OT band rant #140873

[BluesKeys]

I just saw on the "Friday" post where Botch complained about his drummer not rehearsing between gigs.

 

It reminded me of my gig this weekend and how musicians aren't the smartest individuals... if you can call a lead chic singer a musician.

 

Prologue

 

This weekend was the culmination of week of music, beach and fun for THOUSANDS of NC Beach Music fans known as S.O.S. (Not going to explain but believe me it's HUGE). We are scheduled to play the Oldest and best (in my opinion) club in Myrtle Beach, SC. on Saturday night the last night of the week long party. We have been promoting our CD by doing Showcases (singing to tracks) Thursday/Friday/Saturday afternoon and going out to support/critique our competition each night. (drinking and dancing)

 

RANT:

One of our lead singers (Chic) is burning the candle at both ends. Partying/drinking and basically not looking after her voice at all. (read heavy smoker) So we get to the gig Saturday night and her voice is nearly gone. NOW this is not some Joe Schmoe's bar... it is one of the best gigs we have played as far as exposure to our Shag Dancing public. There are probably 600-800 people here. (could be lots more I am guessing but the club has 4 bars and was wall to wall people.) This Chic singer is off key bad, her voice is shot. The bass player looks like he hasn't slept in days and the male lead singer is preoccupied with picking up some girl. All in all it was a LACK LUSTER performance and I can only think that these are adults and should know how to pace themselves so they have enough energy to perform on a BIG SHOW night. I would have thought that everyone would be on their A game for this show and I will say it... IT SUCKED... there was no sparkle there was no shine and I doubt the club will have us back. Granted we had folks on the dance floor all night on every song. But that is what they come down for the week to do ... Drink, Dance and Boogie.

 

Disappointment is what I have but on the bright side I met a lot of the DJ's and other band members this weekend which can't hurt for networking myself.

 

Rant over

[Garrafon]

That really stinks. Don't you hate when you have to rely on other people?

[Finale]

That's one of the reasons why I stopped playing with bands decades ago. :grin:

[Dave Ferris]

If they depended on music as their main source of income....things might be different. I used to play in bands in St. Louis...that was almost 30 yrs. ago (man, am I getting old or what!!!).

 

When I moved to LA in '79....I had never freelanced. I soon found out if you want to get calls, you have to be able to read, play convincingly in a lot of different styles, have good sounding gear and be reliable. 25 yrs. ago there was a lot of work out here.....all levels of gigs. That scene has all but disappeared. World class players are moving out of town, changing careers, starving, etc. Gigs these days are a VERY PRECIOUS commodity.

 

People outside the biz often ask....How do you get your work?....

I say, it's all about reputation!!

If you were freelancing here and the chick singer or bass player pulled that crap.....you'd be history!!! There's too much at stake, plus the leader/contractor/agent has such a LARGE talent pool to draw from.

 

Perhaps if these knuckleheads knew they could be replaced w/ one phone call, their attitude might be a little more serious. They're affecting everyone's work.

 

Granted, bands are whole different scene. I would have a band meeting (god, I think I remember those) and whoever the leader is needs to let the slackers know...this BS will not be tolerated....you're bringing us all down.

 

If they act indifferently to your conception of the way the gig went....I'd be on the horn seeing who is available!!!

 

Good luck Jim....that really blows!!!

[ITGITC]

Let me get this out of the way:

 

For you folks from Europe, on the East coast of the USA, shag is not what you think it is. It's a dance style.

 

I've never been in a band where the members didn't have personality quirks. Some bands have been better than others, but often, members forget that it's a business.

 

I forget who was the toughest bandleader. Was it Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson or James Brown who used to fine his guys for being late to rehearsal and/or missing a note? I think some of the best bands had a real taskmaster as the leader.

 

I could tell you stories... but I don't know any.

 

Help me out guys.

 

 

 

[Finale]

Hey BluesKeys,

 

I guess then you could replace the words "large groups" in your sig by "bands" so to get :

 

Never underestimate the power of stupid people in bands. :grin:

[BluesKeys]

.

Perhaps if these knuckleheads knew they could be replaced w/ one phone call, their attitude might be a little more serious. They're affecting everyone's work.

 

Granted, bands are whole different scene. I would have a band meeting (god, I think I remember those) and whoever the leader is needs to let the slackers know...this BS will not be tolerated....you're bringing us all down.

