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Jamming vs Working
Re: Jamming vs Working
>>>>>>>>>>>>they stood around and asked, "What do
you want to play?". "I don't know what do YOU want to play?" <<<<<<<<<
This is a universally heard phrase in all types of music. In my barbershop
group you hear this several times a night from guys singing in quartets.
As for the topic, I read that Queen rehearsed for 2 years before they
their first gig.
SotR
>>>>>>>>>>>>they stood around and asked, "What do
you want to play?". "I don't know what do YOU want to play?" <<<<<<<<<
This is a universally heard phrase in all types of music. In my barbershop
group you hear this several times a night from guys singing in quartets.
As for the topic, I read that Queen rehearsed for 2 years before they
their first gig.
SotR
Re: Jamming vs Working
That's because Queen wasn't covering their own material, which hadn't been
written yet.
OTOH - years ago, my excellent singer friend came up on stage at one of my
gigs, and we did a great pick up version of "Fat Bottom Girls" with no
preplanning whatsoever. Of course, we didn't have to write it first...
.
"SotR" <flippy@ssm,com > wrote in message
news:7z8Sj.333$3O7.304@newssvr19.news.prodigy,net ...
> >>>>>>>>>>>>they stood around and asked, "What do
> you want to play?". "I don't know what do YOU want to play?" <<<<<<<<<
>
> This is a universally heard phrase in all types of music. In my barbershop
> group you hear this several times a night from guys singing in quartets.
>
> As for the topic, I read that Queen rehearsed for 2 years before they
> their first gig.
>
> SotR
>
>
That's because Queen wasn't covering their own material, which hadn't been
written yet.
OTOH - years ago, my excellent singer friend came up on stage at one of my
gigs, and we did a great pick up version of "Fat Bottom Girls" with no
preplanning whatsoever. Of course, we didn't have to write it first...
.
"SotR" <flippy@ssm,com > wrote in message
news:7z8Sj.333$3O7.304@newssvr19.news.prodigy,net ...
> >>>>>>>>>>>>they stood around and asked, "What do
> you want to play?". "I don't know what do YOU want to play?" <<<<<<<<<
>
> This is a universally heard phrase in all types of music. In my barbershop
> group you hear this several times a night from guys singing in quartets.
>
> As for the topic, I read that Queen rehearsed for 2 years before they
> their first gig.
>
> SotR
>
>
Re: Jamming vs Working
"js" <nothing AT nothing DOT com> wrote:
> That's because Queen wasn't covering their own material, which hadn't been
> written yet.
And they were all busy studying difficult stuff like astrophysics...
It's sometimes difficult to keep in mind that many bands who have had
long and distinguished professional careers started out as a bunch of
friends jamming in their spare time.
I think it is safe to say that Queen didn't spend another 2 years
preparing for their second gig...
--- Derek
--
Derek Tearne - derek@url.co.nz
Many Hands - Trans Cultural Music from Aotearoa/New Zealand
http :// www .manyhands.co.nz/
"js" <nothing AT nothing DOT com> wrote:
> That's because Queen wasn't covering their own material, which hadn't been
> written yet.
And they were all busy studying difficult stuff like astrophysics...
It's sometimes difficult to keep in mind that many bands who have had
long and distinguished professional careers started out as a bunch of
friends jamming in their spare time.
I think it is safe to say that Queen didn't spend another 2 years
preparing for their second gig...
--- Derek
--
Derek Tearne - derek@url.co.nz
Many Hands - Trans Cultural Music from Aotearoa/New Zealand
http :// www .manyhands.co.nz/
Re: Jamming vs Working
Derek Tearne wrote:
> "js" <nothing AT nothing DOT com> wrote:
>
>> That's because Queen wasn't covering their own material, which hadn't been
>> written yet.
>
> And they were all busy studying difficult stuff like astrophysics...
>
> It's sometimes difficult to keep in mind that many bands who have had
> long and distinguished professional careers started out as a bunch of
> friends jamming in their spare time.
