Tucson Bass Player

Next up on my Musical Journey.....

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:24:00 +0000

Almost feels strange, a weekend off from music. Never understood musicians that enjoyed a weekend off, for me....it's almost painful! Love every note I have the honor of being allowed to play while I am on this big round rock.

Next up for me, another show with The Mighty GRIND at our beloved Old Father Inn. Joleen will be back from her audition for the Air Force variety band Tops in Blue, Mike will be further along in his recovery from minor surgery and we will be itching for a night with our northwest side friends, family and fans. And none of them ever disappoint when it comes to a party at Old Father Inn.

Let all of your friends know you are coming by clicking Going at The GRIND Facebook Event page.

A Dark Day in Tucson and U.S. History......

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:27:00 +0000

A dark day in Tucson and U.S. History, January 8th 2011. What was I doing?

Thanks to Everyone For a Great New Years Eve!

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:37:00 +0000

Just wanted to thank everyone for an awesome New Years Eve evening with GRIND at The Whiskey Tango. 2011 was a great year pf music for all of us and 2012 won't be any different.

Big things coming for me and all of the members of GRIND and our great subs that none of this would be possible without.

Here is just a few shots from New Years Eve. Big shout out to photographer Steven Kain who captured the whole night on film. Check out the complete GRIND photo album here on Facebook.

Join Me and GRIND for a New Years Celebration at The Whiskey Tango

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:35:00 +0000

Join Me and GRIND for a New Years Celebration at The Whiskey Tango this Saturday night!

GRIND New Years Eve shows are always a blast and this year is no exception. Joleen is taking a much deserved vacation in her home town of Canton Ohio and sitting in for her is the always amazing Lori Condarcure.

It's another year that we have to stick in the file but before we do we must have another great celebration with Tucson's one and only GRIND live at the Whiskey Tango!

Fun starts at 9:30 but, I'm telling you now people, if you want your seats, get your asses there early. There are about 200 seats and last year they were filled by 8:30.

Start the night with BUCK DRAFTS 8-10pm & FREE mini buffet 8-11 p.m.

Free hot dogs & chili dogs all night..... Wait, that's not all!

2 for 1's from 8-10 p.m. and $3 Dollar shot specials ALL NIGHT!

Cover to get in is $10 bucks but that includes party favors, hats, champagne and hot dogs. There will be drink specials, give aways and as always FREE LOVE from GRIND allllll night long!!!!

Find out who's coming and let all your friends know that you will be there by clicking this link for The Facebook GRIND New Years Eve Party Event Page.

Marty Haviik....Great Bass Player, Great Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:11:00 +0000

Just wanted to give a well deserved shout out and plug for local bassist and photographer Marty Haviik. If you live in the Tucson Arizona area, or anywhere near here for that fact, take advantage of the awesome deals Marty is offering on complete photo shoots starting at $45.00. Drummers and percussionist are getting a $35.00 Christmas special!

Don't be fooled by the price. Marty will meet you on site, do the shoot, edit the photos and provide them to you on a disk or flash drive. Don't know where to start when comes to promoting your band or creating "your brand"? Call Marty and take advantage of his years of experience, he knows exactly what you need to get your promo packet going.

When you see Martys photos you can almost feel the emotion and feel like you KNOW the person that’s gazing back at you. He wants to tell each subject’s story as if it were his own. In turn, you will have some amazing photographs to cherish the rest of your life.

For a few examples of his work visit his Arizona Thunder Photography Facebook page.

Marty can be reached by phone at 520-339-7507 or by email at azthunderphoto@gmail.com

My New Curcio Custom 5 String Bass

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 22:07:00 +0000

Check out my new Curcio Custom Bass. A Fender MIM Deluxe 5 string with Jazz Body, Allparts 5 string neck [3X2 headstock] and a fresh set of Circle K strings.

Marcus Miller "Learn To Read Music.....Didn't You Ask Me That Last Year"?

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:08:00 +0000

Words of wisdom from Master Marcus Miller.....

Can a Cord Make That Big a Difference?

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 17:09:00 +0000

Check out the New Victor Wooten signature power cord. It's "just" a power cord, but it's attracting a lot of heavy hitters who say it makes a major difference to their sound.

