Meeting other musicians for first time in 10+ years.

TolerancEJ · #1 08-22-2011, 11:01 AM

Long Story Alert!

I played long ago for maybe 12 years, then had a 10+ year absence from music when I relocated from the East to West Coast of Canada. I always maintained my desire to return to music at some point, but kept putting it off.

I decided in January 2010 that it's time to re-enter the music scene. I took about a year+ to acquire some decent equipment and I practiced a lot to get myself back up to speed. I discovered and joined TB in May 2010, which was such a fountain of useful information. It was nice to know that most of the lessons learned long ago, both playing and gig-wise, still apply today.

I don't have an ego, but I feel confident that I'm good enough to at least meet some local musicians. Last Thursday, I finally ~~grabbed a handful of b@lls~~ err... summoned the courage to post in my local Craigslist titled, "Played Bass Long Ago & Want to Play Again. Anyone out there?" I almost chickened-out, but I asked myself if I don't make an attempt now, when would that time come? I couldn't answer the question for myself so I knew I must post the ad.

The Thursday posting went in during my lunch hour at work. Hours passed by and I received nothing and figured no one was interested. About 9:30pm that night, I received one message. By Friday morning, there were 3 more. And another on Saturday. I replied to all emails promptly and gave more information about myself.

From the 5 contacts, I have 2 appointments this week. One Wednesday night to meet for a jam with a guitarist and drummer and another Thursday night, just to meet and talk with 2 guitarists.

I'm very happy, although I have the butterflies, which I haven't felt for a long time. lol I know it's all part of the experience. I hope I don't trip and fall flat on my face... neither literally nor figuratively.

Johnny Crab · #2 08-22-2011, 11:24 AM

You should do fine.
I was "off"(i.e. not in bands) from 1989~2006 because children and an engineering career were priority. Just have fun and be extremely thankful that you CAN play music.

Enjoy this entire site Rick Suchow - NYC Bassist & Writer / rare Jaco Pastorius & James Jamerson tracks - Bass
and note(from Rick's site):

"When you go on a gig, you have to remember that it's a privilege to play any kind of music -- even sitting in your house by yourself. Music is this wonderful, universal language. It's meditative and spiritual. A lot of people get caught up in the frustrations, and they lose it, the way a preacher loses the calling. When you pick up an instrument, realize how blessed you are. It doesn't matter whether you're playing for 50,000 people or by yourself. I'm not saying I'm a guru of this stuff. It's just that when I pick up a bass, I'm conscious of how much it has given me, and I try to take that onstage with me wherever I go."
--- bassist Darryl Jones

Russell L · #3 08-22-2011, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Crab

You should do fine.
I was "off"(i.e. not in bands) from 1989~2006 because children and an engineering career were priority. Just have fun and be extremely thankful that you CAN play music.

Enjoy this entire site Rick Suchow - NYC Bassist & Writer / rare Jaco Pastorius & James Jamerson tracks - Bass
and note(from Rick's site):

"When you go on a gig, you have to remember that it's a privilege to play any kind of music -- even sitting in your house by yourself. Music is this wonderful, universal language. It's meditative and spiritual. A lot of people get caught up in the frustrations, and they lose it, the way a preacher loses the calling. When you pick up an instrument, realize how blessed you are. It doesn't matter whether you're playing for 50,000 people or by yourself. I'm not saying I'm a guru of this stuff. It's just that when I pick up a bass, I'm conscious of how much it has given me, and I try to take that onstage with me wherever I go."
--- bassist Darryl Jones

Beautifully said, Darryl. Thanks. I feel the same way.

Get this for coming back to playing... I hadn't been in a band full-time for about ten years when, in 1988, I heard about a beach band needing a bass player. Bear in mind that I had never even been the bass player in a band before, except for playing a tune or two once in awhile in the '60s in my first band. I was always the guitar player, and played full-time for a living in the earl '70s. I had played upright in an orchestra, but I'm talking about playing electric bass in a regular "band." I didn't even own an electric bass (or amp). So...

I went and bought one...just so I could go to an audition with the guitar player and lead singer. Heh, heh, I just played some stuff for them. But, I was honest that I had never been a full-time bassist. They could tell that I could play, though, and liked what they heard.

The rest is history, and I've been a gigging bass player ever since, and have played with some well-known groups and musicians. So, ya just never know. The main thing is to be yourself, I think. Relax, that's not so hard to do.

monkeyking · #4 08-22-2011, 02:23 PM

I also think you'll do just fine. You'll probably do a lot better than fine.

I played full-time from the age of 14 to about 25, then took a few years off to mess with some other things. Changed cities, did some other stuff. Decided to get back to it when I was in my early 30's.

Got a bass and an amp, knocked off the rust for a few months, watched the CL ads, and got an audition for an originals band with two cds. I was nervous, crammed all their songs for days. Went to the audition and knew the songs better than they did. Honestly, they were a disorganized, clueless mess. But they got gigs and I got out there and met some more players who moved me up the ladder to better things.

As always, know your tunes, know your gear, and do what you like. Even if they're flakes and not all that good, it might be a stepping stone and a chance to keep refining your chops. Good luck!

TolerancEJ · #5 08-22-2011, 02:36 PM

Thanks everyone for your kind words and support. My primary goal of placing the ad was to network with some local musicians. If someone decides they want me to play with their band, that would be great. If I'm not exactly what they're looking for, I'd be grateful for the opportunity and wish them well.

