Playing with a blind man...

[tonynoriega]

Joe (the blind guy) is the band leader and I've worked with him for years and have always admired the way he doesn't let his handicap interfere with doing what he loves to do, which is playing guitar and singing.

I can't recall a single time that someone has approached the stage to compliment him wherein the person knew in advance that he's blind. Some think he's being arrogant if they extend their hand for a shake, so I usually intervene and mention that Joe can't see at which point Joe reaches out. His blindness is not evident. By the way, I think I kind of misled you because I failed to note that it's not only me trying to find a solution....it's all three of us. Joe heard a video of our performance and decided we have too much time between songs and wants to correct that.

It seems the consensus in this thread is that we a) continue to call out the song, or b) cue the song with a little riff or intro (it would have to be me on bass or the drummer).

We'll see what transpires this evening after I throw out some of your ideas to him.

Originally Posted by creis2

Honestly, if I was watching a band with a blind member, I defiantly would be sitting in the front. Even if I didn't care for the music so much. I admire people with disabilities and how they overcome their challenges.

But if it it really bothers you, talk to him. How does he take notes every day. Brail maybe?

If it were me, I would just call out the next song to him. But I enjoy having a quick word with my bandmates between songs, or just saying "good job".

Who cares if you let the guy know what the next song is? That's probably more professional than trying to build the guy some contraption that lights up half the stage. You might end up making him uncomfortable, forcing him to join another group.

Blues is about having a good time with friends. If he's a talented and committed guitarist, you're 10 steps ahead of most of us

[rapidfirerob]

I played with a blind guitarist in an original band in the 90s. Don't recall any issues, other than he ended up having transportation problems and we had to let him go. Too bad. We picked him up for awhile, but it was too much for gigs, too out of the way. Anyway, just tell him what the next song is. Sheesh.

[LongHairFreak]

Hey
Totally blind here and I feel where he's coming from. It's actually a mite stressful waiting and wondering if one of the other guys will forget to say something before someone's begun the countdown to the next tune.

Personally, I can't wait 'til we have in-ear gadgets; it seems to me that'd be the best way. Until then though, we go with (as has been suggested) and assortment of lead-ins and those handful of tunes where we all jump in at once, the lead vocals/guitar announces it. There's always something to say about old blues tunes/artists.

A braille cheat sheet was a good plan for us, until my fingertips became too toughened. It's virtually impossible for me to read braille nowadays.

Another suggestion sort of along the same lines as in-ear gadgets (but far less expensive) that I've been toying with trying is having the list put down on a small digital recorder in a pocket or attached to my belt/strap/something. Then run a single ear bud up.

Originally Posted by tonynoriega

Joe (the blind guy) is the band leader and I've worked with him for years and have always admired the way he doesn't let his handicap interfere with doing what he loves to do, which is playing guitar and singing.

I can't recall a single time that someone has approached the stage to compliment him wherein the person knew in advance that he's blind. Some think he's being arrogant if they extend their hand for a shake, so I usually intervene and mention that Joe can't see at which point Joe reaches out. His blindness is not evident. By the way, I think I kind of misled you because I failed to note that it's not only me trying to find a solution....it's all three of us. Joe heard a video of our performance and decided we have too much time between songs and wants to correct that.

It seems the consensus in this thread is that we a) continue to call out the song, or b) cue the song with a little riff or intro (it would have to be me on bass or the drummer).

We'll see what transpires this evening after I throw out some of your ideas to him.

[tonynoriega]

Last night at the gig we talked about it and kicked it around and have probably decided that just calling out the name of the next song on the list is getting it accomplished OK and not a big deal, as many in this post have suggested. We're going to leave it that way until something better comes along.

Thanks so much for all your ideas and special kudos to those of you that are blind or near blind and still out there performing. It takes a lot of determination and effort to do what you do.

[Kmonk]

I wouldn't worry about calling out songs. The last couple of times I saw KISS they spent a lot of time between songs because Paul Stanley was calling them out. He would say a couple of words and then pause, say a few more words, pause again and so on.
It usually went something like this:

"People....................... this is a song...........................that was on an album................................that we released.....................................and it went platinum................................the song is called.....................................Love Gun, 1-2-3-4."

[Kirk Bryant]

I have worked with two blind drummers. Most recently the drummer pretty much knew or figuered out in 2-4 bars exactly what was being played. A non issue in my mind. And I play with lots of "professionals" that, take as long or more likely longer to "get on it" so to speak.

Again...non issue. whatever makes your gig go smoother is a plus, no downside in my mind.

celebrate the abilities rather than the "dis"