Roll call for hired guns out there who could handle this type gig

[pinkfloydcramer61]

Over a year ago I accepted a gig with a traveling casino variety band from Vegas that came to my area. It involved playing keyboards including LH bass, reading charts for their custom medleys, and playing anything and everything including Andrea Bocelli, Phantom of the Opera, Neil Diamond, Barry Manilow, jazz standards, country, and a good share of Vegas schmaltz (Lou Rawls, Elvis, Sinatra) as well as everything a typical cover/oldies band would play. Also, part of the band's schtick was attempting to play any request if the singer knew so much as a verse of the song. They would give it the old college try and the crowd would appreciate the effort, even if it turned out a little rough.

 

Playing key bass was something I had only done in emergencies and was WAY out of my comfort zone. And my chart-reading, never that great, was way rusty. I was on pins and needles about how my significant hearing loss would affect my performance. The only thing I had confidence in was my ability to "wing it" and play any type material. But I was financially strapped and desperately needed the 2 weeks (12 nights) of work. So I took the gig.

 

And it worked out great! In spite of the fact that I did not get the charts and work CD's until one week before the gig. The band was glad to have me and we all had a ball (the cheesy stuff and the oddball requests was the most fun material to play, for some reason). I made some new friends and they offered me the gig every time they came back to town- although I have had to turn it down since because of my work schedule. But I still help them find local players as needed, to help them through the gig. Last time they needed a guitar player. And he did smashingly (although he couldn't play Moon River for {censored}).

 

It surprised me that the Bocelli opera song (I Will Say Goodbye) turned out to be wildly popular with a decidedly NOT highbrow crowd. It was funny to read notes on napkins sent to the stage saying things like "Glenn, could you please sing that Italian opera song? Me and Myrtle have to leave to feed the chickens shortly".

 

I was just curious who on this board does gigs like that. My guess is that most here would turn their noses up at this type variety band, and having to do non- material. From listening to clips and promos, I know there are several here that could handle it.

 

And there's a chance someone on this board could actually end up doing the gig- (band comes back in Feb.). It only pays $100 a night but it is $1200 total of work for those 12 short nights. Food is decent and you get a room at a 4-star hotel (yes, they have those in Vicksburg, MS). Yeehaw!!

 

So any hired guns out there, hacks or not?

[StratGuy22]

Could I, would I, or can I?

 

 

Yes.

 

Yes

 

No

 

[KeysBear]

Been there done that on most of it, strong left hand bass, can play anything I've heard a couple of times, got the new stuff, the standards and the schmaltz.

 

Sounds like a lot of work and a long schlep for $100 a night. I'd pass. I passed on a similar deal in Branson. $200 a show if I was serious. Got to weigh what I'd miss out on here so it's not worth it.

[BlueStrat]

Well, I'm a guitar player, but I played in several variety bands in the 70s, which were called 'lounge bands' back then. We covered everything from Grand Funk Railroad to Mack the Knife, and a couple of the bands used fake books to cover the dozens of requests we'd get a night.

[DevilRaysFan]

Could I? I can do that playing bass guitar (reading, charts, etc), not playing keyboards...and, yes, I have done gigs like that before (as a bass player)

 

When playing keys, can I handle LH Bass? Im OK with it with basic pop and rock stuff....I wouldnt trust my left hand past that

 

Would I? Let me know if they need a bass player (electric; fretted and fretless)

[SeniorBlues]

I understand playing a lot of different hip and unhip styles going going back through the decades, but none of the pro bands I used to play with took requests of songs they hadn't rehearsed. People expected a polished show, and playing "stump the band" seems counter to the image you want to project.

 

. . . . one of those things where I'd be curious to see a video where everyone is enjoying the bands brave attempts.

 

So who else just now tried to play "Moon River"? (No fair if it's part of your repertoire.) Did I figure it out? Sure. On the fly first time through? No Way. . . . would have been a train wreck.

 

Not long ago, I saw a band start a song that the keyboard player didn't know. They're playing, and he's scrolling though his laptop propped up on the music stand to see if he has a chart for it.

 

Makes sense.

[joespartyband]

There is a lady in Nashville who memorized 200 songs or something...her thing is that you call the number of the song... she plays it...everyone is impressed.....it's part of her act..

 

Work the piano bar at some old folks home...bring a book of oldies....

