CLASS TOTORIAL THERE! LOVING IT. And that has to be the nuttiest, coolest version of Hucklebuck I think I've ever heard. I've been checking out the amp/speaker pile Lee favours. (Ampeg. They started with making their 'Baby' electric double basses, and amp/speakers. And even made bass guitars to give you that double bass 'thump'. So the history is there with them for double bass needs in their gear for rock n roll, blues, etc. ) The double bass slap fills almost the same role as heel/toe/slap/tone hits you use on african, brazilian and cuban hand drums. And each of those tones generally relate to how your body and feet, especially, move to each groove underlying the song/tune. Louisiana had New Orleans as it's main port to South America, The Bahamas, and Caribbean, with all those boats with all those rhythms, different drum types and instruments. And unusually for an American city associated with slavery, there the slaves, the servant-class, dockers and related, and sailors were allowed to party on the nearby square. What a melting pot, which gave us almost every embryonic form of roots dance music that was to come afterwards: Rhythm n Blues, Cajun, rockabilly, soul, funk, . Almost all genuine dance pattern music with real grooves, and more than one rythm at once working like harmony. Sing and dance via your instument and enjoy the freedom once you lock in to each thing.
Can't believe no-one has commented....I can't play any musical instruments but i absolutely love the slap bass....It my favorite instrument so thanks for this.
Thanks for the nice words. I was the drummer in Big Blue, a great band (IMO). Sound quality is weak here and out of sync. We he recorded two C.D.s on Black Top (cheap from Amazon now). Worth checking out. I wrote over half of the tunes (while in Big Blue) including "Find Another Man" (last tune on this session). Thanks, Henree DeBaun aka Hank Deluxe.
Lee is one of my all-time favorite players. I never learned how to play slap bass on the upright, but no one plays better. Also one of the nicest folks to talk with.
Great sound and nice to see it all explained like this, I am still in total awe of the way Willie Dixon played "Bassology" with such raw power and amazing feel, obviously him being a giant of a man helped but he was a giant in music as well. Lee Rocker is pretty darn cool as well.
Why don't you guys that are so critical put the link to your video's in your comment.. considering that your so much better known than Rocker ! I think it's one of the best instuctional videos on you tube ... oh by the way he makes a living playing music how much do you make I bet you don't even have a band.
Ithanks for putting this great lesson on TH-cam. I really like this long format lesson. I think the instructor is great in his explanations as well as demonstrating. Yes, the recording level is a bit hot which causes some distortion and extra buzzing, but that isn't the instructor fault and won't affect others playing same way. I'm not a technique expert but if you critique please reference specifics with links if possible. If my daughter gets into rockabilly I will buy the DVD for her to
I have nylon synthetic guts, mainly because they're cheaper and I haven't been playing that long, so they're easier too. When they need replaced, I'm thinking of going for some tri-cores. Composite, steel and nylon all in one.
I'm not sure about this set up, but I recently loosened the actual snare a bit on my drum so it rattles a bit more, and now the drum doesn't have such a sharp snap to it. To me this guys snare sounds kind of similar to what Ive been trying, but I could be totally wrong. I just find with the snare too tight to the bottom skin it's just too snappy sounding for this kind of music.
What I want to know is - are those steel strings or nylon strings? I've been playing a stand-up bass for years with steel strings but just wondering if I should have nylon strings if I want to learn slap bass??
People do play with steel strings for this style, but it will certainly be a lot more painful.. I'm using some 'Superior Bassworks' strings in this video, very cheap and really easy on the fingers.. /watch?v=Ps-2AM4KRnk
Just came across this video again and this comment.. Update: Don't use weedwhackers. Currently using Eurosonics which are metal cored wrapped in nylon. Though I'm thinking of upgrading to some Rotosound 4000's next
Becker and Fagan were not real musicians. They eventually were able to play a few cords. Some of NY best professional musicians did all the studio work! Including the singing.
holy fuck ive been wondering why so many of my peers in the roots music scene have whack-ass heavy handed white boy technique on the upright. its definitely 100% cuz theyve watched this video. what the fuck is up with this claw hand shit? grosssssssss.