>
> I think it is safe to say that Queen didn't spend another 2 years
> preparing for their second gig...
>
> --- Derek
>
They spent 2 years trying out bass players....
--
Les Cargill
Derek Tearne wrote:
> "js" <nothing AT nothing DOT com> wrote:
>
>> That's because Queen wasn't covering their own material, which hadn't been
>> written yet.
>
> And they were all busy studying difficult stuff like astrophysics...
>
> It's sometimes difficult to keep in mind that many bands who have had
> long and distinguished professional careers started out as a bunch of
> friends jamming in their spare time.
>
> I think it is safe to say that Queen didn't spend another 2 years
> preparing for their second gig...
>
> --- Derek
>
They spent 2 years trying out bass players....
--
Les Cargill
Re: Jamming vs Working
Axtman wrote:
> This is why I quit my previous band. They just wanted to get together and
> jam. At my last practice with them, they stood around and asked, "What do
> you want to play?". "I don't know what do YOU want to play?" We wasted a
> few hours farting around when we could have at least tried out new songs or
> arrangements or worked out the rough spots.
>
> I have been told at work to never call a meeting unless you have a written
> agenda. I tried to convince them to get a list of songs together that we
> needed to work on. It worked for 1 practice then reverted to "What do you
> want to play?..........."
>
> My time is too valuable to be wasted on lack of direction or decisiveness.
Here's something I've done over the years. I make a list of all of the
songs and print it out. They go in a lined grid. There's space at the
top to write the rehearsal date. At each rehearsal whoever calls out the
songs (usually guitarist or singer) checks off that song as having been
played.
First, just having the list is helpful so you don't have to try to
remember 50 song titles. Second, as time goes on, you can see which
songs you haven't done in while (lack of check marks). That makes it a
LOT easier for someone to pick a song. If you don't have a lot of songs,
then just starting with the ones you didn't do last practice is a good
way to go.
In my last band the guitarist switched between his Les Paul and Strat
depending on the song. So he put an L, S or L/S next to each song title.
That way when the singer called out the songs, he wouldn't be calling
out a Strat song while the guitarist was wearing the Les Paul.
I can recall having done this with three different bands. It was well
received each time and made practices much more efficient. Even my last
band, which was very organized, found it very useful.
I've posted a blank Word document if anybody wants it.
http :// www .azwebpages,com /download/songlist.doc
Axtman wrote:
> This is why I quit my previous band. They just wanted to get together and
> jam. At my last practice with them, they stood around and asked, "What do
> you want to play?". "I don't know what do YOU want to play?" We wasted a
> few hours farting around when we could have at least tried out new songs or
> arrangements or worked out the rough spots.
>
> I have been told at work to never call a meeting unless you have a written
> agenda. I tried to convince them to get a list of songs together that we
> needed to work on. It worked for 1 practice then reverted to "What do you
> want to play?..........."
>
> My time is too valuable to be wasted on lack of direction or decisiveness.
Here's something I've done over the years. I make a list of all of the
songs and print it out. They go in a lined grid. There's space at the
top to write the rehearsal date. At each rehearsal whoever calls out the
songs (usually guitarist or singer) checks off that song as having been
played.
First, just having the list is helpful so you don't have to try to
remember 50 song titles. Second, as time goes on, you can see which
songs you haven't done in while (lack of check marks). That makes it a
LOT easier for someone to pick a song. If you don't have a lot of songs,
then just starting with the ones you didn't do last practice is a good
way to go.
In my last band the guitarist switched between his Les Paul and Strat
depending on the song. So he put an L, S or L/S next to each song title.
That way when the singer called out the songs, he wouldn't be calling
out a Strat song while the guitarist was wearing the Les Paul.
I can recall having done this with three different bands. It was well
received each time and made practices much more efficient. Even my last
band, which was very organized, found it very useful.