 

Being an original act means you show up with maybe 15 songs...and if they want you to play another of YOUR songs...fine....

 

I guess cover bands gotta take the heat for showing up and looking, acting, and playing like a jukebox...

[DevilRaysFan]

I understand playing a lot of different hip and unhip styles going going back through the decades, but none of the pro bands I used to play with took requests of songs they hadn't rehearsed. People expected a polished show, and playing "stump the band" seems counter to the image you want to project. . . . . one of those things where I'd be curious to see a video where everyone is enjoying the bands brave attempts. So who else just now tried to play "Moon River"? (No fair if it's part of your repertoire.) Did I figure it out? Sure. On the fly first time through? No Way. . . . would have been a train wreck.

 

It depends on the song. I played "It Had To Be You" by Frank Sinatra at a pick-up gig last month for the first time. I knew the song enough in my head to fake it through, did a little walk using the "faux upright technique" (mid PU soloed, highs or tone rolled back, using the side of the thumb with a palm-mute). No mistakes, even when walking arpeggiated lines through maj and min chord subs.....and dont say faking bass is easy because its not . Bass players do not have the luxury of backing off a song if the rest of the band knows it....on bass, you generally always have to play something - there is no such thing as "briefly stepping out"

[wades_keys]

On this subject: how many songs have you heard where you immediately know the key signature and the chords being used?

 

For me, it's quite a lot.

 

But those are the "easy" ones I guess.

[DevilRaysFan]

 

On this subject: how many songs have you heard where you immediately know the key signature and the chords being used? For me, it's quite a lot. But those are the "easy" ones I guess.

 

 

I can do this a lot. I guess I have years of practicing at it just listening to songs...I usually will listen to a CD or radio and think , "OK....Key of G....I ...IV.....vi.......V..........II7......V......I....etc"

 

Like the example of "It Had To Be You" by Sinatra above, I could hear in my head that the second chord of the verse vi chord was a "VI" and not a "vi". Theres also a few times the IV chord is a iv.....the best thing about a lot of those classic songs is that both the music and melodyline usually will always help to prepredict the next chord, even the subs and accidentals

[rangefinder]

 

It surprised me that the Bocelli opera song (I Will Say Goodbye) turned out to be wildly popular with a decidedly NOT highbrow crowd.

 

 

FWIW the song is actually called "Time to Say Goodbye" and it's the only classical piece on my (potential) set list.

 

I had tears running down my face the first time I heard it.

 

Plus some random redneck chick in a local dive bar knew the song when I was impressing her with the (potential) versatility of my voice.

 

In short, I believe it's what you'd call a "non-replicable phenomenon".

[pinkfloydcramer61]

I understand playing a lot of different hip and unhip styles going going back through the decades, but none of the pro bands I used to play with took requests of songs they hadn't rehearsed.

 

I live for that {censored}. Always liked seeing Paul Shaffer and the Late Night band do that kind of thing.

 

Noone held it against this particular band that they occasionally tried unrehearsed material, as part of the show.. IMO it depends on the band and the venue. What made it so enjoyable to work with these guys, was that it was loose and relaxed and you were better able to do your best. As opposed to working for an anal-retent control freak bandleader that expected perfection out of someone playing a gig "cold".

 

One that that worked out well with playing key bass on that gig was, there were at all times at least 2 instruments (bass and keys) on the same "page"- because they were the same person. I only had to play with one other chordal instrument (guitar). I could listen to his soloing and put something behind that fit, on an unfamiliar song, even if it was not the exact chords or bassline for that song. It all worked out.

 

On one instance I messed up- singer called out Leon Russell's "Song For You"- he had mentioned it on break but we hadn't yet played it. But I got it confused with EJ's "Your Song" and played the intro to that one, instead. But it just so happened that he knew the EJ song, and instead of stopping me he sang it. We did it every night after that and he had a nice story to introduce it with.

 

Some people like to go out on a limb and like the challenge of uncertain gig situations (doing as much homework as they can do beforehand), and others insist on no surprises and spit-polished, over-rehearsed perfection. More experience as a hired gun makes you more able to tolerate and react to the wrinkles in the road, IMO.

[pinkfloydcramer61]

 

FWIW the song is actually called "Time to Say Goodbye" and it's the only classical piece on my (potential) set list. I had tears running down my face the first time I heard it. Plus some random redneck chick in a local dive bar knew the song when I was impressing her with the (potential) versatility of my voice. In short, I believe it's what you'd call a "non-replicable phenomenon".

