When Tim Goodwin, assistant jazz professor, and Ted Partin, adjunct jazz professor, play music at Java Cabana, some audience members can’t believe their eyes or ears.
Where is the lead singer, the pianist or the lead guitarist?
There isn’t one — just two bass players.
“When we set up, they look at us a little funny,” Goodwin said. “Most bass players usually accompany someone.”
Without drums, a horn or a guitar, Goodwin and Partin have to work hard at maintaining melody, harmony and rhythm.
Although they are both experienced players, this “unusual” band has been a challenge.
“We are not perfect,” Goodwin said. “There are two or three tunes that we’re probably not going to do again.”
They play songs from a mix of artists such as John Coltrane, Jimi Hendrix, The Police and Rufus and Chaka Khan.
Goodwin and Partin rarely rehearse for gigs, because there are certain standards each jazz musician should be familiar with. Most of the music is made up as they go along, Goodwin said.
Normally, bass players are expected to stay in the back and support the group, but both Goodwin and Partin said they were ready for the freedom to play how they wanted.
“It’s so unusual — this is bass all up front,” Goodwin said.
But freedom often comes with a price.
If it were not for different playing techniques, using various types of basses and a loop sampler, it would be hard to distinguish the two.
The loop sampler records a bass line and repeats it. While it’s playing, it allows Goodwin and Partin to play chords and improvise more.
It is difficult to complement the other person when both members are bassists, Goodwin said. Although Partin was once Goodwin’s student, he says their styles are noticeable.
“We’re different players,” Partin said. “My concept of tone is similar to his because he taught me, but I do a lot of slapping and tapping, and Tim’s more of a jazz man.”
Goodwin has been teaching at The University since 1984. He has traveled to Africa as part of the U.S. Department of State Jazz Ambassador Tour, and occasionally performs with DiAnne Price and Her Boyfriends, a local blues/jazz band.
Partin plays with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and is a member of the salsa band Orquestra Caliente, as well as playing with other groups around the city.
“Sometimes I play 13 gigs in a week,” Partin said. “I can complain that I’m not getting enough sleep, but I can’t complain about the amount of work.”
Although his week may seem full, Partin said he still finds time to collect and admire his basses.
“I have GAS. That’s Gear Acquisition Syndrome,” Partin said. “A lot of guys hot rod their cars — I buy basses.”
Partin has 11 basses, all named. His $1600 Peazey Cirrus bass, which has wood grain from all over the world, is aptly named Woody. His white fretless bass is named Snow White.
The name of the group has not been decided yet — right now they are informally known as “No Mas Bajo,” or No More Bass.
They perform Wednesdays at Java Cabana, 2170 Young, from 7:30-10 p.m.
