What do you bring to the party

[Willie5String]

When you play with a band, what do you bring to the party?

As I was reading Dr Cheese’s post about being ok with mediocrity, I was thinking about how each individual probably has an asset or 2 that they bring to their band or team.

In my case, I think I act as the musical translator for the band, I can explain what is going on harmonically and rhythmically with the music that is being played.

I add the stank, I find myself playing with mostly rock and classical players, I’m the one that add groove to the otherwise 1/4 note, straight 1/8 note grooves that my worship team plays. In my last band, the drummer was a 4 on the floor guy and the guitar players were backbeat guys, there wasn’t much breathing in their music until I came along.

 

[Michedelic]

I have the party; the rehearsal space and PA.

 

[5StringBlues]

Clam dip or a fruit tray.

 

[Passinwind]

Clam dip or a fruit tray.

Mmmm...clams! I can bring the clams too.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I'm always early, I'm always prepared, I sing harmonies, and I buy the first round.

 

[Reedt2000]

I try to bring a reliable member whose playing will serve the material (and I can sing)


That clam thing sounded good though....

 

[Lagado]

My stamp collection featuring a beautiful limited edition set presenting the wildfowl of Papua New Guinea. Stunning. You'd want me in the band just so that you could view them.

 

[G On Bass]

I'm plug-and-play, meaning I'm always prepared, my tone is always appropriate and in the pocket, I don't drink (in any band settings) or do drugs (in any setting) and I'm a low drama bandmate in general unless others are not, then I'm not a bandmate anymore. Oh, and I make cool posters/flyers.

 

[ELG60]

Wit and muscle . . .

And surprise . . .





And a fanatical devotion to the pope.

 

[LBS-bass]

I bring a good ear, the ability to lock in, the ability to play a lot of stuff by ear, and the ability to sing lead and harmony while playing my bass and a fairly decent level of ability as a bassist, though many can play rings around me. I also bring someone who will do their best to be prepared and not try to learn the material during rehearsal time.

I try not to bring too many clams, but sometimes it happens.

 

[Lagado]

Well, since I got possession of those pics of the BL in a compromising position at a private party last summer, I haven't brought anything much. I can't even be bothered to learn the bass lines properly. I couldn't really as I had snapped the D string a couple of weeks back, I put a new one on yesterday. It's all too easy now that my position is assured.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

I'd be the tone-deaf, red-headed stepchild with poor timing.

 

[jeffb28451]

Extra straps, guitar strings, stands, drumsticks (!) 9 volt batteries...whatever it takes to get the show done when I KNOW that no body else can or will take care of the details...

 

[CallMeAl]

Tasteful playing with excellent time, always to support the song. Excellent note taker and set list manager. Always punctual, positive, prepared. Willing to help with load in/out.

Still can’t remember lyrics for the life of me

 

[Lagado]

I play the tunes note for note. I don't subtract anything, sometimes I add. People have employed me through listening to gigs and picking up on that. They like that attention to detail. For which I salute them, because so do I.

 

[gln1955]

The voice of reason

 

[Guild B301]

I have almost always brought - As bandleader: the rehearsal space, the power supply, & the PA or recording gear. As the Songwriter: The vision, the songs, and therefore, style or genre. And a demand for professionalism.

 

[Bajo Clarkko]

Ear plugs.

(I have tinnitus.)

 

[bolophonic]

1. I always arrive on time.

2. I am a forceful human metronome.

3. I play tastefully.

4. I serve the song.

5. I am a great networker.

6. I bring the choogle.

 

[deste]

(...) And a fanatical devotion to the pope.

Nobody expects the Spanish Guitar.