• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Add new material 5 hours before load-in?

#181
frankie5string said:
Geez, you make it sound like being asked to play a country song as a last-minute addition is the equivalent to being ordered to pull the lever on a gallows.

It's not being "pushed around" ...and there are lots of things musicians in a band can do to see this kind of thing coming. I understand that there are folks who just play bass in a band, sip a few beers and get out, but some of us actually prepare for stuff - even when it's just a fun gathering, because we like working on our craft.

Nobody is virtue signalling. We're just giving examples of how we fit into our music projects.
Click to expand...
I'm pretty sure this misses the point. The point is that not everyone is well equipped to handle this kind of request and there's little point to holding up something as an example to follow if it doesn't fit that person's situation.

I'm a big believer in the concept that people should feel empowered to stand up for themselves as appropriate. I'm not a big believer in telling people I know what's appropriate for them, or what they should do. If the OP feels like this was a request he wasn't prepared to respond to, then that's fine by me, regardless of whether I personally could have done it or not.
 
#182
frankie5string said:
Maybe if you're a bit nicer to your singer, they will give you a heads-up a little earlier?

That seems to work for me. Even though I've had singers make last minute requests of the band, myself and most of the band members are already aware of the singers repertoire or even just songs they enjoy... So it's never totally a surprise. Being able to read lead-sheets and even notation helps, too.

That said, 5 hours in the grand scheme of things is a long time to prepare for something like that, even if it means learning through osmosis on the drive to the show.
Click to expand...



Heads up a little earlier if they are nicer?

No!

Respect for others by the singer is needed.
 
  • Like
Reactions: LBS-bass
#185
Bass Man Dan said:
Body Like a Backroad and Life is a Highway. I know I heard the original version of Life is a Highway a long time ago.

I can think of several reasons this is a poor idea and none as to why it's a good idea.
Click to expand...

Yeah, those aren't songs you can nail with a few moments' notice, at least if you don't want to do hack versions of them. Rascal Flatts' version of Life is a Highway has a lot of arrangement and syncopation going on with it. I don't know if I'd want to attempt that song live without rehearsal even if I'm playing with Nashville cats.

For those who think it's "just a country song," this isn't really a Folsom Prison Blues or Fast as You or The Race is On. It would be the equivalent of asking someone to learn a Toto tune right before a gig. I've played a lot of country in the past 10 years. For one artist I backed, in his entire three hours of original and cover material, the only root-fifth line I played was a Dierks Bentley song. Everything else was essentially pop bass lines that you had to actually know. He's doing some cool stuff in Nashville, and there isn't one root-fifth line at all on his latest EP.

I'm not a fan of learning material just because of one or two people in the audience, unless they are booking agents, promoters, or A&R people.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Zooberwerx and LBS-bass
#186
Lesfunk said:
Happens all the time.
That’s why we are professionals.
Be ready for anything
I’ve had to learn songs on set breaks before
Click to expand...
I played for a singer who would write personalized birthday songs for audience members on set breaks, and we would figure out an arrangement and do it in the next set. They didn’t always come out perfect, but we never did one that didn’t bring the house down.
As far as that goes, taking requests for songs the band has not rehearsed and learned on a set break has happened to one degree or another in almost every band I’ve been in. I’ve always thought of it as part and parcel of playing in party/dance bands.
if it’s a birthday party and the guest of honor wants a song not on the setlist, are you going to politely blow them off or google that puppy on break and put together at least a convincing fake if a faithful rendition is not possible with less than fifteen minutes to get it done.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: mexicant and frankie5string
#192
Body like a back road...never heard it but played the video.
That is feasible if everyone knows what they are doing and have had a listen.
Not a standard busk because of the way they are playing it, but doable....however, there appears to be a disconnect between a singer throwing that song in and how good it will come off.
It wouldn't or shouldn't be a train wreck but why set yourselves up for a fall.
I'd say the singer probably doesnt get it, tbh.
 
#194
LiquidMidnight said:
Yeah, those aren't songs you can nail with a few moments' notice, at least if you don't want to do hack versions of them. Rascal Flatts' version of Life is a Highway has a lot of arrangement and syncopation going on with it. I don't know if I'd want to attempt that song live without rehearsal even if I'm playing with Nashville cats.

For those who think it's "just a country song," this isn't really a Folsom Prison Blues or Fast as You or The Race is On. It would be the equivalent of asking someone to learn a Toto tune right before a gig. I've played a lot of country in the past 10 years. For one artist I backed, in his entire three hours of original and cover material, the only root-fifth line I played was a Dierks Bentley song. Everything else was essentially pop bass lines that you had to actually know. He's doing some cool stuff in Nashville, and there isn't one root-fifth line at all on his latest EP.

I'm not a fan of learning material just because of one or two people in the audience, unless they are booking agents, promoters, or A&R people.
Click to expand...

That first tune seems to just be 4 chords. Not saying the band could play it note for note per the recording, but a basic version of that tune should be no problem.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mexicant and Mushroo
#198
Depends on the complexity of the songs. Basic country songs should be able to pick up on the fly. I've had "country song in ___ (insert key)" thrown at me in a gig more than once. Luckily I have played enough country with my dad to know most of the standard country tune structures and was able to wing it. Any tune, regardless of genre, that is some what complex should be rehearsed a few times before being presented to a crowd.
 
#200
If I've heard the song before and can figure the general structure on the fly, I'm in.

But, being a former drummer turned self taught Bass player, I'm a little short on improv skills..... so if I've never heard the song before it may not be the best for me. I've had that happen to me in the past and found out it's not the notes I play that count, rather it's the notes I don't play that make the difference between pulling it off versus a train wreck.
 
  • Like
Reactions: LBS-bass

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back