So You Want to Be in a Band Part 17

Different Gigs Different Places

The last time BlueShadow performed it was a backup band to Joanie’s covers of Patsy Cline. It was a great show. The following week-end the band was scheduled to play a Motown gig back at Wilderness Crossing (Friday), The Inside Out Gallery (Saturday) and Patsy Cline at the Mills Community House.

Inside/Out Gallery

We had agreed to play a benefit for Andre’s House (a good cause doing great things). http://www.andresplace.org/ I had arrived earlier in the day to be sure that stage had plenty of outlets and was ready for the band to set up. Michelle St. Amant was busily working with her group setting up displays for the art show and silent auction. Michelle is the founder of Andre’s place and is one very hard working person. I let her know that the band stand looked fine and we would be ready to play at 7pm. What I didn’t say was that the bass player was new to the band and the guitar player was a fill in. Our regular guitarist Mike was getting married the next day. I was not worried Dave Egger is a fine bass player and fill in guitarist was A.J. he has sat in with us before.

The Inside/Out Gallery is located in the warehouse district downtown Traverse City. This part of town is working to convert unused warehouses into restaurants, art galleries and music venues.

The BlueShadow Band started to set up the stage at the Inside/Out Gallery at 5pm. In the background of instrument cases closing and speakers being set up, was the Michigan/ Michigan State football game playing (Michigan State never lost the lead). The scene was bliss.

7pm arrived and they opened the doors and people started to come in. At first it was not much of dance crowd but as set two progressed some dancers came out on the floor. They could really dance! They were all over the dance floor. The band was entertained. Toward the end of the second set the leader of the band that our new bass player came from showed up. I thought there might be a little trouble. I was wrong. He was cool and went on to say that the band sounded good wish our bass player and the rest of the band “good luck” and left amicably.

During the show there was a woman taking video of the band she introduced herself as a contributor for the local public radio/tv staion. They were making a documentary of local bands and she was getting clips from some of the Traverse City venues. This conversation lead to a call from the station and invited us to play on their TELEGANZA in the coming month. Sounds like good advertising we will do it.

Back to the Wild Pony

It was Friday night and we were back at the Wild Pony. A good crowd was there with a few dancers. Some of those dancers were already dressed for Halloween. We played the first set fine but, by the end of the second set it had all gotten to loud. It went from music to a din. No one was happy with the performance. Joanie felt like she straining by the end of the night. This became a big concern—we had a sold out performance at the Mill House the next night.

Patsy Cline at the Mills

I arrived early to the Mills Community House to find Joanie and Jerry already there. The community group was also there setting up. After the rest of the band arrived, there was discussion concerning the acoustics “how live the hall was”. I tested both the sax and clarinet –they were both too loud. Fortunately I packed a mute and various reeds, even with those accessories I had to play everything between pp and mp all notes above G had to be played an octave down. Our guitar player was nearly playing at 1 for is master control. The brass players were struggling to keep a “buzz”. The final sound check was completed 10 min. before the doors opened.

As the crowd filed in the band hung out backstage. It was a long wait in small back stage area. The band members talked about everything from other bands playing in the area to car problems. Finally the time came and we took the stage. Even though we had to play very soft, the sound was good. We had the crowd clapping along with the music and 5 or 6 couples dancing in the back.

.

One week 3 gigs 3 different locations. All in all, it was pretty satisfying.

So You Want To Be In A Band Part 16

Patsy Cline –A Musical Retrospective...

That’s how it was billed. I arrived at the Williamsburg Dinner Theater at 6pm, dinner for the patrons was scheduled to start at 7 and we were to start the show at 7:45. Jerry, Al, Joanie and I started to set the stage. Very soon after Pete, Todd and Mike arrived and everything was ready for the show. For the final touch the owner of the venue flipped the stage lights on. At this point it

occurred to me how different and vibrant a

theater stage looks with the horns, keyboar

ds, drums, guitars and BlueShadow banner---I liked it!

The Band members hung out in the back room where the equipment and props from other shows were being stored. Dave had not yet arrived he wasn’t late, just the last member to show up. So, as always, the other members begin to speculate. He arrived and slipped on stage and plugged in. With that we all put on Country Western attire. Joanie, with her red cowgirl dress with white fringe, went out into the crowd and

mingled.

After waiting back stage for 45mins I began to hear announcements, with that the rhythm section went to one side of the stage and the horns to the other, waiting to be introduced. Joanie had somehow arranged to have Michael O’Shea, the local Oldies radio announcer, introduce the BlueShadow Band. He was very good. His radio style voice and ability to work freely with the Band primed us as well as the audience for a memorable performance.

We took the stage. I was a little on edge. Not because it

was a full house or the fact they paid top dollar to eat good food and hear us perform, it was Joanie’s reputation on the line. I didn’t want to let her down. I believe the rest of the guys felt the same. The first couple of tunes we were a little tight. As we progressed through Patsy Cline’s career the Band began to loosen up and hit our stride. The crowd was really into it, some dancing near the stage others between the tables. Jerry said, “Let’s make it a show.” With that we really sold it with horn movements and working the music with over the top dynamics changes. By the time we played “Bill Bailey” the audience was ours. We “one more timed” that final song to a standing O.

