First Sam

*Eminem voice* Guess who's back....back again...*jig*



So.....I'm back. It's been a while, hasn't it? A lot has happened in the last couple of months but, yeogi seoyo ("here I am" in Korean....I'm on that Korean vibe. Seoul, see you soon!). As is the norm in life, situations come and go, and oh-so-dreaded changes become unwelcome guests in your life. As a musician or artist, one's work is largely influenced by the events in one's life. As evolving beings, we all experience continual growth and (hopefully) learn from experience...

The last few months have been quite a journey of self-discovery, in life, and musically. I have met all sorts of musicians, played songs I love, performed songs I hate, been pushed out of my comfort zone (catapulted, actually), disagreed with band, made up with band...you name it. In fact, it's been more than a journey; more like a roller-coaster ride.  But out of it all, I believe I have finally found balance on my two feet. I have a more solid idea on who I am and whom I want to be as a musician

Before I get into philosophical analyses...

The best feeling as an artsy soul is that of sheer inspiration, which I have been lacking for some time. Since January, I have only completed one composition, and that is even just because my friend pushed me, as a good friend should, to complete it. But now that I am out of that negative whirlwind of a period, my muse is back in business *crowd applause*. My dear muse, thou hath been missed :') *runs and jumps into muse's arms, and like long lost lovers meeting in a sunflower field after years of estrangement, they cry away the past's pain and laugh at the future's joy*

One of the people credited for this light of inspiration at the end of the tunnel is my very good friend, Sam. I had once mentioned about my favorite Kenyan bassists being a Sam, Haron, Ricky and another Sam here -> Another Sam: Matters of the Heart...well, first Sam, not the other one. Yup, that one :) So, after meeting up at Utam Festival after a reeaaaally long time, and after months of planning to meet up, we finally met up recently and have been hanging out quite a bit.

The reason this guy is one of my top bassists, is because he is a groove bassist; a rare gem these days. Most bassists I come across are those who are more showy and forget the very important role of the bass as a supporting role and part of the rhythm section. Not that I have anything against showy, busy basslines. By all means, show off. But there is a time to show off, and a time to be humble. Be humble or be a lead guitarist, yawa!

African music is very strong on rhythm, and as an aspiring African bassist, I truly admire bassists that play their role. Take Richard Bona for example.  This guy can do runs and licks that can make some super seasoned bassists reconsider their career paths, move to China, and start a new life. However, being unconcerned about the spotlight much, he reserves such for specific moments...kinda like the "a wise man only speaks when necessary" thing. Even as the lead singer, Richard Bona always remembers that le bassist and le drummer are best friends and should support and complement each other on stage.

Back to Sam...I have a deeper appreciation for rhythm than I did before, and for this reason I truly enjoy listening to Sam play, because of his groovy, rhythmic style. He literally thinks like a drummer and has such a refined percussive technique, that if the drummer doesn't show up for a gig, Sam on bass can hold down the band so well that one would barely feel the absence of the drummer. Also, being in the industry waaaaaaay longer than I have, he has some pretty neat experience up his belt. So, yeah. I am learning a thing or two from him. He also encourages me in many areas, gives me big-brotherly advice, pushes me beyond my limit in music and gets me some good business deals *pound it, bruh*. Also, aside from my usual practice sessions, I have supplemented my rehearsals with some one-on-one bass and drum sessions of nothing but rhythm, grooving and tightening the bass and drums chemistry, which I try to make happen for at least 3 hours a week.These sessions have really helped me, especially given that other than during band rehearsal time, I get zero rehearsal time with my main drummer. I find that this has really improved my rhythm, as well as improved my listening skills and flexibility so much, that when I am asked to play with different drummers, I don't worry about losing the beat or being out of synch with him. I now have a good feeling about my dreams of being a good percussive bassist.


Speaking of all things rhythm and percussion...I once played with a percussionist and drummer at a show, but now that I really appreciate rhythm better, it is my dream to perform with another (or the same) drummer and percussionist.....sigh. This would be my face on stage:

But 'till then, groove on!