I've posted a blank Word document if anybody wants it.
http :// www .azwebpages,com /download/songlist.doc
Re: Jamming vs Working
On Apr 30, 6:00 pm, handgunner <handgun...@cox,net > wrote:
> On Apr 30, 4:56 pm, Jim Carr <newsgro...@azwebpages,com > wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > This was in a local Craigslist ad. I thought it was pretty spot-on. It
> > kinda ties into an e-mail discussion I had recently with a guy who
> > wanted a talented bass player in his 30s or older who had cover band
> > experience to play in his '70s classic rock band. So far so good except
> > that you had to be willing to practice two times per week.
>
> > I tried to explain to him that somebody with those qualifications
> > doesn't need to practice 2X per week. I don't think he ever got it.
>
> > Anyway, here's the post.
>
> > Looking To Work v.s. Looking To Jam
>
> > This is an important distinction, and seems to be confused very often
> > here in the Valley by some of the local musicians.
>
> > Looking To Jam - I need to rehearse for the next three to six months to
> > gain the skills I need to play the material.
>
> > Looking To Work - Audition me, if we're compatible then give me your set
> > lists, a couple weeks to memorize them and one or two rehearsals, and
> > then let's start playing jobs.
>
> > Looking To Jam - I don't want to drive outside of my local community to
> > meet anyone more than 20 minutes distance by car, unless it's to go
> > watch a band.
>
> > Looking To Work - I realize that driving is a requirement of being in a
> > band, I'll invest in the fuel cost to make a couple rehearsals and
> > recoup it when I show up on the gigs in the areas we agreed to work at.
>
> > Looking To Jam - I don't want to play unless we do my song list.
>
> > Looking To Work - unless there's a salary being paid or an established
> > name/existing band being promoted, we'll compromise in choosing the
> > songs that suit the lead singer(s) and the venue(s).
>
> > Looking To Jam - I run the same ad year after year, misusing all the
> > jobbing musician buzzwords, making all the same mistakes in the process
> > and failing to improve my craft while I'm at it.
>
> > Looking To Work - (looks up) try being a roadie for a local working
> > band, get used to seeing how it's done right and then approach the idea
> > again.
>
> > There's nothing wrong with just getting together to jam for fun. It
> > becomes wrong when you present yourself as someone who's "looking to
> > work" in order to attract jobbing musicians for your rehearsal room band.
>
> > --
> > Write a wise saying and your name will live forever.
> > - Anonymous
>
> Oh god how I hate the "lets just jam" guys. Let's just jam is wanker-
> speak for " I don't know or didn't bother to learn any of the songs I
> was supposed to have ready for my audition, but I thought i'd come
> waste your time anyway".- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
"Wanker-speak": nice coinage!
On Apr 30, 6:00 pm, handgunner <handgun...@cox,net > wrote:
> On Apr 30, 4:56 pm, Jim Carr <newsgro...@azwebpages,com > wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > This was in a local Craigslist ad. I thought it was pretty spot-on. It
> > kinda ties into an e-mail discussion I had recently with a guy who
> > wanted a talented bass player in his 30s or older who had cover band
> > experience to play in his '70s classic rock band. So far so good except
> > that you had to be willing to practice two times per week.
>
> > I tried to explain to him that somebody with those qualifications
> > doesn't need to practice 2X per week. I don't think he ever got it.
>
> > Anyway, here's the post.
>
> > Looking To Work v.s. Looking To Jam
>
> > This is an important distinction, and seems to be confused very often
> > here in the Valley by some of the local musicians.
>
> > Looking To Jam - I need to rehearse for the next three to six months to
> > gain the skills I need to play the material.
>
> > Looking To Work - Audition me, if we're compatible then give me your set
> > lists, a couple weeks to memorize them and one or two rehearsals, and
> > then let's start playing jobs.
>
> > Looking To Jam - I don't want to drive outside of my local community to
> > meet anyone more than 20 minutes distance by car, unless it's to go
> > watch a band.
>
> > Looking To Work - I realize that driving is a requirement of being in a
> > band, I'll invest in the fuel cost to make a couple rehearsals and
> > recoup it when I show up on the gigs in the areas we agreed to work at.
