My Boy Bheka, and Bassics

I attended a business seminar. During this seminar, amidst being thoroughly frustrated at a particular somebody for not showing up on time and lying that he was about to reach, daydreaming about my future 3 children, becoming best friends with a lady sitting next to me until she thought I was eyeing her man (whom she had just met, by the way) and being among the loudest gruntlers each time the speaker said "one last minute", I had an "aha!" moment. One of the things that stood out to me the most from this seminar was something along the lines of, "if you expect a different outcome, you have to be open to change."

In life, growth cannot take place without some type of change occurring. My musical journey has been one of twist, turns and changes. When I first started out as a classical pianist, nowhere in my life did I ever envision that I would one day play punk-rock bass, and over my dead body, hip-hop. I never even knew hip-hop music had legitimate basslines! But alas, it so happened. And I actually enjoyed it. And the change continues...

In the last half a year, I discovered the South African bassist, Bheka Mthethwa. I can literally listen to just one lick, forget a whole song, for an hour. On a bass forum, the discussion was once about what constitutes a great bassist. The point that stood out the most was that one must first and foremost have the passion and ability to express. Currently, there is no other bassist who can impress me as much as Bheka (yes, we are even on first-name basis....I wish. But in my heart we are). He is the perfect example. I admire my hommie, Bheka, because in addition to playing with a highly musically experienced group, he has allowed the bass to be more than just a supporting instrument, has a high level of musicianship, and most importantly, he plays from his heart. You can feel his soul through his basslines, and together with his other band members, they have proven that praising and worshiping God does not mean that one must sound like a cat struggling with death. 

In addition to that, I have started a project with one very talent fine artist and musician, with whom we are legitimately on first name basis. Clap for me. The only difficulty I have had with transitioning into this new project is the fact that I haven't rehearsed with a drummer in the last three weeks, and so I feel a bit incomplete. Bass without drums is just...meh. Not that I know what it feels like to be a widow, but I imagine it's something similar to this. However, I am extremely excited. This musician has an extraordinary way of thinking and is very unconventional. And she is an artist. Also, contrary to my past experience as a bassist in other bands, she has left my playing completely to my discretion. Heck, I can even play with my teeth now if I want! Having the freedom to self-express has even lifted the 5 month composition block I had. 

As I continue learning to love myself more and gain more self-confidence, I look forward to this new expression and getting into a different mental realm. Our first show together in September is going to be the most noteworthy stage I have ever performed on, thus far, as a bassist. We have less than three weeks to write and rehearse what will be performed. Challenge accepted.