A final stat—out of 120 available tickets 126 were sold.

There is a Post Script to this entry. This would the last gig Dave North played as our regular Bassist. He has started a new band called Trilogy. Dave is a fine bass player and does the best cover of "Rainy Night in Georgia" I have ever heard. I will miss all of his talents. Good Luck Dave!

So you want to be in a band 15

Now for Something Completely Different

The BlueShadow Band is still playing nearly every weekend. We have been adding new songs to sets and as a band really gelling with very few issues. BlueShadow has gigs lined up to finish out the summer and get into the fall. Things have been going along smoothly. That’s always the way just before…
Joanie (our exceptional lead vocal) came to Blueshadow from a very successful stint as Patsy Cline in the play “Always, Patsy Cline”. This role has followed her ever since. So much so that we have added a few Patsy Cline charts to our sets. It is inevitable that we get P.C. request when she is recognized on the stand.
A few months ago Joanie and Jerry began kicking around the idea of a Patsy Cline show/review. This was proposed as a 2 hr show. As we had only 2 P.C. charts I didn’t think much about it. Of course I would be happy to play in any form of our band but at that point it seemed far away.
Now, let’s refer back to an early part of this blog. Jerry has only one speed…go hard! He and Joanie contacted an arranger put up the money and charts started to roll in. Next thing I know I was handed charts, a shirt (with rhinestones) and a ten gallon hat. Cowboy up! You’re in a country western band.
I started looking at the charts first of all the Bari sax will be replaced with a clarinet. The next change is the keys these charts are written in. Gone are the friendly keys of F, D, C typical Motown and Rock Roll saxophone fare. Now we have B, F#, and C#. Get a rope!
In 3 weeks the first of these shows will be at the Williamsburg Dinner Theater. A venue I have always wanted to play. The first site reading proved to be challenging. Other than Joanie none of us knew these tunes (unlike Motown). I had to research for melody lines and style. It was quickly decided that it will require two rehearsals a week.

I will tell you how it goes.

So You Want To Play In a Band Part 14

Things that happen on the bandstand

Part of doing live shows is learning to keep the performance flowing no matter what is actually happening on stage.
I have been in attendance of shows when a performer will literally stop the show because a volume level is not right or worse yet will stop a song half way through to start again because he or she felt it could have been played better. Some band members will choose to discuss a problem like a missed chord change, or a mistake in reading a chart, or simply a wrong note played. Although there is always room for improvement, discussion on stage in the middle of a set is not the time or the place. As a dance band it becomes important to ride out problems in order to keep patrons on the floor dancing.

For instance…

The second weekend in July Blueshadow is playing on The Patio at the Traverse City Holiday Inn and it is hot. We were about two thirds thru the first set when our lead vocal steps off stage. She calmly walks to the bar and sits down. The band finishes Easy with the horns filling in the vocals best that we could. Looking to our vocalist she lets us know she was over heated and needed a break. With that we played 2 instrumentals to finish the set. During the set break we put an extension on her mic cable and brought in a bar stool and set her up in the shade where she finished the night. The Band had to crane their necks to watch for cues. We played to an encore – a good night.

Another Time…

BlueShadow was playing near the Beach and it was windy. During the first set the music stands kept trying to blow over so we played with one foot on the stand base. Between sets the duct tape was brought out to secure the stands to the stage. Even with the stands secure the pages with clothes pins were blowing around and our bassist had a whole set blow off his stand. (As it turns out like most bass players he really isn’t looking at the chart)

Saxophone issues…

Last Friday we were playing at the Wild Pony for the regulars and a small wedding reception. Jerry has been pushing for more synchronized horn movements. I am all for that! This entails horn shakes, lifting the horns over the head and right and left shifts. I like to use a string type neck strap. It is less visible than an actual strap. Unfortunately it is not as durable. I have now broken two this summer. I do however, keep a spare on stage. A bigger disaster is losing a pad in the middle of a song. When this happened (as calmly as I could) I set the offending horn on the stand, moved offstage to my spare horn and assembled it. Came back on stage flipped on the tuner and tuned the notes that came up on the chart. This allowed me to finish that song. Before we started the next one I tuned the critical notes (tenor sax) C G AC. I was ready by the next downbeat.

There are many small and big issues that occur on the band stand and the trick is never let the audience or dancers know there was any problem. The Band Scout motto: Be prepared for anything and stay cool.

The Street Party…

Our next gig was a Friday Night Live. If you are not local to Traverse City Mi, let me explain. The Downtown authority during the summer months will block off the street and have a block party with entertainment. We were that entertainment.

While waiting for the tow trucks to remove the last of the unfortunate cars on the street, I noticed a local news van parking in a strategic spot. The tech guy started pulling cables. Not wanting to miss an opportunity I struck up a conversation. We talked about the cars being towed, where the BlueShadow Band would set up and more importantly where he was planning to shoot. He told me that I should meet with the on-air talent. A few minutes passed and a young woman approached and I was introduced to the reporter who was covering Friday Night Live. She looked familiar, and I soon learned that she had formerly been a hostess at one of the clubs where we had played regularly. Being as this was one of her first field assignments, she was pleased to report on BlueShadow band, a group she knew and liked. I introduced her to Joanie, our lead vocalist and presto a spot on the 6 o’clock news. More importantly, our band was the back drop for her report.

