For the past 10 months I have been subbing in a trio. I've known the lead player since high school; he's a decent guy and an AMAZING musician. The song list is all over the map - old country, 70's classic rock, jazz fusion... The gigs are pretty steady at some very sketchy venues but the pay is decent. The drummer and lead player have been together for 5 years but have played professionally for close to 30 years each. I've been playing for most of my life (I'm 52) but its not my main gig - I have a full time career and busy family. They are both WAY more musically talented than I am. I play in the pocket with feeling but I'm no virtuoso. I've learned over 50 songs for these gigs but still make occasional mistakes on gigs.
The main problem as I see it is a lack of rehearsal.. we've had 2 with the drummer and maybe 5 with the lead player and I going over new songs. Were doing stuff like Beck's Scatterbrain and Cobham's Stratus but have never rehearsed them as a band. I learn the songs from the CD then try them live. The 2 rehearsals that we've had have boosted my confidence and tightened up the arrangements. The drummer has blown off at least 6 practices at the last minute but is the first to bitch about me missing a change or other clams. They have another bassist that they use for some gigs but the seem happy using subs - no permanent bassist in close to a year.
I have fun playing out with them and I know I've grown as a musician, but the stress of getting stink-eye from the drummer is getting to me. Plus I am developing a complex because I know I'm not as good as these guys. I have a handful of gigs booked with them over the summer - including some higher profile shows that aren't in dive bars. Any advice? Anyone been in the same boat? Should I ride it out? Ignore the drummer's negativity? Thanks for reading.
The main problem as I see it is a lack of rehearsal.. we've had 2 with the drummer and maybe 5 with the lead player and I going over new songs. Were doing stuff like Beck's Scatterbrain and Cobham's Stratus but have never rehearsed them as a band. I learn the songs from the CD then try them live. The 2 rehearsals that we've had have boosted my confidence and tightened up the arrangements. The drummer has blown off at least 6 practices at the last minute but is the first to bitch about me missing a change or other clams. They have another bassist that they use for some gigs but the seem happy using subs - no permanent bassist in close to a year.
I have fun playing out with them and I know I've grown as a musician, but the stress of getting stink-eye from the drummer is getting to me. Plus I am developing a complex because I know I'm not as good as these guys. I have a handful of gigs booked with them over the summer - including some higher profile shows that aren't in dive bars. Any advice? Anyone been in the same boat? Should I ride it out? Ignore the drummer's negativity? Thanks for reading.
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