Date : 23rd February 2004
School of Performing Arts
29 York rd Kensington
Attendance : 20
Apologies : Marc Duby, Theo Klassen, Concord Nkabinde, Kerry Blewett, Dennis LaLouette, Mario DeCamillis, Llewellyn John, Adrian Lay and Mark Wood

17 Bassists Present: Martin Simpson, Dave Askes, Bert Askes, Dawie Beukes, Roelof Beukes, Wesley Chetty, Jason Green, Kerry Hiles, Bruce McLachlan, Gito Baloi, Nick Cook, Kai Horsthemke, Graeme Currie, Doggit, Mervin Naidoo, Nippy Cripwell and Robbie Riebler

2 Guitarists Present: Gerrie Lubbe & Ralf Globisch

Twenty of us turned up for the first meet of the year (Gito’s friend, unfortunately, didn’t sign the makeshift register I handed out). The weather was pretty awful (actually, being English I was really enjoying it) and taking that into account, it was a great turn out. Graeme pitched up to take some pix (good lad) but couldn’t stay as he’d been on the go all day and needed to get something into his stomach desperately and get a bit of shut eye so he did what he came to do and disappeared into the stormy night!!! Kerry volunteered to take the minutes for the evening as I wasn’t really able to do so (good lass) and I got things underway around 19H30.

I ran through one or two minor things (blah blah blah) and told everyone about the guitarists putting their own club together and about an idea I had where we have a joint meeting with them later in the year – around June or July @ Allenby Campus in which we could have an evening of recitals – soloists, duets, trios etc. Some bands could come down and do their tunes ‘unplugged’ and if we really get ourselves organised, we could record the whole event and maybe use some of the performances on our bass compilation album.

Before I introduced Gerrie Lubbe to the guys, Jason asked if he could just say a few words and went on to remind us all that Johan Kruger is still making top quality basses – 4 string, 5 string, fretted or fretless whatever you desire – cost, of course, is dependant on what you want him to build for you. Jason went on to give us a quick chat about the Performing Arts Campus and the courses they offer – they teach up to N6 in Engineering but of course the music classes are what they’re all about. Jason certainly seems happier now that he’s left the National School of Arts!!!

Gerrie stepped up to the front (of the class?) and he proceeded to inform everyone of the S.A.G.P.A.’s (work it out for yourself what that stands for - Mart) objectives and thanked us for the inspiration we provided for him to attempt such a venture. Gerrie thanked me personally for taking an interest in what the guitarists are trying to achieve and for putting the first 3 issues of their newsletter together. The guitarists have had 3 meetings @ RAU (in the Electrical Eng dept) so far and will probably have their next 2 meets there, but Gerrie has shown an interest in also holding future meetings @ the Performing Arts Campus. Gerrie also spoke about the ‘Cross Polination’ that he hopes to nurture between S.A.B.P.C.& S.A.G.P.A. for our collective benefit. Gerrie mentioned that us Bassists probably have our own ideas about guitarists actually being musos and made a ‘tongue in cheek’ apology from his side.

I’d just like to mention here that Gerrie has attended the last four bass evenings we’ve held and has a genuine interest in us – hopefully we can reciprocate!

Kai began his ‘mini workshop’ on his own approach to fretless bass playing which was very well received by us all – what a muso!!! Kai said that it would be very subjective but even so, it was still a wonderful workshop – all those that didn’t turn up missed something very special. Kai went through some of his own tunes to show us the various techniques he employs and then we had a short question and answer session. Nippy told us of the beauty of the pure music you get from playing fretless instruments – all very informative stuff!!!!

Kai called me back up to the front to field questions about the state of the newsletter and the bass compilation album project that seems to be dragging on for too long now. I spoke briefly about the problems we’ve had putting The Bottom Line newsletter together recently and mentioned that Kai, Julian, myself and Graeme must sit down and have some heavy talks about the direction it’s going in and the irregularity of it’s publication. I also mentioned that the onus is on all of us to contribute something towards the rag and then it may be seen more regularly. Steve Crozet (my greatest critic) has made many a mention in various places that he’s fed up of reading so many articles by me, but without them, there wouldn’t have been a regular publication even when I was putting the newsletter together so everyone must get involved and stop looking at Julian as being the problem – the main problem is that I’ve stopped contributing so much material (to keep Steve happy) and now there’s not enough material each month to produce anything meaningful.

I informed everyone about the status of the bass album. Trevor Muller has recently put a track together for the project and Logan Byrne has sent a track up from Durban so the material is continuing to come in. We should be able to put it out this year.

I also spoke about the need to carry on with the Strings 4 Africa project – Kerry suggested we collect more than just strings for the next phase and this was well received by everyone present – so come along everyone, bring any old equipment as well as strings (straps, picks, fuzz boxes etc etc) that you’re not using anymore and we’ll find a good home for it.

Denny’s recently stolen six string bass was talked about – everyone is very concerned about it getting back to its rightful owner. Let’s be honest here – nobody in this country is going to play it as well as Denny can so it may as well be returned to him ASAP!!!

Till next time Happy Bassin’

Martin