Setting up...

During set-up we discovered the only power source given to us was a single 20amp extension cord. This was not going to be enough. Jerry and I scrambled for a chain of extension cords and the nearest outlet. Pete fired up the P.A. and other various amps. Jerry and I hoped for no fires. It all worked to perfection.

Guest on the Bandstand…

Lately, we have been approached by local musicians during sets hinting to the band that they would like to perform a song with us. To me it all seems a little presumptuous. Jerry told me this will happen more and as the band gets known. He told me it’s a good thing. I will leave to him to decide who will play or not play. However, last night playing at the street party, a guy with a tambourine decided to join the band unexpectedly. At first he stood behind Pete (our drummer) but soon became more emboldened and I found him standing right next to me. I tend to move when we play so after bumping into me twice the third time I gave him the elbow to let him know he had to back off. Thinking he left I turned around to find Mr. Tambourine Man playing his tambourine right in front of Pete’s face ala Will Farrell as the Blue Oyster Cult Cow-bell player on SNL(Saturday Night Live).
All in a nights work.

Until next time…

So You Want To Play In a Band Part 13

I have not written in this space for a while. To catch up, BlueShadow has just finished up a 2 month stint as the house band every Friday at the Wild Pony. It was a good run. Some nights were better than others. The band played well, however as the weather got better we found ourselves competing with Mother Nature for an audience. Being an early spring, nice warm Fridays made for slower nights at the Wild Pony. There were always a group of regular dancers (that were greatly appreciated by the band) keeping the players energized.
Here I would like to interject the importance of keeping your ear to the ground concerning gig opportunities and the dedication to the band to make them happen. When it came to the band’s attention that one of the local hotels was looking for entertainment, Pete sprang into action and made contact with the management. He called me to get a few press kits put together with CDs. Unfortunately, the meeting he arranged fell through. When the management called back and told him they could meet on short notice, Pete knew he would not be able to make that meeting so he handed the ball and

press kits to Jerry and sent him over. Jerry talked his way in and we had a gig the next Saturday.
Now that spring has given over to summer, our venues have taken on an “al fresco” style. I met Jerry at The Patio located on the beach in downtown Traverse City to get lay of the land. We decided to hold a practice outside in front of Jerry’s garage to work out the sound difficulties of playing in the open air. Gone are the black pants and the 50’s style black shirts with a white stripe. The first gig we wore more of a “parrot head” outfit (Hawaiian shirt and khaki pants).
Saturday afternoon arrived and the band began to set up. It had been an overcast day and it rained the night before. This worked in our favor in two ways. First, the night before BlueShadow performed at the Wild Pony and we benefited from the poor weather by having a good crowd. Secondly, the band that was supposed to open The Patio for the season was rained out. That left the summer opening for us!The manager asked us to begin at 4:30. At the start it was a pretty light crowd, however the band was up to the challenge

. When we reached the 2nd set we had some dancers in front of the stage and on the beach. By the 3rd set management was dragging in more chairs and a boat came in close and moored along the beach. At the end of 4th set the folks at the bar wanted an encore. Joanie made a quick eye check with Greg (the Manager) he gave the O.K. and we launched into “Sweet Home Chicago”. It was a great end to a successful opening of The Patio

. Apparently the Holiday Inn must have agreed. They contacted Jerry the next Monday and we will be playing ther

e six more times over the summer. I invited comments from a few friends that attended that night and they thought that BlueShadow never sounded better.

So You Want To Play In a Band Part 12

Ok, as a band we are playing regularly. Each performance as a horn section we are choreographing a few movements to add a little flash.

I think it’s important for the band to look like its having as much fun as the people we are playing for. If the dance floor is a little slow, I have been known to go out and try to shake it up with sax in hand and normally on a vamp of no more then 8 or 9 notes. Just having fun, looking like I am playing off the cuff. The truth is I am having the time of my life. The only thing better than being at a New Years Eve Party, is playing one.

I have included a couple clips. Check out the horn movement

The horn sections in bands like Earth Wind and Fire, Ohio Players, or even K.C. and the Sunshine Band make it look so effortless. I watch those players in amazement. Jerry once tried the trumpet spin only to send his tuning slide flying.

In addition to learning some choreographed moves, the band is always adding songs to our repertoire. This week's additions are "Mack the Knife", "Take me to the River", "Pink Cadillac", and Marvin Gaye's "Whats Going On?". Quite the diverse spread of styles.

"Whats Going On?" will require some work on a soprano sax. That saxophone has a unique quality to its tone. I have found when playing a soprano, intonation is always a challenge. I have found the quality and abilities of my band mates require that I strive to improve and become more versatile.

This coming week will be the start of a one month stint at the Wild Pony in Traverse City playing every Friday night.

Hope to see you there.

