Anyone have to turn down a Band you really liked?

[Eilif]

This weekend I subed for a friend of mine. He had just about finshed searching for a new bassist, but needed some one to fill in quick. It's an old school'ish blues/rock/gospel/motown kind of outfit that he just started, and I had alot of fun practicing with them and playing the show. A day before the gig, he tells me he wants me to be his bass player. I told him I'd think about it, but after the gig I turned him down, telling him I would be glad to sub anytime. I only have time for one band in my life right now. Here's what I was weighing.

In favor of taking his gig
1) Very good musicians, some of whom -he's an older blues cat- are pretty seasoned.
2) Great singer
3) Chance to learn alot from older musicains
4) Chance to play a style of music I like, but haven't played alot of.

In favor of my current gig, a country band.
1) I like these musicians also
2) I've put 20 months in with this band
3) The music is a bit "simpler" but we have a fairly large catalog.
4) This band has, and will probably continue to have, more big shows than the other, and we are just on the cusp of lining up some more real "working" oportunities
5) Potential to do a bit of recording soon.

Both bands have
1) people I like
2) covers and originals
3) a very good guitarist

Anyone else have to make a choice between two good bands?

[buzzbass]

Actually, I'm juggling 2 bands right now, because I couldn't choose. Band one, 80's-centric. Everything from Crue to Thomas Dolby, with a good lady singer. Fun, but they don't work as often as I'd like.

Which led me to band 2. Guitarist in the 80s band also has a very accomplished Judas Priest Tribute, and I'm the new Ian Hill. Love the tunes, the guys are great & each very talented, bookings are already lining up for 2009. Trips to the mid-west, Puerto Rico, and possibly Mexico are already in negotiations. This one looks to be even more "fun" than the 80s thing. I do realize though that at some point, I'll probably need to drop one.

www.myspace.com/hobokencenterfoldband
www.myspace.com/priesttribute2008

[::::BASSIST::::]

Its a choice between two things:

1. The genre of music... country vs blues
2. size of shows played... and probably money earned

Currently, I'm in a roots rock/rockabilly band AND a classic rock covers band. I prefer the music of the cover band, but I have just invested so much in the Rockabilly band I just dont think I could quit. I also really like the people in both bands, but the Rockabilly guys approach 'brotherhood' levels with me being friends with the band leader for 17 years. So even though I like the music of the cover band more and it will likely be a more successful venture, I'm sticking with my Rockabilly brothers.

[mdiddium]

Yeah, I've definitely been in a similar situation before. Overall, based on what you have posted, I think you made a wise choice. It seems that you aren't looking for freelance gigs but would rather focus on being in a band instead of being a bass player that is only worried about getting gigs.

Sooner or later, the two bands would conflict and you'd be forced to make a decision.

I'm finding more and more that it's better to focus on doing one thing great than spreading yourself too thin. Again, of course, I'm speaking to players that want to be in bands, not players that need to freelance to get by. Two different animals.

[NKUSigEp]

Why can't you do both? Not enough time?

[cassanova]

I've gotten some offers to be a permanent fixture in some bands I've filled in with as well. Shot them all down because I really don't feel like putting up with the aggravation that comes with being in a band, don't really have the time, and I'd rather form my own band than be a regular member in someone else's.

[Eilif]

Originally Posted by NKUSigEp

Why can't you do both? Not enough time?

That's pretty much it. My job as an HIV/AIDS educator is mostly a day gig, but it requires that I leave my evening schedule at least partly open for the random community events that I have to attend. Top it off with my other hobbies (bass building and LEGO) and wanting to be home with the wife a few evenings a week, and it pretty much fills up.

I tried the two band thing a while back. A rock band, and a gospel choir, but the gigs for the band were often conflicting with the practice time for the gospel choir, and it eventually became untendable.

Situation Update:
I just picked up the check from the gig tonight, and there was no awkwardness at all. He actually asked my advice on what to charge clubs for playing, as he's been out of the scene for about a decade, and reminded me of our plans to go guitar shopping. Cool!

[smogg]

For me it has always been about who has the work. By work I mean paying gigs on a regular basis. Type of music does not really affect me that much, example: bass lines I use to use in southern rock are now being used in "new" country so I'm still having a good time. So for me (YMMV) it's all about the work.
my two cents, smogg

[scottbass]

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

Its a choice between two things:

1. The genre of music... country vs blues
2. size of shows played... and probably money earne

+1. I also play in two bands. I greatly enjoy the music of my blues band, but there just aren't that many opportunities - especially in the winter - for blues gigs around this part of the world. My other band is a working classic rock band. We could gig twice every weekend if we wanted. In September I played six bar gigs with my classic rock band and one festival gig with my blues band.

If the blues band ever started getting lots of gigs (like 4 or more per month), then I would have to do some decision-making. But since the blues band only plays occasionally, I'm happy with the way things are right now with both bands.

MORE INFO: Of course, the two-band thing would not have been possible a few years ago when my kids were still home. But since they grew up and moved out, I can devote most evenings and weekends to rehearsals and gigs.

[Eilif]

Originally Posted by mdiddium

It seems that you aren't looking for freelance gigs but would rather focus on being in a band instead of being a bass player that is only worried about getting gigs.

For me it's about the whole band experience. Having gigs is a huge factor, but I've got a day job, so the band camraderie, quality of gigs, and the musical experience are important as well. I like being able to give most of my musical effort to one band.

[JazznFunk]

I play in four bands total, 2 that gig on a semi-regular basis. The other 2 are more sporadic. The only hard part is juggling dates when things really get rolling in the spring/summer and keeping everyone happy. There is one band that gets priority over the other since I've been with them longer and it's VERY hard to find someone who could sub effectively. The other is easier to find a sub for, and I have 2 that I can call on regularly. Multiple bands can be managed as long as everyone's on the same page with the 'schedule dance' and such.

[bassbully]

Well my story is a bit weird. I leave bands i started in progressing to better bands each time. This is what we should do right They wont let me go and call me back Well I am in the best band i have ever been in now (country/rockabilly). Since i am really only in my 5th year of being back into bands and bass playing I have progressed fast.
The problem is the rock band i was in a year ago doesnt want me to leave although i did (almost a year ago). This summer i did 5 gigs with them while they were looking as they said for a new bassist. When i saw them not looking i told them i had to leave...too much on my plate. The band is decent, used to be better but is going nowhere and kinda downhill.

Out of the blue i get call from a classic rock band i left over two years ago due to it going nowhere and hardheaded bandmembers. Well they want me back..bad. The drummer was begging me almost and said i was the best bassist he and the band ever had. I joined them right after i got back to music after not touching it for 25 years (since high school) Although i was flattered i said no thanks. I have a great band and full plate. I do jam on the side with a singer songwriter but its new and a side thing for now

[gigabyte3]

Well I'll have to say, I've seen more hot chicks a country bars, that any other venue for bands to perform!!

[bassbully]

Originally Posted by gigabyte3

Well I'll have to say, I've seen more hot chicks a country bars, that any other venue for bands to perform!!

+1 and they dance really dance!