>
> > Looking To Jam - I don't want to play unless we do my song list.
>
> > Looking To Work - unless there's a salary being paid or an established
> > name/existing band being promoted, we'll compromise in choosing the
> > songs that suit the lead singer(s) and the venue(s).
>
> > Looking To Jam - I run the same ad year after year, misusing all the
> > jobbing musician buzzwords, making all the same mistakes in the process
> > and failing to improve my craft while I'm at it.
>
> > Looking To Work - (looks up) try being a roadie for a local working
> > band, get used to seeing how it's done right and then approach the idea
> > again.
>
> > There's nothing wrong with just getting together to jam for fun. It
> > becomes wrong when you present yourself as someone who's "looking to
> > work" in order to attract jobbing musicians for your rehearsal room band.
>
> > --
> > Write a wise saying and your name will live forever.
> > - Anonymous
>
> Oh god how I hate the "lets just jam" guys. Let's just jam is wanker-
> speak for " I don't know or didn't bother to learn any of the songs I
> was supposed to have ready for my audition, but I thought i'd come
> waste your time anyway".- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
"Wanker-speak": nice coinage!
Re: Jamming vs. Working
On Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:56:47 -0700, Jim Carr
<newsgroups@azwebpages,com > wrote:
>This was in a local Craigslist ad. I thought it was pretty spot-on. It
>kinda ties into an e-mail discussion I had recently with a guy who
>wanted a talented bass player in his 30s or older who had cover band
>experience to play in his '70s classic rock band. So far so good except
>that you had to be willing to practice two times per week.
>
>I tried to explain to him that somebody with those qualifications
>doesn't need to practice 2X per week. I don't think he ever got it.
>
>Anyway, here's the post.
>
>Looking To Work v.s. Looking To Jam
>
>This is an important distinction, and seems to be confused very often
>here in the Valley by some of the local musicians.
>
>Looking To Jam - I need to rehearse for the next three to six months to
>gain the skills I need to play the material.
>
>Looking To Work - Audition me, if we're compatible then give me your set
>lists, a couple weeks to memorize them and one or two rehearsals, and
>then let's start playing jobs.
I'll do my best to skip the rehearsals.
>Looking To Jam - I don't want to drive outside of my local community to
>meet anyone more than 20 minutes distance by car, unless it's to go
>watch a band.
>
>Looking To Work - I realize that driving is a requirement of being in a
>band, I'll invest in the fuel cost to make a couple rehearsals and
>recoup it when I show up on the gigs in the areas we agreed to work at.
I'll drive a long distance to rehearse as long as I get paid for it.
>Looking To Jam - I don't want to play unless we do my song list.
>
>Looking To Work - unless there's a salary being paid or an established
>name/existing band being promoted, we'll compromise in choosing the
>songs that suit the lead singer(s) and the venue(s).
I couldn't give a crap what songs we do. I'll play anything.
>Looking To Jam - I run the same ad year after year, misusing all the
>jobbing musician buzzwords, making all the same mistakes in the process
>and failing to improve my craft while I'm at it.
>
>Looking To Work - (looks up) try being a roadie for a local working
>band, get used to seeing how it's done right and then approach the idea
>again.
Fuck that!
>There's nothing wrong with just getting together to jam for fun. It
>becomes wrong when you present yourself as someone who's "looking to
>work" in order to attract jobbing musicians for your rehearsal room band.
Exactly. I seem to be a little more hardline than you, but you're
exactly right. Call me when you have a gig and I'll be there.
On Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:56:47 -0700, Jim Carr
<newsgroups@azwebpages,com > wrote:
>This was in a local Craigslist ad. I thought it was pretty spot-on. It
>kinda ties into an e-mail discussion I had recently with a guy who
>wanted a talented bass player in his 30s or older who had cover band
>experience to play in his '70s classic rock band. So far so good except
>that you had to be willing to practice two times per week.
>
>I tried to explain to him that somebody with those qualifications
>doesn't need to practice 2X per week. I don't think he ever got it.
>
>Anyway, here's the post.