So You Want To Play In a Band Part 11

A GOOD NIGHT

When we agreed to play as the house band for 2 months I did not realize that one of those Fridays was Good Friday needless to say it was not one of the busiest nights at the venue. The band was determined to put in the extra effort to make the next Friday a big night for both us and the owners of the club.
I created more fliers and invited everyone I could think of to be there on Friday. We arrived at 6:30 and started to set up. It is interesting the longer the band is together the more there is to set up. With no roadies the process is about an hour.
By 7:45 the band was ready to go. The restaurant area was doing pretty well. To keep the crowd Jerry had Dave asked if we could start early? So at 8:00 BlueShadow started the first set. The crowd was very enthusiastic and hit the dance floor. When we finished the first set. A group of partiers ask if they could take pictures with the band. Jerry said it would be O.K. (full disclosure – they were attractive young ladies). We allowed them to hold the instruments in the horn section. Todd was a little nervous about the freshly lacquered horns that he just finished the night before.
The Band was very on and great time was being had by all. During the 2nd set someone thought it would be a good idea if I went out on the dance floor while playing Land of 1000 dances. It was a riot! There were pictures taken I am waiting for them to show up on the web site.
We wrapped the 4th and last set at 12 midnight. The bar manager noticed that we were about to break the equipment down. He came over to the stage and told me that we needed to play to 12:30. (The bar gave drink tickets good until 12:30.) I told him that would not be a problem. However, the band would need five minutes. It was decided that we would play 3 more songs with extended solos.
5 minutes later we were back at it. Part way through Knock on Wood we had a dancer fully intent on disrupting the horn section. She commenced to shimmy and shake right in front of Jerry and me. When that didn’t do it she started a bump grind with my stand. I did have to stop for 2 measures to catch my music be for it hit the floor. She won.

So You Want To Play In a Band Part 10

Band Business 101

BlueShadow had been together in one form or another for a little more than a year. We decided it was time to make it official. In band meetings, which occur 5 minutes before practice, we discussed options for an official entity. These discussions went on for a couple of months. In the mean time, I was taking the checks for the band and filing out the form 1099. In February I did my taxes. The I.R.S. sent me a note reminding me that I had become self employed as a musician and there would be consequences. The next time BlueShadow met I pushed hard for an L.L.C. Everybody had Ideas of how that would be formed. However, by the next practice we were no closer to that goal.

Jerry and I went to see a lawyer. He could certainly get it done for $500. The Band did not want to spend that kind of money to form an L.L.C. I looked online to see if we could do it ourselves. Jerry and I met and discussed our options. Still feeling like it was never going to get done, I felt another check looming at the next Friday’s gig. Fortunately for me the check writer that night was not there. I fained disappointment but inside felt a little relief. I would just collect after we formed our corporation.

Once again Jerry stepped up to the plate and purchased a book “How to Set Up an L.L.C.”. We decided to not form the corporation under the BlueShadow name. Instead Frankie Productions was used. Frankie is a name with meaning for the original members. Jerry’s leg work and a trip to the bank finalized the L.L.C. I don’t want to forget that Bev, Jerry’s wife, was very involved in creating this corporation. It was formidable task creating Frankie Productions from a group of Band Monkeys, as we are referred to by Bev.

Now for a logo and to that end, a phone call to Mark Meyer, good friend and amazing artist. Pete, Mark and I met at a coffee shop downtown. Pete expressed some Ideas to Mark. On the back of a scrap of paper he started sketching. Within 10 minutes we had 2 great ideas. At the last moment Mark said he had an idea, and with 2 strokes of an eraser added a white mustache. Looks like anyone we know? It was Jerry—perfect.

Being in a band does not just mean showing up and playing a horn, guitar, or singing. There are literally hundreds of small details that need attention to make a band work. Forming the L.L.C. was just one of those details. It is not always fun, but it is worth it. Every band needs at least 1 “Jerry” to move the band forward, pushing it to evolve and improve.

So You Want To Play In a Band Part 9

November was a time of change for BlueShadow. Personalities and relationships can fray. In any band change is inevitable; it was just our time. Melissa was no longer in the band. The reasons are unimportant now. I will tell you that some of my favorite moments of being in any performing group were singing harmony with Melissa on Suspicious Minds. When that tune comes on the radio you will find me singing for all I am worth and remembering those gigs---Thanks Melissa.








Now the search was on. With gigs coming up, we had the task of filling the lead vocal spot. The next gig in December was too close and BlueShadow would not be ready so we cancelled. This, in my opinion, is breaking one of the biggest rules in the business.







Jerry had been talking to vocalists and had asked the best candidate to come to our practice. Enter Joanie Stanley, fresh from performing as Patsy Cline to sell out audiences at the Play House.








Joanie can sing! I was also impressed with her ability to sight read the charts we threw at her. Now my only question was dedication to BlueShadow. It is always a band decision, so after talking with Joanie and Jerry I was convinced. (Joanie’s commitment has been proven time and time again over the last 5 months.)








Our first gig with Joanie as the vocalist was coming up fast (mid December). The band went into a two practice per week mode in order to get Joanie up to speed on 40+ songs. Amazingly it was not too steep of a challenge for her. When the night came I felt that we would be able to make it happen.






The start time was set for 9pm. Band members arrive typically at 6:30 to set-up. By 7pm we still did not have a guitar player. With no word from him we started to make calls. The last call was made to A.J. He was known to Todd, Pete, and me as a top notch bass/guitar player. He showed up at about 8:30. We did not have any music for him, so he read from the bass charts. A.J. played an amazing performance with great solo riffs.








