This is like those NBD tease threads.
WHAT'S THE FRICKEN SONG OP
WHAT'S THE FRICKEN SONG OP
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Last minute request for wedding
- Thread starter DaveParker39
- Start date
One of the groups I play with just did Tim McGraw’s Humble and Kind as a last minute request for one of the parent dances.
It’a a nice enough song. Four Chords … in B so you get to use the low B string.
We usually only play a short & sweet version - like 2 min - and it cuts out bridges and solos and all that stuff.
Also in my contract, I put a deadline for special requests at a reasonable time based on the date. However, lots of cool and interesting stuff happens “last minute” so learn to roll with it.
But yeah. Spotify.
It’a a nice enough song. Four Chords … in B so you get to use the low B string.
We usually only play a short & sweet version - like 2 min - and it cuts out bridges and solos and all that stuff.
Also in my contract, I put a deadline for special requests at a reasonable time based on the date. However, lots of cool and interesting stuff happens “last minute” so learn to roll with it.
But yeah. Spotify.
Depends on the difficulty of the song and the skill of the musicians. I have learned songs between sets before. I don't claim to do it for everyone.
Going the extra mile and doing it well is likely to enhance the band's reputation, which could lead to more work and higher pay. However, if you can't pull it off, playing a recording may be the best solution. Consider the big picture and what you stand to gain or lose.
Going the extra mile and doing it well is likely to enhance the band's reputation, which could lead to more work and higher pay. However, if you can't pull it off, playing a recording may be the best solution. Consider the big picture and what you stand to gain or lose.
I'd spend the first 15 minutes of rehearsal giving it a try.
Best case - you can pull it off, and you're heroes.
Worst case - you tell them honestly that you tried it at rehearsal, but didn't feel your version was suitable for an upscale affair, so you have the recorded version ready to play over the PA.
Either way, the requester would come away feeling like they were heard and treated with respect.
Best case - you can pull it off, and you're heroes.
Worst case - you tell them honestly that you tried it at rehearsal, but didn't feel your version was suitable for an upscale affair, so you have the recorded version ready to play over the PA.
Either way, the requester would come away feeling like they were heard and treated with respect.
Depends not only on the song, but also on the band.
I've played with people that can pull off a good enough approximation on the fly after hearing a song once and having the text printed out. I've played with people that will not be able to perform anything on stage that has not been rehearsed to their satisfaction.
I've played with people that can pull off a good enough approximation on the fly after hearing a song once and having the text printed out. I've played with people that will not be able to perform anything on stage that has not been rehearsed to their satisfaction.
To answer your question, yes, it's totally acceptable to say that.
For future weddings, you might want to consider a contract. My band plays lots of receptions, and our contract actually states that they get 5 requested songs (including the first dances), and any additional song requests are $50.00 per song, and it requires those requests to be to us no later than 30 days prior to the event. Of course, we're not inflexible, but that covers us so we don't have to deal with requests like the one you got.
The mystery continues. . . .
Honestly, if everyone's a veteran player and you can feel sure they'll listen up on this last minute addition, I'd wing it. As long as most audiences hear the melody and the hook cleanly, you can skate on the rest because of the short notice, if it's a veteran band and everyone knows how to read the radar off each other.
Sometimes, you got to fly without a net. This is what puts iron in your spine and lead in your pencil. Once in a while, you gotta cowboy up.
Honestly, if everyone's a veteran player and you can feel sure they'll listen up on this last minute addition, I'd wing it. As long as most audiences hear the melody and the hook cleanly, you can skate on the rest because of the short notice, if it's a veteran band and everyone knows how to read the radar off each other.
Sometimes, you got to fly without a net. This is what puts iron in your spine and lead in your pencil. Once in a while, you gotta cowboy up.
WHAT'S THE SONG?? How hard of a song is it? I say try to learn it. You may get a tip for pulling it off.
4 days to learn a roughly 3 minute song? So if each band member only has 30 minutes each night to learn it, then that's ten times a night x 4 days. Give a copy to each member and play it. If it was Flight of the Bumble bee, well, yeah, I would say can't do it, but if it's pop tune, you should be able to plow your way through it.
Story - doing a gig with a band of really great players, a party for adults, and some guy comes up and says I'll give you guys $100 to play the Isley bros. "Work to do". Which we already knew but as the AWB version. Banged it out. He comes back and says he will give us another hundred to play xx, a tune only the guitar player knew, and this was before the days of cell phone internet access. We huddled up, the guitar player showed us what to play and he would sing it, we did it, and we managed to not hurt ourselves too bad, either. Sometimes you just gotta go for it...
Since he's not answering, I am going to guess the song is Holiday in Cambodia. Now, I'm going too say it's inappropriate for a wedding, so don't do it.
I see both sides of the argument. Personally, I'd learn it and play it. I'm sure any drummer can do the same as well. I'm a can-do guy and I'm a little puzzled by the number of people who wouldn't touch this challenge.
My answer:
Hey boss:
I not sure, but my tip-jar has an amazing capacity to be flexible on this short of notice
Hey boss:
I not sure, but my tip-jar has an amazing capacity to be flexible on this short of notice
Appropos of nothing at all, I was in a punk ska band that used to practice in a shed next door. Pretty much every day, but not at night. One day a neighbour over the back started blasting old people radio at full volume. No idea what point he was trying to make. Anyway, by shouting out chords and keys and hairy eyeballs and such, we were able to treat all the songs as requests and finish up playing along to them. Wish I could've seen the look on his face. Only lasted 2 or 3 songs.
These days I'd have a lot more empathy for the old folks. But when you're young, dumb and full of yourself...
Even so, still think it was kind of funny.
These days I'd have a lot more empathy for the old folks. But when you're young, dumb and full of yourself...
Even so, still think it was kind of funny.
