30 songs in a week!

B-NoteCowboy · #1 07-08-2008, 10:58 PM

No problem!

My post in the "biggest compliment" thread made me think about this story.

So... I've got some friends who have a really nice local band. One of the top 5 or 6 local draws, big following etc. Great guys with whom we share a mutal admiration.

Anyway, their bass player quit on them and on short notice they asked if I would be willing to sit in on their next show which at this point was about 8 days off. I had been to several of their shows and knew it was basic party rock stuff but the fact is, I've never been in that kind of band before so I only knew 3 of their songs very well. I knew about 10 more in a jam band kinda way but for all intents and purposes, I had to learn 30 songs.

I don't mind saying that was kind of intimidating and I had my doubts at times, but in the end it came together great and while not perfect it was definately very good and very high energy and the crowd feedback was almost embarassingly positive. More than one told me it was the best show by that band they had ever seen, and the band themselves told me it was at least the best they've had this year.

The band asked me to join and has been putting the hard sell on me for weeks now but I probably can't pull the trigger. Too much other stuff going on for another band. Wouldn't be fair to them or my family. Honestly, I hope their former bass player gets back with them, as he's a good guy.

I've got two more shows with them, and it's just been a tremendous amount of fun. Such low pressure and being able to just really cut loose as myself for a change in a rock band instead of portraying someone else, it's been quite a trip. All the other bands I've been in other than my KISS tribute have been blues, country, oldies kind of gigs. So for having played literally thousands of shows, this was my first chance to really cut loose as a rocker and not be in makeup.

Didn't make me love my gig any less, but it sure has been a fun departure.

Anyway, has anyone else ever been in this situation of having to learn that many songs they've never played in a show before? Made for a really stressful week!

ding_man · #2 07-08-2008, 11:18 PM

I'm in this same position except a few more weeks time and it was more like 60 songs.

Dave R · #3 07-08-2008, 11:47 PM

That's why we play bass, right?

1. No one else wants to.

2. You get gigs.

If this new band is so fun, would it be worth quitting your existing band for it?

Hey, maybe their old bass player would take your old band! It would be like "Wife Swap" for bass players!

B-NoteCowboy · #4 07-09-2008, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave R

That's why we play bass, right?

1. No one else wants to.

2. You get gigs.

If this new band is so fun, would it be worth quitting your existing band for it?

Hey, maybe their old bass player would take your old band! It would be like "Wife Swap" for bass players!

Definately wouldn't be worth quitting my main band for. Just a good time for a short stint. The problem is I have two side projects that I really don't want to quit and this fill in role is with a very busy band. At some point, they would need a fill in for me because of schedule and that wouldn't be cool.

My main band is the perfect fit for me, and it would actually be damn near impossible to replace me in it - not because I'm some great bass player. Just because it's a very demanding role theatrically and vocally too. And there is a pretty specific look that not everyone has.

Bigger crowds and pays well too.

No big dillema here, just sayin it was a fun change of pace but man I was stressin about that many new songs in a week!

Anscari · #5 07-09-2008, 07:00 AM

Don't worry about that!

Having booked a gig with a cover band three weeks ago and receiving the songs last week, I had two weeks to learn (and transcribe) 120 songs!

I think I could apply for some kind of Guinness record or something haha!

CrashClint · #6 07-09-2008, 08:40 AM

The most I think I have learned in a week maybe 15 -20 and that was years ago when my mind was like a steel watchamalcallit. I took all the songs and grouped them chord progressions and pretty much played in position.

lexxmexx · #7 07-17-2008, 03:24 AM

I just got into a new band who have been playing together for a year as a replacement for their former bassist who got bored with the bass to pursue his guitar interests. They have a repertoire of 20 songs and I have only 2 weeks to nail them down before the next jam which is this coming saturday. Being only on the bass for just 2 months, learning 20 songs is in no way easy for me. I am feeling really stressful now even though it is just a jam

IanStephenson · #8 07-17-2008, 09:34 AM

One local band that had their bass player quit because he couldn't handle gigging every week got a really GREAT guy to fill in (no not me ;-)), but much as he loved the low preasure gig he (like you) was too busy with projects that required more commitment (and payed better).

In the end the old bass player came back part time, so when the new guy has gigs with his main band(s) the old guy does them. If you can do the gig with little/no rehersal and the old guy wants to come back then maybe you could take some of the load of him, and visa versa?

Ian

kelleysdad · #9 07-17-2008, 09:39 AM

That's why we play bass, right?

1. No one else wants to.

2. You get gigs.
+10

Rickett Customs · #10 07-17-2008, 09:49 AM

+1 to all posts. These kind of situations, surprisingly are my comfort zone, I love me some pressure.