Involuntary Substitution

[Jazz Ad]

We rehearse every week and gig about once a month.
Now, we are an all original band and there is no main writer or composer.
Composition is done together. This takes time.

For a blues cover band, there isn't much rehearsing to do.

 

[Duder]

I'm curious to see how this panned out

 

[Bodeanly]

Nope. Band leader is killing his own baby by insisting on rehearsals that others already told him they can't do. And threatening them. Seasoned professional musicians don't need to rehearse 4 times a month for a gig.

I meant that the BL is going to find a bassist that will love his project as much as he does. And you're right, seasoned professionals do not have to practice that often... Key words: seasoned professionals.

 

[LowNloud1]

So.....no new songs are ever added to the song list? If the song list is stagnant, then I can see your point to some extent.

However.....

Did you know they wanted to practice every week when you joined?

You state that the gig "will go well because I will be prepared." I wonder if the rest of the band will agree with that statement. You may think it went well but how many mistakes were made by the other members because they did not practice with you?

I suspect the BL's text was based on your past responses to their wanting you at a practice.

Leave gracefully. .....Oops! Too late for that option!

 

[DOMIT]

While you might not "need" the practice, perhaps the rest of the band does... and as a part of the band you should be there to support that. If you don't enjoy playing with them, why are you doing so? I don't think you are approaching this with the right attitude.

It sounds like you might have solved the problem already with your message, and they likely won't require you to come to any more pesky practice sessions.

 

[worxforme]

I like how so many have put their doucherie spin on you having different priorities.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

I think once a band is gigging, weekly rehearsals are a bit much. However, the BL expects weekly rehearsals. You two have to come to an agreement. Either he lightens up the rehearsal schedule, or you find another band. Neither of you are wrong, you just don't have the same expectations.

 

[Joe Nerve]

I like how so many have put their doucherie spin on you having different priorities.

The douche spin doesn't come from different needs or priorities, it comes (from me at least) from people making threats if others don't do what they want them to do.

 

[Duder]

And while you're at it... don't forget to tell your Band Leader that the idiom is:

"champing at the bit".


Condolences about your cat.

Champing at the bit vs. chomping at the bit - Grammarist an interesting little read on this idiom

 

[DanMax]

The band is good and I like the people. The gigs are mostly meh. Apparently they used to play better gigs before I joined. That can change, so it's not the issue here. I just can't see rehearsing these easy songs for three hours every Monday.

If the gigs aren't good, something ought to be done. Maybe the BL should look at that bass player who knows it all and can't be bothered working on all that easy stuff.

So they used to play better gigs before you joined? Well, maybe they'll play better ones again after you've been replaced.

Harsh, but we don't know the other guy's side. It may well be that.

Sounds like you don't much like that band's dynamic, anyway. Or, you like it on your terms, only. You're in the right, he's in the right.

Be man enough to wish them well after you've gone. And go, go now.

 

[DanMax]

Be careful what you ask for. Those
FWIW I would never involve my SO in a disagreement like the one you're having with your BL. Nobody is ever gonna love or want to protect you more than your lady. SOs tend to go hyper over these sorts of kerfuffles. And they sometimes get you pumped up to say things you probably wouldn't if left to yourself this early in the disagreement. Just sayin'

FWIW, this is one of the best comments, ever.

And if she does side with the BL, your relationship is in deep, deep trouble.

 

[Bodeanly]

I am awaiting his response.

So are we.

 

[T-MOST]

Well, I am a fan of regular rehearsal. Even for music that you "think" u know like the back of your hand still needs proper attention if u guys want to sound "tight'. maybe you guys like that slinky loose kinda vibe. I personally don't! but it also sounds like your bandleader doesnt either. I think he's throwing u a hint. Put in more work in or step aside.

 

[DanMax]

Well, I am a fan of regular rehearsal. Even for music that you "think" u know like the back of your hand still needs proper attention if u guys want to sound "tight'. maybe you guys like that slinky loose kinda vibe. I personally don't! but it also sounds like your bandleader doesnt either. I think he's throwing u a hint. Put in more work in or step aside.

Hint? It's a sharp rap with a 2x4, no?

 

[Bodeanly]

Well, I am a fan of regular rehearsal. Even for music that you "think" u know like the back of your hand still needs proper attention if u guys want to sound "tight'. maybe you guys like that slinky loose kinda vibe. I personally don't! but it also sounds like your bandleader doesnt either. I think he's throwing u a hint. Put in more work in or step aside.

I can do regular rehearsals if it's a group of friends who would probably be hanging out anyway, when it's not so much about the music as it is the camaraderie.

 

[Joe Nerve]

Even for music that you "think" u know like the back of your hand still needs proper attention if u guys want to sound "tight'.

That might apply to you, but it is completely untrue as written. Some of the tightest, greatest recordings of all time were recorded unrehearsed. Tightness has to do with experience and ability of the musicians. Not how often they rehearse as a band.

 

[The Chuck]

Playing bass is always fun for me. I enjoy it during rehearsal equally as much as at a gig. When the fun is out of it, move on- life is too short.

 

[Skokiaan]

You're not the only member of the band. Perhaps the BL feels there are other members who do need more rehearsals - and it's kind of silly to rehearse them without a bass player present?

Not the case here. This band has been together doing mostly these same songs for eight or nine years. The band is tight. Bandleader is a great singer and really good guitarist. Keyboardist is excellent.

Drummer is one of the two best drummers I have ever played with. He now does most of the gigs with my other band, too. He had just one very short rehearsal with that band so we could show him our arrangements. That band rehearses sporadically and calls out songs on stage to play cold. He keeps up perfectly.

 

[Skokiaan]

Be careful what you ask for. Those kinds of wishes tend to be granted. Because the only real response to an ultimatum is saying "sod off" in return.

FWIW I would never involve my SO in a disagreement like the one you're having with your BL. Nobody is ever gonna love or want to protect you more than your lady. SOs tend to go hyper over these sorts of kerfuffles. And they sometimes get you pumped up to say things you probably wouldn't if left to yourself this early in the disagreement. Just sayin'

My replacement ultimatum is not a bluff. I do not want to be in a band where I can be dropped from a gig at the whim of the bandleader. I am not a hired hand here, like I am in other bands. I'm a full member and I am always prepared.

The Mrs. is not involved in the discussion. I just keep her informed. Her reactions to things tend to be knee-jerk, while I am more measured. We balance each other well.

 

[bikeplate]

I can't disagree with anything you posted. Rock on!