Tom plays on a bunch of artists records that I've worked with too. Tom has such a deep deep bag, I still see him do things that surprise me. He is probably one of the most versatile guitar players in the world, and I don't say that lightly. I lived in Nashville and am still in town a bunch for work and fare pretty well stylistically- but Buk is a different level. He has SO much knowledge, it's staggering.
Love your channel, I also watch Uncle Larry every time he posts. Both you guys provide great information to keep one inspired. I will agree Tom is on a whole other level to most humans.
Hey John, Nashville guitar player here =) First, great video! second, if you (or anybody that is reading this comment) is interested in session playing, specially the kinda stuff that we play here, I would highly recommend checking out Sol Philcox-Littlefield's course on TrueFire (hope you don't mind the shout, since they actually sponsor the video). Tons of great stuff from a guy that is relatively new for the scene (compared to Tom, Brent, etc) but is playing on some major records!! Cheers!!
Best piece of advice I've heard in my life is exactly what Tom B said, turn your iem's down in the mix, not only does it help with hearing all other instruments it also helps you play with more definition, if your too loud you will tend to pick less aggressively even if it's a solo , love your channel by the way!
Also, focusing on solos or single note playing , isn’t really where session players shine, it’s more about what you can add to the background of the song, being able to solo or play technically should be a given nowadays everyone can play
Yeah. It's a very different world from when those top pro session players were starting out. I love to hears Tom's stories and his outlook on the music though, for sure.
The picking closer to the bridge thing is a cool thing to do, i do this at the beginning of Stevie Wonders "Superstition" and it makes it sound a bit more like a Clave and sounds more funky plus the notes pop out more give it a go 👍🏼 Tom is phenomenal 💯
Uncle Larry is the best ever. Homeschooling is amazing. I do however prefer gigging musicians to session players. I know that is not a fair comparison as both have their respective skill sets. But I have been checking out and closely following the recent collaboration between Guthrie Trapp and Tom Bukovac and watching some of thier live performances. The flow and poise with which Guthrie plays is just on a whole different level. I am sure Tom can do all that but when you play so many gigs something happens and nothing can equal that.!
Session players are brilliant at everything. Playing, arranging, writing and musical imagination, production etc. Your part of a team to make hit records. Your not there to just read from a chart.
There simply isn’t room in Nashville left I think a realistic way to look at the session thing, is it’s just so saturated now, Everyone can play their balls off now, technical ability is sort of the given now, where as back then it wasn’t. 8 year olds can shred now due to all the easy learning resources You probably have a better chance of becoming a pro athlete than you do earning a great living in Nashville recording guitar There is simply a great deal of luck in it nowadays, nothing less nothing more That being said having a great ear, learning what the song needs and calls for , are great attributes to have. A great improv ability on the fly etc..
Tom plays on a bunch of artists records that I've worked with too. Tom has such a deep deep bag, I still see him do things that surprise me. He is probably one of the most versatile guitar players in the world, and I don't say that lightly. I lived in Nashville and am still in town a bunch for work and fare pretty well stylistically- but Buk is a different level. He has SO much knowledge, it's staggering.
Versatile as long as you like the classic rock sound lol. Which I do.
Way …….way more to Tom’s playing ( which I also like) than classic rock. Not sure that pigeon hole is appropriate.
@stormcloud576 exactly my thoughts. That guy may have caught one episode. Tom does ambient, prog, acoustic. He's a hell of a piano player too.
I've been following you, John, for months and months. Brilliant playing-watching all the way from 🇵🇭!
Love your channel, I also watch Uncle Larry every time he posts. Both you guys provide great information to keep one inspired. I will agree Tom is on a whole other level to most humans.
Hey John, Nashville guitar player here =) First, great video! second, if you (or anybody that is reading this comment) is interested in session playing, specially the kinda stuff that we play here, I would highly recommend checking out Sol Philcox-Littlefield's course on TrueFire (hope you don't mind the shout, since they actually sponsor the video). Tons of great stuff from a guy that is relatively new for the scene (compared to Tom, Brent, etc) but is playing on some major records!! Cheers!!
Sol is a heavy hitter. Pretty sure one of my guitars used to belong to him. Seems like he is right up there with Buk and Kenny.
Best piece of advice I've heard in my life is exactly what Tom B said, turn your iem's down in the mix, not only does it help with hearing all other instruments it also helps you play with more definition, if your too loud you will tend to pick less aggressively even if it's a solo , love your channel by the way!
Also, focusing on solos or single note playing , isn’t really where session players shine, it’s more about what you can add to the background of the song, being able to solo or play technically should be a given nowadays everyone can play
Wow, another really nice composition in that intro! Those first two passes (theme and variation) are worth bookmarking for a Bandcamp release. -Tom
Great advice from Tom.
It seems to always boil down to the fundamentals - listening/ear, time, feel, emotional connection.
It's funny cuz I watch both of you almost every day.
Listen to Steve Lukather on "I Keep Forgettin" for a prefect example of the "plink" guitar sound. He uses it brilliantly for the little riff in there.
What a banger!
You had me cleaning my glasses, before I realised the camera was focussed on the lead edge of the guitar.
Uncle Larry is my favorite, I love your channel too! That 335 sounds sooo good! Cheers
Yeah.
It's a very different world from when those top pro session players were starting out.
I love to hears Tom's stories and his outlook on the music though, for sure.
Great content as usual - thank you! What are you using to get the e-bow/reverse decay type effect?
The picking closer to the bridge thing is a cool thing to do, i do this at the beginning of Stevie Wonders "Superstition" and it makes it sound a bit more like a Clave and sounds more funky plus the notes pop out more give it a go 👍🏼
Tom is phenomenal 💯
Uncle Larry is the best ever. Homeschooling is amazing. I do however prefer gigging musicians to session players. I know that is not a fair comparison as both have their respective skill sets. But I have been checking out and closely following the recent collaboration between Guthrie Trapp and Tom Bukovac and watching some of thier live performances. The flow and poise with which Guthrie plays is just on a whole different level. I am sure Tom can do all that but when you play so many gigs something happens and nothing can equal that.!
Session players are brilliant at everything. Playing, arranging, writing and musical imagination, production etc.
Your part of a team to make hit records. Your not there to just read from a chart.
Watching with my coffee.
😂 like how you used the R&B riff he said he’s done with.
Pourriez vous svp me dire quelle est la marque de vos sangles de guitare...
Je n'arrive pas à trouver merci.....
That a Tokai 335? Couldn't make out the headstock.
Looks like it to me
There simply isn’t room in Nashville left
I think a realistic way to look at the session thing, is it’s just so saturated now, Everyone can play their balls off now, technical ability is sort of the given now, where as back then it wasn’t. 8 year olds can shred now due to all the easy learning resources
You probably have a better chance of becoming a pro athlete than you do earning a great living in Nashville recording guitar
There is simply a great deal of luck in it nowadays, nothing less nothing more
That being said having a great ear, learning what the song needs and calls for , are great attributes to have. A great improv ability on the fly etc..
A lot of the great session players knew how to sight read, but that takes years to learn.
watching this on a 🚽
John, did you just say you used to sing Taylor Swift songs, or did I mishear?
Out of focus
You think he edited the video and missed that? Shit happens, shut up.
but in tune
Guitar isn’t. 😂
Use your ears - he's right on.