 

If they act indifferently to your conception of the way the gig went....I'd be on the horn seeing who is available!!!

 

Good luck Jim....that really blows!!!

 

Sad part?... The Bass player is the "leader or co leader with the lead singer". He has been with the band for 12-15 years. The only player with more seniority is the sax player (28yrs with the band) and he has never taken or wanted the leadership roll.

 

I just started with the band in February this year and frankly don't have the matterial down COLD yet but I certainly did a better job than the veterans Saturday night.

 

So I tell people if they need someone with a little authority... see me, because I have as little as anybody.

[Dave Horne]

Paul Anka - The Guys Get Shirts ...that's just the f****** way it is

[Dave Ferris]

Ouch babe...... that hurts.

 

Brother, I would think about moving on. It sounds like you can do better.

 

I played w/ many idiots through the years that were in the leadership position. Most of the time I looked down at their playing, singing, overall lack of musicianship....but generally speaking their forte was hustling work...that's where their chops were.

 

It's a tough call when they have the rep/work. I've never been in a position where the main characters are jeopardizing the future of their organization.

 

It sounds to me that maybe they're burned!!!!

Maybe just a reminder that a lot of smokin' musicians are out of work and would kill just to be gigging.

 

I dunno!!

[Dave Ferris]

A friend of mine.....a GREAT pianist, endured this guy for 12 YRS.!!!!

[marino]

Once upon a time, I got a new bassist for my band. He got thru the (rather complex) parts fairly well in reharsals, so I said ok, you're in the band. The day of the first gig, we all went to eat something before getting onstage - but he just drunk 6 or 7 *heavy* drinks, without eating anything. I tried to stop him all the time, but he just went "don't worry". What's worse, he also was on therapy, and took some heavy medical drugs regularly. As anyone knows, you *can't* mix those with alchool. Needless to say, he played at 30% of his potential - and needless to say, that was the only gig he played with us. I fired him that same night.

[Moon Zero Two]

Blues Keys

 

Start looking for a new band. Sounds awful. I have similar stories and can relate. How do bands like that keep getting jobs?

 

Just keep thinkng about how good the GEM module sounded.

 

There are two things I can't stand: people who are intolerant of other peoples cultures - and the Dutch.

 

 

[MikeT156]

Blueskeys:

 

Its obvious, you're not working with professionals. When I was a "lot younger", I played in weekend bands and didn't take it all that seriously. As I got older and eventually started doing a solo act, I had to take things seriously because I was doing it for a living. I quit smoking (forever) and didn't drink before or during gigs. I would have a "nightcap" after I was done if there was time, but that was it. If you sing, you need to be rested and NOT SMOKE. Singing and smoking just don't mix. Your chick singer is fooling herself, but no one else.

 

If I were you, I'd be looking for another band.

 

Mike T.

[BluesKeys]

Blueskeys:

 

Its obvious, you're not working with professionals. When I was a "lot younger", I played in weekend bands and didn't take it all that seriously. As I got older and eventually started doing a solo act, I had to take things seriously because I was doing it for a living. I quit smoking (forever) and didn't drink before or during gigs. I would have a "nightcap" after I was done if there was time, but that was it. If you sing, you need to be rested and NOT SMOKE. Singing and smoking just don't mix. Your chick singer is fooling herself, but no one else.

 

If I were you, I'd be looking for another band.

 

Mike T.

 

I hear you and My eyes are open. Maybe it was just me that noticed it. If I was more established in the band I would ask everyone to rate the performance just to see who is on the same page as I am. I have to say I can be very critical of myself and my bands.

[kanker.]

I hear you and My eyes are open. Maybe it was just me that noticed it. If I was more established in the band I would ask everyone to rate the performance just to see who is on the same page as I am. I have to say I can be very critical of myself and my bands.

Screw seniority. Do it. Ask them to rate it. You've put in how much time and effort to accommodate what they are doing and they can't even be bothered to represent themselves and their 'band' at a professional level? Call them on it. If it pisses them off, then they're probably not worth your time. What it should do is show them that you care just as much about the product as they should.

[Botch]

I forget who was the toughest bandleader. Was it Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson or James Brown who used to fine his guys for being late to rehearsal and/or missing a note? I think some of the best bands had a real taskmaster as the leader.

