THE MINUTES OF THE BASS PROJECT MEETING

Date : 18th February 2002
Time : 19h30
Venue : Bassline, Melville, Johannesburg

Bassist’s present at the meeting :-
Adrian Lay, Andre Abrahamse, Andrew Lester, Bert Askes, Carlo Mombelli, Colin Moorkey Concord Nkabinde, Dave Askes, David Nunn, Denny Lalouette, Gito Baloi, Glen Veale, Graeme Currie, Jerome Bezuidenhout, Marc Duby, Marcus Kroutz, Martin Simpson, Nippy Cripwell, Roland Westgate and Trevor Muller

Apologies:-
Julian Thorpe Fairall, Kai Horsthemke and Lucas Senyatso

Martin Simpson opened and introduced the vision and concept. The concept is rather a much broader one if looked at on a long-term basis. However, the purpose of the meeting was to kick-start a process that will hopefully grow into a phenomenon that will impact the music industry, significantly. The main two areas that Martin covered were the Recordings (CD’s) series of South African Bassists and the establishment of a Bass Players Club. The ideas were then thrown to the floor for any suggestions that people had. The enthusiasm and interest from the house in the whole vision and concept was really encouraging.

SOME OF THE IDEAS:

- After the album is out, we should form a Bass Player’s ensemble that will play the material. This would be done as a way to market the CD and the series. Even though this might still sound a rough idea, when refined and well planned, it is hoped that we can start having Bass Concerts/Gigs around town.

- As a Bass Club we need to have regular meetings. Whatever the format, discussion or playing together. One suggestion was to meet once in a month, which seems to be what we are doing now.

- We need to have a database of all bass players, with their contacts. Hopefully we can also have a database of Bass Players internationally available, for networking purposes.

- Also suggested was a fee to join membership, in order to have members listed on the database. The fee will also allow members discounts at certain music shops and CD outlets.

- A web-site would be a must for a club of this nature. Already there are 2 people who are professional web designers who have volunteered to help in that regard. It was also suggested that the site should also help with educational aspects (BASSically and Musically), whereby different bassists can tutor on particular topics.

- When we get together, it was suggested that we have a featured bassist who would be interviewed on their musicianship, styles of playing or any subject to do with their bass playing.

- CD Recording project: There were extended discussions on style, length of pieces, solo/duets and of course the process of choosing pieces that will eventually go onto the CD. The selection process is not going to be an easy one, especially since it was raised that it is crucial that we come up with a project of great standard. "Great standard" might vary from one musician to another. We hope that, sensitive as these decisions might be, we can handle them in a building and gentle spirit, yet an honest one. Hopefully the songs that don’t make it on to the first CD can be on the following ones. This will mean all of us helping each other to develop to greater heights. There was a suggestion to choose a selection committee that will have non-bass persons too. Decisions on length, style and deadlines have not been finalised yet. That will be dealt with in meetings to come. Victor Masondo and Joe "J.B." Arthur, who have a record label that has been doing great work in exporting S.A. music overseas, are keen on being involved in the project. If they do get on board they could also help in the selection process from a production point of view. However, nothing has been decided yet, as to who will distribute the CD project. At the moment Victor and Joe have offered their studio for those that still have to record their ideas for submission. However, the house felt that we should save that studio offer for the final recordings, so that what will go onto CD will be Prof. Studio quality. So, for those that cannot afford to lay their ideas down, they’ll be assisted by those that have studios or home studios. Marc Duby offered his studio. Any others that can help record demos for other bass players should please let us know. Even if you can only help one person, that would be great. Submissions of demos should be done quite soon so we can get this thing going. Andrew made the point that it’s crucial to finalise a deadline for submissions otherwise the cd project will go on forever without end

- Much as it might seem that the talk is mostly about the recording and the CD, the meeting felt that the emphasis should be on establishing the bass club. Developing Bass relationships that are lasting and effective. This would hopefully create a positive impact on the music industry. Our role has got to be more than just laying and shifting root notes to the music. We have a much broader calling and responsibility.

These were the issues discussed at the meeting. The doors are and will always be open for more ideas that will build this idea and bring this vision to reality. Even though Martin might have come up with the idea and made sure it takes off, this will only work if you and I take it as our own baby.

LET’S MAKE IT WORK !!! 
Concord