Lost in the Audition Jungle

[Bass Viking]

Funny you mention Chuck R; He's a local here in DFW, and I had a chance to play with him at a jam where he was special guest. One of the nicest, most chill guys I ever met. I was singing/playing guitar, and turned around and asked him if he could play Kid Charlemagne. He smiled and shook his head; I immediately realized what an idiot request it was -

“Hey Chuck, you know any Steely Dan?”

 

[FrodeVikie]

“Hey Chuck, you know any Steely Dan?”

I believe he does.

 

[Pocket Dave]

I believe he does.

Surprisingly not. I guess my point was Chuck R played on thousands of hits, often multiple sessions a day. Like a lot of busy session guys, he put the time and attention into a track, then basically forgot them as he moved on to the next.

Hence the humble smile and head shake I got when I idiotically asked him if he remembered KC.

Though it would've been cool as heck to actually play the song with the guy who recorded it. ;-)

 

[FrodeVikie]

Everything I've ever heard about him is that he's super-chill, but there's a limit to ev eryone's kindness I guess.

 

[Pocket Dave]

Everything I've ever heard about him is that he's super-chill, but there's a limit to ev eryone's kindness I guess.

He was still super kind despite me being an idiot.

 

[FrodeVikie]

He was still super kind despite me being an idiot.

Nah; no idiot! You know he (Chuck) has players all the time telling him he's the man. That's the same reason Lee Sklar asks his admirers to let him take their picture flipping him off!

 

[The Growl Owl]

One of the up sides of auditioning is meeting other players, and finding out who’s a decent player. Agreed with another poster, the drummer is almost always the X factor, and good ones are very hard to find. It’s always a good sign if the drummer plays other instruments besides drums. A good goal is to always be building the Rolodex so you can mix and match the people you like when the time is right. Also, the best way to control all of this is to run the band yourself. A lot of work tho.

 

[Major Seven]

My theory is every experience is worth something. Even if you don’t get a gig, the more auditions the better you feel doing them. Eventually you’ll find the right situation.

I used to do the same thing with job interviews after college. Even if I didn't want the job I went anyway.
Got very comfortable with job interviews.

 

[Sixxer]

I'm already in a band but was looking for a side gig. Woman singer contacts me and I go check out the situation. No keyboardist. Guitar drums and congas. Guys my age (60's) They ain't ready. So far behind I don't think they'll ever be ready to gig. Spoke to the woman later that evening and told her I pass.

There are those out there who will never be ready, no matter what.