That can apply to most high school and college band and chorus instructors. I sang in All-State chorus and played through college jazz band, and discipline was a huge part of the whole affair.

Working with musicians who've never gone thru that, let's just say there is some friction.

Soundcheck is another bad breakdown for us. We have a great soundman who carefully adjusts the EQ for every vocal, instrument and drum, but do you think the other guys could STFU while he's trying to do these adjustments?!? I won't even play a recognizable tune or in time when I'm checking keys now, just to try to get everyone else from "playing along". Not to mention that the club often has patrons sitting drinking and talking, and now they have to listen to four guys banging on their instruments for an hour. No concept of what we're there for or who the Customer is.

DAMN it gets frustrating! Sorry to hear you're having the same problem BluesKeys.

[Andre Lower]

If you don't mind, I'd like to point out that commitment is not necessarily related to playing professionally. I've never played for the money, and neither have any member of the bands I've played with (at least not for long).

 

I'm not pushing my model as the best, mind you. But the fact we play for the sake of music alone, and keep it enjoyable no matter what, pays off handsomely. I get surprised myself by the level of commitment of my bandmates, who just like me have to wake up early after any gig, have families to deal with (scheduling blues, anyone?) and whatnot. When we get a gig, we all default to treating it as seriously as it gets. And we keep getting a kick out of it!

 

If I can risk an opinion on your lady singer, she was never there for the music. She only wants to show off, and makes the band her vehicle.

 

I hope you manage to find bandmates that deserve your commitment.

 

[MikeT156]

Brother Andre:

 

You can "act" like a professional and still not be paid for your performance. What I'm alluding too is professional attitude, not money. Sure, playing music for a living will change your attitude, but being a professional means you take it very seriously, money or no money.

 

Mike T.

[b_3guy]

Paul Anka - The Guys Get Shirts ...that's just the f****** way it is

 

This was awesome!!!

[stepay]

Paul Anka - The Guys Get Shirts ...that's just the f****** way it is

 

This was awesome!!!

 

I don't even understand what in the world that means -- the guys get shirts? Um...ok. If that's really Paul Anka, I've lost what little respect for that guy I ever had. Only a loser talks to people like that.

[stepay]

Paul Anka - The Guys Get Shirts ...that's just the f****** way it is

 

This was awesome!!!

[mate stubb]

I used to play in bands in St. Louis...that was almost 30 yrs. ago (man, am I getting old or what!!!).

 

Oh yeah? What was the name of your band and where did you play? I lived in Alton at the time and had a band called Sky High who played in the city and on the Ill. side a lot.

 

Muddy Waters, Rusty Springs, Collinsville Ballroom, Stonehenge, etc.

[ProfD]

Blues, that situation is awful. Unless the leadership is strong, bands go through it all the time unfortunately.

 

Good keyboard players are really a commodity. Better should have no problems finding decent gigs. I've said it here before and this will not be the last time. Keyboard players with good leadership skills need to start their own bands.

 

Find a manager if you are not comfortable looking for work. There are folks specifically suited for drumming up business, hyping a product, etc. Work with them.

 

I understand the present band gets a lot of work. I would use that gig as an opportunity to continue networking with bar and club owners, promoters and anyone else looking to hire a good band. Position YOURSELF to be ready for that call.

 

I would hope the situation gets better. If these cats have been playing together for YEARS, I do not expect their attitudes to change overnight. Keep your options open.

[BluesKeys]

I understand the present band gets a lot of work. I would use that gig as an opportunity to continue networking with bar and club owners, promoters and anyone else looking to hire a good band. Position YOURSELF to be ready for that call.

 

I would hope the situation gets better. If these cats have been playing together for YEARS, I do not expect their attitudes to change overnight. Keep your options open.

 

+1

[ITGITC]

 

 

 

 

BluesKeys, you're a nice person and all, but you sure like to WHINE.

 

I mean if this is OT band rant #140,873, then who was around to listen to ya bitch and moan those other 140,872 times?

 

I speak for the Keyboard Corner forumites in good standing when I request that you send all of us who have read this post $3.50. That's probably just enough to buy a beer.

 

That's the least you can do.

 

Ummmmmm, all in favor say booom chaka laka laka.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ProfD]

Well, considering the prescription I wrote above and his concurrence, I'll take a rum & coke along with that cerveza.

