General Music Chat

Scott

I moved into a much better (for guys like us) neighborhood, leaving some decent folks without a bass player. My working assumption was there would be more players here (Roswell - just North of Atlanta) and yep - its a much sweeter loc. Closer to work as well.

However, I've been laid low by some health issues and spend most energy I can summon to get to work. Have put together my music room in the new house and written some new songs. All in all I'd rather play with other people.

I'm looking at a new project and hopefully, rising from the (culturally) dead.

We'll see if my tired old ass can still cut it. Hopefully soon.

My situation has been annoying and unproductive for the most part. But I'm not bitter! And hopefully I still have some juice.

Talbot

I'm constantly gigging, full-time since 2004. Currently on the "Have I Lost My Mind?" tour of Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado. Get a week off at the end of it and then leaving for the 2-month "Yes, I Am Crazy" tour of Europe.

glad to see ya phonin' in, brudah scottman.

happy be i ta hear ya been enjoyin' da enjoyable gigage. like you, me and i we been spending less time here ourself.... but damn, dere be no reason for i ta be takin' a shot et anyone, mon!

I just figured it's better to play out more than type on this "forum" which is really just a holding pattern for those doing very little.

In short, it's better to use your time to play a little and mix with the locals so one has less time to waste on this forum that only produces bitter older people short on juice and long on mouth.

Probably be awhile before I bother with this shithole again for a while.

So many better things to do than to waste time here. "Play it, don't say it".

ouch.

i dunno, my take is that most here CAN waste the amount of time we choose to on BM.... AND still be productive musically as best we can.

no reason for it to be only one OR the other.

aaaaand....here's to many MORE fun and enjoyable gigs to you, scott... and to everyone else here.....and most importantly...more to MEEEEEE too.

Mark, you know I have my couple few pet bitches here.
You aren't one of them as you get out and do what you have to do..play where you can and enjoy it all.

It's a select few of dullards and dingdongs.

I don't know if I mentioned that I am playing some Jazz keys off and on for now. I am getting ready to leave NJ, so that's going to end.

But I have to say from listening to your stuff, if I was closer I'd enjoy learning to play some of that which you guys are playing.

I think I am starting to appreciate more music and especially (GASP) jazz.

Unless I put the gunsight on your head, Mark, you are ok in my book.
(that and a nickel gets you a dixie cup of filtered water.) lol

only ONE dixie cup of filtered water????? sheeeeeeeeeeeeeet, i thought we was buds.

hey, good on you scott for expanding your horizons playing some jazz keys.

my advice...go for it.

as long as you're digging it and no wimmins, chillins, or small critters are getting hurt....definitely go for it. it can only help ya out in other styles/genres too.

Ive been playing a lot.

Not making any money to speak of, and quite honestly these days Im not so much concerned about, I decided after my last divorce to find lots of people to play with, cause if I stick to one group of people then you get into a rut of a certain set of songs.

Im the house guitarist for an open mic on monday nights. Ussually get to play 2-3 hours, I like it cause you never know who will show up and what they will want to play. Keeps you on your toes. Plus this open mic has some really good musicians showing up. In the back of my mind I have been looking for a singer to possibly start something, but so far havent found a voice.

I play every other wed night with another group. Its actually a duo deal, but there is a drummer and key player that show up and we play from 8-12.

Every other thursday Ive been finding people to come to my house and play with me and the drummer from Aint Yo Mama. Just keeps us playing, and I find different people week to week to show up. Been interesting.

Then on friday nights I know a keyboard player who gets people together at his house. Its kind of a revolving group of people, so you never know what we are going to play.

Then sats Ive found a garage band to play with, these guys are probably under my level, but they are fun. The other guitarist went to HS with me and always kinda looked up to me and my bands, over the years he has gotten pretty good. Its kinda of a classic/southern/outlaw country type of band, I sing most of the stuff.

A few monthes ago, I just made up my mind that I was going to get out and play somewhere as often as I could, so far so good.

