General Music Chat

Say that you're looking for someone to play with, maybe form a duo.
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You'd want to get together once or twice a week.
Considering gas money, travel time, and congestion; how far would you travel?

I didn't vote, I hate polls.

If I'm financially able to handle the travel, up to 50 miles wouldn't be out of the question IF the band is good enough to be worth it. Band I'm with now practiced just over 30 miles from here when we played together around 15 years ago, and i've commuted that far more than once before. I'd really really like to be within 10 miles...but a little travel doesn't bother me at all if it's a good band.

I will travel anywhere for the right people.

The right people wouldn't need more than 2 or 3 rehearsals for us to be playing, so it doesn't matter how far away we are, if we can get 'r done quickly. Anything else is just a jam session for the fun of it.

If you are a pianist who is equally versed in Classical, jazz, rock, and blues....and living in a different city every day appeals to you....then reply here and let's get it on.

Depends on the band members.

Give the man a cigar!

The last 2 guys I worked with, one was 25 miles away, the last 35 miles away - for that guy, I only went to his place once, otherwise he came to my house for practice. I cut him loose 2 weeks ago - after I called him when he was 40 minutes late and he said "I just woke up, I took a nap after work." When he said he was ;eaving 'right away', I told him nt to bother.
But since those two, I've officially 'given up' on a duo act. It's just too much work to get it going as a 'duo'. I'd have no problem backing up someone else who has solid abilities and has been doing solo shows - I'll do harmonies, lead guitar, other instruments, but starting an act from scratch is a lot of work, assuming you can even find someone interested in doing the same thing with similar tastes in music and similar abilities.

I have always had to travel at least 40 minutes. The Greater Houston area is very spread out. Unfortunately not many bands South of Houston that are worth playing with. Lots of venues just not many bands. I am not sure why that is? I have heard this complaint from many. I have had to drive across Houston (Heavy Traffic) I have also driven the scenic route thru the country. The Short story is my average commute for rehearsal is 70 minutes!

I have always had to travel at least 40 minutes. The Greater Houston area is very spread out. Unfortunately not many bands South of Houston that are worth playing with. Lots of venues just not many bands. I am not sure why that is? I have heard this complaint from many. I have had to drive across Houston (Heavy Traffic) I have also driven the scenic route thru the country. The Short story is my average commute for rehearsal is 70 minutes!

Well, you texans always say everything in Texas is bigger - you pay for it with the commutes!

Here in Ct we have both rural countryside, and heavily congested, sometimes, slow-moving freeways, depending up where you live, and the time.
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If the person was a good, solid, dependable man - or woman - I'd travel 30-35 minutes, as long as he reciprocated, coming to my place for rehearsal, also.
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It IS a lot of work, and many times a musician might put a lot of time and effort into working with another person, only to have them change their mind.
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I'm kinda okay w/performing solo, but I LOVE to hear the harmonies in my songs, and there is AMPLE room for a bass or a lead instrument (and, need I add Bongos or congas?).
A good, solid percussionist who can play 20 - 30 vastly different rhythms, is worth his weight in good.
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Anyway, at this stage I'd work with a pro, an intermediate, or even a beginner who is trainable. I don't care; I can still have fun performing solo, while having equal enjoyment working with the new man or woman.
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Yes, it's all about the music, but if you find a compatible musician - a good guy (or good woman) to perform with, it's even better, eh?

Obviously it would depend on the group and the personalities. Distance is not critical if i am really liking the music.
I love harmony and love creating new ideas even with older music.I have lot's of experience and have some good ideas I would love to share with good players and to hear yours too.to me there is nothing better than playing with a group or a small duo or trio.

I don't mind traveling 80 miles round trip to jam with the musicians that I used to gig with in the bad old days. Now more than once a month might get old since we don't plan on playing clubs again.