Pocket Aces (Collab with Karmatoburn) by Drew Kopr
Genre: Jazz (instrumental)

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Description:
This is a jam-based groove on which Karmatoburn laid down a series of tasty parts. I don't really consider it jazz-instrumental, but there is no category called jam-based tasty groove.
The tune originated from a drum beat performed by a live drummer (McBoy would need to give us his name, as we have no idea who he is). I took a section of his beat, cut it out and looped it. From that, the bass line was developed.
After mixing bass and drums, Karma added the keys/organ parts to solidify the feel and melodic underpinnings. From four introductory notes of the piano solo, the melody lead sections were influenced and developed, along with the solo played by the guitar sounding instrument (piccolo bass).
All guitar sounds are actually played on a slightly modified Fender Mustang bass, which now sounds much like a guitar but has the same tuning and spacing as a typical four-string bass. A high-pitched bass like this one often is referred to as a "piccolo" bass.
The title behind the tune emanates from that feeling you involuntarily receive anytime when playing Texas Hold'em and are dealt pocket aces. You feel great and scared at the same time, knowing the likelihood is good that you will either win a small or medium pot, or lose a huge pot when someone else sucks out and beats you. The bass line is like your heart starting to race!
P.S., I forgot to mention--I'm playing bass and piccolo bass; Karma is performing all of the keys; and there is a looped live drum track. Hope you enjoy the tune and thanks for checking it out.
The tune originated from a drum beat performed by a live drummer (McBoy would need to give us his name, as we have no idea who he is). I took a section of his beat, cut it out and looped it. From that, the bass line was developed.
After mixing bass and drums, Karma added the keys/organ parts to solidify the feel and melodic underpinnings. From four introductory notes of the piano solo, the melody lead sections were influenced and developed, along with the solo played by the guitar sounding instrument (piccolo bass).
All guitar sounds are actually played on a slightly modified Fender Mustang bass, which now sounds much like a guitar but has the same tuning and spacing as a typical four-string bass. A high-pitched bass like this one often is referred to as a "piccolo" bass.
The title behind the tune emanates from that feeling you involuntarily receive anytime when playing Texas Hold'em and are dealt pocket aces. You feel great and scared at the same time, knowing the likelihood is good that you will either win a small or medium pot, or lose a huge pot when someone else sucks out and beats you. The bass line is like your heart starting to race!
P.S., I forgot to mention--I'm playing bass and piccolo bass; Karma is performing all of the keys; and there is a looped live drum track. Hope you enjoy the tune and thanks for checking it out.
Hardware:
Fender P Bass (w/ Lindy Fralin jazz pickup added); Fender Mustang (modified into a piccolo bass); drums; keys.Software:
GB and I think Karmatoburn uses Protools.You must be registered and logged-in to comment.



















thetiler
this is one great funky tune bar none.
I think if Sanford & Son heard this maybe they would of picked this one instead of their theme tune :)
Incredible funk, maybe the funkiest tune I've hear here at mj.
Really like the bass of course, but also the lead guitar and drums have all the right beats in the RIGHT places!
WaY To GO !
Drew Kopr
Tiler, you crack me up...Sanford and Son!! LOL Tx for checking it out.
TG
Fun listening jam!
Drew Kopr
Tx for listening!
ktb
I would (and often do) jam to this whilst cranking the PA and having some friends over to jam. I am still very much in awe that you created all those amazing "guitar like" sounds from your arsenal of bass axes.
Not to mention the in the pocket lead lines you laid in. Appreciate the opportunity of sittin in.
Drew Kopr
John, tx tons for taking the time to lay down those great keys parts. Very well done! Next groove I'll hit ya up.
Feter
O My Goodness ...this is kinda funky rockin jazz combo !
incredible incredible work jammin session ..totally
a blowin mind kinda groove ..the bass the keys the guitar
all so powerful and moody ...Deepest bow !!!!
