I'm located in Las Vegas and I get to do some traveling as well as 5 gigs a week in town. Not a brag post, but more or less a thank God we all still play a bass guitar/upright bass. We live in a time where everyday we get more and more (bass track) songs that get jammed on radios. So I'm glad that there is a still a need (want) for real bass. So anyhow in regard to the topic. I have been fortunate enough to work for a producer in town that gets a call 5 out of the last 7 years to put a band together to play at the HBO Emmys afterparty. I get the call and the other musicians are all professional as well. Vegas show members and the drummer that had played in THE FAMILY STONE. Amazing drummer named Frank Klepacki , he also composes Video game scores. So let's say we get the music approved (covers) 2 weeks before the gig and we have 3 rehearsals scheduled prior to the date. 90% of the material has no traditional bass. Just mindless low notes played on a keyboard/laptop. Not complaining, but then we are told that the original versions are just for reference. Key changes, style changes, and tempo/note changes TBA. 
So all of this with a four piece band and female lead singer. The best part is that we only do 2 rehearsals because the first scheduled rehearsal turns into a gong show due to the fact the keyboardist and guitarists have charts (what are charts?) So fast forward to the sound check .. SIR LA provides gear. At least it's an ampeg as requested... unfortunately it is a Porta-flex 350 with the single 15 matching cab. Why oh why are the speakers so inefficient in these cabs? Granted it's an outside gig under a Pagoda as decorated. But, seriously the speaker is blown to the tune of both volumes at about 10 o'clock and low end cut back. No D.I. (thank God I bring a sans amp). The producer wants continuity on stage so I get a music stand as well for the guitarist. Mine has a setlist. So the gig happens and I miraculously remember verbatim every song and actually get a thumbs up from Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban. Meanwhile the chart guys are having issues reading their own charts and personal notes. Mind you I'm not boasting. I pose a question. Do you feel it is beneficial to read or not to read? That being a question in regards to pop music. As opposed to actually "learning" songs. Also as we all have to wear many hats and learn every style of music, does it make sense to apply every facet of your knowledge into higher profile gigs? More so than your regular shows (bands)?
So all of this with a four piece band and female lead singer. The best part is that we only do 2 rehearsals because the first scheduled rehearsal turns into a gong show due to the fact the keyboardist and guitarists have charts (what are charts?) So fast forward to the sound check .. SIR LA provides gear. At least it's an ampeg as requested... unfortunately it is a Porta-flex 350 with the single 15 matching cab. Why oh why are the speakers so inefficient in these cabs? Granted it's an outside gig under a Pagoda as decorated. But, seriously the speaker is blown to the tune of both volumes at about 10 o'clock and low end cut back. No D.I. (thank God I bring a sans amp). The producer wants continuity on stage so I get a music stand as well for the guitarist. Mine has a setlist. So the gig happens and I miraculously remember verbatim every song and actually get a thumbs up from Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban. Meanwhile the chart guys are having issues reading their own charts and personal notes. Mind you I'm not boasting. I pose a question. Do you feel it is beneficial to read or not to read? That being a question in regards to pop music. As opposed to actually "learning" songs. Also as we all have to wear many hats and learn every style of music, does it make sense to apply every facet of your knowledge into higher profile gigs? More so than your regular shows (bands)?
