Recent content by wholetone

Hey all. I've done some solo gigs with my Droid tablet with i Real b loaded on there. I've had Band in a Box on my Macbook but I find it a bit unwieldy for backing tracks in terms of being user friendly (it has a zillion options though). While i Real b is OK - its really more of a practice tool...

I know, we don't get listened to. Until we quit the band, and then they b*tch about how the band doesn't sound right. That said, when you've got a 10 piece band, some arrangements are good and some clearly aren't. My last band (now that yesterday was the last gig) really struggled with some...

No one wants to feel like a jerk for trying to help out someone that is having life issues, but sometimes the nicest thing you can do for someone is to NOT help them out as you are simply enabling more bad behavior now and in the future. As much as it sucks, some people are destined to be...

I really like the way you run your band, even if you can't play as often as you would like. That's really the way to go. That way, when a gig pops up, you are *ready*. Practice like you are going to play, you can't go wrong. Its like rehearsing dance routines, really.

I pretty much did that at lunch yesterday when the BL was trying to guilt me into not being angry about the situation. Just change the situation dude - its easy - but since you won't - sayonara. Plenty of people heard me say so.

So much the point you made in the first paragraph. I look at it this way... the songs should be good enough that you wouldn't be embarrassed to record them or play them for anyone. I realize that a lot of us are playing with bands that may not have the greatest players, but you can be rehearsed...

She made decent money with her wedding band and said "Hey, while you do have to learn lame stuff like Carpenter's tunes - because they'll always be asked for - there's usually free food, free booze and you get to see drunk people act stupid for your amusement." Her point is don't waste time...

UPDATE So, I did the final gig yesterday. A lot of it involved sight reading as they added (as usual) way too many new tunes during the time I took a break that weren't practiced last week. Listening to the recording, the band definitely has regressed as a group and they were many tempo and...

They're all nice people. But I think I can simply say "Disorganization and chaos at practice and gigs was leading to a band that's not improving to its capabilities. I don't see the changes coming that are going to improve that, and I don't have time to mess with what is a frustrating situation...

I've played most of those in one context or another. Good list. All of Me and Fly Me to the Moon have a great progression to play solos over. As to your questions about how much you should help the horn players out, my suggestion is to have original recordings for them to listen to, then learn...

Already exchanged emails and agreed to do so. I'm playing the two hours, getting paid, handing in the book. I'm done. And I will do it all with a smile and in the most professional manner possible. SEE? :D

I did everything asked, believe me. My issue is I've already had two friends, one a well-connected local musician, the other that knows a lot of local bands as a spectator/listener, and both after hearing this band said "BAIL". The musician said "you are wayyyy too good to be playing with those...

Since this was not my original band I've been hesitant to dominate much during rehearsal, but I've taken charge out of necessity while we are playing several times. You can bet your a** that my next project, if I'm charge of it, it will be democratic but I'll be assertive within the context of...

I have learned a lot in the process of being a bassist in this band though. The bass player DOES control how well the band plays to a greater degree than people realize. As a relative novice to playing bass (I've been kicking myself now for not picking it up 30+ years ago when I was mulling it...

Its probably time for this thread to die a quiet death, however, I think this may require a keg. Or two. Have a great weekend everyone and thanks for all the advice.