So You Want to be in a Band Part 31

So Check this out-----Lately that's how all of the Band stories start.


I was checking out the BlueShadow facebook page and noticed a new message.  The message was from Roxa, the leader of a troupe of Vaudevillians who had seen/heard our show at Culvers.  She said nice things about the Band and wondered if we would be interested in performing with her troupe "the Northern Starlets".  After checking with the Band, I set up a meeting with Roxa and invited Jerry and AJ.

I was thinking that Jerry was going to be there to be sure I didn't over promise the Band.  AJ was there to ensure that rhythm section had a voice in this venture.  What really happened was Roxa has a personality like Jerry, always looking to bigger and better.  Jamie of the Starlets, AJ and I were trying to keep the ideas in check.  So after about an hour of discussion we had the basics, or at least enough to go to the rest of the Band.  I could see in Jerry's eyes it was a done deal.  I am not sure if promises were made, but here was definitely a "show must go on" feeling to this.

Jerry had to leave and so did Roxa and Jamie, so there AJ and I  sat ----"what just happened here?"  AJ said with a look of concern.  "I think we just booked a gig." I replied.  We sat for a few moments.  AJ then asked "What exactly  is Burlesque and what's a Fan Dance?" At this point I felt it my duty to also inform him about pasties, and I don't mean the pastry.

So we pitched the idea to the Band.  Everyone seemed to be on board and Jerry was willing to write arrangements for Steam Heat,  What ever Lola Wants, Dick Van Dyke Theme,  Mamma's Done Gone and Muppet Show. As we practiced and talked about the up-coming show that was a mere 3 weeks away, we couldn't help but ask ourselves,  "What were we thinking?"

BlueShadow Band invited Roxa and Jamie to the practice.  Here is a side note, everybody in a troupe has a stage name.  Until they arrived at the rehearsal I really wasn't sure who would be there. At this practice we checked the timing of the songs the Band would play against the dances the Starlets would perform.  We collaborated, made some changes and timed the whole show right up to Mid-night.  It was decided that the Band would show up for dress rehearsal and play the show that weekend....what could go wrong?

Dress Rehearsal ----lets just say it was rough.  The biggest issue was the timing of any CD backed songs and just having the players ready on stage between acts.  The Band tried to help by vamping a couple of songs to buy time for the performers.  Even with this, it became obvious by the end that  Roxa was clearly unhappy with the timing.  As we were packing up she drew me aside."I can't thank you enough for what the band is doing.  However, I need to ask for an additional favor."  What she needed was more time between acts and for the Band to play a song after each act to allow the troupe more time to get things set up.  I asked Jerry's opinion on adding songs and it was decided to be the perfect solution.

Show time--- BlueShadow played a few tunes to get the crowd warmed up.  Out came the Emcee and the rest of the show went on very well.  The Troupe was right on all night.  The Band was playing some of the best music to date.  This was with songs we had not rehearsed in weeks and a drummer that had only practiced with us 3 times.  We did however have the extra percussion talents of Mark Goike, always a plus.

Fan Dancers, knife jugglers, fire breathers, skits, tumblers and a hot Band made for one very entertaining night.  Thanks to Roxa for inviting the Blueshadow Band to perform with their talented troupe!

So You Want to be in a Band Part 30

September 7th was a very important gig for the Band.

BlueShadow was playing a very high end dinner dance/ fund raiser for a local Club. This was the second year for this event. We decided to set up and run the sound checks the night before to ensure that we not to disturb the guests during the cocktail hour.

The stage was an odd shape, so Jerry, AJ and I discussed the best lay-out for the Band. At the last minute, due to a difference in opinion, we needed to install a different drummer. Fortunately, earlier that week I had called Mark, a friend of Jerry's, to come play additional percussion. Last year he was with the Band and his work really filled out the sound. Jerry gave him a call, told him to bring his kit (drums) and leave the rest of his percussion tools at home. I could just imagine Mark's response to hauling all the percussion instruments out and loading his drum kit into his car.

The next evening before the guests arrived Mark set up is kit and with that we were ready. I cannot express enough my thanks to Mark for his expert playing of the drums. He is one of the finest drummer/percussionist I have ever played with.

