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How Flexible Are You?

#141
I think you can sum this whole thread up nicely with this thought;

"Know Yourself".

There is no wrong answer to any of these questions that Blue has asked, or others posted up here.

But know what you want out of your band experience ahead of time and don't settle for less (or accept more). Doing that just leads to frustration.

Along with that, assess your ability honestly and be realistic about what you have to offer.

The longer I am in this whole BS world that is "music", the more I find myself looking at people like Blue and realizing that there is a whole bunch of truth and experience in things that they say, even if they aren't exactly what we'd all like to hear.
 
#142
BayStateBass said:
I think you can sum this whole thread up nicely with this thought;

"Know Yourself".

There is no wrong answer to any of these questions that Blue has asked, or others posted up here.

But know what you want out of your band experience ahead of time and don't settle for less (or accept more). Doing that just leads to frustration.

Along with that, assess your ability honestly and be realistic about what you have to offer.

The longer I am in this whole BS world that is "music", the more I find myself looking at people like Blue and realizing that there is a whole bunch of truth and experience in things that they say, even if they aren't exactly what we'd all like to hear.
Click to expand...

Cool,

Plus it's tough addressing some of these issues because of the varied backgrounds we have, age, location all come into play.

For example, I'm 60 . I'm not going to see things through the eyes of a 17 year old.

Blue
 
#143
bluewine said:
Cool,

Plus it's tough addressing some of these issues because of the varied backgrounds we have, age, location all come into play.

For example, I'm 60 . I'm not going to see things through the eyes of a 17 year old.

Blue
Click to expand...


Blue you ain't as different from the youngens out there as you may think. There are plenty of 17 year olds who also seek validation from an alter ego on the intrawebs.
 
#145
1. I will only play one specific genre.
I'm willing to play what I think I have the talent to play and what I don't despise playing.

2. Regardless of the caliber of the band I will only play original music.
I've never had the occasion to play in an all cover band, but I wouldn't reject the idea.

3. Regardless of the caliber if the band. I will only play covers.
I tend to prefer originals.

4. I only want to gig a few times a year.
I've never had a problem with having too many shows lined up so I wouldn't know. Usually I'm begging for gigs.

5. I will only play with guys my age.
I don't care about age, as long as it doesn't become an issue. If someone else is going to make me feel too young or too old, I'm not going to put up with it.

6. I restrict myself to established working band opportunities with a strong book of business.
I've never been in an established band so I wouldn't know if I prefer one over the other. Usually personality problems, schedule problems, or drug related firings happen before any kind of "establishing" takes place.
 
#146
I learned 40 years ago, that I enjoyed playing even music I didn't care to listen to, as long as it was played well.

I also learned life is too short to spend any of it around A-holes. I'd rather not play with drunks, although I used to be one. I have no interest in drugs, but if a musician is buzzed but still can play alright, and act like a decent human, that's his business. I got away from high volumes many years ago, and quickly enjoyed being able to hear what everyone was playing. High volume covers up a lot of bad playing. I'd like to keep my ears. I like good tone, good singing, skillful playing, interesting songs, and a good sense of humor along with all of that. This is entertainment...it's supposed to be enjoyable. Hard rock, jazz, country (old time classics, or nu) blues, polkas, waltzes, show tunes, sing-along-with-Mitch oldies, folk, bluegrass, Christian (from hymns to contemporary from the 70's on)...etc. It doesn't really matter. I enjoy playing. I enjoy entertaining. I'm pretty good at it and will do it as long as I can. I'm 60 now.
 
#148
i can do this ... does it count?

catswithKat6.jpg
 
#151
1. I will only play one specific genre.

I will play any genre that I am capable of playing. I used to say that I wasn't a fan of country but my current gig introduced me to some country bands, bass players, and grooves that are really interesting and a refreshing change of pace.

2. Regardless of the caliber of the band I will only play original music.

Originals, covers, national anthems, college fight songs. Good music is good music.

3. Regardless of the caliber if the band. I will only play covers.

See above

4. I only want to gig a few times a year.

Change this to a few times a month. I have been happily married for 20 years give or take. I like spending time with my wife.

We rehearse twice per week, so 4 days a week, every week is too much for me. That said, sometimes gigs bunch up. I fire up the coffee pot and rock !


5. I will only play with guys my age.

This is tricky. One one hand, I am 50 and am at a very different place in life than the young pups. That said, one of my closest friends is young enough to easily be my son. I wish I had my crap together like he does when I was his age.

I guess my final answer is that I'll play with with anyone, any age if they are good people.

6. I restrict myself to established working band opportunities with a strong book of business.

As a local cover hack with a bit of recording experience, I have always been involved in start up projects and have only replaced one bass player. That said, with as hard as I (and the rest of the band) have worked during the last six months, I would prefer to get involved in something that is established. Again, it depends on the musicians.
 
#152
I'm flexible enough to take a chance on things I only suspect might not be good ideas. Thing is, at this stage I've given most of those things their chance already.

Pretty much my two non-negotiable criteria are that the other players be talented and that they carry themselves with a certain professionalism. Beyond that, I greatly prefer that the music be matched to a crowd likely to appreciate it. When you have those three things, the rest tends to fall into place.
 

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