Can't argue with science!
That last sentence, though: "Something to think of the next time you're tempted to groan when the bass player steps up to do their solo." Ugh. I'm tempted to groan b/c so many bass solos represent the opposite of keeping the song together.
I agree with both of your comments.
1.] you can't argue with science
2.] so many bass solos represent the opposite of keeping the song together.
I can handle the occasional slow the tempo down to draw everyone in and then show 'em what you got thing. That's cool with me in small doses, like maybe once a night. Makes the solo stand out more, and even get remembered. When you use that technique in every freakin' song, as so many jazz bands do, it tends to dilute rather than enhance your overall performance. Unless you're Superman, you're going to be rehashing the same licks over and over in a rather self serving attempt to milk more applause . If you're playing a short solo line that is the backbone or the groove of the song, like "Tighten Up", WTF solo your ass off all night long
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Rick