Playing with older musicians

[bluewine]

We are not talking about playing with 18-21 year olds. Most guys are going to be at least in their mid 20s before they would have a band that would atract me.

 

[powderfinger]

Have an opportunity sitting in front of me right now and I wanted to get some talkbass wisdom...

I've been getting frustrated as of lately with the current musicians I've been working with. The kind where endless hours can be wasted in a practice where none of the fine details in a song ever seem to get worked out. Just very unfocused in general.

So I decided to look in the wanted adds for musicians. And find more musicians who are serious about playing music, gigging, and not wasting time...

I answered a craigslist add from an 'experienced and mature guitarist and drummer' seeking R&B/Soul musicians for a cover band. This sounds great! I'd love to play those genres with serious musicians more than anything!

I get a reply, and all the details sound great, from desired practice/gigging frequency to the specific artists they are covering. However he mentions that they are both 40+

... and I'm 22

Anybody have experience with 20 year age gaps in bands? Can the music overcome the generational gaps?

YES, music will overcome the generation gap, for the most part. Don't let this opportunity pass you by. You can learn SO much from older veteran musicians, that you can't from guys your own age.

I had the chance to play in a classic rock cover band years ago with guys in their 40s thru late 50s (when I was mid 20s). The stories these guys told about gigging in the 60s and 70s was PRICELESS!!!!! I loved it. Go for it!

 

[powderfinger]

BTW- this thread reminds me of an article I read online a while back about a guy who played in country bands, who was 108 years old. I mean, think of the gig stories that guy could tell you!!!!!!

I mean, that guy was like old enough to be Hank Williams Sr's dad.

 

[bluewine]

The stories these guys told about gigging in the 60s and 70s was PRICELESS!!!!! I loved it. Go for it!

Yeah, there was a much larger audience and market for live music back in those days.

Being in a rock band meant something.

Now;

Hey, you're in a band? Who gives a $hit.

 

[AfroCubanFunkMa]

I care Blue I just wish you'd play BrickHouse with feeling man and leave them users and daydreamers in the dust.. It'll sooth your soul... YOUR SOUL!!!

 

[bluewine]

I care Blue I just wish you'd play BrickHouse with feeling man and leave them users and daydreamers in the dust.. It'll sooth your soul... YOUR SOUL!!!

I might end up playing Brick House some day, if I do, it's a cover.

 

[AfroCubanFunkMa]

Some of the vest advice on playing I ever received was to play with people that were better than I was.. They're usually older IME..