My little Ashdown has been quiet for years. It's VU meter sitting dim through the ages. Yesterday I lit it up and it was the warm yellow glow of every teenage late night bedroom, when your ears are new and the song popping and crackling on your record player is exciting fire.
I had my first bass lesson with Joe Lally yesterday. If you know, then you know. He's kind of a big deal to me. I think I've been listening to him for over half my life. Wait, rewind that part...when his bass kicks in and you have the volume cranked to "Vibrate My Bones" level. What is he doing there? Wow! Rewind again.
It was and is like that. So I was super thrilled I got the opportunity to engage in lessons with him. I know my weaknesses and what needs work. I know all the bad habits I developed with my DIY FUCK IT AND JUST PLAY style. Which, by the way...is a great way to be. But I'm at a point in my life where I want to learn, learn, learn and grow. I want to know all about what I'm doing- how and why? Best way, most efficient...like martial arts and practicing kung fu. An effective kick, not just a kick for kicks sake.
First lesson with Joe but not my first lesson. I picked up bass at age 15 and took some baby lessons before just winging it and cutting my teeth with bands and years of practice and shows.
But now I have homework. A little stack of scales and things to ponder in major, minor and flats. Funny diagram hieroglyphics to decipher. And yeah, I'm loving every frustrating second.
Another lesson scheduled on the calendar and someone I look up to enough to kick my ass in gear and practice.
If you ever get the chance to invest in yourself and learn... don't hesitate. You will never regret the experience and growth of being better than you used to be. I'm beyond amazed the pandemic brought this gift to my shore and I'm going to utilize it as much as I can.
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