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.