Now I am going to say what I could not say before the gig. This crowd was expecting Joanie Stanley to front the BlueShadow Band. Angie had an up hill battle to win this crowd over.

I was a little nervous, not that Angie wasn't every bit the singer, but of the reception she would receive. I need not have worried. Two songs into the first set, Angie left no doubt that she now fronted the BlueShadow Band. She proceeded to blow them away the rest of the night.

As for the rest of the gig, people were dancing right up to 11pm. I had to laugh though, it was late in the evening and a few couples were putting their coats on to leave. Angie then started singing At this Moment and quickly the coats came off and onto the dance floor the couples went.

What a night! AJ, Pete, Dave and Mark did an exceptional job as Lite Blue, Angie won over the crowd, & the horn section never sounded better.

Here is a link to Youtube to see part of the peformance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDqZu-HZCL4&feature=plcp

The gentleman that hired the Band and I discussed next year as we broke down the stage.

As reward for a very successful night, the band members went to an all night diner for something to eat at 1am.

As I sat there among the rest of the Band laughing and reminiscing about gig, I wondered how did I get here from part 1 of this saga to now playing in a very good band. I am indeed fortunate to have met Jerry Byville and jumped on board with his idea to start a Band.

A footnote

Mark agreed to play our next scheduled gig---that's a relief!

So You Want to be in a Band Part 29

August --a very busy time for the BlueShadow Band.

Classic Car Shows, Church events, Street Dances, and Concerts in the Park are the order for Summer gigs.

The first of 3 Classic Car Shows took place in Traverse City at Culvers'. These gigs are a great time for the Band. The Minor League Ball Club sends their Mascots over to clown around with the

car owners and of course the Band.

JERRY ARM WRESTLING SUN TAN

OF THE BEACH BUMS BASEBALL CLUB

SUN BURN THE OTHER MASCOT WORKING OVER MICKEY

The BlueShadow Band played like a Band. I was very pleased when one of the local Jazz Trio's leader (a musician I have a lot of respect for) came up to me between sets to tell me that the band sounded great and he really was enjoying the performance. I was just glad he remembered my name!

2 Days later we were at a small ampitheater in the woods playing for a Church. We did not get payed much, however they did arrange for Angie and me to appear on a local news cast.

We arrived at the station about an hour before we were to go on. While sitting in the waiting room we chatted about the next performance, which songs to cut and which to keep, among other band topics. Quietly, Angie and I were ushered on to the set, as the news cast was still in progress.

Once on the set, we sat in chairs off to the side. I found it interesting that the actual set was no more than a large cinder block room with motorized cameras mounted in the center and three of the four walls looking like the scenes you see on the broadcast. A news desk with network logo behind, a wall that was completely green, and the leather chairs with a Traverse City back drop. The latter being the scene for our interview. During the news cast the I observed that the hardest working player is the weatherman. He's bobbing and weaving between cameras as he walks from one set to another telling about the weather. He then arrives at the big green wall to pantomime the weather patterns across the State by looking at a small monitor for reference. Just before they went to break the anchor pitched the "Northwest Michigan Fair" which included a jingle. With that we were lead to the leather chairs and fitted with microphones.

Erica Erickson (the news anchor) sat down and quickly went over the talking points. "Oh by the way" she asked, "would you mind singing the Northwest Michigan Fair jingle?" I quickly pointed out that I played saxophone in the Band and do not sing. Now I felt a little bad a

bout throwing Angie under the bus like that, but I don't get sing on gigs I was certainly not going to sing a goofy jingle on on T.V. Well, the interview went fine and of course Angie sang beautifully. What a fun experience.

Mid Month we had a gig Labeled as a Concert in the Park. The group sponsoring thus event had hired us the previous fall for a private party. I was surprised by the number of people at the concert. Nearly 300 people enthusiastically listening and some dancing. When the Band started to play Barefootin' I kicked off my sandals and a group in the front row did the same.

How about some pictures

Here I came out to Dance and play with my Sister Nancy

So You Want to be in a Band Part 28

Something Different

Last week I was asked to sit in with a Jazz Trio. Sounds Great right? Well...

