Backing Tracks

At last, bass players around the world are allowed a rare, in-depth look into the style and technique of one of the most influential electric bassists of our time. In a logical step-by-step approach, Tower of Power bassist Francis Rocco Prestia clearly explains his percussive "ghosting & muting" techniques and demonstrates the importance of a "balanced" bass line. Twelve Tower of Power tunes are used to illustrate his approach to funk & half-time shuffles, straight-8th, 16th-note and 12/8 funk, ballads and more.  Read more . . .

A walking bass line is the most common approach to jazz bass playing, but it is also used in rock music, blues, rockabilly, R&B, gospel, Latin, country and many other types of music. The term ÕwalkingÕ is used to describe the moving feeling that quarter notes create in the bass part. The specific goal of this book is to familiarize players with the techniques used to build walking bass lines and to make them aware of how the process works. Through the use of 90-minutesÕ worth of recorded rhythm tracks, players will have the opportunity to put the new learning directly into action.  Read more . . .

This book teaches how to learn to improvise for all instruments. Jamey's message is that it is easy to improvise. He introduces a way of practicing that starts simple and adds complexity step by step. There is much wisdom here, though sometimes a bit scattered and not that organized. The book is more practical than analytical, with short chapters on different topics and many musical examples and licks. I think the main strength with this book lies in the inspirational tone and the play-a-longs on the companion cd. I really like to play along with the songs.  Read more . . .