Local bands that make you jealous..

[pinkfloydcramer61]

With their material and their players.

 

I saw one last night, at a casino- kind of a conglomeration of the area all-stars, doing New Orleans, Dr. John, Leon Russell, bluesey jazz standards. "Tightrope", "Mos' Scocious", "Cry Me a River", lots of good stuff played by monster players including Little Richard's touring keyboard player and legendary Muscle Shoals bassist Jerry Jemmott, who recently moved to the area. Band was fronted by a dynamic live-wire chick singer.

 

To top it all off, Jerry and his wife (a former Ikette) were extraordinarily nice, gracious people and easy to talk to.

 

Just listening to the band, I couldn't help but think "DAMN, I need to spend more time BS'ing on the internet!" So here I am with a pot of coffee. Later on, I might practice some and make some calls, too .

[SeniorBlues]

Sounds like my dream band . . . . .

 

Makes me wonder what the audience was expecting. . . . a "destination band" where they knew what they'd be listening to, or a band that they "found" and just got knocked out by the act, regardless of what they were playing.

[Vito Corleone]

 

Sounds like my dream band . . . . . Makes me wonder what the audience was expecting. . . . a "destination band" where they knew what they'd be listening to, or a band that they "found" and just got knocked out by the act, regardless of what they were playing.

 

 

"Area all-stars" indicates to me it would be more of the former.

[pinkfloydcramer61]

Yup to David. But Senior, it wasn't much of an audience to be knocked out, sadly enough. Just a few video crack-poker addicts tapping on their machines, and one long table with the local band scene hangers-on and frustrated musician wanna-bees, such as myself.

 

But only 2 more weeks and I can play "Gimme 3-Steps" again! Could you volunteer some hip chord substitutions or am I going to have to wait for Wade?

[pinkfloydcramer61]

BTW I would caution against jumping to the conclusion that "that's what you get for playing cool, hip music- no audiences!" Because this was 40 miles away, taking place in the depressed casino scene which even in better days is not known for sophisticated audiences, and there are some nice blues-jazz oriented clubs around here that this particular band is going to tear wide open. The band had only rehearsed 4-5 times and done one "warm-up" gig at a small place, so this particular gig is somewhat of a tune-up also. Hoping they have a better crowd tonight!

[SeniorBlues]

Keep us posted. . . . . I want them to succeed.

 

. . . and throw in an "add 9" on the "I" whenever it suits you.

[pinkfloydcramer61]

By jove, that might just work! Maybe HC will sponsor us for a workshop for country musicians: LOSE THOSE COWBOY CHORDS!: Donald Fagan-type chord substitutions for Brooks and Dunn songs!

 

On second thought, maybe not- sometimes country bandleaders carry guns.

[BlueStrat]

 

BTW I would caution against jumping to the conclusion that "that's what you get for playing cool, hip music- no audiences!" Because this was 40 miles away, taking place in the depressed casino scene which even in better days is not known for sophisticated audiences, and there are some nice blues-jazz oriented clubs around here that this particular band is going to tear wide open. The band had only rehearsed 4-5 times and done one "warm-up" gig at a small place, so this particular gig is somewhat of a tune-up also. Hoping they have a better crowd tonight!

 

 

 

The flip side of that is seeing an all-star band play some really cool hip stuff and get good response and thinking my own band could be doing the same thing and getting the same response. It almost never happens.

[Vito Corleone]

 

The flip side of that is seeing an all-star band play some really cool hip stuff and get good response and thinking my own band could be doing the same thing and getting the same response. It almost never happens.

 

 

Usually because people often don't stop to consider all the other factors that go into that band being able to get a good response besides just the cool hip songlist. If they are an all-star band, then we're talking about cats who have spend YEARS, if not DECADES building their reputations and popularity. The band itself has maybe been doing it for years. It takes a lot to sell ANY band regardless of the songlist. There aren't a lot of shortcuts in this business.

[SeniorBlues]

I wasn't serious about the chord extensions, unless you're only covering a couple of selected tunes that normally don't have them. That's way different than imposing that style on an entire set list of a different genre. . . . especially country.

 

As has been mentioned, understanding the room (and the musicians you're playing with) and playing what you know will work is a tried and true formula. I also think that playing outlier songs is actually a benefit. People like variety. Just don't forget the base.

[pinkfloydcramer61]

 

The flip side of that is seeing an all-star band play some really cool hip stuff and get good response and thinking my own band could be doing the same thing and getting the same response. It almost never happens.

