YOUR QUESTION:

11/08/2019 4:29:49 Jackson

Hi Trevor,
love all records you're on! I particularly enjoy the Houdini 2005 record. So much to learn from that record.
I've been playing bass for a number of years now and want to look into improvisation. I have a good knowledge of modes and all that but difficulty making it sound musical. Do you have some tips for intermediate players? I've heard a great place to start is on a blues. Any tips for working on this? I've found myself in a but of a rut and looking for motivation/inspiration.
Any plans on coming back to Australia in the near future?

MY ANSWER:

The blues is definitely a great place to start and depending on what kind of improvisation you’re interested in you can go from there to learning some simple jazz tunes and applying your modes in that context. I highly recommend a hands-on approach by taking private lessons, playing with peers (a drummer and melodic instrument, i.e.) and learning your favorite songs, chord progressions and solos by ear. There is only so far you can go by sitting alone in a room playing scales. That, of course, is important, but to be musical you’ll need to be confronted with live situations and other humans; their choices and ideas, etc.
Push yourself and don’t be afraid to learn something that you might feel is beyond your level.