Topic: First gig this week |
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| 1.First gig this week | Copy to clipboard |
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Posted by: paul Posted on: Mar 11, 2012 6:45 PM I've already mentioned, I think, about my new band, consisting of the rhythm section of our big band; piano, bass, drums, guitar, and vibes/percussion. We've been rehearsing fairly regularly since before Christmas, but it's been slow going until the last month. We've been working on arrangements for the songs we're doing, with a real effort at varying the instrumentation and sound as much as possible. We don't want to be just another "play the head, everybody solo, play the head and end" jazz group. But doing that when you only have a couple of hours a week is hard. I booked us a gig for February 18, a three hour show as part of a Sunday afternoon jazz series that's been going on for a long time in Dallas. There wasn't time to consult everyone, and I figured we could wing it on about half the tunes if necessary. So the first rehearsal after the gig was booked was much more intense, and seemed like the first one where we all really clicked. Subsequent rehearsals have been the same way, and we had a long productive one today. We have a couple of extras this week before the gig Sunday, and I'm looking forward to it. The guys are playing great, and we're all having a lot of fun. The percussionist is so into it he bought a second set of vibes to leave here all the time and save setup/teardown. It's been nice, too, to have rehearsals here. I've changed how the room is configured, and also have gotten to experiment with different setups of drums and cymbals, trying to tailor the kit to the music we're playing. In the meantime, the leader of the big band is tickled to death. Our playing in a small group seems to have really tightened us up in the big band, too, and we're really solid there. And the time playing together in Pecos River Brass has helped us get together more quickly in the small group. So seven days till our first gig. I haven't done anything like this in a long time. And just for spice, I have a three hour rock gig the day before with some pretty good players, with no rehearsal at all. It's going to be an interesting week. | |
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Posted by: pwc Posted on: Mar 11, 2012 7:04 PM I have not played in break out group of a big band but that's how the Benny Goodman quartet and trio did it ! I have, however, had rhythm section practices without the front line and it is indeed a great way to get tight. Sound like great fun. | |
| 3.Re:First gig this week [Re: paul] | Copy to clipboard |
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Posted by: paul Posted on: Mar 21, 2012 10:30 AM We played Sunday, and it went really well. Everyone had a mistake or two, but mostly remembered arrangements and sequences well. The audience was really appreciative, and I've already been in contact with the booker, and it looks like we'll get a return date. Money was slim, but ok for a Sunday afternoon, and a lot of musicians show up. Food is pretty good, too. The new band is off to a good start. I'm back row on the right, wearing the aqua shirt. 
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| 4.Re:First gig this week [Re: paul] | Copy to clipboard |
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Posted by: Mendell Posted on: Mar 21, 2012 3:21 PM Nice story! I didn't have too much trouble to find you but I must ask... Is the mustache gone? 
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| 5.Re:First gig this week [Re: paul] | Copy to clipboard |
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Posted by: OldFart Posted on: Mar 21, 2012 6:40 PM " Return Date " sure has a nice ring to it ... Congratulations, Paul  Give our best to the band, too. | |
| 6.Re:First gig this week [Re: paul] | Copy to clipboard |
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Posted by: paul Posted on: Mar 22, 2012 6:13 AM Yeah, I shaved the mustache off over a year ago. Just haven't gotten any new pics taken for an avatar. | |
