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Posts: 15329
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC
RE: Anyone using a looper with their... (in reply to joevidetto)
Some colleagues have used it. I understand the need for it, but honestly, to an audience, it is sort of the same as using a backing track of pre-recorded accompaniment. Basically, it is like Karaoke. I get that if you loop a simple progression you have the ability to “stretch out” and extend an improvised solo or whatever, repeat a melody as many times as needed, but in all honesty it is about having the “invisible guitarist” that kills the “live feel”. This is just my opinion. What I do instead, when I play solo, is a simple drum machine pattern where you can put the tempo you want (it is not a pre-set programmed length or tempo, but essentially a “loop” of percussion you can stop/start with a pedal), and when I improvise a solo, I construct it rhythmically and melodically on the fly such that I might hit bass notes or a single chord or triad at the right moments that gives the audience the impression of where I am in the tune. Even Entre dos Aguas, which you would think would be totally “empty” minus a rhythm guitar or bass, I can do this with, with very successful results interms of how the audience perceives it. They feel it is really just “me” playing guitar and the drum is just there to fill a couple holes so to speak. People even dance to it.
A couple of pieces I have a bass line going with the drum pattern (power trio ), and I think that works fine too. It is just the idea of a fake rhythm guitarist doesn’t work for some reason. Might has well have a programmed keyboard part and string section as well. Anyway, just my opinion based on years of performing and having similar thoughts. I have also done practically the same show with NO drum machine, just my guitar, and still pulled it off, but I am doing 50% singing rumbas these days. One thing you will notice only playing with a drum machine, is your timing and melodic constructions as improvisations improve immensely.
RE: Anyone using a looper with their... (in reply to joevidetto)
quote:
“invisible guitarist” that kills the “live feel”. This is just my opinion. What I do instead, when I play solo, is a simple drum machine pattern
First off - I tend to agree with you as a musician...there is something magical lost when you use a looper. That said, I'm not so sure if the loss outweighs the gain to an audience member that is not a musician. Of course - there is also a question of how much backing you add, hence your acceptance of a drum/percussion backing, which I agree sounds like it would result in less of the loss of magic than adding more melody instruments.
The other thing - if used sparingly and if you create the backing tracks in front of the audience, is I think it can give them some sense of the creative process....all that just my opinion as someone who has never gigged or even used backing tracks in the privacy of my home...but instead as an audience member that plays an instrument.
RE: Anyone using a looper with their... (in reply to joevidetto)
Yeah I'm getting into it, it's good for solo gigs, I copy what Josemi Carmona does, just a lil backing nothing more, some gipsy Kings etc, paco de lucia, good to keep up the practice while earning something the boomerang seems to be working well for me atm
RE: Anyone using a looper with their... (in reply to joevidetto)
quote:
there is something magical lost when you use a looper.
Looper for solo act yes. For 2 guys no? Imagine one of them does looper's dirty work throughout the show and the other guy does his soloing, steals the show and takes one of the hot babes with him after the show.