 

 

My friend, whose took me to see the show, falls into that trap. He wants to do a similar side project, but at almost every position we would be weaker. He and I are decent players with decent reps but not "all-star" category. Not that it wouldn't be worthwhile to do something, just for an outlet.

[SeniorBlues]

 

My friend, whose took me to see the show, falls into that trap. He wants to do a similar side project, but at almost every position we would be weaker. He and I are decent players with decent reps but not "all-star" category. Not that it wouldn't be worthwhile to do something, just for an outlet.

 

 

Seems to me you could start with the best known and most danceable songs of that style. I've worked up "Tightrope", but it isn't really on the same page as "Delta Lady". Same with "Mos' Scocious" vs "Right Place . . ."

[LateGreats]

One thing I've learned over the years is to concern myself more with my own band and less with other bands in the area. That's not to say we don't network or we don't keep track of what's going on, but it's wasted effort to spend obsessing on what other people do. If I put the effort into improving my own band, I'll be much happier and my band will be much better off.

[pinkfloydcramer61]

I agree, but non-obsessive friendly competition- in this case, from another player as this particular band is in an entirely different genre and scene than mine- can be a healthy, motivating thing. It wasn't too long ago that the keys player was doing 6 sets a night at a honkytonk, in spite of his impressive resume and occasional white house gig or whatnot. I'm glad to see him kicking ass, even if it's mine (which is desperately in need of a good kick from time to time ).

[RupertB]

I'm not sure "jealous" is the right word but there is a local band that seems to be the alpha-band of cover acts in this area: In high demand, plays the best venues, always brings a crowd.

 

They play a mix of classic pop/rock, old R&B, dance, etc. Not music I normally gravitate toward but these guys pull it off so well, it is still a pleasure to hear them. All four could front their own band as lead singers (I know three of the four have in the past) and are outstanding players.

 

If I'm jealous of anything, it is how daring they are about trying material that doesn't seem to fit a four-piece, two guitar band and yet they still find a way to pull it off. Must be nice.

[New Trail]

 

I'm not sure "jealous" is the right word but there is a local band that seems to be the alpha-band of cover acts in this area: In high demand, plays the best venues, always brings a crowd........

 

 

This is the kind of local band that I'm envious of as well.

[mstreck]

Yeah, I'm in the "not jealous" camp... more like "inspired to be better".

[pinkfloydcramer61]

OK then, I wasn't jealous, I was merely envious. Not because they might become the new cat-daddies, or anything to do with popularity or money, but only because I would like to do the stuff they were doing.

 

And nothing's stopping me, other than I'm not going to ditch my regular Gimme 3 Steps band in favor of a blues/jazz group. I would rather be in a top-notch band covering a few boring, pedestrian bar-band songs (not all of our stuff is like that) than be in a so-so band that covered the coolest {censored} imaginable. Maybe down the road I'll meet the right people and have the best of both worlds- whether I do or not IMO depends mostly on being good enough that the "right people" would want to work with me.

[New Trail]

 

....I would rather be in a top-notch band covering a few boring, pedestrian bar-band songs (not all of our stuff is like that) than be in a so-so band that covered the coolest {censored} imaginable......

 

 

I agree, but, as the OP stated, there he was listening to a hot band playing cool songs and there was hardly any crowd to hear them.

[ggm1960]

When I was in my 20's I was constantly envious and in awe of the bands I saw but at the time most were pro touring cover bands booked out of Minneapolis. The envy was a positive force however that only drove me to practice and study music more. In more recent times though it's been more like puzzlement when I went to see local hack bands that I thought sucked but somehow drew a big, enthusiastic crowd. I was even in one of those bands for a time and could never figure out just what it was that seemed to make it work. These days, at 51, I feel there's nothing left for me to prove and I no longer care what other bands are doing; I scarcely care what the band I'm in is doing.

[3shiftgtr]

Jealous is not the word...well maybe it is.

 

Local band started as a 2wice a year thing with dudes that have been playing a long time, but kinda suck. After 3 years and 2 different singers, they get this guy. Charismatic as hell, egotistical as hell, great front man and entertainer that you never know what he's gonna say or do (read unpredictable). He hadn't sang in 15 years. Suddenly they get a following. Then a BIG following.

