harmonicanick
2073 posts
Nov 01, 2013
3:57 PM
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I have landed a residency in a 'happening' part of the city, starting Tuesday next weekly.
very street, very young crowd in craft ale pub, very big with stage and street food etc
It has coincided with personal problems from my musician buddies..I am so worried, will we do it or will I be let down again.
So much riding on it and to be frank they are great to play with but are a bunch of wankers in their love lives..
Sorry but
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LSC
527 posts
Nov 01, 2013
4:41 PM
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I am reminded of the words of BB King when discussing how he goes about choosing band members, something he rarely has had to do but it does happen. "I look at what kind of man are they. I can make a musician out of someone but I can't make a man out of them."
Having been a band leader since 1982 I would offer this advise. Sit down with each of the players you have now and in as few words as possible explain the importance of this gig. Then ask each one. "Straight up. Are you in or are you out? But before you answer, know that I will take you at your word, which I believe means something to you. But if you say you're in and then bail on me you will be held accountable."
If anyone waffles or seems vague remember the words of BB King and get rid of them right then. If you've got a quality residency you will have players beating down your door to fill the spot.
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LSC
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LSC
Last Edited by LSC on Nov 01, 2013 4:42 PM
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Mojokane
730 posts
Nov 01, 2013
8:48 PM
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I can relate all too well. Sage advice LSC.
I 2nd LSC's advice, too.
It's strictly business...sadly, you have to deal with them NOW. If they are (at all) dependent on gigging for money..it's time to cut em loose.
Players who are not dependent on gigging for money, and have a passion for what you are doing, are the ones you need to surround yourself with. They're out there...
It's not easy. You may lose this gig,because of the fact you don't have a cohesive unit.
Have a black book of alternates. Keep your material easy and simple.
Then, as you establish yourself and band,add more technical songs...good luck!
And NOW couldn't be a better time.
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Why is it that we all just can't get along?<
Last Edited by Mojokane on Nov 01, 2013 8:49 PM
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harmonicanick
2074 posts
Nov 02, 2013
1:16 AM
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Thanks for the good advice guys
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Kingley
3250 posts
Nov 02, 2013
1:28 AM
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A weekly gig on a big stage in front of young people and their new fashioned ways. It could lead to lots of late nights. Can a lightweight like you handle that Nick? Lol! :-)
On a more serious note though. I'd work with what you have for the moment and in the meantime look for better/more reliable players if you're not happy with the current line up. If you cut them loose right now, you might not find replacements in time and could then lose the gig. Hope it all works out for you.
Last Edited by Kingley on Nov 02, 2013 1:29 AM
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harmonicanick
2075 posts
Nov 02, 2013
1:46 AM
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Time will tell K, lol
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JInx
612 posts
Nov 02, 2013
1:54 AM
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so what you gonna do?
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Sun, sun, sun
Burn, burn, burn
Soon, soon, soon
Moon, moon, moon
Last Edited by JInx on Nov 02, 2013 2:04 AM
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Frank
3174 posts
Nov 02, 2013
4:00 AM
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Nick - need some youtube videos please of what you do - to make it easier for suggestions, Do you go by "harmonicanick" on youtube? thanks :)
Last Edited by Frank on Nov 02, 2013 4:01 AM
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SmokeJS
178 posts
Nov 02, 2013
4:38 AM
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New to the game so need help understanding why players who are dependent upon gigging for money tend to be less reliable than those who do it out of passion? I would have guessed that food and shelter were the ultimate motivators.
Last Edited by SmokeJS on Nov 02, 2013 4:38 AM
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Joe Strouzer
36 posts
Nov 02, 2013
5:44 AM
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Hey Nick, let me know where it is in Bristol and I'll head down.
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www.josephstrouzer.com
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harmonicanick
2076 posts
Nov 02, 2013
6:46 AM
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@Frank yeah harmonicanick on youtube but the vids are not good:(
@Joe Stouzer The Crofters, Stokes Croft Tues
Blue Lagoon Gloucester Rd Thurs next
Be good to see ya!
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Joe Strouzer
37 posts
Nov 02, 2013
8:05 AM
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Great man, I'll try and head down, I only live round the corner.
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www.josephstrouzer.com
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harmonicanick
2078 posts
Nov 02, 2013
8:07 AM
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Please make yourself known to me Joe and bring an A harp!!
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LSC
528 posts
Nov 02, 2013
7:03 PM
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@smokels - I think perhaps what Mojokane was referring to is the "hired gun" who has more than one project on the go plus casuals. As a playing for a living musician it is difficult to make the rent with one project. The difficulty lies in those sort of players who are short sighted, cancelling out previously commitments on short notice to take better paying gigs for instance. Not all pro players are like that. In fact, most aren't because word spreads very quickly and your rep goes down the toilet.
Virtually, everyone I work with is either pro or had serious pro experience. The common rule is that if a gig goes in the book it's written in stone, unless there are exceptional circumstances, death or hospitalization come to mine. Although, I did have a guitar player give me just one weeks notice because Bill Wyman called him to play in Willie and The Poor Boys. That got no argument from me I can tell you.
I think the OP mentioned folks not having their love life together causing issues which is lame to say the least. Hell, back in the day whenever my love life was a mess I couldn't get to the gig soon enough or leave late enough.
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LSC
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harmonicanick
2083 posts
Nov 03, 2013
6:40 AM
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@LSC
Good thinking, I will see how it works out.
My problem also is young guys coming to gigs and then undercutting me with the landlord. They don't give a f now theses youngsters!!
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Slimharp
24 posts
Nov 03, 2013
7:05 AM
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Nick LSC pretty much told it. Hard to cut players loose that you have known, but worth it in the long run. Another factor is quality. Do the play at the blues or does the blues play them. When Miles Davis would audition for the road, regardless of education or name, his audition consisted one thing. He would have the musician stand in front of him and he would ask " Play some slow blues ". You can't hide in slow blues. You either have it or you don't.
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harmonicanick
2084 posts
Nov 03, 2013
9:37 AM
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@Slimharp
Right On
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