About 1 month ago I was asked to sit in with a small group for a Birthday party. To ensure I was on the same page with the group I met with group leader. Jerry Byville came along to help me work out any details with the music. We played a few tunes and I was feeling pretty good about this outing. He told me that he had been with group for so long that all he was use to doing, was give the rest of the band the intro and they would know what to do. That was great however I would need the name of the tune or at least the key ( I would be using a Fake book.) He told me to tell him the key my chart was in and he would instruct the band to play in that key. ----- O.K.

I was hoping that Jerry would be able to play on Sunday. In this case two horns would better than one. Unfortunately Jerry had other commitments for that day.

So I looked at my fake book running through what I thought were standards noting the concert key for the gig.

Sunday came I went to the location and set up my sax. Then went to search out the band leader

to go over the "standards" and their key. We sat and talked. He looked over my Fake book and said they looked like the songs were in the original key. There should be no problem.

We got started a little late so I spent the time talking with the drummer for the trio. He told me of the times when he was in the Union and would get calls to play with bands from cool jazz to hard rock. Once showing up to play in a jacket when the rest of the band were in sleeveless shirts if they were even wearing one. It was enjoyable killing time with a veteran player.

Well we finally got to play and it started out well. The first tune Don't get around much Anymore went smoothly and When Sunny get Blue got a very warm reception from the party goers. Then the leader started into tunes with out calling out the tune or key. The other members knew exactly what song and key ----they have been playing them together for 30 years. I started to play softer and tried to extract what key we were in by watching the keyboardist hands and transposing to Bb. To say the least I was not up to that challenge. I made alot of assumptions on the keys we were in. I could hear C chords -I hung out on that to the best of my ability. It was quite a workout.

The trio was made up of great musicians that knew their music inside and out. They made very smooth transitions as they moved from one song to another. I felt very much the rookie that night.

Lesson learned

So You Want to be in a Band Part 27

Well the time as come for the BlueShadow Band to Play its first gig of the year. In all honesty I planned it as a practice gig. The community center was able to take money at the door. The Band was playing for free. Its like when a new vessel is built there needs to be a shake down run to be sure all of the pieces are working. A few shaky starts, one or two weak endings. But for the most part some good playing. Pete (new on keyboards) had a goodnight. I was very pleased with Angie (vocalist). Her take on Midnight Train was great, but when she sang At This Moment she had the audience and the rest of the band wrapped.
We finished the night with Walking on Sunshine. Determined not to have anyone sitting down to end the show, I went down to the dance floor to get everyone on their feet and Dancing.
For good measure I had Todd (trombone) flank the other side of the floor. It worked well this will be the way this song is always done.

As always the next practice will include a post gig meeting so we can discuss ways to improve the Band's performance. There is always room for improvement.

So You Want to be in a Band Part 26

Reshuffle and Regroup

Well for a fleeting week The BlueShadow Band was no more. I spent and evening with Jerry (in the practice room) putting things away, sorting out which items were his and which were mine. We played a little jazz together but for the most part wondering what is next musically.

Not more than a few days later I got phone call from Jerry. "Bill, I may have found a singer!...we need to meet."

So I set up a time to meet with Jerry and our soon to be lead singer Angie Berle. The three of us Jerry playing the keyboard, I switching between sax and trumpet part on my tenor and Angie knocking our soxs off with her style of singing.-----and she can read the charts.

The next change was a different drummer enter Micky Stclair. Long hair, tattoos and pink converse hi- tops. ----Perfect. He has great timeing and will add to the set list singing James Brown and Grand Funk Railroad.

One more change. Al had told Jerry and I that he would like to take a break from playing full time in a band and we should start looking for a keyboard player.

I can hardly wait to type this.....Pete Murphy our one time drummer inquired about playing keyboards. I have always thought Pete was a great drummer. He really impressed everyone with is ability to make music happen on keyboard to cement the rhythm section.-----I am so pleased to have Pete back in the Band.

THE BLUESHADOW BAND

Angie Burle- Lead Vocals

AJ Straw- Guitar

Mickey St clair-Drums/Vocals

Todd Oliver-Trombone

Dave Egler-Bass

Pete Murphy-Keyboards

Jerry Byville-Trumpet

Bill Kneisel-Saxophones

So You Want to be in a Band Part 25

  As I said The season ended on a high point.  The Band was hired for a large Knights of Columbus Party.  Catered by one of the best restaurants in town, 300+ people on hand most of them dancing to what was the best performance of BlueShadow to date.  We played a little of everything Motown, R&B, Pop, and even 3or4 Patsy Cline tunes. A good night!  The gentleman that hired us tracked me down before the end of the night to ensure we would be available next year.  With a handshake,  I committed to next years big party.