 

 

Awesome! And thanks for the correction:thu:.

[tim_7string]

It would take a ton of prep (i.e. practicing all night long after work) but I think I could hang. I switched off on bass guitar and LH bass keys/RH piano and organ in a country-rock band a few years ago. To me, it would be quite similar, playing songs I'm not really into.

 

My sight-reading is pretty crappy, but as long as I had a good idea of where the songs were going, I could wing it. Sounds like fun!

[MartinC]

Sounds like a fun gig. I've played the Bocelli tune before. It kills if you have a good vocal or a player who can do the melody with a lot of expression. There's an app for the i phone with all the real book chord changes-no melodies, just the changes, and you can transpose them. Give me the charts a week before the gig, I'd put my phone on the stand, and I'd be good to go. It's way too far away for me though.

[pinkfloydcramer61]

The band's version of that song had a very cool "Queen" vibe at the end, operetic music with rock band instrumentation and a Brian May-ish guitar solo. The singer wasn't a blues or soul singer and was aware of that, but he was awesome on that song.

[Roy Brooks]

I could handle playing guitar in that kind of band. I can play a wide variety of music. It doesn't take me long to learn new material. I can read. I can fake. And I can take direction. I've spent many years working on becoming a competent musician who can do jobs like that. It would be an opportunity to put my skills and knowledge to the test. If a similar situation presented itself in Maryland or within four or five hours of here I would jump at the opportunity. Though going to Mississippi to do it is not entirely out of the question. I might do it as a one time thing. But if I was asked to do it again I would need considerably more money.

[ChordGirl]

On an extremely amatuer level, the bluegrass/acoustic band I was involved in for 3 years that never practiced did this all the time. A lot of times it was very rough, but it was definitely part of our schtick, as was letting pretty much anyone sit in/lead for a song or two. That band was booked 150-200 shows a year at about $50/man.

 

On a much more professional level, the most well-known coverband in this town(the diva who's vids I have posted many times before) will attempt any request, and the band will piece together the music if she knows the chorus and perhaps some of the verse. Requests always come with at least a $5 bill, usually more. She attempts it, and the crowd is impressed by it. It is very much part of their schtick as well.

[js1]

 

Some people like to go out on a limb and like the challenge of uncertain gig situations (doing as much homework as they can do beforehand)... More experience as a hired gun makes you more able to tolerate and react to the wrinkles in the road, IMO.

 

 

+1 this.

 

When I was younger, I was that anal retentive player that demanded perfection from others and the band that I couldn't technically deliver myself. Rehearse, rehearse, rarely gig.

 

I"m a much better player now, and a much better band mate. Now I try to throw myself in as many uncertain situations as I can. Someone requests something - I'll give it a go if I remotely remember it. Filling in, sometimes playing songs that I've never even heard before (being told the key and changes just before count-off).

 

Last weekend, I played gigs in two different bands for the first time - had to learn 30 odd new songs in a week and a half, as well as brush up on 60 I knew or sort of knew (but not their arrangements). One was essentially a pick up hired gun band, the other was a frequently rehearsing, mildly retentive band. Guess which one rocked harder...

 

Had a blast. I'm beginning to really like this hired gun thing.

 

js

[pinkfloydcramer61]

That's the way the big boys (and girls) do it. If someone's a good player, you tell them the material, they show up, and it works out.

 

BTW, this is alot more fun than reading comments about "Ima Hack", musically illiterate etc. I was appalled to find out that the majority here put themselves in the "hack" category- and some apparently, aren't even MUSICIANS!. Why the Hell would anyone hang out with people like THAT?:poke:

 

But put forth a specific scenario and most have a little more confidence and cockiness.