 

Drummer cat keep time and plays with his wrists locked. Bassist plays with a dumpy squire p-bass thru a 1x15 Crate, but has a wireless and runs around the crowd like a monkey. Hw's only on stage 2 or 3 songs a set. The guitarist is pretty good. No harmonies to speak of. Nothing special set list and it is pretty much the same one for the last 3 years. Emphasis on 90's grunge and some dance music.

 

But get this. Lead singer is such a good {censored} talker, he talks the son of the owner of the local Bud distributorship into a sponsorship that pays them $1500 a show for 9 'sponsored' shows a year that are events. Then they usually ask for a grand to 2 grand a show from the venue. So they are making minimum $2500 a show on those dates.

 

Not being catty when I say they really suck musically. But that front man...works at a local car mfg plant, and has tons o' pals and works that list. But nothing outside of Facebook......

 

And to let you know how unpredictable this guy is, I've heard him say these lines:

 

Singing on the bar with a hot blonde dancing next to him: "Damn bitch, you remind me of my sister's barbie doll I used to jack off to in junior high."

A slow start to a night has him out in the crowd getting people to dance: "Maybe if you got your fat ass out of that chair, it wouldn't be so fat!"

Changed the chorus to Evenflow when the (decidedly HAWT) owner of the bar walks by the stage; "I wanna {censored} the owner....these thoughts arrive with a boh oh ner."

 

Maybe frustrated is a better word.....

[wheresgrant3]

Jealous is not the word...well maybe it is. Local band started as a 2wice a year thing with dudes that have been playing a long time, but kinda suck. After 3 years and 2 different singers, they get this guy. Charismatic as hell, egotistical as hell, great front man and entertainer that you never know what he's gonna say or do (read unpredictable). He hadn't sang in 15 years. Suddenly they get a following. Then a BIG following. Drummer cat keep time and plays with his wrists locked. Bassist plays with a dumpy squire p-bass thru a 1x15 Crate, but has a wireless and runs around the crowd like a monkey. Hw's only on stage 2 or 3 songs a set. The guitarist is pretty good. No harmonies to speak of. Nothing special set list and it is pretty much the same one for the last 3 years. Emphasis on 90's grunge and some dance music. But get this. Lead singer is such a good {censored} talker, he talks the son of the owner of the local Bud distributorship into a sponsorship that pays them $1500 a show for 9 'sponsored' shows a year that are events. Then they usually ask for a grand to 2 grand a show from the venue. So they are making minimum $2500 a show on those dates. Not being catty when I say they really suck musically. But that front man...works at a local car mfg plant, and has tons o' pals and works that list. But nothing outside of Facebook......

 

 

I have no doubts many musicians in my area feel exactly the same way about my band. In fact, I've heard the comments myself. They can't understand our popularity... to them it's absolutely confounding. It's because as musicians they tend to evaluate and place judgement on the weaknesses rather than the strengths and advantages of the group. Instead of looking at what works and understanding WHY it works they focus on all the individual flaws that the public doesn't pay attention to. I'm pretty sure the band that you described is pretty bad in terms of musicianship and delivery... but what they lack in musicianship they are certainly making up with showmanship... which is maybe a lesson for other bands in the area. I've come across bands like this myself. You hear the name and reputation. When you finally see them you ask "really, what is the reason these guys are so popular?"

 

I'm not comparing my band to the one you described (we actually put alot of work and thought into the delivery and presentation), but I often hear off handed comments about our singer's pitchy delivery or our drummer missing a beat. What they don't describe is all of the energy and attention that is paid to the audience... sometimes for the sake of the music that is played. In fact the one thing I think that sets us apart from other bands is tight musicianship with a rapid fire delivery of songs. In order to do that we often cut corners, remove solos, change verses... etc. To many musicians it's sacralidge... music was meant to played the way it was written right? When I talk to other musicians and the topic of our band comes up and any of the success we've had the common line is "Well you guys have such a big following... or You guys get terrific breaks." it's never' you guys are an entertaining band that works hard and have figured out how to connect with a greater audience to make things happen on a regional level." I know that was on the tip of their tongue... they just forgot to say it, right?

 

We started out very much the same... a side band project that was neither exciting or inspirational. We're all average players in our own right, when just happened to have similar mindsets in what we wanted to achieve. We had set goals and a plan. We had a charismatic frontman... not the best singer in the area, but both enigmatic and approachable. We picked songs that people loved to hear. We played for the audience, not for ourselves. We treated the band as a business... not as a hobby. And we've never stopped thinking about what would make the show better or enjoyable from the audience's perspective. It sounds simple enough... and it should be. This isn't the only popular band I've been a part of. It's certainly the most successful though.

