Rushed Jamming

This week I joined a jam featuring “Tom Sawyer,” “Rio,” and another tune I cannot recall, since the bass part was simple enough that I did not practice it more than once at home.

I had been dealing with shoulder issues that, fortunately, seem nearly resolved thanks to new friends at an acupuncture school in L.A. If you need TCM and your insurance does not cover it, I suggest visiting a school because a qualified doctor always oversees the students, and honestly the results are better than any I have seen from the “pros.”

Because of my shoulder, I could not play my MTD 635-24, so I used my Hofner Cavern bass instead. For “Tom Sawyer,” this was fine, but “Rio” posed a different challenge. Achieving that “bite” required the Cavern, where the pickups—the parts that literally capture sound from the strings—are both near the neck rather than the bridge. Apparently Paul began with this bass and shifted to the wider-spaced version, but I preferred the Cavern’s sound because it had more low-end focus and resembled an upright acoustic bass.

I am embarrassed to admit I had never heard Rush before (though I do own Geddy’s large bass book, still shrink-wrapped!). I could instantly recognize Peart’s influence on Danny Carey of TOOL—a band I enjoy while driving on open California roads.

I told my friend I had joined this jam, and he replied, “Oh, you played that tune?” while vocalizing the bass riff that follows the guitar and keyboard during the solo. I said, “Yeah, man… I respect Geddy because he writes basslines like a bass player—not like a guitarist who had to play bass one day!”

Then, acting foolish, I asked, “Who’s the singer? His voice sounds kind of… I don’t know…” When he told me it was also Geddy, my respect quadrupled. “Aha! That’s why he writes basslines that support the song! He’s also the frontman, so he’s not one of those bassists who has to say, ‘Hey, crowd! I’m here!’” Many of us are guilty of this.

I managed the complex sections with ease, yet I struggled to recall the basic open E’s and octave parts. The tune demands that everyone know their role well; since it was a first for most of us, assembling it on the initial attempt was difficult, but we succeeded by the second take.

It was an enjoyable experience, and although I do not own any Rush yet, I will certainly stream it and watch for shows or tours while I am in the States.