drohm Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 The five-piece band I have played with the past several years has come to retirement (front man has moved away). Three of the players, including me, are continuing on and starting a new project. A really good local drummer has been joining us. I must say that it is really fun to not have a second guitar player. Yes, I'm probably sound like a selfish keyboard player. Everything sound wise really opened up. There seems to be a lot more room for everyone to contribute and it is much easier to hear each other. Granted the 2nd guitar player in the last band was always strumming open chords so that filled up a lot of space. I think I'm done with five piece bands...unless the Allman Brothers come calling What are your favorite four-piece bands with keys (rock, country, jazz, anything)? You can even add Phish to the list (poke poke)! No need to mention the Beatles, since that is obvious Anyone else playing in a 4-piece group? NS3C, Hammond XK5, Yamaha S7X, Sequential Prophet 6, Yamaha YC73, Roland Jupiter X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mate stubb Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 I play in a 7 piece, a 6 piece, and a 4 piece band. 4 piece is winner winner chicken dinner. Moe --- "I keep wanting to like it's sound, but every demo seems to demonstrate that it has the earth-shaking punch and peerless sonics of the Roland Gaia. " - Tusker http://www.hotrodmotm.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Burgess Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 I'm mainly doing duo stuff after a good few years trio (with drum tracks, sorry!) Liking the duo - no hassle; can follow each other; rehearsals are easy... Trio did obviously have its split points, but worked for ages, but, agreed; 4 is a good number. Nice to have guests in the duo to take some/all the solos, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Wright Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 Yes, I'm probably sound like a selfish keyboard player.No such person exists. http://www.michaelwwright.com https://www.facebook.com MPN Paetron https://www.patreon.com/musicplayernetwork Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delaware Dave Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 yep, my fave as well. 57 Hammond B3; 69 Hammond L100P; 68 Leslie 122; Kurzweil PC3; M-Audio Code 61; Voce V5+; Neo Vent; EV ELX112P; GSI Gemini & Burn Delaware Dave Exit93band Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aidan Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 My new band consists of vocalist, me on piano with LH bass and vocal harmonies (using Voicelive Touch) and a drummer. An unlikely sounding combo but we sound great, if I say so myself Studio: Yamaha P515 | Yamaha Tyros 5 | Yamaha HX1 | Moog Sub 37 Road: Yamaha YC88 | Nord Electro 5D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brenner13 Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 Four-pieces in my group,too. Fifth wheel got annoying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I-missRichardTee Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 Playing "cleanly" is a big key. Cutting a note value off to match the others. Chord voicings that resonate perfectly Bass player playing perfectly with drummer Bass player playing lots of Roots @ guitars with a keyboard is just too much... it would require tons of disciplined rehearsal.. lots of selflessness for two guitarists Generally two guitarists suck unless they don't ( Beatles ) And guitars get too loud... but so can an harmonica! No one in band should over play or play louder than the others. A few bands from good olde days The ( Young ) Rascals Vanilla Fudge MJQ Jimmy Smith with a tenor sax and guitarist Earlier versions of The World's Most Dangerous Band a killer band. Booker T and the MG's SRV You don't have ideas, ideas have you We see the world, not as it is, but as we are. "One mans food is another mans poison". I defend your right to speak hate. Tolerance to a point, not agreement Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Real MC Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 I think it's more the guitar players than whether the format is 4 piece or 40 piece. I don't think I'll ever play with a group with more than one guitar player again. The volume isn't the problem - it's the sonic space leaving little room for keyboards. The other red flag is how they play rhythm. If the guitar player(s) are playing rhythm parts with balls-to-the-wall overdrive like their leads, that's a real problem. And with more than one guitar player, the guitar songs ALWAYS get the majority vote when deciding on a set list. Right now I'm burned out on guitar players, but it will pass. I am enjoying the jazz band at work though... four piece and no guitar player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noah DC Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 Completely agree with the comments about sound opening up without the second guitar. Keys fit in there just right with the right voicings. Numa X Piano 73 | Yamaha CP4 | Mojo 61 | Motion Sound KP-612s | Hammond M3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J. Dan Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 I still