Things I learned at a gig last Saturday...

[Chris Link]

Subbed with a dance band (four reeds, two trumpets, trombone, bass, drums and KB) for the faculty dance club at the state U down the road about 45 minutes away.

 

1) I am okay (but not great) at playing charts with no rehearsal or preview. Crossed wires communicating with the bandleader and didn't see a thing until 20 minutes before showtime. ("Ah, you'll be fine", he kept saying.) I'd give myself a C+/B-. Got lost a couple of times and drew a blank when he said to "play an intro" for "White Christmas".

 

2) I am very rusty playing (and worse soloing) in "horn keys". Way too many years playing with guitarists in G, E, C and A. This is particulary true when I look down and the chart unexpectedly says "solo" and the bandleader is nodding at me. I haven't played with a group of horns since high school (a long, long time ago).

 

3) Real musicians don't put on their tie (it was black tie for the band) until showtime.

 

4) And they wear comfortable shoes. Black walking shoes look weird with a tux, but not if you're sitting behind a music stand. Yeah, they have those stands with the bandleader's logo on them.

 

5) It's strange to play a dance without anyone drinking (at least in the open) since it was on university property.

[Dave Weiser]

 

1. Well done!

 

2. This is why God invented the transpose button.

 

3. Yes. But a properly fitted tux should be comfortable so it shouldn't matter.

 

4. High quality dress shoes should actually be very comfortable. And they last, so the expense is justified. You deserve better than the shoe equivalent of a fanny-pack.

 

5. Damn. I hope y'all (band and faculty) had flasks or could sneak out by the dumpster for a quick toke.

 

Hope it was fun!

 

 

[ProfD]

Taking that gig was an excellent way of finding out strengths and weaknesses and knowing what to practice for future gigs.

[Chris Link]

It was fun. Good to get out of one's comfort zone.

 

But, I do like being prepared. It's not as though this was a last-minute thing. And it's not as though he knew anything about except that one of the trumpet players heard me playing a bluesy "Willow Weep For Me" for sound check at a gig with the country band.

[Chris Link]

I also know that if your shirt has the right collar size wearing a tie should not make any difference.

 

[MotiDave]

I absolutely HATE playing gigs I'm not prepped for. of course, I'm not nearly as good as you are . kudos, mr braverman!

[churchkeybob]

("Ah, you'll be fine", he kept saying.)

When I hear those words I say to myself "I hope this is fun because it might not sound pretty" ~BOB

[drawback]

2. This is why God invented the transpose button.

 

If the charts are in "horn" keys this won't help ya, unless you can transpose the chart into your favourite key while reading it. But if you can do that, you might as well play it in the original key 'cause it's half as much work.

 

Rather, that's why God invented Nashville charts.

 

:wink:

 

 

[CEB]

I write all my chart in number notation just so they work in all keys.

[area51recording]

I myself don't find number charts to be a whole lot of help if the chords are really complex.....feels too much like calculus to me to be looking at a bunch of 4-13#11/5 ......

[David Loving]

You can round off those complicated chords.

 

[ElmerJFudd]

Thanks for sharing, misterdregs. We've all been the sub, the new guy, or in a pickup band. Just remember, as musicians we're all the sum of our musical experiences. So cross off another gig on your path to the greatest gig ever played.

[rickzjamm]

Every great journey begins with that first step (or sub gig).

[stoken6]

Well done. It's great to get out of your comfort zone. Musical development milestones are as much about the mistakes as the successes.

 

Cheers, Mike