There has been good nights and bad nights, but I think as a player it is helping advance me to a new level.

I have taken a kind of minimalistic approach to playing guitar so I dont get in the way of the other people or showboat, like I did for years.

Anyway just an update, and one of the reasons you dont see me on here much, between work, playing and just life in general I dont have a lot of spare time.

This after noon Im actually getting out my old P bass and amp to play with some guys who may want me to play a few gigs on bass. Im actually looking forward to it, cause i havent played bass much the last few years.

I say all of this, cause you see people on here all the time bemoaning that they cant find people playing, my response is you have to get out with people that are playing, sitting at home on the computor waiting on the bus to take you to some musical even just doesnt happen, find folks doing things in the genre you want to pusrsue, get to know them, support them in thier playing let them know you are available. Dont be an ass, treat all musicians with respect.

Ive been playing a lot.

Not making any money to speak of, and quite honestly these days Im not so much concerned about, I decided after my last divorce to find lots of people to play with, cause if I stick to one group of people then you get into a rut of a certain set of songs.

Im the house guitarist for an open mic on monday nights. Ussually get to play 2-3 hours, I like it cause you never know who will show up and what they will want to play. Keeps you on your toes. Plus this open mic has some really good musicians showing up. In the back of my mind I have been looking for a singer to possibly start something, but so far havent found a voice.

I play every other wed night with another group. Its actually a duo deal, but there is a drummer and key player that show up and we play from 8-12.

Every other thursday Ive been finding people to come to my house and play with me and the drummer from Aint Yo Mama. Just keeps us playing, and I find different people week to week to show up. Been interesting.

Then on friday nights I know a keyboard player who gets people together at his house. Its kind of a revolving group of people, so you never know what we are going to play.

Then sats Ive found a garage band to play with, these guys are probably under my level, but they are fun. The other guitarist went to HS with me and always kinda looked up to me and my bands, over the years he has gotten pretty good. Its kinda of a classic/southern/outlaw country type of band, I sing most of the stuff.

A few monthes ago, I just made up my mind that I was going to get out and play somewhere as often as I could, so far so good.

There has been good nights and bad nights, but I think as a player it is helping advance me to a new level.

I have taken a kind of minimalistic approach to playing guitar so I dont get in the way of the other people or showboat, like I did for years.

Anyway just an update, and one of the reasons you dont see me on here much, between work, playing and just life in general I dont have a lot of spare time.

This after noon Im actually getting out my old P bass and amp to play with some guys who may want me to play a few gigs on bass. Im actually looking forward to it, cause i havent played bass much the last few years.

I say all of this, cause you see people on here all the time bemoaning that they cant find people playing, my response is you have to get out with people that are playing, sitting at home on the computor waiting on the bus to take you to some musical even just doesnt happen, find folks doing things in the genre you want to pusrsue, get to know them, support them in thier playing let them know you are available. Dont be an ass, treat all musicians with respect.

Your awesome John! Easy going and always making things happen. Before long you'll be playing in 4 bands like Mark and making us all jealous LOL!

crop rotation!

crop rotation, babybeeee!

crop rotation!

crop rotation, babybeeee!

Haha, crop rotation is good indeed. It stretches you and keeps music interesting. I played 3 sets this weekend with a talented younger group of players again and it was good.

Wednesday I am jamming with a drummer who has played in top bands in the area for a very long time and we have known about each other but never played together. Many of the same roots and influences so it should be a kick.

Crop rotation is difficult.
Musicians are so insecure as a general rule that having a good jam session with another band or musician is akin to getting busted banging your wife's sister.

Crop rotation? Yea...it's a fact of life once you leave high school

I'm touring with a band of youngsters (20s & 30s) for the months of March/April, and english isn't their native language. Polish, Deutch, and Hebrew is what I'm dealing with. The bassist and drummer can't speak english at all.

But we all speak the language of music so it ought to be a lot of fun.

