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Starting a Prog Rock Band
- Thread starter amusicalperson
- Start date
You'd definitely need a cape at that point.
Oh, I've studied my share of complex and more intricate music if that's what you mean by "advanced music." (And I can even play it too!) I'll also put my knowledge of music theory, etc. up there with that of any of the next guy's. So "obviously" I'm not a completely unlearned and unlettered bumpus when it comes to music and musicmaking. And good thing considering I joined my first prog group back in the early '70s. I'd also like to think I just may have learned a thing or two since then. (Especially after spending a few years in an ensemble that was heavily into Harry Partch and his music.)
As far as "average" listeners go, I'm not as sanguine as you seen to be. But maybe that's because many people who like music aren't necessarily critical listeners like you seem to feel they must be in order to be worthy of the band that throws in a measure of 9/8 and double taps a solo while they're dancing to it. All good fun I'm sure. Not my cuppa tea, but so be it. Your band, so that's your call I suppose.
Same goes for the audience, many of whom just wanted to get out and enjoy themselves with their friends. Your band does something they don't appreciate enough times, they walk out on you. It's their evening - and it's on their dime. So it's their call too.
Afterwards they sometimes tell their friends. And shortly after that you stop getting booked.
Just sayin'
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@40Hz I don't recall you saying you played in a Prog cover band but have you ,by any chance, ever covered Yes'"The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)" live?
Humility and self-awareness were never considered desireable traits by many prog practitioners and their fans based on my own experiences with (and in) that tribe. Back in the '70s, I didn't run into too many proggers (pro or otherwise) who didn't think they walked on water and had a direct "in" with the gods of music.
That pomposity and pretentiousness is part of what brought the whole thing down eventually. Or so it seemed to me watching it from a seat at ground zero.
The two prog bands I was in did originals. I've noodled with Fish and might be able to fake it if I had to. But learning an entire song note for note off a record was never my thing. I'll invariable change things around and "fix" the parts that bug me even when I do.
Probably the closest I've gotten to Fish would be playing something like this reinterpretation the Master himself does here.
Funny how I always preferred Chris more once he stepped out from under that excessive sonic superstructure Yes built for itself. (For the record: I was never that big of a Yes fan. I didn't care at all for Jon's vocal tone. And a lot of their arrangements sounded sloppy and not completely thought out to me.)
But I'm of the "less is more" school anyway. Too many years of Zen meditation and Eastern philosophy for me to think otherwise.
The two prog bands I was in did originals. I've noodled with Fish and might be able to fake it if I had to. But learning an entire song note for note off a record was never my thing. I'll invariable change things around and "fix" the parts that bug me even when I do.
Probably the closest I've gotten to Fish would be playing something like this reinterpretation the Master himself does here.
Funny how I always preferred Chris more once he stepped out from under that excessive sonic superstructure Yes built for itself. (For the record: I was never that big of a Yes fan. I didn't care at all for Jon's vocal tone. And a lot of their arrangements sounded sloppy and not completely thought out to me.)
But I'm of the "less is more" school anyway. Too many years of Zen meditation and Eastern philosophy for me to think otherwise.
Well, reason I ask, my (Classic Rock) Cover band recently added "Long Distance Runaround" to the set. No problem, I already knew it. Our guitarist wants to keep it going and go into "The Fish." Playing the parts isn't going to be a problem but playing them live will. I was thinking this could be achieved live with a looper but plently of room for error. Just was wondering!
Fuzzy leggings are a wardrobe essential. In moderation, of course.Indeed, next order of business is to get a cape.View attachment 832111
Let me know if you get a looper to work with that.
I always used to threaten to use a looper if I was ever asked to play Sweet Jane. I'd just record the first 45 or so seconds and the go get an ale and sit at the bar with that pretty redhead for the rest of the song. Steady on boys! I'll be back shortly.
Of course! Hippies had the moccasin boots, Squire had fuzzy leggings!Fuzzy leggings are a wardrobe essential. In moderation, of course.
I've messed around with the Ditto Looper which seems like a good bet. It's tiny and cheap. The song starts with drums then I can start laying down my loops but atleast the Ditto Looper is a little funny with timing. You have to hit your first note of the loop pretty much exactly when you click the button. Seeing as I'll be layering 5 or 6 loops, if I miss one, it could be disasterous.Let me know if you get a looper to work with that.
I always used to threaten to use a looper if I was ever asked to play Sweet Jane. I'd just record the first 45 or so seconds and the go get an ale and sit at the bar with that pretty redhead for the rest of the song. Steady on boys! I'll be back shortly.
Better IMO than the Ditto is a Boss RC-1 or a DigiTech Jam Man Express. They have very good indicators for which mode you're in, and both have stereo ins and outs.
The Ditto is a little too light on user feedback for me to get comfortable with one. My GF's Ditto sometimes leaves me guessing what mode I'm in. I find it a little dicey to work with. But that's probably more me than it.
The Jam Man also has a neat sync feature so you can link multiple looper boxes and use one as your master. Both go for $99 street so they're very affordable.
The Ditto is a little too light on user feedback for me to get comfortable with one. My GF's Ditto sometimes leaves me guessing what mode I'm in. I find it a little dicey to work with. But that's probably more me than it.
The Jam Man also has a neat sync feature so you can link multiple looper boxes and use one as your master. Both go for $99 street so they're very affordable.
Kieth occasionally wore fringed moccasin-style boots early on.
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I actually have a pair somewhere. I let someone borrow them for a "Hippie-Day." What can I say? The 60's hit me hard when I was younger.
You were already prog by virtue of coming from Shenectady.
Drive forward! All music is cyclical. Prog is overdue for a resurgence. As previously mentioned, concentrate on vocals and harmonies. Include some of the popier prog so you don't lose the less sophisticated listener and make sure the vast majority of the tunes can be danced to. If you must wear capes, try not to dress like Stevie Nicks on acid. And whatever you do, NO MATCHING OUTFITS! if you perform in Georgia or South Carolina, let me know, I'll be there. I miss prog.
Mine are just like that! Except the tassles (frays?) on the top go down a little further. I purchased them after seeing Eric Clapton wear a pair!Here's Keith's:
Thanks for the support and advice. I really appreciate it. If we're ever in the area, I'll let you come backstage and try on my capes.