Drew Kopr
[Preface...somehow macjams stuck this comment below, though it was a response to feter's post here. Thus, I'm re-responding]
Right on, I consider this a mix of genres. This particular one I believe is best described as tasty groove, which is slightly lighter-hearted than funk groove or rock groove...the jam part involves the free-flowing almost totally improvised feel; thus, jam-based tasty groove!!
ledebutant
I was happy to read the description before I pressed play and see that you played piccolo bass. It just sounds so freaking cool every time and this time was no exception. It was also a ton of fun to listen to the song knowing your thoughts behind the music. I think it'd be fun to play poker with you sometime!
You guys are so tight on this, but it's no shock considering the players. I'd love to hear a whole album with you two, bringing PV in for the drums.
Drew Kopr
L., so pleased you like the sound of the Piccolo bass, and I totally agree it would be wonderful to develop tons more music with PV and Karma. If you ever travel to Atlanta, you have an open invitation to my home cash game! Better bring the game face though!!
Drew Kopr
Right on, I consider this a mix of genres. This particular one I believe is best described as tasty groove, which is slightly lighter-hearted than funk groove or rock groove...the jam part involves the free-flowing almost totally improvised feel; thus, jam-based tasty groove!!
davisamerica
and funky cool .... great track !
Drew Kopr
Tx bro! Much appreciated.
WildlifeAnalysis
Great stuff, very tight and punchy. Great energy - Cool stuff guys :)
Drew Kopr
Tx for checking it out. Tight and punchy rules.
kassia
Yeah! Wow what a way to wake up this morning! This is awesome. Totally had me moving around. The beats are great, that bass is KILLER and the keys and piccolo bass are fantastic. It just all moves together seamlessly. Really, an incredible jam. Give us more!
Drew Kopr
Will do re jams. Tx for checking it out.
tempie
lots of tasty bits floating around between the ears. and there is nothing better than a piccolo bass...
Drew Kopr
Very glad you like the piccolo. Its a blast to play.
Ed Hannifin
I'm amazed that the sound I'm hearing is a piccolo bass, first of all... I think Stanley Clarke used to play one, but I don't remember it sounding so guitar-like...
I really enjoy your bass playing, and I continue to enjoy what ktb brings to collaborations...
Ed
Drew Kopr
Tx for listening Ed! Yes, Clarke used a much larger gauge string on his piccolo. You can change the sound that way. For example, if i put standard bass strings on this piccolo, which I can do, it sounds almost exactly like a standard precision bass. With the light gauge strings, sounds more like a guitar. Clarke used betweener strings, so his sounds almost like both a guitar and bass.
mackellar
PHAT PHONK!
Drew Kopr
Phat is where it's at.
egobandit
Some really cool riffin and leading the bass on this is great ! A piccolo I have to check that out! A most excellent jive walking down the street! :)
Drew Kopr
Glad you enjoyed it! Tx for listening.
jamorama
I've been away too long -- your bass really does rock.
-jamorama
Drew Kopr
Tx very much for compliments on my bass playing! There are so many great bassists, I just try to do my best ya know. Tx for listening.
btransue
LAMONT! :) Funny...Can I use this as the new Mornings in Sonoma theme song?
Love that piccolo bass Drew. Gets me thinking...I have just the Axe to pull that off around here. Thanks for te funkspiration drewd!
Drew Kopr
Blaine my man! Great to hear from you. Of course you can use this tune however you like. No problem. I hope you are doing well man and next time I'm in Napa I'll get in touch with ya. I didn't make it out this year, but next year is looking good. I have another one you may like...check out http://www.macjams.com/song/47749
craft
love the funkiness.. Tasty song
Drew Kopr
Thanks very much for checking out the song.
apb
.. performances all round .. you sound like you are all in the same room .. and it expresses that feeling of contained glee but racing heart very well... excellent inspiration.
Balance in the mix is great too .. but first thing that struck me was it was a very bright mix, really trebly .. big reverbs too... but that's just a taste thing .. on second listen, it didn't bother me... prolly just contrast.
These funky pieces always remind me of some latent 70s Sesame Street shows/interlude music (no dialog shorts they used to do) I must have watched when in my youth.
Well cool.
Drew Kopr
Yes, this definitely has a 70's vibe to it. Tx for listening!!
echoroom
A great groove here guys... made even this white boy feel like he has some soul! Go girl!
Drew Kopr
You got soul baby! I've heard it!!!