Accordion bass side when playing with a bass player

[Sarah]

I'm looking for a technique how to play accordion bass side
when playing with a bass player (bass guitar / double bass).

I think standard "um-pah, um-pah"
or playing only right hand
isn't the best solution.

Do you have any tips & tricks?

 

[TomBR]

Nothing direct, but heres a nice video in that combination, Karen Tweed and James Budden

 

[Zevy]

<FONT font=Garamond><SIZE size=125><COLOR color=#0040FF>Heres what I do:

First and most important rule: Stay out of the bass players way! Even if you are playing in the piccolo range, if you play any bass line, even 1-5-1-5, you will clash.
Second: Play accompanying parts, such as block bass & chords. But no oom-pah.
Third: If thats not possible, just dont play the left hand.
Fourth: If you forget, go back to rule #1.

Heres an example. The sound is bad (amateur recording in a basement) so turn the volume down:


Here is another reason not to play the usual bass & chord patterns while playing with others: Your melody line will be compromised. See the above video and notice when the accordion takes a solo.

 

[rbs]

I think it depends a bit on the situation.

If it's some sort of session, where there is no agreed arrangement, then just play the right hand. If, however, the melody has been written out, with the chords, and the bass player is happy with the chords, than you can probably play normally. But listen to the bass player, and if he appears to be doing something good, follow along.

 

[donn]

If, however, the melody has been written out, with the chords, and the bass player is happy with the chords, than you can probably play normally. But listen to the bass player, and if he appears to be doing something good, follow along.

You mean, follow along, in terms of what chords and general harmonic interpretation the bass seems to be working from, right?

Im just trying to steer clear of a possible ambiguity.

 

[ewarren88]

I agree with Zevy.

Accordion is a hobby for me. I am primarily a bassist in performance situations, and have endured numerous overzealous left hands from keyboardists, pianists, and yes, a few accordionists. It's taxing when someone follows this practice over three hours of playing.

If you are performing with a combo who went to the trouble of hiring a bassist, I suggest allowing that musician to cover that role (unless the gig is falling apart due to truly unskilled playing). Multiple bass parts don't often coexist well together - by playing your own interpretation you are essentially forcing a conscientious bassist to attempt to duplicate your left hand part or drop out altogether. This ranges from mildly annoying to infuriating for that musician who was brought to the event specifically to play bass parts.

I have actually resorted to playing chords up the neck of an electric bass in order to contribute to the music while accommodating a stubborn keyboardist.

Enjoy the opportunity for your left hand to experiment with other chord comping ideas! Maybe work on more complex chord combining accompaniment, since you're free from having to play the bass?

All the best!
Eric