The Loss of An Amazing Mother.......Victor Wootens Mom Dorothy Passes Away

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:15:00 +0000

I am usually unaffected by death for the most part, it's all a part of life. But the passing of Victor Wootens beloved mother Dorothy has deeply touched us all today. I never had the privilege of meeting her but that doesn't change how I feel about "our" loss. When you meet any one of the Wooten boys you will know their is something special about them. And where did they get that?

"If the whole world decided today to follow you....where would you lead them"?..... Dorothy Wooten

Upon every friend or loved ones passing we ponder our own lives, and our own death. Have you even begun to write your song? If not you owe it to yourself to start today......

"So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion, respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and bow to none. When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and nothing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home." Tecumseh

Please take a minute to send a positive note to Vic here on his Facebook Page.

Thanks to Bonnie Vining and Lava Music.....GRIND Does Music on the Mountain!

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 20:14:00 +0000

Thanks to Bonnie Vining and everyone that makes the Music on the Mountain series on Mount Lemmon possible. My gig with GRIND last Sunday was a fantastic experience. Make sure to get out and support the series that is held every Sunday during the summer months then continue following Bonnie into the Fall with her series at Abounding Grace. Get all the info you need at Lava Music.Org.

Thanks to Everyone at The Race For The Cure!

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 17:56:00 +0000

Thanks to Laura, Rachel, sound engineer Ray. His crew and all of the great volunteers at The Susan G. Komen "Race For The Cure", we'll see you next year! Here's a few pictures of the show. Thanks again to Steve Ho for sitting in for regular GRIND guitarist Mike Charron. No easy task for sure.

Catch The Tucson Bass Player with GRIND at The Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:29:00 +0000

Here is a great chance to catch me, aka The Tucson Bass Player as I take the stage with Tucsons premier variety band GRIND to be part of The Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure Sunday morning, April 10. The event will start at 7 a.m. and will last until approx. 11 a.m. with GRIND playing from 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. at The Demeester Performance Center, better known to long time Tucsonan resdidents as the Reid Park Band Shell. The venue is located at 900 S Randolph Way and the easiest way to get in is on the west side of the park on Country Club just north of 22nd.

The 1 Mile Walk begins at 7:00 a.m. and the 5K Walk/Run begins at 8:00 a.m. Survivors Ceremony begins at 9:45 a.m. There will be many vendors on hand from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. For more info please visit www.komensaz.org

Come out and support one of the most important benefits in Tucson, bring your mother, bring your grandmother, bring your neighbors mothers. Just get out and support a cause that is so important to all of us.

One small way that you can do your part is by simply clicking here and letting your Facebook friends and family know about the event. Even if you can't make it!

Are There Really Any Wrong Notes on The Bass?

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 21:21:00 +0000

Lately I have been getting writers block. No, not when writing here in my blog but when soloing.Now my current job with Tucson's premier variety band GRIND does not require much soloing of me [and maybe that is part of my problem] but I do have one spot that I play almost every night. And it seems that I have begun to over think every note, position and theme that I play.

And I know better....there really is no wrong notes, I should not fear any note on the bass. And I was reminded of that this morning when I was watching this video of my good friend Anthony Wellington. Anthony has a great attitude and approach to teaching bass as well as thoughts on life in general. Watch the video and when you get a chance make sure to check out Anthony's website Bassology.Net.

Aaron Gonzales and Road Runner Gunner

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 03:43:00 +0000

This just couldn't be called the Tucson Bass Player blog without including a big shout out to one of my favorite Tucson Bass Players and good friend Aaron Gonzales. Take a minute to check out Aaron's new band "Roadrunner Gunner". They are calling themselves Rockabilly/Alternative Country, the rest of us are calling them.....SMOKIN GOOD!

While doing a tour of duty on a European Cruise ship in 2010 Aaron found that one of the most popular theme nights the band did was 50's night. Doing these 50's tunes with a Rockabilly twist is going to be a great niche for Roadrunner Gunner. Especially in the southwestern U.S. where these guys reside.

In their first press release Roadrunner Gunner describes themselves as........Featuring music from the 50's and current Rockabilly Artist. From Elvis to the Rev. Horton Heat this band brings live entertainment back to the dance floor the way it used to be. High energy with attention to stage presence you will not know who to watch. With a studio date for mid April 2011 the band will release it's first EP containing 5 originals and 1 remake by summer 2011.