 

And I'm not really that good, it's just that bands are overjoyed when I exceed their low expectations when they first meet me. "Thank GOD! He doesn't SUCK after all!":lol:

[cooterbrown]

Over a year ago I accepted a gig with a traveling casino variety band from Vegas that came to my area. It involved playing keyboards including LH bass, reading charts for their custom medleys, and playing anything and everything including Andrea Bocelli, Phantom of the Opera, Neil Diamond, Barry Manilow, jazz standards, country, and a good share of Vegas schmaltz (Lou Rawls, Elvis, Sinatra) as well as everything a typical cover/oldies band would play. Also, part of the band's schtick was attempting to play any request if the singer knew so much as a verse of the song. They would give it the old college try and the crowd would appreciate the effort, even if it turned out a little rough. Playing key bass was something I had only done in emergencies and was WAY out of my comfort zone. And my chart-reading, never that great, was way rusty. I was on pins and needles about how my significant hearing loss would affect my performance. The only thing I had confidence in was my ability to "wing it" and play any type material. But I was financially strapped and desperately needed the 2 weeks (12 nights) of work. So I took the gig. And it worked out great! In spite of the fact that I did not get the charts and work CD's until one week before the gig. The band was glad to have me and we all had a ball (the cheesy stuff and the oddball requests was the most fun material to play, for some reason). I made some new friends and they offered me the gig every time they came back to town- although I have had to turn it down since because of my work schedule. But I still help them find local players as needed, to help them through the gig. Last time they needed a guitar player. And he did smashingly (although he couldn't play Moon River for {censored}). It surprised me that the Bocelli opera song (I Will Say Goodbye) turned out to be wildly popular with a decidedly NOT highbrow crowd. It was funny to read notes on napkins sent to the stage saying things like "Glenn, could you please sing that Italian opera song? Me and Myrtle have to leave to feed the chickens shortly". I was just curious who on this board does gigs like that. My guess is that most here would turn their noses up at this type variety band, and having to do non- material. From listening to clips and promos, I know there are several here that could handle it. And there's a chance someone on this board could actually end up doing the gig- (band comes back in Feb.). It only pays $100 a night but it is $1200 total of work for those 12 short nights. Food is decent and you get a room at a 4-star hotel (yes, they have those in Vicksburg, MS). Yeehaw!! So any hired guns out there, hacks or not?

 

Would love to do a gig like that, but not for $100 a night, sorry.

Considering the money machines that casinos are, $100 is sort of an insult, IMO. We got either $500 or $600 per man at the casino gigs we played this year. I'm not bragging, but Iam rather curious as to why the pay is so stingy?

[BlueStrat]

 

Considering the money machines that casinos are, $100 is sort of an insult, IMO. We got either $500 or $600 per man at the casino gigs we played this year. I'm not bragging, but Iam rather curious as to why the pay is so stingy?

 

 

 

because, like every other venue, there are 10 dozen bands willing to play for cheap just to get the gig. They don't pay a whole lot here, and the entertainment reflects it. But since hardly anyone pays attention to the bands anyway, what do they care? They don't want people in the lounge dancing, they want them out on the floor gambling.

 

I have friends who used to do casino gigs in Vegas and cleaned up. Here, they're Indian reservation electronic game palaces with tons of machines and a few card tables, so it ain't exactly the Bellagio.

[pinkfloydcramer61]

The band is built around a personality, so I don't mind him making more than a local fill-in guy. Rest of the guys pay airfare from Vegas, that might make a difference too.

 

But yes, $100 a night ain't much for a casino, even for local ones that don't pay that well to begin with. I have played there before and made somewhat more $$. The only reason anybody takes the gig is because it is 12 nights total of work- and doesn't disrupt their day job.. It is what it is and I was glad to have it at that point and time.

 

FWIW the best I ever got paid at a casino for one night was $450 and it was NYE. Band I'm working with now pays me $150-$300 a night, depending on the event (split down the middle). Glad to get that too!

[js1]

 

And I'm not really that good, it's just that bands are overjoyed when I exceed their low expectations when they first meet me. "Thank GOD! He doesn't SUCK after all!":lol:

 

 

Well, I bet you have a few things going for you...

 

- A good musical memory (quick to learn)

- A good ear

- Some taste (in my case, some is about as much as I can muster)

- Confidence

- You listen and watch the rest of the band, play empathetically, and know how to recover from the unexpected

 

Victor Wooten isn't exactly trembling in his boots when I pull out my bass. I certainly have my many limitations. However, for me, remembering songs, keys, tempo and song structure is really easy - lucky I guess.

 

js

[BlueStrat]

 

I certainly have my many limitations. However, for me, remembering songs, keys, tempo and song structure is really easy - lucky I guess.

 

 

In my book, that makes you highly valuable. If only I could find a bass player who has your qualities that isn't a dickhead and doesn't overplay. I'm starting to think they don't exist where I live.