>
>Looking To Work v.s. Looking To Jam
>
>This is an important distinction, and seems to be confused very often
>here in the Valley by some of the local musicians.
>
>Looking To Jam - I need to rehearse for the next three to six months to
>gain the skills I need to play the material.
>
>Looking To Work - Audition me, if we're compatible then give me your set
>lists, a couple weeks to memorize them and one or two rehearsals, and
>then let's start playing jobs.
I'll do my best to skip the rehearsals.
>Looking To Jam - I don't want to drive outside of my local community to
>meet anyone more than 20 minutes distance by car, unless it's to go
>watch a band.
>
>Looking To Work - I realize that driving is a requirement of being in a
>band, I'll invest in the fuel cost to make a couple rehearsals and
>recoup it when I show up on the gigs in the areas we agreed to work at.
I'll drive a long distance to rehearse as long as I get paid for it.
>Looking To Jam - I don't want to play unless we do my song list.
>
>Looking To Work - unless there's a salary being paid or an established
>name/existing band being promoted, we'll compromise in choosing the
>songs that suit the lead singer(s) and the venue(s).
I couldn't give a crap what songs we do. I'll play anything.
>Looking To Jam - I run the same ad year after year, misusing all the
>jobbing musician buzzwords, making all the same mistakes in the process
>and failing to improve my craft while I'm at it.
>
>Looking To Work - (looks up) try being a roadie for a local working
>band, get used to seeing how it's done right and then approach the idea
>again.
Fuck that!
>There's nothing wrong with just getting together to jam for fun. It
>becomes wrong when you present yourself as someone who's "looking to
>work" in order to attract jobbing musicians for your rehearsal room band.
Exactly. I seem to be a little more hardline than you, but you're
exactly right. Call me when you have a gig and I'll be there.
Re: Jamming vs. Working
On Apr 30, 9:45 pm, JimmyM <m...@nnn,com > wrote:
I am not a pro player but I have been playing covers and jazz for over
40 years.
If someone says they will show up at a gig without extensive
rehearsing with the band and not knowing the songs I don't want
anything to do with them no matter how good they are.
Too many bass players have the attitude that they are better than
everybody else.
They may be very good but if they don't know the arrangemtnts, hooks
etc they are no better than a rank beginner in my opinion.
You would not be welcome to join my band no matter how good you are or
think you are.
Learn then Earn.
Pt
On Apr 30, 9:45 pm, JimmyM <m...@nnn,com > wrote:
I am not a pro player but I have been playing covers and jazz for over
40 years.
If someone says they will show up at a gig without extensive
rehearsing with the band and not knowing the songs I don't want
anything to do with them no matter how good they are.
Too many bass players have the attitude that they are better than
everybody else.
They may be very good but if they don't know the arrangemtnts, hooks
etc they are no better than a rank beginner in my opinion.
You would not be welcome to join my band no matter how good you are or
think you are.
Learn then Earn.
Pt
Re: Jamming vs. Working
"Pt" <peatea@yahoo,com > wrote in message
news:437635d4-663a-4f8c-8ede-2722f0bfb6e6@m44g2000hsc.googlegroups,com ...
On Apr 30, 9:45 pm, JimmyM <m...@nnn,com > wrote:
I am not a pro player but I have been playing covers and jazz for over
40 years.
You've been playing for over 40 years and never been paid????
If someone says they will show up at a gig without extensive
rehearsing with the band and not knowing the songs I don't want
anything to do with them no matter how good they are.
You apparently haven't dealt with many pro players. I got a call just last
week to do a show where I knew nothing in advance and had never heard about
half the songs before.
Too many bass players have the attitude that they are better than
everybody else.
I don't see the relevance here. Everyone knows that bass players are
better than anyone else. ;-)
They may be very good but if they don't know the arrangemtnts, hooks
etc they are no better than a rank beginner in my opinion.
What and where do you play????
Gerry
"Pt" <peatea@yahoo,com > wrote in message
news:437635d4-663a-4f8c-8ede-2722f0bfb6e6@m44g2000hsc.googlegroups,com ...