Rounding out the band is Mark Brown on vocals, Dax Determan on guitars and Brandon Smith on drums. The guys have just completed their first demo, take a few minutes to check out what the "Gunners" are all about.

To book Roadrunner Gunner just click here to contact Aaron on Facebook. Aaron counts on Mark Bass amps and is sponsored by Mono Bass cases.

Victor Wooten Announces VIX Records, Re-Releases “A Show of Hands”

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 04:37:00 +0000

Victor Wooten will be expanding his musical footprint as he launches VIX Records, his self owned label on which he will release all of his future albums. The new record label will give Vic “complete control of his creations,” as well as help others keep their voice.

“We aim to provide, by example, a different standard and model for record labels and artists, as well as for how they relate to each other,” the five time Grammy winner explains. “Following my successful approach of creating Music that focuses on filling my soul rather than my pockets, I’ve found that this is the best recipe for doing both.“

To celebrate the move, Wooten is re-releasing his solo debut with bonus material. Available in March, A Show of Hands-15 contains the re-mastered versions of the original songs from the groundbreaking album along with three new tracks, including two with drummer JD Blair plus another unedited live solo by Wooten.

Posted courtesy of NoTreble.Com

GRIND Playing "One Time Man, Two Time Woman" at the Fox Theater January 8th 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 17:18:00 +0000

The Tucson Bass Player with GRIND Playing "One Time Man, Two Time Woman" at the Fox Theater January 8th 2011 in Tucson Arizona.

GRIND and The Tucson Bass Player at The Fox Theater

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:19:00 +0000

I'll admit, it's the one venue that has eluded me. The beautiful Fox Theater in downtown Tucson. Growing up in the sixties it was the place to go on the weekends. Movies, music, kids shows. You name it. But the place fell on hard times and became, well, a dump.

In recent years the place has been brought back to it's glory years with a complete make over and renovation. And this Saturday I get the chance to finally play there with Tucson's Premier Variety GRIND. The show is presented in conjunction with Downtown's 2nd Saturdays thanks to some amazing sponsors that include Jim Click Automotive, MEB Property Management, Hollis Graphics, Cox Communications and Wells Fargo Bank have joined founding sponsor, Providence Service Corporation.

Please take a minute to email the sponsors and thank them for everything they do for Fox Theater and the downtown area.

See you Saturday!

Rocco Prestia and His New TC Electronic Staccato'51 Bass Amp

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 17:57:00 +0000

The bass world's response to the introduction of the award winning RH450 and Classic450 has been overwhelming. Now, with the help of a true world class bass legend, they introduce their third amp to deliver instant world class bass tone. TC Electronics is proud to present their cooperation with Tower Of Power's Rocco Prestia on the new Staccato'51.

Think of legendary bass players and Francis Rocco Prestia features on every list. For over 40 years now Rocco's bass has been underpinning the groove for Californian funk legends Tower of Power. In that time Rocco has defined his own style and become synonymous with the much imitated 'Finger Style Funk' that he pioneered back in the '60s and '70s.

Laura Clapp presents the new Staccato'51 bass amp to Rocco and interviews his bass tech and Tower of Power soundman.

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Ready to Take Your Bass Playing to Another Level?

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 17:10:00 +0000

I rarely find myself making shameless promotions of bass instructional books these days. But I can't resist when it comes to Gary Willis and his 101 Bass Tips: Stuff All the Pros Know and Use.

Gary presents valuable how to insight that bassists of all styles and levels can benefit from. The text, photos, music, diagrams and accompanying 64 track CD provide a terrific, easy to use resource for a variety of topics, including: techniques, improvising and soloing, equipment, practicing, ear training, performance, theory, and much more.

Here is link to buy 101 Bass Tips: Stuff All the Pros Know and Use on Amazon.Com today. I can't think of a better gift for that bass thumping loved one.

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Warning Against Trying to Play Like Victor Wooten

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 17:04:00 +0000

So if you are going to try and copy Victor Wooten's bass playing style, you better have his style of strap and strap locks.

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Own a Fodera? You Can Come to Victor Wooten's Nature/Bass camp

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 05:36:00 +0000

Fodera Guitars, founded in 1983, have quickly become the “Stradivarius” of bass guitars. Creators Vinny Fodera and Joey Lauricella are already legends in the elite world of luthiers. Fodera’s craftsmanship, beauty, sound, and playability, is now the model for which many other companies pattern their instruments. Fortunately, as fate would have it, Victor and Fodera’s love affair started in that first year back in 1983. The rest … is history (or the future.)

