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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
Band Politics
Band Politics
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harmonicanick
32 posts
Oct 23, 2008
11:31 AM
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Any of you guys find it difficult playing in bands?
Should you say if you find it boring, or just sit back and do the gigs?
When you offer constructive criticsm don't do by e mail, that is my advice.
A band is as good as the sum of its parts. Truism?
What is the shelf life of a band?
Is there a best before date?
Do bands always play down to the least able??
Should blues bands have a leader?
if you have a singer should the material revolve around his/her voice ?
Sorry about the musing, any of these questions make sense to anyone and what is your take/answer
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bluzlvr
74 posts
Oct 23, 2008
12:38 PM
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In my humble opinion, the most important part of the band is the rhythm section. Without a good drummer and bassplayer your'e lost. Of course I'm talking about the "traditional" band setup here. Satan and Adam are a different story...
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Bobbyred16
27 posts
Oct 23, 2008
12:52 PM
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This is a great post. In my experiences, bands are only as good as the equal parts that make them up. The challange is finding members that are A) dedicated players B) Woodshed the songs on their own time and not in the rehersal studio, C) Are not control freaks in regards to booking gigs, choosing songs, etc... D) and those just happy to play in a band and make a few bucks while doing it
As far as being bored, I would definately say something to help fix the situation. Why do something that you find unispiring or fun? Unless you really need the money, then just bite the bullet and collect your $$ at the end of the gig.
There is no shelf life, there is not best if used by date. It's up to the band members to keep the "product" fresh and have plenty of natural perservates in it to give it that long shelf life.
Do bands play down to the least able? Well that depends on what majority of the band is least abled? If most are not very good players then even a great player will feel dragged down. A real good player will probably not put themselves in that postion to begin with. I think that the members all have to have to be on par with certian skill sets in order to sound good. There will always be some players better than others in bands, but playing with good players usually makes weaker players better. Usually, if someone is medicore and is dragging the band down, they will find themselves getting cut.
I think a blues band should have a leader. Someone who shows leadership on stage (introducing songs, talking to the audience, or displaying some other form of showman ship) is always better than a leader whom is more of a dictator! Input on songs, arrangements, bookings, money, etc... should come from all members. Someone will have to direct all these things, and by delegating tasks to each member gives everyone a sense of leadership & teamwork in the band.
And finally should your material revolve around your singer? Yes, Yes and Yes. Otherwise it's not going to work. I mean for example if you're singer has a big influence from 80's Metal Hair Bands then they probably shouldn't be playing in a blues band. All kiding aside, the singer has to be comfortable singing the songs. If they're not, than they are not going to want to sing them.
It's very hard in my opinion to keep a band together, they are more difficult than relationships or marriges. These days I try and play with as many different people as I can, to keep things fresh and new. The 2 past bands I have been in ended with fights, and grown-up's acting like 2 year olds. This is supposed to be fun, a chance to look cool and be a superstar in a world that makes most of us feel so ordinary. I just don't understand why some people can't just put in some time to make it work then go out there and enjoy the crowds, the money and the thrill of playing live.
Just my 2 cents, didn't mean to be so long winded but there is so much to say about this.
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Aussiesucker
43 posts
Oct 23, 2008
3:46 PM
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Good interesting subject. Watched this video recently which is informative:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjbRdj5svs4
As you will see its an interview with Mickey Raphael who has been playing harmonica with Willie Nelsons band for 35 years. I love the way Mickeys playing, which is for most of the time 'not out there', really adds to the Willie Nelson sound.
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harmonicanick
34 posts
Oct 24, 2008
9:51 AM
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thanks for the input bobbie and the link oz
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