The powerful vocals from Joanie (which is a whole other level from practice) and pinch hitting from A.J. had the owners asking Joanie and me to their office to offer us a two month stint as the house band.







A lesson learned, always have a back-up in mind. BlueShadow currently has a book of local players to fill in case of an emergency.
We had yet another gig New Years Eve, still without a regular guitar player. Pete convinced a friend to play with us for that show, so with only one practice we headed for a date with the New Year.








The show went very well. So well in fact, that we were paid a bonus. I have put a small clip of that night in the blog. One of the spouses took the footage. We had a great time in Frankfort. Again, some good pinch hitting in the rhythm section. Pleased with the night’s performance, I headed for home into the snowy night








.
More change. The band was in search of a permanent guitarist. We put the word out that BlueShadow was in need of a new band member. Jerry was contacted by three qualified players. I was pleased that good guitarists wanted to be part of our band. After hearing the players run through 10 or so songs, Mike Hunter was asked to join.








Mike certainly had the skills to play any of the charts we were performing, and moreover his feel for each song was and still is always dead on, either instinctively or he just knows every Motown, R&B, and Rock song ever written.








BlueShadow is complete and the band plays on...

So You Want To Play in a Band Part 8

2009 was a successful start for a new band. In an attempt to create more show opportunities the Band played on the Board walk in Downtown Traverse City during Cherry festival. That particular time one member of the band was a no show due to an earlier incident. Now the rest of the Band had a decision to make. Do we cancel or with no guitar we do our best with what we had. We decided to persevere and go on and play. This involved extra work for Al (piano) to supply more of the melodies for the vocalist. Dave was asked to supply guitar riffs on his bass. Horn players supplied more or longer solos. It was an O.K. outing as BlueShadow. Knowing what was required as musicians we felt pretty good about it.

Other notable gigs were the Beach Bash and Monster Bash. On the Beach Bash gig I learned to limbo with a saxophone. It was a fun night. As for the Monster Bash we all dressed up in costume. This included Elvis, Slash, Elvira, a Texaco Man, Sailor, and Funkenstien. Pictures are worth a thousand words. So here are some pictures.

The great posters were created by the very talented Mark Meyer

next time changes....

So You Want To Play in a Band Part 7

In an earlier post I may not have known it, but all of those impromptu jam sessions at Espresso Bay and Wildflowers connected me with other musicians which later would prove very useful. Bands will keep tabs on each other. There are discussions about gigs, venues, owners and crowds. You never discuss how much a band may have been paid.
In the spring of 2009 BlueShadow had, what I found out later, a “try out” gig at Wilderness Crossings. This was a shorter gig of about 3hrs. Normally this occurs on a week night and you are one of 5 or6 bands that played that week. By the end of the week you get a call if they are interested.
BlueShadow showed up with about 20 friends to eat, drink and appluade. It was our best night to date at that time. The manager didn’t wait and hired us for 2 gigs in the coming month. We played a total of 6 gigs at Wilderness in 2009. Our band had completed the first step; somewhat steady work at one of the nicer clubs in town.
I felt at this point when I talked with musicians that our band held a little more standing. We had created a band that could and was earning spots at local venues.
Late spring of ’09 we landed a 2 night gig on the floor of Turtle Creek Casino. To say I was excited was a tremendous understatement. We arrived early and set up the equipment. Having some time on my hands I took a look around. Turtle Creek is a very busy place with multiple lounges and places to eat; rows and rows of slot machines with people pushing those buttons nonstop. During a break in the show, the Casino had a fastest button pushing contest. As I was making my way back to the stage with Jerry, I noticed Elvis working a slot machine. (He looked just like Elvis). I commented to Jerry that this was a good omen for our show. We laughed and I continued on.
Before we started our first set Jerry took me aside and told me that “Elvis” was Greg Jaqura, an Elvis impersonator, and does shows all across the country. I thought that was very interesting. Jerry on the other hand had something else in mind. If you have not figured it out by now, let me clue you in. Jerry Byville’s wheels are always in motion cranking out ideas for the band.
We started the show. The Band was playing well and drawing an audience from the Casino. About half way thru set Greg Jaqura “Elvis” walked up next to the stage nodded at Jerry and Jerry responded accordingly. Between the next songs he informed the rest of us that we would end the set with Hunka Hunka Burnin Love. Oh, by the way, Elvis will be on lead vocals.
The Band played on. Part way through You Really Got A Hold On Me in through the front doors strode “Elvis.” Greg Jaqura was fully decked out in a white rhinestone jump suit. He worked the crowd all the way up to the stage. We had just wrapped up the tune when he stepped on stage. Looking at our guitarist he said, “key of D, right.” Mark gave the thumbs up and kicked it off. Elvis and BlueShadow performed that song for all it was worth. Greg “Elvis” worked the final vamp as if we had been playing together for years. A night I will never forget. At the end of the show compliments as well as business cards were exchanged, and most importantly, connections were made.
The Casino gig was different from other venues. Whether its 9pm or 1am, there are always people and energy there.