True, the bass should have been better in tune. And the playing wasn't all 'performance' quality. However, the tuition was sound and I learned to play slap double bass from this video a few years ago, as did Scott from The Living End (in the 90s on actual VHS): th-cam.com/video/Sl3mM1Cvvo0/w-d-xo.html
CLASS TOTORIAL THERE! LOVING IT.
And that has to be the nuttiest, coolest version of Hucklebuck I think I've ever heard.
I've been checking out the amp/speaker pile Lee favours. (Ampeg. They started with making their 'Baby' electric double basses, and amp/speakers. And even made bass guitars to give you that double bass 'thump'. So the history is there with them for double bass needs in their gear for rock n roll, blues, etc. )
The double bass slap fills almost the same role as heel/toe/slap/tone hits you use on african, brazilian and cuban hand drums. And each of those tones generally relate to how your body and feet, especially, move to each groove underlying the song/tune.
Louisiana had New Orleans as it's main port to South America, The Bahamas, and Caribbean, with all those boats with all those rhythms, different drum types and instruments. And unusually for an American city associated with slavery, there the slaves, the servant-class, dockers and related, and sailors were allowed to party on the nearby square.
What a melting pot, which gave us almost every embryonic form of roots dance music that was to come afterwards: Rhythm n Blues, Cajun, rockabilly, soul, funk, .
Almost all genuine dance pattern music with real grooves, and more than one rythm at once working like harmony.
Sing and dance via your instument and enjoy the freedom once you lock in to each thing.
Can't believe no-one has commented....I can't play any musical instruments but i absolutely love the slap bass....It my favorite instrument so thanks for this.
Lots of great musicians are poor teachers but Lee Rocker’s teaching is excellent!
Lee Rocker is the best teacher on the slap bass
Thanks for the nice words. I was the drummer in Big Blue, a great band (IMO). Sound quality is weak here and out of sync. We he recorded two C.D.s on Black Top (cheap from Amazon now). Worth checking out. I wrote over half of the tunes (while in Big Blue) including "Find Another Man" (last tune on this session). Thanks, Henree DeBaun aka Hank Deluxe.
Bass is the balls of a band.
LEE, SLIM JIM AND BRIAN WERE AND STILL ARE BAD ASS. ALWAYS GREAT RUNNING INTO THEM ON LONG ISLAND IN THE 80'S. GOOD TIMES
His technique makes my muscles weep.
a dude played my bass like this one time and he pulled all the strings a whole step outta tune.
I love Lee Rocker He is very talented...
Lee Rocker the best bassplayer,
I'm a drummer but I love this style of music and double bass playing!
Lee is one of my all-time favorite players. I never learned how to play slap bass on the upright, but no one plays better. Also one of the nicest folks to talk with.
the best ! i'm a stray cats fan since 1981 !
I really like that technique of slapping!
Lee rocker = GOAT
Toute ma jeunesse !
Awesome slap bass player.
Great video. We love Lee and cover loads of his songs.
Great sound and nice to see it all explained like this, I am still in total awe of the way Willie Dixon played "Bassology" with such raw power and amazing feel, obviously him being a giant of a man helped but he was a giant in music as well. Lee Rocker is pretty darn cool as well.
Lee rocker king of the slap bass😎
I can't favorite or like this video enough
Lee Thanks for an amazing amazing lesson …you are the king of bass players
Cheers
Great instruction and a great band. Thanks.
What a student of the instrument
Thank you Roger I did not know this existed I t is good to know about it.
BRILLIANT!
Why don't you guys that are so critical put the link to your video's in your comment.. considering that your so much better known than Rocker !
I think it's one of the best instuctional videos on you tube ... oh by the way he makes a living playing music how much do you make I bet you don't even have a band.
Ok, thanks so much!! I'll check that out! :)
Ithanks for putting this great lesson on TH-cam. I really like this long format lesson. I think the instructor is great in his explanations as well as demonstrating. Yes, the recording level is a bit hot which causes some distortion and extra buzzing, but that isn't the instructor fault and won't affect others playing same way.
I'm not a technique expert but if you critique please reference specifics with links if possible.
If my daughter gets into rockabilly I will buy the DVD for her to
Cool video
this is brilliant , thank you very much, from the bottom of my heart , i know that sound emotional lol but seriously , thanks mate
Tendinitis asegurada con esas digitaciones!!
