Society gig/ jobbing survival aka stuff they don't teach you in college

[chicagodoubler]

Fiscally, the jobbing scene is one of the most rewarding gigs out there. Musically, sometimes a lower ring of hell, especially when you're stuck playing with cats who are dark or just don't know the secret rules of this musical underbelly.

Last night's gig reminded me of a crash course an old band leader gave me in the rules of this game years ago. It'll be fun to see what you cats have to add to this partial (and jaded) little list.




Be ready to stop at any time for announcements.

Tip well if there's an open bar. Be discrete if your ability to sip on the gig is suspect. If you can't survive Gloria Gaynor without a drink, bring a flask!

Know the difference between a Rhumba and a ChaCha. Also be able to play a Tango, Merengue, Polka... this comes up all the time.

Keep them on the dance floor, even if it means playing two ballads in a row... gotta be sensitive to what the crowd wants. After all, they payed a couple grand for you and your buddies to get drunk and do what you love at their daughter's wedding.

If it's a "jazz" gig, don't be surprised if they ask for something they can dance to aka pop. Diversity is your friend here. The client often isn't. Keep some top 40 in your book just in case.

When you lead this sort of gig, end on a high note and offer overtime. Usually the client is sauced and will bite eagerly.

Carry a spare bow tie in your case. Some schmuck will show up without one. Probably the drummer.

The A section of "At Last" ain't just I-vi-ii-V, but some bands will play it that way. Those bands are a bunch of clowns, complete with big shoes and foam noses. Same goes for bands that don't play the intro, which is the only cool thing about that wretched tune.

On your Christmas gigs, pull out the Dradle song. Egalitarian song choices win you friends.

Yes, the load in sucks. That's what wheels are for.

Know the Sinatra arrangements, the first chord of "Unforgettable," Ipanema in all 12, Brickhouse, every corny disco song ever, those ACDC songs everyone plays, etc... Alot of leaders love to call these tunes without a rhythm chart, and won't ask if you know them before counting it off.

Be happy to be working, and to be getting payed well for what we do. Yes, the gig is a little Mickey Mouse, but the bread balances out your next coffee house gig, and the worse the gig is, the more stories you have to tell the cats on your next hit.

[Blake Bass]

Man that's my life. I do tons of weddings and corporate parties in the Washington, DC area. The society gigs really do keep you on your toes. You have to be a good reader, you have to know a bunch of tunes when there arent charts, and most importantly you have to make the audience think you are having the time of your life while playing I Will Survive for the 10,000th time.
I do like the challenge these gigs present and I really like what they pay!!

[fdeck]

Bring 'em on. A magnetic pickup can help if the gig gets stupid loud, or to drive a band that's having a hard time hanging together.

Try not to look like a cadaver, and smile through the whole thing including load out.

At every one of those gigs, there are invariably a couple of cats who are real players and looking for a bassist to hire on their next gig, or who at least know some good jokes.

One thing I have noticed, though. Band drama. I can't count the number of times that players have tried drawing me into their personal drama with the bandleader or other players. They will say things like: "Don't get discouraged if the bandleader rides your ass all night. That old goat can't play at all. Just ignore him and play whatever you want."

Then I give the bandleader exactly what he asks for on the very first tune, and I don't hear a peep from him for the rest of the show.

Here's a trick, and I don't know why it works, but it does. When the bandleader calls an unfamiliar tune, ask what key it's in. Without fail, the pianist will respond by playing the first few bars, which is usually enough to grab onto.

[Sam Sherry]

I'm pretty well out of the casual scene, but you've inspired a thought or two:

Originally Posted by chicagodoubler

If it's a "jazz" gig, don't be surprised if they ask for something they can dance to aka pop. Diversity is your friend here. The client often isn't. Keep some top 40 in your book just in case.

Even if it's a so-called jazz gig, bring the plank. I play plank about once a year. I am always dressed in black-and-white, wearing a black bow-tie, for the annual "Celebration."

Originally Posted by chicagodoubler

When you lead this sort of gig, end on a high note and offer overtime. Usually the client is sauced and will bite eagerly.

"Y'know, sir, some bands would make you go through the office for overtime. But tonight if you work directly with the band, we're gonna Save You Some Money." (Needless to say you can only play this line if "the office" doesn't mind.)

Originally Posted by chicagodoubler

On your Christmas gigs, pull out the Dradle song. Egalitarian song choices win you friends.

Working in Central Connecticut we had a little medley. IMR it included Hevenu Sholom Alechem, Mazel Tov & Simcha Tov and Hava Negillah. A band full of goys -- a roomful of goys -- everybody likes a hora and it gets people onto their feet, ready for the Rock-and-Roll portion of the Celebration.

Originally Posted by chicagodoubler

Know the Sinatra arrangements

"Start spreading . . . . . . . . . the neyews . . . "

Originally Posted by chicagodoubler

every corny disco song ever

"let's all salivate and have a good time!"

Originally Posted by chicagodoubler

Be happy to be working, and to be getting payed well for what we do. Yes, the gig is a little Mickey Mouse, but

. . . YOU ARE THERE BY CHOICE! As the late Margeurite Scheips put it, "Peetah, MacDonalds is hiring!"

Thanks for the memories. Play on!

[chicagodoubler]

And a big Easter Amen to Sam's last comment.

Complaining about a gig that *you* took is just boneheaded.

[abaguer]

done tons of these and for about 15 years provided the largest part of my income. These days the society club date scene in NY is GREATLY diminished. I understand it's not the same in Washington and other cities but every bandleader I know around here has suffered significant dropoff. My bandleader has experienced an 80% drop over the last three years and he's back to playing cover rock gigs at 55 years old for a fifth of what he made as bandleader. Dark indeed.

Surviving one of these gigs is the least of my concerns these days. Getting a reasonable amount of them is what I'm after. Since my wife got laid off two weeks ago I'd gladly play I will survive and At last, with our without intro.

[Wilbyman]

These gigs are going away somewhat I think. There are still a bunch of them at Christmas but the rest of the year is thin. Thank you day gig.