Crop rotation is difficult.
Musicians are so insecure as a general rule that having a good jam session with another band or musician is akin to getting busted banging your wife's sister.

"difficult"? how so, george?

if ya can play different styles of music and have the flex in your schedule....ain't nuthin' to it!

shucks, i've been doing it in (relatively small market) Mid MO since '84. before that i did it for three yrs playing in a Jazz Big Band, small jazz combos, top 40 bands, and mostly country bands ....in Fayetteville AR!

definitely more challenging than when i was living in NYC.....but doable just the same.

anyone that enjoys playing different stuff....there's no reason not to go for it. and if there's a particular style that you're interested in and hope to improve your skills in....unless you're a solo performer...you NEED to be playing w other folks.

when i have the inevitable recurring conversations about my "crop rotation" w people i often use this analogy....

i LOVE italian food....but i sure don't want to eat it at every meal!

Crop rotation? Yea...it's a fact of life once you leave high school

I'm touring with a band of youngsters (20s & 30s) for the months of March/April, and english isn't their native language. Polish, Deutch, and Hebrew is what I'm dealing with. The bassist and drummer can't speak english at all.

But we all speak the language of music so it ought to be a lot of fun.

sounds like a great socio-musico experiment there! you'll no doubt have some interesting communication issues but if the music is happening....that might make a good situation even more fun.

where will the tour take place?

keep us posted. i suspect you'll have plenty of funny and interesting stories that come out of this.

Crop rotation is difficult.
Musicians are so insecure as a general rule that having a good jam session with another band or musician is akin to getting busted banging your wife's sister.

"difficult"? how so, george?

if ya can play different styles of music and have the flex in your schedule....ain't nuthin' to it!

shucks, i've been doing it in (relatively small market) Mid MO since '84. before that i did it for three yrs playing in a Jazz Big Band, small jazz combos, top 40 bands, and mostly country bands ....in Fayetteville AR!

definitely more challenging than when i was living in NYC.....but doable just the same.

anyone that enjoys playing different stuff....there's no reason not to go for it. and if there's a particular style that you're interested in and hope to improve your skills in....unless you're a solo performer...you NEED to be playing w other folks.

when i have the inevitable recurring conversations about my "crop rotation" w people i often use this analogy....

i LOVE italian food....but i sure don't want to eat it at every meal!

I was referring mostly to jealousy issues with / between musicians.
And the havoc it could cause to your primary band commitment.

Crop rotation is difficult.
Musicians are so insecure as a general rule that having a good jam session with another band or musician is akin to getting busted banging your wife's sister.

"difficult"? how so, george?

if ya can play different styles of music and have the flex in your schedule....ain't nuthin' to it!

shucks, i've been doing it in (relatively small market) Mid MO since '84. before that i did it for three yrs playing in a Jazz Big Band, small jazz combos, top 40 bands, and mostly country bands ....in Fayetteville AR!

definitely more challenging than when i was living in NYC.....but doable just the same.

anyone that enjoys playing different stuff....there's no reason not to go for it. and if there's a particular style that you're interested in and hope to improve your skills in....unless you're a solo performer...you NEED to be playing w other folks.

when i have the inevitable recurring conversations about my "crop rotation" w people i often use this analogy....

i LOVE italian food....but i sure don't want to eat it at every meal!

I was referring mostly to jealousy issues with / between musicians.
And the havoc it could cause to your primary band commitment.

Maybe time to have a chat with your band mates about it and agree that Jericho is your first priority but jamming with others and sitting in on local gigs is healthy and builds better musicians. Crop rotation, cross pollination or whatever you want to call it is a pretty important part to keep your music fresh and relevant IMO. It's a very wide gap between jamming with friends and doing your wife's sister. One will stretch you as a musician and extend the circle of musical players who share your ideas. The other just might get you killed in Texas.

Indeed . . . have you met my wife ?

:lol: Indeed . . . have you met my wife ?