Song Order Suggestions / Help ??

[LowDown Hal]

First of all I'm new at this and appreciate your advice.
A "Jam" Group I play with is doing a short set for an outdoor Party.

When we are done there is going to be an acoustic duo doing a few songs followed by a Blues group doing a few. Then I think we ALL regroup on stage for some Roadhouse Blues.

So, my question is

- What order would you put these songs in?
*Gimme Some Lovin'
*I'm A Man
*Kansas City
*Mustang Sally
*Respect
*Margaritaville
*Midnight Hour
*Moondance
*Pretty Woman
*Johnny B. Goode

If possible can you include some rationale as to how you reached your specified order.
That way I can learn how to think this through and take of myself in the future.


THANKS

 

[JackANSI]

I think the way you have them now is fine... Just read the crowd and play what makes sense. If they are dancing, don't throw a slow song in unless there are a lot of couples out there, keep it going. If they aren't dancing, play some music that has the best chance of getting them to dance. Its about helping people have fun and having some yourself, not about some crazy set list psychology.

And definitely don't worry about the bands before or after you. I'd bet they aren't as concerned as you are.

Of course don't listen to me, on talkbass no one's opinion is correct except their own..

 

[RicPlaya]

Should be move to band Mgt and performance, this is for sound reinforcement

 

[DeluxeRed]

It depends so much on the pacing and arrangement of those old chestnuts, so here are some general guidelines that have worked for me for a short, simple set:

Hit 'em hard with a couple/three songs. We're here to rock!

Quick break, patter.

A technical or showoff tune or two can go here.

A couple of rocking dance tunes.

Quick break, patter.

Slow dance tune.

A couple of rockin' tunes. Finish with a bang!

If that kind of flow, or one of your own design, works for you, then take a look at how you play the songs on your list and work them to those slots. Start with something you can play well and forcefully to make a good first impression. Finish with a song that uses all of your talent, that is, that everyone has a part, even if it's just cowbell.

Watch the song-to-song sequence for technical issues like instrument changes or re-tunes or pedal-dance or whatever. Work those around the natural breaks, and don't have a technical issue where you want to go from one song to another.

Now that you have a starting point, mentally prepare some variations. If people jump right up on your opening songs and start dancing, drop the technical tune, keep the break short, and get right to the next dance songs. Be prepared to push up the list to keep the fire lit. If the fire doesn't light, move up the slow dance tune, that'll sometimes get people onto the dance floor.

Stay loose, be prepared for anything, play to the crowd, and have fun--if you're having fun, the order isn't nearly as important.

And +1 to the Ignore The Other Bands. They aren't worrying about you, either. You're there to play YOUR show, and they can take care of themselves.

 

[LowDown Hal]

Should be move to band Mgt and performance, this is for sound reinforcement

Good Point. Band Management could have worked.

I was actually wondering about that when I posted my question.
Finally I decided, heck I was asking about a live performance so I took a guess.

 

[hbarcat]

When figuring out song order for sets I always decide the key slots first and then fill in the rest around them.


-- Most important is the final song of the set. Finish with the one that leaves the best impression of your band and has your audience leaving on a high.

-- Next important is the opening song of the set. A good, rocking, uptempo song that sets the stage for the rest of the set.

-- Place the song right before the final song that transitions to the finale in a way that makes the most sense.

-- Place the song right after the opener that transitions into it the way you want.

-- Continue filling in songs that seem to "flow" logically and emotionally.



There's no rule to this, it's just how I've always done it and it works for me. Just imagine how each transition from song to song will sound to your audience and ask yourself if it sounds "right" or not. If it sounds awkward then try something else.


Actually, I think this order is pretty good just the way you have it listed.

*Gimme Some Lovin'
*I'm A Man
*Kansas City
*Mustang Sally
*Respect
*Margaritaville
*Midnight Hour
*Moondance
*Pretty Woman
*Johnny B. Goode