I think that even if the bass player and drummer have magical powers, there is no way they can possibly compensate for a lousy guitar player...

Q: How long does it take to tune a 12-string guitar?
A: No one knows...

I honestly don't think so. But it is definetly possible for a bad drummer to make a great bass player sound bad. I believe that good players become great players when coupled with great musicians. If the band sounds great together the coolest stuff comes out of nowhere.

Why do you ask Chris? I hope Mr. Froman doesn't read this! :)

I guess what I really meant to say was...

How come it's so easy for a bad drummer to
make a good bass player sound bad? I think
it has somthing to do with the amount of
sound a drum kit can deliver..

Usually I'm to busy watching Mr. Froman so I
don't get lost because I know that if we do get
lost, it's probably my fault!! :->

Yeah, it must be a pleasure to play with such a talented and creative drummer. But he is not exactly stuck with a hack on bass! You guys are awesome together.

...a drummer can NEVER have a "bad" night. I'm relatively sure a lotta us(bassists)have had an "off" night & the band survived the gig(somehow;-)
I do believe a good drummer can "help" a weak bass player.

It seems that the only person who actually
notices if the drummer has had an off night is
the bass player.. I think we are the only ones
who can confirm that bad drummers actually
exist!!
Kinda like knowing the Lock Ness Monster is
really there but no one believes you...:->

i think it works both ways, a good bass player can
hold back a rushing drummer(a little) and give a
boost to a dragging drummer, and visa/versa. but
the worst ones are the ones who do the "falling down the stairs fills" were you KNOW there is no
chance in hell he's comming back in on the one.
aloha,jerry

I think as bass players, we are always looking for that magical combination with a drummer. We've all seen the drummer with great technical chops, but can't find the pocket. Or, was it me who couldn't find the pocket? Hence, my belief that the partnership comes naturally. There are good drummers that I just don't jell with, and there are not so good drummers (technically) that I have had a blast playing with. Then there is that great drummer (technically) that I jell with...that's a blast. Our hope is to find a drummer that feels things the same way we do. Honestly, if I play with a rushing drummer I go with him to a degree. I have played with dragging drummers that made me want to sit down. Such a downer. Nothing is more fun that finding the groove with a good drummer. Can I make a bad drummer sound better? Only if I can stay awake.

Hello, everyone...
Like much else in life, it all kinda depends. If the bad drummer in question is "impressionable" because of your rep, stance, or the fact that you got six inches and seventy pounds on him, you may be able to get him to listen to you and can hold his evil tendencies in check. There are those cats out there that are on automatic pilot that will gravitate to you if you are laying the time down with some authority. But yes, there are those situations where ya gotta decide, Do we fight or do I go with him. In the heat of the moment I generally opt for peace in the valley, but if it happens every tune, it's time to take somebody aside for A Little Talk.
As far as hook-up, if everybody listens I don't think there should ever be a problem.
Oh, and Chris, are you still playing with Ian on a regular basis? I know he's doing quite a bit around the city ,but it's been awhile since I've had a chance to see him play.

Hi Ed,
Yes, Ian and I play pretty consistently. We have probably toured about 3 or 4 times a year together since about 94'. I was just in NY and had the wonderful opportunity to play with him and Ben Monder (guitar) in a trio setting. It was great!

Ian and I are touring for 3 weeks in July throughout Europe with Metalwood, a Canadian group that he and I have played in for the past 3 or 4 years.

I definately feel he is one of the strongest drummers around. He is a great friend and an absolute joy to play with. I am in the process of seeing if he will do an interview for Active Bass on "Bass players from the Drummers perspective".. I think it would be valuable to see what drummers have to say about the bass.