Epic self-KO from a possible gig

I had been talking with a guitarist and vibes player about starting a jazz trio with them, playing corporate events, weddings, and such other places, basically gigs that actually pay more than gas and beer on a good day. The vibes player is a big timer around Chicago, so I knew I wasn't getting in with a couple of sloths. Best part, they didn't give a hoot that I didn't own an acoustic upright bass, though I can read, know theory, changes, and that kind of stuff. It seems like many guys around here on a jazz gig would take a below average hack on the upright before they took Jaco 2.0 on electric, so that was a major victory.

Come this morning, when we were supposed to practice, I end up having to drive my mother to work, she takes forever, then I locked both sets of keys in my car when I got home (my fault), then I struggled to get an emergency lock service out within an hour of me calling.

The guitarist ended up calling off the rehearsal, and he said to email him when I could practice next week. I gave him quite a few days, and I told him that it's rare for me to have a bad day like this, but it happens to even the best of them. I'm waiting for an email back, but above all else, I'm hoping he emails me back.

So, a few large dump trucks full of fail apparently stopped by my house while I was asleep. Though I hope the guitarist responds back, I definitely can't lay down and play dead. I'm going to check out some local jam sessions and open mics and see if I can hook up with some good musicians and get in with a good jazz group, or if not a good jazz group, a good something group.

[Lazylion]

Ouch! Next time, it's a taxi for mom, eh?

More proof that Murphy's Law rules the world.

[gweimer]

Given the caliber of people you're trying to play with, and your credentials, I wouldn't worry too much. Give them a few days. If you don't hear from them, send a gentle reminder that you're ready to go this coming week. Let them know your car is also ready.

I have an even worse failure story to tell. In the mid '80s, Dave Mason was living in Chicago (he was actually the owner of a high-end catering business, as I recall), and put out an open audition call over the radio during an interview. I called in, and left my info on the answering machine they had set up. A few days later, I was at work, and just missed a call that came in for me. It was Mason's manager, starting to set up audition times. The fact that I didn't answer the call was grounds for crossing me off the list. Of course, the guy he got was miles ahead of me, but I didn't even get the chance.

Wow, looks like I still have the gig, at least so far. The guitarist is arranging for a rehearsal next week. Thinking about it now, if I had a camera crew, it would have made a great George Costanza plot line.

[IanStephenson]

One accident is an accident...

Two accidents are a screw up...

Get it right this time, and you'll be fine.

[Stumbo]

Originally Posted by Tired_Thumb

1) I end up having to drive my mother to work, she takes forever...

Can't she drive? What do you mean, "she takes forever"? Didn't you tell her you had an rehearsal?

2) then I locked both sets of keys in my car when I got home (my fault)...

How is that possible? What was the 1st set of keys doing in the car? It's good to have two sets of keys but it's better to have a 3rd copy of every key in your house put away in a drawer or hanging in a cabinet just for such occasions.

3) then I struggled to get an emergency lock service out within an hour of me calling.

What about joining something like the Automobile Club or other such service that provides emergency tow, lock out service and other such things?

Things like this will happen again, sometime. Unless you change your preparation for such emergencies/problems, you'll have the same results.

Originally Posted by Stumbo

Can't she drive? What do you mean, "she takes forever"? Didn't you tell her you had an rehearsal?



How is that possible? What was the 1st set of keys doing in the car? It's good to have two sets of keys but it's better to have a 3rd copy of every key in your house put away in a drawer or hanging in a cabinet just for such occasions.



What about joining something like the Automobile Club or other such service that provides emergency tow, lock out service and other such things?

Things like this will happen again, sometime. Unless you change your preparation for such emergencies/problems, you'll have the same results.

Her car had a water pump malfunction, which is why I had the only available car. She also ended up taking my own emergency key and using it as her own key, I found out, which is why they both ended up in there afterwards.

Yes, there are lessons learned in this scenario though. Anyone wants to screw with my schedule, after I offer so much time to them, they can hitch a ride or figure out what to do. Also, have at least four sets of spare keys in the house, all in strategically placed locations. Finally, moving out as soon as the slightest opportunity will help give me further flexibility (sucks being a full time MBA student, but I'll see what I can pull off).

[EclecticElectrk]

that is unlucky, but im sure if you make it next time they won't mind you couldnt make it the first time.

[Buskman]

Originally Posted by Tired_Thumb

Yes, there are lessons learned in this scenario though. Anyone wants to screw with my schedule, after I offer so much time to them, they can hitch a ride or figure out what to do. Also, have at least four sets of spare keys in the house, all in strategically placed locations. Finally, moving out as soon as the slightest opportunity will help give me further flexibility (sucks being a full time MBA student, but I'll see what I can pull off).

Well, she is your MOM, bro - Looking at the big picture, I would think she's "offered so much time" to you as well, no?

BTW - good luck with the trio gig!