On Apr 30, 9:45 pm, JimmyM <m...@nnn,com > wrote:
I am not a pro player but I have been playing covers and jazz for over
40 years.
You've been playing for over 40 years and never been paid????
If someone says they will show up at a gig without extensive
rehearsing with the band and not knowing the songs I don't want
anything to do with them no matter how good they are.
You apparently haven't dealt with many pro players. I got a call just last
week to do a show where I knew nothing in advance and had never heard about
half the songs before.
Too many bass players have the attitude that they are better than
everybody else.
I don't see the relevance here. Everyone knows that bass players are
better than anyone else. ;-)
They may be very good but if they don't know the arrangemtnts, hooks
etc they are no better than a rank beginner in my opinion.
What and where do you play????
Gerry
Re: Jamming vs. Working
On May 1, 12:24 am, "pTooner" <some...@onthe,net > wrote:
> "Pt" <pea...@yahoo,com > wrote in message
>
> news:437635d4-663a-4f8c-8ede-2722f0bfb6e6@m44g2000hsc.googlegroups,com ...
> On Apr 30, 9:45 pm, JimmyM <m...@nnn,com > wrote:
>
> I am not a pro player but I have been playing covers and jazz for over
> 40 years.
>
> You've been playing for over 40 years and never been paid????
>
> If someone says they will show up at a gig without extensive
> rehearsing with the band and not knowing the songs I don't want
> anything to do with them no matter how good they are.
>
> You apparently haven't dealt with many pro players. I got a call just last
> week to do a show where I knew nothing in advance and had never heard about
> half the songs before.
>
> Too many bass players have the attitude that they are better than
> everybody else.
>
> I don't see the relevance here. Everyone knows that bass players are
> better than anyone else. ;-)
>
> They may be very good but if they don't know the arrangemtnts, hooks
> etc they are no better than a rank beginner in my opinion.
>
> What and where do you play????
>
> Gerry
Could you at least learn the basics of Usenet before you post?
On May 1, 12:24 am, "pTooner" <some...@onthe,net > wrote:
> "Pt" <pea...@yahoo,com > wrote in message
>
> news:437635d4-663a-4f8c-8ede-2722f0bfb6e6@m44g2000hsc.googlegroups,com ...
> On Apr 30, 9:45 pm, JimmyM <m...@nnn,com > wrote:
>
> I am not a pro player but I have been playing covers and jazz for over
> 40 years.
>
> You've been playing for over 40 years and never been paid????
>
> If someone says they will show up at a gig without extensive
> rehearsing with the band and not knowing the songs I don't want
> anything to do with them no matter how good they are.
>
> You apparently haven't dealt with many pro players. I got a call just last
> week to do a show where I knew nothing in advance and had never heard about
> half the songs before.
>
> Too many bass players have the attitude that they are better than
> everybody else.
>
> I don't see the relevance here. Everyone knows that bass players are
> better than anyone else. ;-)
>
> They may be very good but if they don't know the arrangemtnts, hooks
> etc they are no better than a rank beginner in my opinion.
>
> What and where do you play????
>
> Gerry
Could you at least learn the basics of Usenet before you post?
Re: Jamming vs. Working
>
> What and where do you play????
>
> Gerry
Could you at least learn the basics of Usenet before you post?
I'll do that as soon as you learn normal civility - And perhaps you could
learn to sign your posts while you're at it.
Gerry
>
> What and where do you play????
>
> Gerry
Could you at least learn the basics of Usenet before you post?
I'll do that as soon as you learn normal civility - And perhaps you could
learn to sign your posts while you're at it.
Gerry
Re: Jamming vs. Working
On Apr 30, 10:12 pm, Pt <pea...@yahoo,com > wrote:
> I am not a pro player but I have been playing covers and jazz for over
> 40 years.
> If someone says they will show up at a gig without extensive
> rehearsing with the band and not knowing the songs I don't want
> anything to do with them no matter how good they are.
