It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 8:48 pm

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 31 posts ]  Go to page Previous  1, 2, 3
Go to page Previous  1, 2, 3
Author Message
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 9:39 am
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Sat Dec 22, 2007 10:55 am
Posts: 302
Location: Oneida, NY
60strat-Chris:
No, you aren't the 'sucky' guy I was talking about. You didn't build a band around yourself by getting an equipment truck, the PA and all the lighting, plus do all the booking either by yourself or being the prime communicator with the agent(s)..... now did you?

It's rare when everyone in a band (YES?) is a hot musician. Certain talents in a group tend to stand out while others may not get the spotlight quite as much, but it IS the 'gel' that can make all the difference.... that chemistry thing mentioned earlier.

I've been privileged over the years to work with some great drummers, sometimes on bass and much of the time on guitar. One is an incredible jazz fusion guy who doesn't mind playing rock. His time is dead on, he can cut literally any drum part, yet he tends to be a bit soft, unless he's miked and boosted. Another excellent drummer with similar capabilities needed to 'Latin-ize' everything, just because he'd get bored playing straight. The one I really enjoyed working with has bursitis in his legs and sometimes he'd struggle BUT he's solid as a rock and so dependable you can't ask for more.

I've been in groups that sounded dynamite, yet someone would decide to leave just because they weren't happy with the material we did. In many cases, their replacement may not have been as hot, but they were on par with the rest of us and that kind of dependability and security makes a big difference.

A group I've worked with over the last 20 years has a great lead singer who has an older brother that sets in with us from time to time. On certain songs he smokes me with some great lead work, so I give him the chore and he shines. Yet when it comes to songs that have a set lead line or a generally recognized approach like Johnny B. Goode, he goes off into monster-land and simply can't play anything close to the style of required lines. As good as he is, he really isn't a team player. I think he sets in to re-live his glory days and wallow in the spotlight so he can show off. I'm sure he believes he's better than me, yet when certain chord changes are required he can't handle, he takes a break or plays what ever he thinks sounds, fits or works 'better' for him. I fail to understand why he doesn't back off when his 'thing' clashes with the rest of us. It's as if he's bent on doing it 'his way', insisting that he's right and all the rest of us are wrong. I've enjoyed some of the doubled lead work and the extra harmonies, but even his brother has gotten tired of the ego trip. We've come to realize that for the most part, we sound better without his 'help'. Some of my leads may not be as 'fancy' but they fit and do the job just as well.

I've known plenty of lead guitarists who barely know enough chords to get by in basic rock, but when it's time for them to take the spotlight and play their parts, the impression is: they're a lot more musically knowledgeable then they really are. It's the same with some rhythm players who might know ANY chord you can name (and even play some in multiple positions &/or voicings) yet they can't play a lick to save their soul.

From all my experience, there are two critical parts to the 'music business'. One is having someone in (or associated with) the band who can deal with the business end of things. As far as the music is concerned, when the gel & chemistry is achieved, respect becomes a given. Then everyone inspires everyone else to play to their max talent, which will naturally push those abilities to new heights, individually as well as collectively. Performing material that fits the group perfectly is the real key. (Ever hear a great band play something that isn't "them"? It usually sux and it's hard to explain why. It's like a piece of clothing that looks great on the person in the catalog, but when you wear it, it just doesn't enhance you at all.)

As long as you can play the parts required (every time, correctly) for the tunes you do, you are NOT the sucky guy, regardless of how much or how little the light shines on you. When any band plays all their songs and pull them off the way they intend, the group will all shine together and NO ONE is sucky.


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 31 posts ]  Go to page Previous  1, 2, 3
Go to page Previous  1, 2, 3

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: