building Walking Bass Line by Ed Friedland
Hal Leonard Bass Builder Series
HL00695008