Exelent !!
Cool shit👍
Atomic boogie hour !!!
I have nylon synthetic guts, mainly because they're cheaper and I haven't been playing that long, so they're easier too. When they need replaced, I'm thinking of going for some tri-cores. Composite, steel and nylon all in one.
Remember I bought his school in Cd
I have the same suit :-)
My Uncle James Kirkland is one of the original slap bass players
My father, Elvis Presley, invented rock and roll music.
THE Jimmy Kirkland? Played with James Burton, Ricky Nelson, and Bob Luman?
I like his products at CostCo
I'm not sure about this set up, but I recently loosened the actual snare a bit on my drum so it rattles a bit more, and now the drum doesn't have such a sharp snap to it. To me this guys snare sounds kind of similar to what Ive been trying, but I could be totally wrong. I just find with the snare too tight to the bottom skin it's just too snappy sounding for this kind of music.
At the beginning, what was the drummer's snare drum setup?! I just seem to figure out that sound?!
Gut Strings or Steel.. Wich do you upright bass players prefer?
Lee has tuned his bass down 1/2 step for this video
12:35 = Kansas City
What I want to know is - are those steel strings or nylon strings? I've been playing a stand-up bass for years with steel strings but just wondering if I should have nylon strings if I want to learn slap bass??
Anybody know what kinda of strings he's using?
what kind of strings are these?
Jeff Buckley look here 🤣
6:00
14:30
And what's with the Darth Vader Barnet ?
Just *can't* seem to. Please help!
People do play with steel strings for this style, but it will certainly be a lot more painful..
I'm using some 'Superior Bassworks' strings in this video, very cheap and really easy on the fingers..
/watch?v=Ps-2AM4KRnk
Just came across this video again and this comment.. Update: Don't use weedwhackers. Currently using Eurosonics which are metal cored wrapped in nylon. Though I'm thinking of upgrading to some Rotosound 4000's next
He must be paying The "Billy" Police some bung to get these comments removed that fast.?
How did You,Brian, and The Drummer Ever Find Each Other to Form The Stray Cats?
The drummer is Slim Jim Phantom. Damn, I miss the Cats.
Lee! You Should Play With Steely Dan! I Think You Would Blow Becker and Fegan Away!
Becker and Fagan were not real musicians. They eventually were able to play a few cords. Some of NY best professional musicians did all the studio work! Including the singing.
They value precision a little too much.
DONK DONK....
Can't he take it ???
Come on I'm timing you.
wtf does that mean? lets see your bass /instruction/ manual Baby Einstein!~ huh..crickets eh?
is he super hungover
OH BROTHER BETTER TO GO TO "JOHNNY DATE FROM HELL ON YOU TUBE" JUST ALOT MORE ENTERTAINING AND INFORMATIONAL.....
holy fuck ive been wondering why so many of my peers in the roots music scene have whack-ass heavy handed white boy technique on the upright. its definitely 100% cuz theyve watched this video. what the fuck is up with this claw hand shit? grosssssssss.
Give him a break...he's a New Yorker, lol.
Oh God, what a disgusting sound! Copyright not affected)))
His E string sounds out of tune
Every note he plays sounds out of tune.
yeah, he shouldnt do this video
Too much distortion and not bassy enough.
Regardless of his technique, he plays out of tune, even for a rockabilly player.
Or...maybe he plays so in tune that you can't stand it?
daniel ryan he’s tuned a half step down, many slap bass players play that way for lower tension
Uh.. uh.... uh...... Can this guy say "uh" and "uhm" any more?... Jeez!
He's really not that great with technique at all huh? Damn...never noticed until now!
he is no good at all! you even don't have to be critical to hear that...
Carel, you have a right to your opinion, but my opinion is that you could not be more wrong if you tried.
True, the bass should have been better in tune. And the playing wasn't all 'performance' quality.
However, the tuition was sound and I learned to play slap double bass from this video a few years ago, as did Scott from The Living End (in the 90s on actual VHS):
th-cam.com/video/Sl3mM1Cvvo0/w-d-xo.html
This bass technique doesn’t sound good outside of the context of Rockabilly music. However, it’s the BACKBONE of the genre.