You're assuming that not rehearsing with the band means we won't know
the songs. That's just plain wrong, PT.
> Too many bass players have the attitude that they are better than
> everybody else.
I disagree. In my experience, bass players tend to be the glue in the
average band. They KNOW it's a team effort, as opposed to the
guitarists and singers, who think it's their "show"...
> They may be very good but if they don't know the arrangemtnts, hooks
> etc they are no better than a rank beginner in my opinion.
Bah! What arrangements? If you have extensive arrangements, you'd
better have some charts to hand out, bub! If there are hooks in the
song, I'll have learned them BEFORE I get to a rehearsal OR a gig.
Period.
> You would not be welcome to join my band no matter how good you are or
> think you are.
>
> Learn then Earn.
I did... and have... and will. But I don't need to be in the room with
you to do that, unless you have a bunch of complicated medleys
planned.
PT... wow! What an interesting world you must live in. Example One: 15
years ago, I put together a three piece band to play standard rock
fare... 70's rock mostly, with some 50's, 60's and more modern stuff
thrown in. The guitarist had never been a lead guitarist before, I was
the only experienced singer, and the drummer was a 20 year old kid who
only listened to Dave Weckle (sp?) cd's.
3 rehearsals, first gig: Disaster. 2nd and all following gigs (2 solid
years of bookings), and it was the most lucrative musical endeavor
I've ever embarked upon. Total rehearsals in 2 years: 8? I think?
Learn the tunes on your own time, tighten them up on the gig... easy.
Example Two: A couple of weeks ago, I was hired to record a jazz band
at a local club. Two nights of on-location recording... 4 piece band.
Piano, Drums, Bass, and the leader, a very fine Saxophonist. No
vocals. I ran the recording system from a coat closet, and wore
headphones for 4 hours per night.
Drummer had never played with the Upright player before, two different
piano players (one Friday, one Saturday). Packed club both nights,
everyone loved it. Sax player is the "billed" guy... it's his
"Quartet" - and they were excellent.
They never rehearsed once, and they played amazing versions of the
tunes he'd charted for them. He's done this show with 60 different
musicians he told me at the end of Saturday night... because they can
all read, and they're all solid musicians.
I just don't get where you're coming from, PT. I really don't. 6
months? In my experience, if you don't have a gig within 4-6 WEEKS of
deciding to be a band, it's doomed. Basement or Garage bands never
seem to do anything worthwhile. I can learn 40-50 new tunes in about
three weeks... faster if I have to, but I don't enjoy it. Or, I can
put together a band tomorrow with the 200+ songs I already HAVE in my
head and gig on Saturday, if I have to. Most of them will be tired old
standards, but it can be done (I've done it before).
Ah well... you'd never want to hire me, and I wouldn't work for your
band. No biggie, man!
Corey
On Apr 30, 10:12 pm, Pt <pea...@yahoo,com > wrote:
> I am not a pro player but I have been playing covers and jazz for over
> 40 years.
> If someone says they will show up at a gig without extensive
> rehearsing with the band and not knowing the songs I don't want
> anything to do with them no matter how good they are.
You're assuming that not rehearsing with the band means we won't know
the songs. That's just plain wrong, PT.
> Too many bass players have the attitude that they are better than
> everybody else.
I disagree. In my experience, bass players tend to be the glue in the
average band. They KNOW it's a team effort, as opposed to the
guitarists and singers, who think it's their "show"...
> They may be very good but if they don't know the arrangemtnts, hooks
> etc they are no better than a rank beginner in my opinion.
Bah! What arrangements? If you have extensive arrangements, you'd
better have some charts to hand out, bub! If there are hooks in the
song, I'll have learned them BEFORE I get to a rehearsal OR a gig.
Period.
> You would not be welcome to join my band no matter how good you are or
> think you are.
>
> Learn then Earn.
I did... and have... and will. But I don't need to be in the room with
you to do that, unless you have a bunch of complicated medleys
planned.
