So You Want to be in a Band Part 36

Where did we leave off ... end of August.  Since then NJT (New Jazz Trio) has been playing fairly often.  2 gigs at Oryana a local "cafe" one of which was a wash out and we ended up inside with our outside pa system.  It was not good.  The next time we played went much better the weather co-operated and played for 2 hours.  Dave and I played played the Trio as a Duo we did not have a drummer.  After much discussion we decided not to use a drum machine turns out we didn't need one. As long as Dave gave me a solid "1" on each measure we were good to go. From that gig we also got a good paying private Party.   Dave and I did play Rollin' Hills as Duo. In addition to our Trio, that really was a Duo, was contacted by the Cancer Society and asked NJT to play at there event.  The first set we tried a drum machine that will be the last time.  I use to kid Pete Murphy(drummer with Blue Shadow) about replacing him with a drum machine.  A pretty hollow threat.     September came along and NJT was asked to play the Fall Festival in Acme Mi.  We still did not have a regular drummer so we thought we could bring a small kit an enlist a drummer from one of the other bands that were performing.  As luck would have Pete was playing keys for a trio and Mark (played a couple of gigs with us) was playing drums.  We were in good hands and played the set.
A Trio means 3 so we asked Fred Guetschow  to play drums for us as a regular member of the band.

  Fall turned to winter and with that a nice little gig at Espresso Bay. They were having a Ladies Night for  downtown Christmas Shoppers.  What made this different is that along with the regular sets there was to be Christmas Songs mixed in.  So picked up a Christmas song book.  Each song Dave (bassist) would ask what key do you want it in?   I would tell him a key and off we would go.  I suspect Dave wasn't looking at the music anyway. He sometimes  just amazes me.
Our next performance was the Traverse City Opera House.  OK we weren't headlining but we were the live music for the Starlets!   I have always wanted to play at the Opera House so needless to say how excited I was when asked.

In addition to playing our sets we also backed Scott Para on a few Blue Brother Tunes.  Someone in the balcony shot this on there phone.   This was a great time.  We held two practices and covered a bunch of songs that maybe done in the future.

We played Mr. Magic for the first time in a set it went well again a different friend in the crowd. Took this Video.  Really just being a live Band its nice to get Emails from people in the audience.

Until next time .....

   

So Want to be in a Band Part 35

PARTING WAYS

Being in a band means dedication.  Due to changes in my "day  job" I could no longer put the time and effort into the BlueShadow Band.  So with great sadness I contacted Jerry, Todd and Pete the original members to let the know of my decision to leave.  They told me to show up at gigs to sit in.  We will see.   This transpired February 2013.
July 17
Tonight is the first night that The BlueShadow Band is performing and I am not there.  It's a gig that the band has played before.  I sure it's going well.  Steve Weldon is playing tenor sax .  I had always thought I would return to BlueShadow but now I don't believe that will happen.
  I plan on playing a couple tunes sometime during the Summer season but that will be it.
It feels like a small part of me is going  to be missing.
Maybe I should join or create a small group like a trio/quartet .

March 12

Two weeks have passed and I have made a few inquires to other musicians, that I have played with in the past if they are interested in forming a Trio

May 10
With the New Jazz Trio (I will Call it that for now) I will move on.  A jazz trio does not take the type of time and effort that an 8 piece Motown band does.

JUNE 26

The Trio played at a coffee house it went pretty well for the first time out. No train wrecks. so we will continue on.

JULY 5

  NJT played last Friday

at the local Biggby's and played well.  We may even have stirred some  interest at the Elks club and a local restaurant. We will see what happens.

The gig at Biggby's did manage to stir interest in the Trio.  We were ask to play at private birthday party.  Our regular drummer was unable to play,  So I tapped Pete Murphy to fill in.  It was very comforting to have a familiar quality drummer laying down a path for the group to follow.  The night went well... We were payed a bonus and more importantly a promise of future gigs.
Things seem to moving right along with the NJT.  Dave was asked to have the Band perform at The Acme Fall Festival and the best part is that Joanie Stanley asked to sing a couple songs with the trio.
Just yesterday the American Cancer Society asked us to play for their fundrasier on the same day as the fall festival.  The performances are  far enough apart we will be able to pull it off.

Stay Tuned

So You Want to be in a Band Part 33

THREE OR FOUR OF A KIND

The last time BlueShadow played  "bumper" music for the Northern Starlets was the last time.  The founder of the Troupe still needed music to entertain the crowd between acts.  I proposed a jazz quartet made up of Keyboards, Drums, Bass and Sax.  I knew who the Sax player would be as for the rest I would ask around.  For a drummer I asked Fred of BlueShadow and Pete for the Keyboardist also of the current Blueshadow Band.   Dave North formally of Blueshadow was also available.  Dave and Pete were two guys that I  had played some jazz. Which really raised my comfort level with this endeavor. I went back to Roxa with the good news she was very pleased, as was I, that Pete agreed to play in the Quartet. 

 

FOUR OF KIND

The un-named quartet met for 2 practices that went surprisingly well We quickly went through 8 songs ( the number we were asked to play). Encouraged I added a few more songs thinking you cant have too many. Remember that last statement. By the end of the second practice I felt like we were in control of the situation.  First change, one of the Starlets would like to Sing with the Quartet.  I suggested Summer Time everyone knows that tune and  the changes are relatively simple.  Scarlet (stage name) would be joining us on that tune.  I called her we agreed on the key and would  run through it before dress rehearsal.  All was progressing toward Feb 9th.