So You Want To Play In a Band Part 6

As I mentioned before, not all gigs would end well, and this was one of those times.
We had played well at the fundraiser and the owner of the establishment hired the band to perform the following Friday.
I stopped in to the venue to drop off some fliers promoting the gig. She was very pleased with the posters and the smaller fliers I had printed. We were discussing the times and music for Friday. Then she said “Oh here are the tickets.”
My response was, well frankly, no response.
“The tickets, “she continued, “Your band is responsible for selling these for the show.”
“I did not know that.” Naivety now showing.
“This is how it works” she explained, handing me 80 tickets “You have an 8 piece band that is only 10 per person.”
With tickets in hand I started toward the door.
“One more thing, “she added, “you will need to have someone working the door.”
I thought to myself that I had better get out of there or I will be sweeping the floors after the gig.
BlueShadow had a practice that night and I relayed the info I had received. Jerry’s response was “I ain’t selling any freakin’ tickets.” The rest of the band split up the tickets. I offered to have my son work the door for the night. It cost me $15.
The big night arrived. I gathered up the remaining tickets from the band and the money from the sold tickets. Between Todd, Mark, Dave, Al, and me we sold a total of about 40. I gave the money and the remaining tickets to the owner. Her response was less than glowing. I kept it to myself and we started the first set.
The band played pretty well. The guitarist said he was freezing and the horn section was sweating. I personally was having a great time. We played 40+ tunes with no train wrecks. From the stage the patrons seemed to be enjoying themselves. The show came to the end. I counted 11 people at the bar as we played the last note.
The Band started to break down the equipment. I was still feeling the buzz of the gig when I went to the owner to collect our fee. I started a rapid descent from my euphoric state however when she said it had been a slow night. I thought we had played pretty well, I countered. Apparently I was not catching her drift. “I am sure I lost money tonight “ she continued.
I did not like where this was going.
“Maybe the band should take less” she suggested.
“I can’t make that decision for the rest of the band, as for me I don’t think so. However I will put it to a vote.”
I put to the rest of the group it was a quick decision.
“No” I said “we will take the original fee.”
“Fine” was the last word she said.
That was not the end of it. The next day in Craig’s list there was an anonymous post blasting the band. The author said the bar however, was nice with good food. ----We just let it go.

So You Want To Play In a Band Part 5

To continue, the first gig went well for a band with a couple of rookie players in it. We had many positive comments and handed out many business cards with contact numbers on them.
We still had a lot room for improvement. Between sets I jotted down troubled areas in the actual music, thinking at the next practice it would be useful. At the next practice we took about 10-15 minutes to discuss the gig. The majority of the band was pretty pleased with the performance. Jerry admitted for a first time out we did ok. After saying that, he gave a list of stage presence issues such as breaks between songs, too much chatter on mics other than the lead vocalist, and being ready for unplanned events such as “Elvis” wanting to sing with the band. Jerry has an eye for details that make the band look professional beyond the music. The musical issues were easy to correct just by adding entrance cues on vocals and instrumental solos.
So we were capable of a 2 hour show (20 or so songs). This of course is not enough for a typical gig of 4 hours. The following practices consisted of a lot of site reading and some transposing to get in a good key for our vocalist.
In an earlier post I mentioned that Al, our keyboardist, had some surprises. Jerry had printed out a medley of Johnny be Good/Great balls of Fire. We played through it just the horns and rhythm section. Then we played it again with the full band. The vocal I was hearing I assumed was a CD of the Killer himself. As I’m playing I looked over to the rythm section and its Al belting it out just like Jerry Lee Lewis. That song continues to be a crowd favorite. He also does a Blues Bros. version of Jail House Rock.
Dave North arranged a gig at local bar that was hosting a dinner/dance for a maritime heritage group. This would require 3 sets of music. We had been continuously working expanding our set list and when the time came we were ready.
I had started to create posters to put around town just to insure a decent turn out. ---Being in a Band means more than showing up for practice and gigs. It requires that every band member adds additional value to him/herself by performing non-musical jobs. Jerry unselfishly allows the band to use his equipment and charts. I have some knowledge of the internet, so the web sites, email and production of fliers I could help with. Melissa was out trying to promote the band. Todd was able to design and build hardware for the band just because it needs to be done. In future blog entries the items he has built will be noted. Pete has designed the EPK for the band with his knowledge of ADOBE and graphic skills.
We set up in the bar which allowed us only a small area, but we would make it work. 8pm rolled around and we kicked it off to an enthusiastic crowd. It was a great night and we played well. We passed out more business cards. It was a great thrill to have people asking where we were from, how long we had been together, and most importantly how much we would charge to perform. The bar owner was impressed enough to hire us on the spot for a 4 hr gig in 2 weeks. I will end this post right here, on a positive note.
The next post will illustrate that not all gigs are going to be positive.

So You Want To Play In a Band Part 4

I've been trying to bring this band saga up to the current date. To my best recollection the band started out with Jerry, Todd, Pete and I for the first few practices. Mark was added next and he had suggested Dave to come and play.
Melissa, who just happened to be my barber, was making small talk as she was cutting my hair. She knew that I played saxophone so we were talking music. "I may be joining a band," she said. "Thats great!, I didnt know you sang." I replied.
"The band leader is one of my customers. He is looking for an R&B /Motown lead vocal."
"Wait a minute. Trumpet player white hair, goes by Jerry?"
"Thats the guy." she said
"Then I guess I will see you Wednesday, thats the band I'm in."