TolerancEJ · #6 08-24-2011, 10:06 AM

August 24 Update: The Wednesday (i.e. tonight) appointment rescheduled until next week. (For some reason, people like to schedule vacations around the end of August. Go figure.) In any case, there's a strong potential of a few other meetings to be lined up since I wrote my initial post.

bherman · #7 08-24-2011, 10:47 AM

I did the same a year and a half ago after closer to 20 years off (did work on my shops some, though first). For a while the band was better than me but I practice alot and now have moved on to a regularly gigging blues band with great players. Like the others said, be yourself and do your best - make sure that they know you're willing to work hard to catch up.

Good luck and have fun!

TolerancEJ · #8 08-24-2011, 10:56 AM

Thanks!

Waffles and Scotch · #9 08-24-2011, 11:15 AM

10 years, huh? Were you practicing during this time or did you completely give it up?

I was out of the scene for 5 years, but practiced religiously and didn't find it hard at all to jump right back in a couple years ago. 10 years might've made it more difficult.

In any case good luck, and melt some faces!

TolerancEJ · #10 08-24-2011, 01:41 PM

I always knew I would return to music at some point. I just didn't know when.

Hmm... What did I do over the 10+ years. Lemme think. I practiced a bit, but not that much. To briefly summarize myself... Upon relocating myself from East to West Coast, I found myself needing to maintain a job to pay for rent/food/bills/etc. (Before moving, I was still living at home, with all the benefits that entails.) As the years went by, I got married, changed jobs, bought an old house & lived in it for a few years, but now we're in the final stages of demolishing that house and rebuilding.

The new house is a huge difference and was a major contributing factor in my decision to finally return to music. I have my own media room/music room in the new house where I can practice now. Previoiusly, my old apartments and even my old house was too small & my playing would have disturbed others.

Sure, I've got the butterflies, but I know I'm not exactly going into the upcoming sessions cold-turkey. My posting clearly disclosed what I've shared here with my TB colleagues... simply that I played long ago and want to play again. Before even considering the CL posting, I took a year+ of dedicated practice to get myself current. Over that time, I've also managed to figure out a few techniques that eluded me in the earlier part of my musical-life.

I am very much aware that practicing alone with a metronome or drumbeat is much different than playing with a group. I definitely need to knock some of the jamming-rust outta myself. That's one reason I'm responding and willing to meet everyone that replied to me. If I blow the first shot or whatever, then I will have learned a lesson, refine myself, and be more improved for the next meeting.

Playing with musicians for the first time is directly comparable to a job interview... or I dare say, even comparable to a first date. Yes, you're going to meet to see if you can play music, but you also have to project an image that you are able to along with the other band members. You're auditioning your skillset and your personality. Can you hang with them both musically and socially?

MatticusMania · #11 08-24-2011, 02:02 PM

I dunno, you think maybe they make, like, some kinda forum where musicians gather and talk, maybe, about stuff like music? Perhaps they might even have one for people, who like, play a specific type of said instrument? I know, sounds farfetched...

Waffles and Scotch · #12 08-24-2011, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TolerancEJ

I always knew I would return to music at some point. I just didn't know when.

Hmm... What did I do over the 10+ years. Lemme think. I practiced a bit, but not that much. To briefly summarize myself... Upon relocating myself from East to West Coast, I found myself needing to maintain a job to pay for rent/food/bills/etc. (Before moving, I was still living at home, with all the benefits that entails.) As the years went by, I got married, changed jobs, bought an old house & lived in it for a few years, but now we're in the final stages of demolishing that house and rebuilding.

The new house is a huge difference and was a major contributing factor in my decision to finally return to music. I have my own media room/music room in the new house where I can practice now. Previoiusly, my old apartments and even my old house was too small & my playing would have disturbed others.

Sure, I've got the butterflies, but I know I'm not exactly going into the upcoming sessions cold-turkey. My posting clearly disclosed what I've shared here with my TB colleagues... simply that I played long ago and want to play again. Before even considering the CL posting, I took a year+ of dedicated practice to get myself current. Over that time, I've also managed to figure out a few techniques that eluded me in the earlier part of my musical-life.

I am very much aware that practicing alone with a metronome or drumbeat is much different than playing with a group. I definitely need to knock some of the jamming-rust outta myself. That's one reason I'm responding and willing to meet everyone that replied to me. If I blow the first shot or whatever, then I will have learned a lesson, refine myself, and be more improved for the next meeting.

Playing with musicians for the first time is directly comparable to a job interview... or I dare say, even comparable to a first date. Yes, you're going to meet to see if you can play music, but you also have to project an image that you are able to along with the other band members. You're auditioning your skillset and your personality. Can you hang with them both musically and socially?

Ah! I guess I forgot you stated you practiced for over a year in preparation. You'll do fine! Just make sure you review this video to brush up on your stage presence...

How to play bass on stage

TolerancEJ · #13 08-24-2011, 02:16 PM

@Matticus I'm glad you like, maybe, liked my post, I think. I am logged onto said forum.

I'm not clear whether you're hinting that I posted this thread the wrong subforum? I thought the Humor section would be the most appropriate. Confirm & I'll request a Mod to delete my thread.

TolerancEJ · #14 08-24-2011, 02:17 PM

@TF Ghost - That was funny. I'll make sure to demonstrate those skills.

MatticusMania · #15 08-24-2011, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TolerancEJ

@Matticus I'm glad you like, maybe, liked my post, I think. I am logged onto said forum.

I'm not clear whether you're hinting that I posted this thread the wrong subforum? I thought the Humor section would be the most appropriate. Confirm & I'll request a Mod to delete my thread.

Nah man, just some harmless joshing

Carry on!