 

Show this video to a group of common people and their reaction is... "wow! that's {censored}ing cool!"

[video=vimeo;32683762]

Show this to a group of musicians and the first comment made will be... "That guitar players tone is harsh... the singer is flat. How can he even deliver that song properly on someone's shoulders? "

 

I understand your frustration... that frustration has paralleled the decline of American culture. The audience's desire to settle for less in return for immediate gratification. It's a part of American life now. But that '{censored} talking' you described is probably business acumen behind the scenes. In other words people are buying what he is selling... more than just the audience. Bar owners and sponsors as well. Learn from that. Observe how they partner and position themselves with venues. That is beyond what happens onstage. More than likely the band that you've described will flame out over time. Either the lack of diversity in setlist or performance will limit them or they will age out. Their popularity is built entirely on the performance of their front man who like you've described is a bit of a loose canon. The real test will see if they are able to grow these relationships or if the end up burning bridges over time. Some of our best opportunities came from other bands {censored}ing up. Draft off of them and see if there are any opportunities to pick up where they have left behind. Then do your best to 'out-show' them.

[3shiftgtr]

 

I have no doubts many musicians in my area feel exactly the same way about my band. In fact, I've heard the comments myself. They can't understand our popularity... to them it's absolutely confounding. It's because as musicians they tend to evaluate and place judgement on the weaknesses rather than the strengths and advantages of the group. In other words people are buying what he is selling... more than just the audience. Bar owners and sponsors as well. Learn from that. Observe how they partner and position themselves with venues.

 

 

Man, I totally get why they are popular. Totally. It is 3 things: He is a charismatic dude...he just is. People can't take their eyes off him. He is just that guy. The second thing is that he has lived here all his life and is one of those guys that everyone knows and likes. The third thing is that he is just a salesman....always selling. Super high energy, always smiling and always selling.

 

Combine those three things, and even if your band sucks, you're gold.

 

And grant, I've heard your stuff....don't compare yourselves musically to this bunch. Seriously. I promise I'm not being catty....these cats musically break every rule of what a good cover band should do. Ive seen them play a 45 minute set and do like 6 songs. 3 or 4 minutes of talk and drinking AMONG THEMSELVES between songs. Packed bar, and the drummer stops mid song cuz someone clammed and he just glared, waited about 30 seconds, sipped his beer, checked his phone, then came back in. Out of tune so bad, it hurt to listen to. By the end of the night, they are so hammered they often don't get thru the last couple of songs without them just falling apart. I'm serious.

 

Now I will say that recently, they have moved some old members out in favor of some better musicians. I haven't heard the new bunch. I'm assuming they execute much better. But they went on like that for almost 3 years.

 

Also, when they play out of town, and they NEVER get asked back. NEVER. I've spoken to some buyers and they all say "Never again. They suck." In stead of pulling 150 to 250 like they do locally, they only pull 10 or 20 hardcore fans. I think the reason they got the new players is cuz they realize that they can't cut it outside of their sphere of influence, and they want to play regionally.

 

And with the new players in place, they might be able to do it.

[3shiftgtr]

Draft off of them and see if there are any opportunities to pick up where they have left behind. Then do your best to 'out-show' them.

 

They asked me to play with them when they were changing personnel and I declined cuz it was too political of a situation to step into, and they asked me to quit playing anything else and be exclusive. Yeah, right....{censored} those records I made.....nope, sorry. And while the main cover band I play with doesn't do their numbers locally, our numbers are pretty good. I feel confident that we can go anywhere with in a 30 min drive and draw 75 people that go see US; our fans. Also we do play regionally and ALWAYS get asked back and have a decent book of regional business.

 

I think the thing that really gets me is how he talked the Bud guy into giving him $1500 a show....has anyone ever heard of that for a local cover band? That's like getting 10k a year, guaranteed.......All they do is put up a banner and forget to pitch specials from the stage.

[wheresgrant3]

 

Totally. It is 3 things: He is a charismatic dude...he just is. People can't take their eyes off him. He is just that guy. The second thing is that he has lived here all his life and is one of those guys that everyone knows and likes. The third thing is that he is just a salesman....always selling. Super high energy, always smiling and always selling. Combine those three things, and even if your band sucks, you're gold.

 

 

 

I believe it. I've seen many below average bands excel because of a charismatic front guy or an attractive line up. Once that frontperson leaves or the lineup changes the band is toast.