There must be less cover bands than original bands

[Bass_Pounder]

You probably wouldn't like my bar band. We strive for matching the popular recorded version played on the radio. I'm constantly hearing parts that I don't play "correctly" and correcting them. This is a big source of pleasure for me. I get guys all the time complementing me on my ability to sound like the record, and execute some of the best and most challenging bass lines ever written.

You hit on something that believe myself to be true.

I have played covers and originals for over 30 years, and can honestly say that when putting together a cover project or finding replacement players for a cover project that there are just some players out there that just do not have the ear training or reading ability and cannot handle playing songs "note for note".

Those players "usually" fall into the category of either wanting to play only originals (hey, noone can tell if I mess up a song I wrote since they are not familiar with it), or the type that want to do their "own interpretation" of a cover.

However, there should be no animosity between the original and cover band camps because doing either WELL is hard.

 

[bluewine]

You probably wouldn't like my bar band. We strive for matching the popular recorded version played on the radio.

Wrong again, I like all bands that are doing & executing challenging material.

I think I would dig your band.

I have concerns with cover bands that don't have the chops to pull off the material in their sets.

 

[fraublugher]

Well my original I-VI-V's , I-VI-II-V-I 's, I-V-bIII's are way more original
than your cover I-VI-V's , I-VI-II-V-I 's, I-V-bIII's.

/facetious

 

[bluewine]

Well my original I-VI-V's , I-VI-II-V-I 's, I-V-bIII's are way more original
than your cover I-VI-V's , I-VI-II-V-I 's, I-V-bIII's.

/facetious

Wouldn't any original be more original than a cover?

 

[pklima]

Getting back to the original topic, around here the wedding/corporate party bands practically never look for a bassist. Bass is optional for weddings (like sax) and the best way to get into one of those is to be a good singer who also happens to play bass as a bonus.

Any cover bands that are looking for a bassist who doesn't need to sing will probably play rock, blues, funk or other not-so-commercial music that probably will only get you the sort of low-paid club gigs that some good originals bands could also get. That kind of band looking for a bassist seems pretty common, though not quite as common as orginals bands.

So, maybe emphasize any vocal abilities you have when looking for a cover band.

 

[LiquidMidnight]

You hit on something that believe myself to be true.

I have played covers and originals for over 30 years, and can honestly say that when putting together a cover project or finding replacement players for a cover project that there are just some players out there that just do not have the ear training or reading ability and cannot handle playing songs "note for note".

Those players "usually" fall into the category of either wanting to play only originals (hey, noone can tell if I mess up a song I wrote since they are not familiar with it), or the type that want to do their "own interpretation" of a cover.

However, there should be no animosity between the original and cover band camps because doing either WELL is hard.

Plus a bazillion on all accounts.

 

[fraublugher]

Wouldn't any original be more original than a cover?

Too broad.Unless you're also being facetious.

 

[bluewine]

Too broad.Unless you're also being facetious.

I agree, probably to broad.

 

[bluewine]

Any cover bands that are looking for a bassist who doesn't need to sing will probably play rock, blues, funk or other not-so-commercial music that probably will only get you the sort of low-paid club gigs that some good originals bands could also get. .

I agree, however you're comment about good original bands getting club gigs might depend on specific regions.

Here, the good originals bands will get some of the high profile benefits, fund raisers and maybe even open for a national but those original bands won't get even 1 club / bar gig here.

Btw, bar gigs top out at $400.00, or maybe $450.00 if your lucky. My point is you referenced low paying bar/ club gigs.

Well, there are no high paying club gigs here.