We all met on the following Wednesday and Melissa was in. The final piece of the ensemble was Al brought in by Jerry. Al is full of suprises as you will here as this unfolds.

The first practice we learned two songs we were ok. I thought we sounded pretty good. What did I know this was the first band I was a part of. Jerry was less impressed.

The next practice Melissa let us know that we had been offered to play a benefit at the AML (American Military League) the first friday in March. All of us are very excited. Did I say all of us? Jerry does not belive we can be ready for it. The band decides to accept the gig. Two hours of music will require 20 tunes. The band also decides that we will need 2 practices per week to make this happen.

We met as a band not only twice a week but there were sectionals at various members homes.
Steady progress was being made. At somepoint we a name was needed. I thought this would easy it proved to be anything but. No less then two hours of names, sketches of logos, and votes to come up with BLUESHADOW. The final result has served us well.

The first gig started to come up on us fast. Before we knew it the night arrived. We followed an Elvis performer he was pretty good. We rose to the night and played song better than we had previously practiced them. The crowd started off light but by the end the dance floor was full.
The Elvis performer approached the band and ask if he could do a song with us. Although it was great that he thought he wanted to be a part of our performance I wanted to be sure that it was OK with Melissa. We picked a song from our music that we not ever played and did a good job sight reading on the spot. "Elvis" left his card. He wanted to do that again sometime.

Let me say it right here playing a gig in a hall filled with energetic dancers gives you a high like no other. It took me a good hour to come down from that endorphine rush.

So You Want To Play In a Band Part 3

Here’s where it gets interesting. I had been playing small groups and the College Jazz Lab Band. One night after jazz band I was approached in the parking lot by Jerry Byville. I knew Jerry from different jam sessions I had a played around the area. He was fine trumpet player and improviser. He had this idea of starting a band with a full horn section (trpt, trmb, and sax). You need to get the full picture- this was the last week of October it was dark, raining/sleeting and cold. We were huddled next to a truck listening to Louis Jordan singing Caledonia. Then he popped the question, “well what do you think?” Jerry Byville only has two speeds- go and go hard. I knew from this conversation that he would require a high level of dedication to this band which resonated with my own ideas. At this point I asked about other band members and was informed that Todd Oliver would be on trombone. I was sold. Our first practice would be the following Wednesday. I went home that evening pretty excited and a little nervous. This was what I had been striving for, but I wondered if I would be able to play in that environment.

Wednesday came and Jerry, Todd and I met at Jerry’s (in the basement). Jerry had recorded a few MP3 key board parts for us to play along with. Caledonia and Let’s Stay Together were the first charts we worked on, some hand written, some professional arrangements. We played for a couple of hours and then we sat and discussed our next steps.
We needed to fill out the rhythm section, bass, keyboards, guitar, and drums. The search was on! I had Pete Murphy in mind for drums. I did know a couple guitarists; however I was not sure if their style was correct for the band we were forming. I decided to have another open jam session at Espresso Bay. I invited Pete and a guitarist and bassist that I knew. Jerry and Todd were also there. Pete played like I knew he would. Jerry wasted no time and invited him to our next practice.

As for the rest of the members of the band, Jerry had invited them to try out. We listened and discussed with each member the dedication it would require to make this band happen. As they agreed they joined. Dave North bassist, he has a tremendous ability to create interesting bass lines that fit into any style the band is playing. Mark Filbert on guitar, the beauty and soul he put in every lick made me think of Wes Montgomery. Al Lynch on keyboards, his background playing horns, guitar, and others made him full of insight and surprises. Lead vocals were handled by Melissa Burrone. She sang rhythm and blues like no one I had ever heard before. She could handle a crowd (as we would find out later).

Well there it is, the first incarnation of the yet to be named BlueShadow Band.
Jerry Byville –trumpet
Todd Oliver-trombone
Bill Kneisel-saxophones
Pete Murphy-drums
Mark Filbert-guitar
Dave North-bass
Melissa Burrone-lead vocals
Al Lynch-keyboards

Next Time –First gig only 2 months away

So You Want To Play In a Band Part 2

I played with that group for 2 years. During that time I still played most Fridays at the House of Doggs. Playing Jazz with others became a passion. Each musician brings something different to the table. To that end, it became important to me to create small venues in which there would be opportunities to play with other people.



It is surprising what can be created with a little effort and perseverance. OK, luck helps too.



My wife invited the owner of a garden center/gift shop to hear me play at the diner.

(Full disclosure- my wife was managing the owner's downtown store at this time.)



The owner enjoyed the music and the next time I saw her she asked if I would play in the garden area of Wildflowers.



The first couple of times it was a solo act. Later I was joined by a trumpeter Alan (a fine player).

I didn't recognize his name until we met at Wildflowers for the first time. Only then I realized that we had played in the college jazz band mentioned earlier.



With the blessing of the owner I invited other players. She began to promote it as an open jam session. We had set up a keyboard for anyone who wanted to sit in.