Fodera Camp is the opportunity for ALL Fodera owners to come together for the first time to celebrate as one. Join Vinnie, Joey, Victor, and other Fodera users from around the world to share, learn, play, (and brag about our instruments.)

Join us for:
· Fodera artist concerts everyday
· Lessons and classes with world class Fodera users
· Building and maintenance workshops with Joey, Vinnie, and the Fodera staff
· See some of the first Fodera instruments ever built
· Unique B/N Camp workshops and exercises
· Prizes, giveaways, great fun & food
· Join Joey and Victor for their birthday celebration
· And much, much, more!

Criteria: Must own and bring a Fodera instrument.
Dates: September 6 – 11, 2011
Age: All ages.
Place: Wooten Woods Retreat
Cost: $1,250. (price may change)

For more info visit Vic's Nature/Bass camp Link

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Thanks Catalina Guitars!

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 14:21:00 +0000

I must admit that I, and GRIND, went into our first show at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville this weekend crossing our fingers that our beloved Fender Jazz Bass was really repaired. After a couple of nightmare weekends of the mysterious disappearing bass while we were playing, confidence is back.

I would suggest that any Fender M-Series Jazz Bass owners don't wait for this to happen. Just take it now, if fact, run right now down to Catalina Guitars and have Garry hard wire the ground to all of the components as he did on this bass. These basses rely on the input jack grounding to the backing plate and are extremely prone to failure. My bass had half the normal output when I brought it in to Garry.

Check out Catalina Guitars online at Catalina Guitars.Com or give Garry a call at 520-886-0799

About Catalina Guitars.....
Catalina Guitars is aptly named for the mountain range that towers to 9,300ft close by in Tucson, Arizona. It is the first dedicated music repair business in Sothern Arizona that is fully capable of servicing stringed and electronic instruments & equipment as well as making custom instruments, all under its own roof. As a result, many Tucson east side music stores frequently refer repairs directly from their own customers and send in-store stock for repair. The strength of in-house skills and personal style of customer service at Catalina Guitars is the biggest reason it is able to survive and grow in a tough economy against "home garage" based competition as well as regional repair houses. Catalina Guitars was founded at the end of 2004, quickly building its reputation with local clients, professional individuals, as well as retail stores both in and out-of-state. Catalina Guitars maintains certification from several guitar manufacturers, and also serves as an authorized repair facility for several electronic audio equipment manufacturers.

Garry Knight - Luthier & Electronics Engineer
Garry Knight is the owner of Catalina Guitars and is originally from Essex just east of London England. He made his first solidbody electric guitar in the mid ‘70s at age thirteen. From age 16 he trained as an electronics engineer, but continued to gain first hand experience in stringed instrument making & repair, also learning from several luthiers & technicians over the years. Moving to the US in 1992, Garry played, made & repaired guitars while continuing his successful career as a design engineering manager. Catalina Guitars was founded in 2004 to sell parts, repair instruments & to make stringed instruments. As a luthier with over 30 years of luthier & electronics experience, Garry has produced many complete instruments & parts for clients as far away as Europe & all over North America. Garry brings skills and experiences unavailable from any other instrument repair businesses in Arizona.

We Survive Another Halloween!

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:54:00 +0000

Halloween has to be one of the best nights/weekends of the year for musicians. The fans are always at their best. Saturday nights best costume had to be GRIND lead singer Joleen Dedmon's Cleopatra outfit. Here she is singing "I Need You Now". See you Saturday November 6th at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville in Glendale Arizona.

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GRIND - Gun Powder and Lead

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:36:00 +0000

The Tucson Bass Player with Tucson's best variety band, GRIND.

Video courtesy of Karen Lynn Handley

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Cirque Tokyo Bassist Craig Harris

noreply@blogger.com (Ray C. Parrish) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 23:31:00 +0000

Let's take a trip to Japan....actually you can enjoy the wonders of Tokyo by following this great bassist Craig Harris on Facebook. He takes and post videos almost daily of his adventures moving around Tokyo as well as at his gig there with Cirque Du Soleil Tokyo Disneyland ZED.

Here is his latest video, great primer into the world of slapping.

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