Well, change was certainly in the air. As I had expected something was up--Joanie our lead singer had accepted a part as Patsy Cline in a play starting next spring. She informed the Band she would not be coming back next year.

Now what!

For starters a decision is needed. We can blow-up the Band or start the search for a singer.

I am not the greatest musician and to "tryout" a perspective singer seemed rather daunting. Jerry Byville (the founder of the Band) said he will take on that responsibility. I made only one request that the singer could read music.



Jerry tried out both female and male singers with out much success.


At that point it was decided that BlueShadow was done.


A saxophone player without a band.



I did receive and Email from The Front Street Jazz Band that they needed a tenor sax for an up coming gig. I was glad to have that to look forward to. Practiced a few times with them. I still love to play their style jazz. The night of the gig came and I was given a red vest to look like I fit in.



The gig went well I played all the improv solos I wanted, my favorite was" The Sheik of Araby" Again what a great time. Thanks to Bob Core, Dave Copperthwaite, Neil South, Dino, and of course Steve Weldon for inviting me to play.









As for BlueShadow at this point ........?

So You Want to be in a Band Part 24

Trying to Make Improvements


Certain that we could improve on our ability to draw dancers, I booked the hall for the next month.
This time Jerry and I tried every angle we could think of; I contacted the local Chamber of Commerce, stopped in at local businesses, & wrote a little ad to run on the local radio station. I must admit it was great to hear the spot over the air. I was pleased with the ad and dealing with the radio station was a good experience. All that effort with about the same result- $500 in receipts.

Mid-summer rolled by we played a couple of outside gigs at the Holiday Inn, Culver's Car Show and a wash out at a street festival. At this point in the summer we (as a Band) should have it all together. However we don’t seem to to gel. There are great moments of music, we are just not able to string those moments together to have a great gig. I struggle to put my finger on it.
A little over 2 years ago I was a newbie to this band game and now I am being ask how to fix this lack of cohesion. Individually I talked with each band member to get some insight into what was going on. Some suggested that we needed professional engineering for a better sound and there was some finger pointing. We tried more equipment and help with set up. It did help the balance and the last gig at the Holiday Inn was better. The other big help on that performance was Mark Goike, a friend of Jerry’s, who played all sorts of percussion and it really filled out the sound of the Band.
Our guitarist informed Jerry Byville and I that he had not been feeling well and if we wanted to pursue a different guitarist that he would like step away from the Band.
BlueShadow was booked for three events, each more important than the last. We needed someone that could be counted on to start fast and be ready to play in a little over 2 weeks. Of course the first on our list would be AJ Straw. He has pinch hit for BlueShadow before. This time we would be asking for a little more than just filling in on guitar.
In my zeal to procure high end gigs I had promised jazz style dinner music in the price of the Band. Not only did we have to prepare for 3 events, we needed an hour’s worth of light jazz.
The first of the three was the Schooner Fest-- a good warm up. The band that played before us (Joy Ride) was nice enough to let BlueShadow just plug into their set up, which made the whole thing a lot easier. The engineer from the first band helped us with our sound. We played to an appreciative crowd until dark.
With the addition of AJ, a great jazz guitar, we found that Jerry Endres our drummer also played a mean set of vibes; add Mark Goike on Drums, Al on keys and Dave on bass & presto... dinner music. (AKA Lite Blue) They did an extraordinary job. I was very pleased with the sound & more importantly the client could not say enough about the whole package. I am sure we will we be asked back.
The last gig of the summer was quite the bash. We sold out the Hall at $40 per ticket which did include dinner. The Band even got fed…I should have been including that all year. There were over 200 patrons dancing until after 11pm. I even got to dance with my wife while playing Land of 1000 dances. What a great way to end the summer... we have never sounded better.


The Evening may have been a great success, but the future of the BlueShadow Band was to be shaken yet again.