[Dave Ferris]

Hey there

 

Man, the names of those clubs bring back some of the happiest times of my life!

 

I was in the band's Woodrose and Full Moon Consort and for a minute Arrow Memphis, till I decided the jazz thing and the big city were calling.

 

FMC was the house band on Sunday's at the Stonehenge ,if I seem to remember...didn't that place burn down ? I was in the final edition w/ Chuck Sabatino, the vocalist/songwriter, he had a voice like Pavarotti! He looked like Danny Devito up there.

Chuck died tragically after suffering a stroke on the way to a Michael McDonald gig. He hung on for a couple of years in pretty much a vegetable state. His wife brought him back to Belleville from LA, where he passed on....very, very tragic....an unbelivable talent. I still think of him... a very charismatic cat!

 

Joe Marshall, guitarist, and Steve Strayhorn, drummer were other members of FMC. They all came out to LA in 78-79....they both went back to St. Louis after about 3 yrs. The bass player was from Alton...Jim "peach" Thompson...kind of a cross between Jaco and Bootsy Collins..great player. Bassist/vocalist Joe Truttman and keyboardist Dave Timmerman were two of the original members.

 

Glen Harris guitarist/vocalist, Steve Williams Guitar/keyboards/ vocalist, Bob Jones bass/vocal and Jack McDaniel, drummer, Gordon Bland guitar /vocal, Bill Knoltkamper keys/vocal were all members of Woodrose. Glenn, Steve, and I think Bob split off to do more of the country-rock thing w/ Arrow Memphis.

 

Rusty Springs...was that Edwardsville ? Collinsville Pk. was the infamous Guild's territory on Thurs.and Sun. for years. I remember feeling like we hit the big time opening for them.....WOW...that was another lifetime!!

Tammy Malato, the bass player, played w/ me out here for a while in the 80's.

 

Missisippi Nights,the Grannery , the Store in Collinsville...what a toilet, the Village in Belleville, Carbondale, Champaign....those were great times.

 

Sky High .....that name certainly rings a bell.....so cool!!!!

 

A big,how the hell you doing? Are you still in Alton ?

My wife and I are from Florissant......small world.

[dementedchord]

I used to play in bands in St. Louis...that was almost 30 yrs. ago (man, am I getting old or what!!!).

 

 

Muddy Waters, Rusty Springs, Collinsville Ballroom, Stonehenge, etc.

 

i've played all those places.... guess you booke through ike heisler right???

 

and know most of the guys dave mentioned....

 

rusty springs was at kingshighyway and manchester rd... it was mommas pride's home base...

[Dave Ferris]

Wow....

 

This is like old home week. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!

Yea, Ike, you'd call him looking for gigs and the first thing out of his mouth was, "don't you guys owe me some money ?". In Woodrose's case it was always true!

 

I remember Rusty Springs now, they had the hippest crowd for us...I'm talking maybe '72-'76. We were somehow doing dance clubs....we were a cross of the Dead/Band/Allman Bros./Poco/ w/ some originals thrown in. Ike used to pull his hair out trying to book us......

 

Momma's pride....that name sounds real familiar.....was that Dave Toretta and Connie Fairchild ?

Are those two still together and playing....if you see Dave ,give a big hello from me!!

 

Cool demented!!!!

 

I just flashed on another place in St. L. Full moon used to play.....Fourth and Pine.

[mate stubb]

I remember FMC! And the Guild too. Also we used to run with a rock and roll photographer named Wayne Whittier, who later did the liner photos for a Kansas album.

 

Actually, I met my wife at Rusty Springs. She was a south side gal. She was pretty good friends with the brothers from Mama's Pride, Pat and ???

 

I'm originally from Columbia, and just before my St. Louis bar days with Sky High, we had a pretty rockin' boogie originals band called Slaughterhouse.

 

We were hooked in with Irv Azoff at Contemporary, and played Keil Auditorium opening for Black Oak and Frampton's Camel. We also did a couple shows at the American Theatre one night with Bachmann Turner and blew their pansy asses off the stage! (Nice guys though). Slaughterhouse almost had a deal with Island Records but our manager !@#$ed it up trying to be a tough negotiator. Ah well.

 

We were one of 4 midwest bands being courted for record deals, and were the only ones to mess it up. The others were Kansas, Head East, and Starcastle.