I thought I'd give you a taste of The Namm Show, which culminated in a surprise meeting with Mrs. Leo Fender where I had the opportunity to ask her a bunch of questions one-on-one.
Thursday Night one: Bass Bash. Supreme bass players (Adam Nitti, David Dyson, Gerald Veasley & others) showing me how to do it! I won a blind fold test, (guess that tune & artist in less than 2 measures). 250 bass players in attendance. See me sport my new Carvin hat below. Hung with my friends from Bass Quake '06. We all concluded we will go again this year.
Friday day 2. I drove from the hotel with a cymbol maker from Istanbul. I learned more about bass & drum relationships as he is a funk master from Turkey. (Can you dig it?) He's taking a copy my CD back with him. Speaking of which I ran into a promoter from Florida. She was going to meet with Maxine Nightengale as she has booked her several times. So Max now has a copy of my CD.
Met and spoke with Bootsy Collins - feel the funk?, Bobby Vega (played with Santana and Tower of Power when Rocco was ill). I Heard and saw lots of Jam sessions, and picked up accessories. I met with Jorge Schroeder, builder of my bass cabinet, and thanked him for putting me up on his web site http://www.schroedercabinets.com/players/bozz.htm .
We spoke about bass stuff as he made me try his latest invention. It's too cold blooded!
Saturday day 3: I got a chance to stop into the BBE booth. I use their Sonic Maximizers (sound enhancers), and low and behold I run right into Mrs. Fender. We spoke about the business side of music, and the relationship that she established with BBE for Leo's last bass line- G&L .
She shared with me some very special communication that he gave to her about his life's work, just before he passed. She was so gracious. I feel that she would be willing to share with anyone who will ask the right questions. I felt very honored to be in her presence, and was reminded of the importance of having a Life's Work.
After that I ran into the guitarist and drummer with The Lovin' Spoonful. Oh man did we have a great time talking about the music of that era. These two guys joined the band more recently, in the last decade, so they had some very interesting things for me to chew on.
I also ran into the group, Rideaway. They are from New York. I spoke extensively to the bassist. This group receives funding from 2 people outside of the music industry, who put them up in a house and invested 1/4 mil in their careers. They get a wage and all expenses are covered. He and I spoke about that arrangement, and what role his playing has in their music.
I had a great time as you can see, but mainly I went this time to take advantage of the knowledge that was there. I went to learn. More than ever I am committed to becoming a great bass player by studying the craft.
Talk to you all soon. -Bozz
