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There are few actual Tuxedo shows any more, but have a GOOD ( not goodwill) black suit, and real dress shoes. Polish the shoes once a year at least.
Women- little black dress if you stand, black dress pants if you sit.
Women- little black dress if you stand, black dress pants if you sit.
Charts seem to be much more accepted now than they were back in the 70's. The main downside to using charts is that if you focus on using them, you are not focusing on your audience. Keep your head up as much as you can, use the charts sparingly if you can, and get off them as soon as you can. One thing you can do is make your own abbreviated charts with just the chord progressions for the various sections of the song - verse, chorus, bridge. That way you can get a quick overview of what's ahead without having your eyes glued on the charts the whole way.
Listening to music where everyone is using charts is fine. Dancing to music and watching a band play isn't so much fun if everyone is heads-down on charts because it is visually boring and they want to be visually excited. You are not playing in an orchestra. So, yeah, use them to get up to speed and to be able to play right away, but get off of them as soon as you can so you can connect with your audience. That's where the real magic happens!
Listening to music where everyone is using charts is fine. Dancing to music and watching a band play isn't so much fun if everyone is heads-down on charts because it is visually boring and they want to be visually excited. You are not playing in an orchestra. So, yeah, use them to get up to speed and to be able to play right away, but get off of them as soon as you can so you can connect with your audience. That's where the real magic happens!
^ I will always avoid charts whenever possible, they are groove-suckers. If you must, read 4-6 bars ahead, so you can look up AND concentrate on the groove.
Those are all great comments. The only thing you need to be careful of is that you do want those folks to get their drinks. As far as the location's management is concerned, the volume of drinks sold is the determining factor on whether or not the band is a success at their establishment, even if there is a cover charge - drinks are more than cover charges. Great to be able to just segue into song after song or pull out a 3-song medley. Nothing will keep dancers on the floor like that. But it's probably good to get a little breathing space in there somewhere to buy the booze don't you think?
I agree, in a PUBLIC establishment, you do want to help the venue owner make money and meet his bottom line. And that is achieved by him selling his product.
My audiences at the public venues still find time to take a rest from the dance floor, return to their tables or belly up to the bar, even if we are rolling through five songs in a row without a break. They figure it out, we don't need to stop the music and cue them. They get very thirsty, and burning off calories on the dance floor justifies more drinking. The venue sells a lot of alcohol when we're in the room.
At private events, it's obviously a non-issue. No one is selling anything.
No matter what happens, always act like the band is having fun.
Best advice I have is this...
No matter what, no matter how tight you get, no matter how long you’re on the gig, no matter how outrageous it seems at times, if you wish to remain in the paid bass position, then, no matter what, the band director is always right.
No matter what, no matter how tight you get, no matter how long you’re on the gig, no matter how outrageous it seems at times, if you wish to remain in the paid bass position, then, no matter what, the band director is always right.
+1000
Some people on TB have more rules, regulations and restrictions than a corporate boardroom. It's rock and roll guys, not the SATs.
More rules than they have gigs.
Reminds me of the old joke. Saint Peter is the bouncer at the Heavenly Gate. A man approaches, and Pete asks him "what did you do in life before you got here?". "I was a physician". "Very good!", says Pete, "c'mon in, go to the right, welcome to Paradise!". Next guy approaches, a teacher, same question, same reply. Third approaches, same question, "I'm was a musician". "OK", says Pete, "take a left, go to the loading dock, take the freight elevator, through the kitchen, up the stairs" ... "welcome to Paradise!".
Don't play any obscure crap, stick to the hits. Don't wear cargo shorts and/or sandals. And don't cop an attitude over small stuff.
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Bolded...pretty much this. I just got hired to replace a bassist who was not easy to work with. Honestly the guy probably knows this material better than me as he's been playing it longer and more consistently than myself, but the main complaint from his band mates was that he was not easy to deal with. another complaint they had were the all too frequent text messages...apparently he was well intentioned but too enthusiastic, so I guess the take home message here is try not to bother the other band members too much.
Make sure you take care of your own stuff first.
If you have suggestions for the band I suggest you present them as just that...suggestions. And, only after you've solidified your position in the group and you're not the new guy any more.
Keep a list of suggestions and present them when the time is right. Maybe during a band meeting. Not by a bunch of text messages.
Good luck.
thanks....bolded..thats exactly what I plan on doing, for the time being I am keeping my mouth shut and doing my homework...It's actually a pretty good gig, really good venues, large following, pay is a minimum of $100.00 per gig, and the BL is an excellent promoter. So far they're treating me well and have nothing but praise for my playing. They are also the first band I've been in for awhile that have told to turn UP my stage volume. My only realy beef is that their rehearsals are on weeknights, but infrequent enough for me to be able to workaround them.
alas: those guys have already settled on their group 'comfort zone' (to date) and there are probably other facets of their preexisting 'group culture' to which you will have to acclimate. not a big deal: you'll be working more and making more by being challenged more in more ways than your previous experience. take it all in for awhile and then assess. easy stuff! good luck!
keep us informed! thanks.
Our rehearsals are on weeknights and I was oh thank God for that. If had gigs, housework, Church gig, AND practice on the weekend? No way. I'm studying for my PE too. Heck of a time to jump in but you gotta be ready when the opportunity arises, amiright?
Time management is a good thing!
Maybe you can pay for some house cleaning or lawn maintenance services with the extra cash you'll be making?
It'll give you a chance to rest up more and help with the PE studies.
Good luck!