like 5-PC because I prefer the lead singer to be a true front man, not constrained by an instrument. I think it results in a better show for the crowd.... So drums, guitar, bass, keys, and lead vocal. It also allows for very full backup vocals. Dan Acoustic/Electric stringed instruments ranging from 4 to 230 strings, hammered, picked, fingered, slapped, and plucked. Analog and Digital Electronic instruments, reeds, and throat/mouth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Muscara Posted October 22, 2016 Share Posted October 22, 2016 It's not the number of players it's what they do with it. I've known this for a while, but only this week came up with the realization. I was listening to the new Rolling Stones track "Just Your Fool"* and Ronnie and Keith are simply comping rhythm. That's it for much of the tune. There's plenty of space for Chuck to do piano fills around the lyrics. IIRC (it's early), Mick plays harmonica on it too, but not all the time. There's lots of space for everyone if they want it. It made me realize one of the annoyances I have with a blues band I've been playing with. It's not that there are two guitars, it's that the BL fills those spots nearly all the time. In some ways, it's a good challenge because I've heard bands where the keys and the guitar both play fills at the same times and it works, but sometimes I just don't feel it around his. Forget it when he's playing slide. Then, I'm often just biding my time until the next tune. In fact, when we did a recording session, I didn't solo nor fill at all because he took all that space and I didn't want to step on him nor clash in that situation. I kept listening for spaces but he never thought to give me any. I need to discuss this with him at some point. * Rolling Stones Announce New Blues Cover Album 'Blue & Lonesome' "I'm so crazy, I don't know this is impossible! Hoo hoo!" - Daffy Duck "The good news is that once you start piano you never have to worry about getting laid again. More time to practice!" - MOI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanL Posted October 22, 2016 Share Posted October 22, 2016 I've been in 2 guitar band for nearly 30 years. One guy is the lead player, the other rhythm. They are both very good at what they do and know how to leave space. The rhythm players sound is somewhat clean "chunky" so he's not taking up a lot of sonic spectrum. I get lots of room for keys and many solo spots during the night. It sounds pretty fat. I'm also in a 1 guitar band and that is a lot of fun mainly because the material is very keys focused. There is room to jam but it's mostly covering the parts as they are on the recordings. Then there is the Floyd tribute that has up to 3 guitars going at once, but those parts are really worked out and the keys are what they are in that band. Live: Korg Kronos 2 88, Nord Electro 5d Nord Lead A1 Toys: Roland FA08, Novation Ultranova, Moog LP, Roland SP-404SX, Roland JX10,Emu MK6 www.bksband.com www.echoesrocks.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piano39 Posted October 22, 2016 Share Posted October 22, 2016 Right now I'm burned out on guitar players, but it will pass. For keyboard players- guitarists are USUALLY the problem. In the 80s, I played with bands that had strong guitar lead players. My role was reduced to playing intros, or pads for their solos. I eventually wised up and just went to playing (mostly) solo gigs. In the 2000s, I played with a four piece band where the guitar player's primary role was rhythm guitar and vocals. Best band I was ever in- loads of fun. Since then, the solo or duo gigs have been working great for me. However, I made friends with a flashy guitar player and agreed to play a gig with him. It was a blues showcase- six bands played 45 minute sets. We had four rehearsals. When we performed, it turned out to be a 45 minute guitar solo. Didn't get a single lead. NEVER AGAIN. Yamaha Motif XF6, Yamaha AN200, Alesis Micron, Sonar X3, Arturia Microbrute, Behringer Model D, Yamaha UX-3 Acoustic Piano, assorted homemade synth modules Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niacin Posted October 22, 2016 Share Posted October 22, 2016 My new band consists of vocalist, me on piano with LH bass and vocal harmonies (using Voicelive Touch) and a drummer. An unlikely sounding combo but we sound great, if I say so myself Can I ask what material you're doing? - I've just put together the same line-up, covering dance-pop stuff, some of it pared back sonically but with LH Moog bass stepping up to make it work. Gig keys: Hammond SKpro, Korg Vox Continental, Crumar Mojo 61, Crumar Mojo Pedals, Nord Lead A1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rustar Posted October 22, 2016 Share Posted October 22, 2016 Pray that you can find a guitar player who considers himself to be a musician instead of a guitar player. I'm in 11 piece horn band in Atlanta with an exceptional rhythm section that plays interactively. The guitarist and I listen to each others parts and create parts that complement each other. I never thought I'd live to experience this. It sort of makes up for playing with some of the previous "guitar players". Hammond SK1, Casio PX5s, Motif ES rack, Kawai MP5, Kawai ESS110, Yamaha S03, iPad, and a bunch of stuff in the