moving overseas - want to keep playing, looking for input

[pfschim]

I was not entirely sure what the right forum was for this question, so here it goes.

I have played bass for over 35 years, full time professional, as well as part-time/weekend warrior. So, basically, I can read, have solid, musical (but not flashy) chops, I have good gear, I can play/groove and can pretty much hang with any set of players I have encountered along the way in my long and checkered musical history.

I have also had a successful professional day gig in the sales side of tech for close to 30 years now (geez!)

On the playing front, most recently I have been doing about 30-40 gigs/year in a very enjoyable jazz/worldmusic group. Great players, great people, very good music and very satisfying gigs.

On the day gig front, a potential opportunity has come up to do an ex-pat deal that would move me (and my wife) to Europe (either London or Paris .. I'm thinking Paris) for 3 years.

I'm thinking hard about this, as my wife and I would really like to live over there, but the playing thing keeps coming up for me. I would really miss my current gig situation (it helps keep me sane in the entirely insane business world), and if I did not think I could find another one over there I might actually consider not going at all.

So, my questions are, for any here who might really know:

• what's the music scene in either London or Paris like ?
• is there a thriving interest in jazz/worldmusic/blues
• is it possible to get a gig over there ? .. i.e. ex-pro doing a handful of decent gigs a year, but not looking for a career
• what's the best way for a US player (who has other professional obligations) to hook up with other like minded musicians ?
• is there a Craigslist or something like that ?
• what about gear ? .. I figure my Mesa Walkabout is not a good idea, wrong main power requirement, but I figure I would bring 2 basses and pick up an EU made amp like a Markbass or TecAmp or some such.

I'm sure I have more questions, but any sort of input on any or all of these would be a great start.

Thanks for looking

[MadMan118]

As far a getting gigs goes i cant help you there. But about your amps, there are adapters available the to make the switch between circuits, Google is amazing for this. Still It might be better to sell some gear than carry the cash across and use it to buy new gear it would be cheaper. In the accounting world this is called liquidizing,because like liquids, cash moves easier. Also most Americans take their rather cheep cost of living for granted. The cost of living is much higher in the EU and GB. So likewise instruments and their components will increase in price.
The same genres that you play ( though their take can be rather different) can be found in Europe as well as countless ones unique to the region.
Oh yes and I would suggest London not France. GB has a American friendly-albeit offhand- stance, and the language barrier will be less impacting. In France french is still the dominant language, this will make plenty of things harder,in addition there is a much less friendly American opinion there (everyone friendly where the tourists are, but that's not all of France).But anyway best of luck in Europe.

[bmc]

Hi

I made the move a while back. We moved abroad for a two year expat job and stayed for ten years.

Either city is exceptional from a living standpoint. Both are expensive towns to live in, regardless of how you'll be compensated. Driving in London is a heavily taxed affair. Trains, tubes and buses are the way to go.

Paris is incredible. The culture. The food. The wine. The wine. The wine. The wine. The w....

Bring your basses. Grab an amp over here. Lots to choose from. You can buy transformers to power any 110 volt appliance including washing machines, which you will really miss. European washing machines and driers hold 3 pairs of pants and take a full hour to wash. Count on 2 hours to dry. Leave the Mesa at home and ship the Maytags.

Both cities have thriving music scenes. I would argue that Paris has more jazz gigs and clubs than London. Not based on personal experience. Just a hunch from being in both towns and knowing the perceived scenes in each. Give some of the UK lads a pm for their take.

Did I say something about the wine..

Once I arrived in Geneva, I spent time hitting the live music clubs and eventually found the english music community. I have been gigging ever since. I would recommend doing the same when you get to where ever you decide. Good musicians are always in demand and you will find your people. Although I have seen notices on bulletin boards duing the 35 years I've been playing, I never pursued any to find gigs. Word of mouth networking. You'll know the calibre of players you want to work with when you hear them. Go up and start talking. Many many musicians here have 3-4 different gigs on the go at all times. The guitarist I work with the most has three other bands he plays in. The other guitarist plays in two bands, a duo and plays drums in yet another band. It's all gig driven and throw together bands. It's great because it keeps it fresh and fun.

Paris has a great music street near the Moulin Rouge. Roughly 8-9 stores side by each. I can put you onto the French version of TB if Paris is where you're headed. There's a UK version of TB the English lads can put you onto.

Feel free to PM for more info. By the way...we're the same vintage.

Did I mention French wine?

[bmc]

Here's the French version of TB and their amps for sale section:

http://forum.onlybass.com/index.php?showforum=37

I can translate if you need help.

[pfschim]

thanks for the outlook and the insights. I have a reasonable general understanding of life in the EU. I have a brother (UK/Scotland) and a sister (Spain) who have lived over there for many years (15+). My family and I have visited numerous times as well, and while being a tourist is not "living there" by any means, it has helped with a general understanding of the place and the differences in basic living situations (i.e. funky washing machines and smaller scale housing arrangement, etc.).

Despite what you say about France, my wife and I are both more interested in that option than UK/London, but I understand some of the possible downsides of both.

My sister is even a professional musician (2nd chair french horn for one of the Spanish national symphony's), but purely classical, so she will be of little help to me in the jazz arena.

BMC - thanks very much for your direct insight on both ex-pat as well as the music scene. I would like to connect with some of the French and UK based TBers to get more direct input.

As far as living standards go (and without any chest pounding intended) I've lived in N.Cal (just outside of SF) for close to 20 years, so I'm familiar with high cost of living. I am also already in a significant comp bracket, and am expecting an equal or better offer to go, so I'm not too worried there.

Your idea of hitting the live music scene sounds right .. although I've never worked that angle before ... but I'm in sales (after all ) and I can play, so I guess I'll give it a try.

Again, thanks for the advice so far

[bmc]

Happy to assist when and if. Just pm me.

It's great living over here. Not sure if we will ever return. Our kids are in university on your side of the ocean and they don't want us to leave here. It's a good life. Good quality living. So much to see and do.

Good luck and enjoy the holidays!

[pfschim]

Originally Posted by bmc

Happy to assist when and if. Just pm me.

It's great living over here. Not sure if we will ever return. Our kids are in university on your side of the ocean and they don't want us to leave here. It's a good life. Good quality living. So much to see and do.

Good luck and enjoy the holidays!

thanks .. it does sound like our situations are similar. Both of my kids are in school and my wife and I have been looking for an opportunity to live in Europe. We've always enjoyed our visits and, almost without exception, found people to be very welcoming .. even away from the more typical tourist spots.