PT... wow! What an interesting world you must live in. Example One: 15
years ago, I put together a three piece band to play standard rock
fare... 70's rock mostly, with some 50's, 60's and more modern stuff
thrown in. The guitarist had never been a lead guitarist before, I was
the only experienced singer, and the drummer was a 20 year old kid who
only listened to Dave Weckle (sp?) cd's.
3 rehearsals, first gig: Disaster. 2nd and all following gigs (2 solid
years of bookings), and it was the most lucrative musical endeavor
I've ever embarked upon. Total rehearsals in 2 years: 8? I think?
Learn the tunes on your own time, tighten them up on the gig... easy.
Example Two: A couple of weeks ago, I was hired to record a jazz band
at a local club. Two nights of on-location recording... 4 piece band.
Piano, Drums, Bass, and the leader, a very fine Saxophonist. No
vocals. I ran the recording system from a coat closet, and wore
headphones for 4 hours per night.
Drummer had never played with the Upright player before, two different
piano players (one Friday, one Saturday). Packed club both nights,
everyone loved it. Sax player is the "billed" guy... it's his
"Quartet" - and they were excellent.
They never rehearsed once, and they played amazing versions of the
tunes he'd charted for them. He's done this show with 60 different
musicians he told me at the end of Saturday night... because they can
all read, and they're all solid musicians.
I just don't get where you're coming from, PT. I really don't. 6
months? In my experience, if you don't have a gig within 4-6 WEEKS of
deciding to be a band, it's doomed. Basement or Garage bands never
seem to do anything worthwhile. I can learn 40-50 new tunes in about
three weeks... faster if I have to, but I don't enjoy it. Or, I can
put together a band tomorrow with the 200+ songs I already HAVE in my
head and gig on Saturday, if I have to. Most of them will be tired old
standards, but it can be done (I've done it before).
Ah well... you'd never want to hire me, and I wouldn't work for your
band. No biggie, man!
Corey
Reply from: -- messaggio eliminato --
Date: 01 May 2008, 21:21
-- deleted messages --
Reply from: -- messaggio eliminato --
Date: 01 May 2008, 21:50
-- deleted messages --
Re: Jamming vs. Working
The Bishop wrote:
> Second, you may know how the song goes. But do you know the
> idiosyncracies of your drummer's playing style? How loud to play? How
> long his intro cymbal swells usually last? If you don't, you won't be
> as tight as a band that rehearsed.
A couple years ago, my cover band unexpectedly needed a sub keyboard
player for a big gig. We found a "hired gun" on Craigslist, interviewed
him and checked his references on the phone. This is a 23-year-old cat
who works 4-5 nights every week. We emailed him the setlist - just song
titles and keys - a week in advance. He never rehearsed with us, just
showed up for the gig. I spent about two minutes with him after sound
check explaining where his solos would be, and going over several of our
"tricky" song endings. This guy completely killed. His playing was
totally appropriate on every song. He blew bitchin' solos, never
stepped on anybody the whole night, stopped on a dime with us every
time. Sent us an email afterward saying, "That was a lot of fun. Not
many bands play the cool shit you guys do!"
The Bishop wrote:
> Second, you may know how the song goes. But do you know the
> idiosyncracies of your drummer's playing style? How loud to play? How
> long his intro cymbal swells usually last? If you don't, you won't be
> as tight as a band that rehearsed.
A couple years ago, my cover band unexpectedly needed a sub keyboard
player for a big gig. We found a "hired gun" on Craigslist, interviewed
him and checked his references on the phone. This is a 23-year-old cat
who works 4-5 nights every week. We emailed him the setlist - just song
titles and keys - a week in advance. He never rehearsed with us, just
showed up for the gig. I spent about two minutes with him after sound
check explaining where his solos would be, and going over several of our
"tricky" song endings. This guy completely killed. His playing was
totally appropriate on every song. He blew bitchin' solos, never
stepped on anybody the whole night, stopped on a dime with us every
time. Sent us an email afterward saying, "That was a lot of fun. Not
many bands play the cool shit you guys do!"