closet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Coda Posted October 22, 2016 Share Posted October 22, 2016 What are your favorite four-piece bands with keys (rock, country, jazz, anything)? [video:youtube] [video:youtube] [video:youtube] [video:youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3zJftxoSnk [video:youtube] [video:youtube] [video:youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va9LWz9EcRU [video:youtube] [video:youtube] [video:youtube] [video:youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFowyLwVdYw and so on ... A.C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mate stubb Posted October 22, 2016 Share Posted October 22, 2016 My all time fave lineup of my all time fave band. [video:youtube] Moe --- "I keep wanting to like it's sound, but every demo seems to demonstrate that it has the earth-shaking punch and peerless sonics of the Roland Gaia. " - Tusker http://www.hotrodmotm.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Coda Posted October 22, 2016 Share Posted October 22, 2016 My all time fave lineup of my all time fave band. [video:youtube] Damn ! I forgot ... Thx for posting. They are my absolute all time favourite band too, but I´ve overlooked they didn´t had a percussionist at that time, so I thought they were a 5 piece band on that tour and even I watched that Offenbach gig for several times meanwhile. In fact, I´ve seen the tour myself in Hamburg ... well, my brain gets old now too I fear ... A.C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B3bluesman59 Posted October 22, 2016 Share Posted October 22, 2016 Keys, guitar, bass and drums works for me and my guys. Our band plays classic rock, blues, and oldies rock, primarily country clubs and private parties. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MotiDave Posted October 22, 2016 Share Posted October 22, 2016 If the lead singer doesn't play any instrument, does that qualify a 5-piece band as 4-piece? I play in a couple like that, one guitar-bass-drum-keys with a singer up front. that said, i don't mind 2-guitar bands if they play well with each other and aren't just grinding over the top of each other. it can open up the keys to not feel compelled to try to fill missing guitar parts sometimes. The baiting I do is purely for entertainment value. Please feel free to ignore it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mate stubb Posted October 22, 2016 Share Posted October 22, 2016 If the lead singer doesn't play any instrument, does that qualify a 5-piece band as 4-piece? It does, but now your band is susceptible to Lead Singer Disease. Moe --- "I keep wanting to like it's sound, but every demo seems to demonstrate that it has the earth-shaking punch and peerless sonics of the Roland Gaia. " - Tusker http://www.hotrodmotm.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theGman Posted October 22, 2016 Share Posted October 22, 2016 This discussion is like the old "V8 vs. 6 cyl." ones on auto forums. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drohm Posted October 22, 2016 Author Share Posted October 22, 2016 Al Coda - Thanks! Those videos are fantastic. The first one is among my favorite 4-piece lineups too. NS3C, Hammond XK5, Yamaha S7X, Sequential Prophet 6, Yamaha YC73, Roland Jupiter X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drohm Posted October 22, 2016 Author Share Posted October 22, 2016 B3bluesman59 - Do you have a link to your band? Any recordings or videos. I would love to check them out. NS3C, Hammond XK5, Yamaha S7X, Sequential Prophet 6, Yamaha YC73, Roland Jupiter X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drohm Posted October 22, 2016 Author Share Posted October 22, 2016 This discussion is like the old "V8 vs. 6 cyl." ones on auto forums. But now it about 6 cyl with a twin turbo vs. V8. I will take the 6 with a twin all day long. NS3C, Hammond XK5, Yamaha S7X, Sequential Prophet 6, Yamaha YC73, Roland Jupiter X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Nathan Posted October 23, 2016 Share Posted October 23, 2016 What are your favorite four-piece bands with keys These guys weren't bad [video:youtube] Don't rush me. I'm playing as slowly as I can! http://www.stevenathanmusic.com/stevenathanmusic.com/HOME.html https://apple.co/2EGpYXK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Nathan Posted October 23, 2016 Share Posted October 23, 2016 [video:youtube] Don't rush me. I'm playing as slowly as I can! http://www.stevenathanmusic.com/stevenathanmusic.com/HOME.html https://apple.co/2EGpYXK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theGman Posted October 23, 2016 Share Posted October 23, 2016 This discussion is like the old "V8 vs. 6 cyl." ones on auto forums. But now it about 6 cyl with a twin turbo vs. V8. I will take the 6 with a twin all day long. Too much maintenance, less durability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HammondDave Posted October 23, 2016 Share Posted October 23, 2016 [video:youtube] I rest my case! '55 and '59 B3's; Leslies 147, 122, 21H; MODX 7+; NUMA Piano X 88; Motif XS7; Mellotrons M300 and M400; Wurlitzer 200; Gibson G101; Vox Continental; Mojo 61; Launchkey 88 Mk III; Korg Module Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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