"If you provide a venue, they will come", or in other words it seems that musicians will always show up to play. Some nights there would be as many as 8 musicians. At the peak we had a classically trained pianist, drummer with a full kit, trombone, 3 trumpets, sax, 2 guitars, bass and a vocalist. All playing jazz. Some became regulars, some just by chance.



There is one particular evening I would like to relate. It was warm and sunny and we ended up with a 5 piece ensemble cooking along (piano, trumpet, guitar, drums and me on sax). We had played thru the first set and into set 2 calling up Song for My Father(one of my faves). The head was played, Al played his lick and I started in. I could hear some discussion going on behind me but I was intent on chord changes. Al said "take another". You don't have to ask me twice, so I launched into the progression. I was really on the fly. I noticed Al walking into the garden. Now all I hear is the drums and guitar. Al and the piano player are speaking to Annie Ross of Lambert Hendricks and Ross. Being the astute Jazz lovers they were, they recognized her right off. The rest of the ensemble finished the song and went down to meet the jazz innovator. My brush with greatness.


Many great evenings were had there. Thank you Donna Bergen (owner of Wildflowers) for the opportunity to play and grow in that garden.

At this time I was approached by a Dixie Band leader that was currently playing Tenor Sax in his band. He wanted to move back to clarinet and needed so one to to play the sax parts. Steve Weldon allowed me to play in that group for a couple of years and I still fill in from time to time. If you ever get a chance to play in a Dixieland band do it! The music can be challanging but there is nothing like it.

So You Want To Play In a Band Part 1

To start with I love to listen to Jazz. Hank Mobley, Stanley Turrentine, Stan Getz and John Coltrane being my favorites. The abilty to take a tune, mold it and move the lines to create a completely new piece of music. This is where it starts.

I found that I wanted to create music in a similar way.

30 years ago I did play clarinet and bass clarinet and would on occassion take the clarinet out, dust it off and play pieces that I played in High School.

Fast Forward to 2004- my son was playing Bari Sax in the Jazz Band and was bringing the school's bari home to practice. I think that is when I was hooked.

I purchased my own reeds and played it whenever I could. As high school students do, my son graduated, and with that the bari was gone.

I continued to play on an old alto sax, playing along with John Coltrane on his Ballads recording.

Finally, I decided to take it the next step. I told my wife that I wanted to feel confident enough to play in front of other people and possibly get paid. Her response was and I quote "I would rather walk on glass than perform in public." She suported me anyway and a very inexpensive Tenor Sax was purchased.

I learned basic chord changes on tunes like Summertime, Autunm in New York, Song for My Father and 10 others. Gathering all of my nerve I set off for some of the small eateries to try my luck.

What I found was that no one wanted to pay you to play at their place. I am not sure what I had expected. Stopping at the House of Doggs (small place that sold hot dogs with a kinda of a House of Blues theme) the owner said he was thinking of doing Kareoke but he would let me play the next Friday.

Friday came along and using the sound system for the Kareoke, I put a CD with rythm back up.
I had asked a few friends to come along to support the effort and buy a couple of hot dogs. Suprisingly the first couple of songs went off pretty well. I even had perfect strangers applaude. The owner came out with a jar with sign that said "TIPS" and some notes drawn on it. Then it happen a guy who had been listening to the first set. Stood up smiled and nodded and dropped a five in to the Jar. I almost lost chord progression in shock. By the end of the evening there was nearly $30 in the jar. I went to the kids working the counter and split it with them.

The Owner asked me back for next the Friday. Before I played my first note on that occasion he spotted the Tip Jar $20 in various bills.

I have found that many horn players are also looking for a place play in public. My friend Todd played along side me at the House of Doggs. We found a real kinship for playing jazz together. I want to say that there are moments when playing with other musicians you will communicate with them musically and it becomes a coversation that is then shared with patrons (audience) it is a special moment. This has happened over and over again yet it is a new thrill each time.

At this time I was holding Jazz Jam sessions at Espresso Bay(in the back room). These started out with just me and some recorded tracks. A guitar player I met at the coffee house joined me and played a few times, just the two of us. Todd made it a regular trio on Thursday nights. The three of us played one paying gig as the "Jazz Cats".

One evening we were doing our thing and a young man popped in and asked if we could use a drummer. We said we could and that we would be here next week at the same time. Pete showed up with his kit. I am here to tell that Pete Murphy is best jazz drummer I have ever played with. His abilty to make that kit sound melodic was nothing less than amazing.

I have had as few as 2 and as many as 9 muscians packed into that back room. It can become a riot one player trying to top another.

Putting yourself out there in different sitiuations becomes a chance to grow.
My wife clipped out of Northern Michigan College class offerings, the 5:30 Jazz Band Lab. "You should look into this." as she handed me the snippet of paper. I had my doubts that I could sit in with a Big Band with real charts.
It was an education on Basie, Goodman, and Miller. You will learn how to SWING in that setting. In that setting I was asked to play the lead clarinet on "Lets Dance" and "Moonlight Serenade". I stood in front of that band and played for all I was worth. We recorded those charts and I will include them in this space.

I will get back later ----I have a gig to get to.