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How many here actually play in a band?

#21
Goofball Jones said:
Thanks, but to put this out there again: I cannot play in a band. I actually don't WANT to play in a band also. I appreciate the feedback, but when someone says "I can't play in a band due to circumstances" the reply to this shouldn't be "just play in a band". :D
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The title of your thread is "How many here actually play in a band?". Naturally, the people who even read your thread are going to be primarily those who are indeed in a band (and are proud of it -- enthusiastic, even). If you wanted to get opinions from those who are musically fulfilled without being in a band, you should title the thread more appropriately. (My apologies if this seems harshly blunt.)

In any case, I wish you luck in finding whatever information it is that you wish to find.
 
#24
Steady gigs:
1. Pop/rock/acoustic cover band - DMB, Billy Joel, Steelers Wheel, Van Morrison, etc.
2. Horn Band - soul, r&b - TOP, EW&F, Joe Cocker, etc.
3. Jazz Quartet/Trio - depends on the gig - basic "real book" stuff.
4. Contemporary Worship Group at church

Part - time gigs:
5. Fill in work with local groups
6. Occasional musicals and other theatre type gigs

Potential gigs:
7. Duet with lead singer/guitar player from #1 - playing guitar and/or bass and vox
8. That elusive solo bass gig where I chord, melody, solo, etc.
 
#25
mileszs said:
The title of your thread is "How many here actually play in a band?". Naturally, the people who even read your thread are going to be primarily those who are indeed in a band (and are proud of it -- enthusiastic, even). If you wanted to get opinions from those who are musically fulfilled without being in a band, you should title the thread more appropriately. (My apologies if this seems harshly blunt.)
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No, you're right. I forgot that many people (myself included) usually just read the title and not the actual post...especially if the title of the thread is asking a question like this one did. So naturally people are going to respond to "do you actually play in a band". :D

And as for what I'm actually looking for, I don't even know myself. :rollno:
 
#26
If you don't see yourself ever being in a band, does that mean you can't informally jam/play music with other people? It isn't exactly a black and white subject; there are many options in between playing along to records by yourself and joining a full-time band.
 
#27
I'm in a reggae band, an RnB band, a Big Band, and an afro-beat band. None of those groups rehearses unless there is a gig/recording sess ect...

So even if time is a big problem for you, with the right group, you can get all the benefits of playing live for an audience, without the lame "weekly commitment" of a "band who wants to get a record deal and be rockstars". no offence to people who do that, i just have the experience that the more a band works the less it rehearses
 
#28
I'm in a band, and if I wasn't I'd be looking.

I definitely fall on the traditional side of what I want to do with my bass : play baselines that support the music, with a band,for an audience. I view art as communication rather than simple self expression. If I am not aiming for performance, than the circuit feels incomplete. Recording is a close second, I suppose... but It feels better when people are there, clapping.

As mentioned It is a tremendous motivator of craftsmanship to be accountable to others, be they band mates or audiences.

So you say you don't WANT to play in a band, but what do you want to do with your bass?
Do you want to perform for an audience at all, solo style?
Or do you just want to record home studio stuff?
Or other...?
 
#33
I'm in a band and I dont know how I could continue with the bass without being in one. Beside the fact that the band motivates you to learn new songs and improve on the existing, the bass doesnt come alive until I've got guitars and drums to give it a sense of purpose. It often sounds like nothing until its given the context provided by the other instruments. Sure I practice at home and enjoy that, but there's nothing better than getting in the groove with other players.
 
#34
I'm currently in three bands, all praise teams at separate churches. I've found that God has blessed me with the talent, so I seek to use it to glorify Him. I LOVE being in a band, of any kind. There's just something about locking in and grooving, or maybe taking a little solo or groove thing. It's just so satisfying!

Please note: I am not here to put on my flame suit. Just stating who I play for. That is all.
 
#35
johnek said:
I'm in a band and I dont know how I could continue with the bass without being in one. Beside the fact that the band motivates you to learn new songs and improve on the existing, the bass doesnt come alive until I've got guitars and drums to give it a sense of purpose. It often sounds like nothing until its given the context provided by the other instruments. Sure I practice at home and enjoy that, but there's nothing better than getting in the groove with other players.
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+1 to that. I play in a gigging rock band as my main band, a gigging bluegrass band as my secondary band and a non-gigging jazz group because I love jazz too. I love playing bass above all, but if I couldn't play with other instruments, I'm not sure it would be the instrument I'd choose. When I went through my "I have kids" phase (and I definitely did, and didn't gig during those years), I played little bass, mainly guitar and keys.
 
#36
::cool:

I play in two band right now, and freelance.
Both have there pluses, and minuses.
Hay Goofball,
Bass is an instrument that lends itself to be played with other instruments.
The joy of interacting with say, a guitarist, and drummer.
Is what bass is all about. (playing off other people)
I respect you reasons not to be in a band.
But, your missing a big part of what bass playing is about.
I wish you well,
Peace.
 
#38
I've been playing bass for 31 yrs,this x-mas coming.I started playing bar/clubs right before my 16th b-day.So,basically,I've been gigging for almost 28 yrs.
The band I'm currently in,we've been together for going on 15 yrs.We absolutely have NO DRAMA.I don't know.I guess I'm blessed,playing in a band that I wouldn't walk away from.I see all these people posting on here about band troubles.Just seems weird.
I also sub,when the rare opportunity presents itself.I can't do it much due to our constant,busy,solidly-booked schedule.
But,there is one thing that I definitely make time for.THE STUDIO!!I absolutely love having that "pressure" on me.It seems that my playing "goes up a notch,or two".I love it!I absolutely love being put on the "spot."
 
#40
wellshuxley said:
If you don't see yourself ever being in a band, does that mean you can't informally jam/play music with other people? It isn't exactly a black and white subject; there are many options in between playing along to records by yourself and joining a full-time band.
Click to expand...

/\ this /\

I'm in 2 working bands and do fill work when the opportunity presents itself & still do the make noise with old friends on occasion.
 

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