In the mean time I talked with the coordinator at the venue and secured a short gig for BlueShadow as the after Mardi Gras party band.  It was only 2 hrs but it would give the owner a chance to see/ hear us as a dance band.  He ageed to pay us for half a gig.

Dress rehearsal had only 2 of the quartet available.  Dave on bass me on tenor we worked thru the practice taking lots of notes and working out the timing of playing between acts.

Mardi Gras show was ready to go.  Some last minute discussions with Pete, Dave and Fred.  We were also ready to go.

We opened with Girl From Impenema and followed with Basin Street Blues. When we finished the stage manager poked his head out and announced that the Band will be playing another number. It was a good  idea to have extra songs.  The show progressed we played tunes as planned plus a few extra when more time was needed.  By Intermission we had no more extra songs.  We needed more tunes.   So we had to repeat a few of them.  We tried to change up the style hoping no one would notice.

All in all it went OK, not great, but not bad.

The After Party with BlueShadow

BlueShadow took the Stage, with a fill in guitarist, working as quickly as could to setup (not to lose the crowd).  We kicked off the first set and never looked back.  Jeff the guitarist played the opening lick of Don't Dream Its Over just beautifully.  He continued to impress through-out the performance. When he asked if it would be OK if he came to our next practice we didn't hesitate to take him on.

THREE OF A KIND

This weekend Dave asked if I would be interested

 in playing at a Chili Cook-off.  I told I  would but we would need a different drummer (Fred had a prior commitment and Pete was not availiable for keyboards).  I would look into it to see what I could come up with.

Looking for keyboardist on short notice was not happening.  I did call Jerry Endres, a drummer that at one time played for the BlueShadow Band, he said he was interested in playing.  So with no practice we showed up at the Gig.

Since it was Dave Norths gig he selected the tunes, from a list I gave him.  He called them out and we played them for 2 1/2 hrs.  It went very well.  Of course there was a few hitches--- Dave is a free spirit and when he is soloing on one of the tunes, Jerry and I found ourselves looking at each other wondering where we were going.  Dave is a great bass player and worked his way out of mysterious chords and we kept on going, and Slow Boat to China almost didn't out of the dock.  Jerry just kept moving the tempo up until we got it right.

We had a  guest singer that performed Summer Time (no surprise there)

She really was good

All in all a good afternoon---the chili was very tasty

So You Want to be in a Band Part 32

LETS TALK TURN-OVER

In a band that's been around for almost 5 years (2008-2013). Your going to have changes in personnel.
There will be  conflicts of time, enthusiasm, other bands, or personalities.  BlueShadow has had them all.

Here is the current tally.

5 guitarist
4 drummers
3 vocalist
2 bass players
2 keyboard players

Maybe its because over the years we have practice every week and the commitment is just to much. It can be difficult to have 8 creative people trying to create music.

Most leave under amicable circumstances..... some not.  I really try not to burn bridges if at all possible- you never know when you will need someone to fill in.

In saying that I am sorry to say that A.J. is no longer with Band (amicable separation).  A great guitarist and a very knowledgeable musician he will be missed.

So can a band that plays 60's 70's and 80's rock play a gig with no guitarist ? We were about to find out.

Dec.29 at Streeters ( a local club)

1 hr. before we were supposed to start we get a call ---there will be no guitar player.

Lets not Panic!

First thing a couple of  tunes were cut.  Then on the strength of Jerry's on stage "Real Time" direction,  Pete's talent on keyboard (creating solo licks to covering guitar part) and Angie's voice and on stage presence the gig was pulled off to an enthusiastic crowd. It wasn't easy but can be done.

                                                           DEC 29th  at Streeters

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.

So You Want To Be In A Band Part 23

Let the Summer Begin

Well we thought so anyhow. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate. The temperature was about 60 when we started and went down from there. The Band was not at its best. The Guitarist and bass players struggled with cold fingers as did the keyboards and horns. All round intonation was a challenge. What started out as a good sound had to be constantly checked. Only the hardiest fans came out and they were in winter coats. The band members were very disgruntled with the whole thing. I felt a little responsible I pushed to play on. New Band rule when playing outside the temperature must stay over sixty.

Lesson learned.

The next event was a little different. The Band went out on a limb. I thought that maybe we could rent a hall, charge at the door and keep the receipts. We posted fliers tried to enlist help from the folks that own the hall. I made contact with the local dance groups and invited them to the dance.

We showed up fairly early to post more fliers and to generate

some last minute interest in the “The Summer Dance Party”. As it turned out we took $500 at the door. That covered the hall and band members got paid something for their efforts.

The following clip is of that night. The dancers certainly had a good time.

Next time more Press

So You Want to be in a Band Part 22

More Change

It seems inevitable that a Band will have change. Enter Dan Chryster. I met Dan at a local coffee shop to discuss The BlueShadow Band. Dan and I talked about what we were looking for in a guitar player and what he was looking for in a Band. He had been heading up a popular Bacon and Eggs blues band. As an extra bonus Dan could handle some of the vocals. I went online and found a few clips of his former band on U tube. He certainly has the skills. I looked through some of his set lists there was quite a bit of over lap. I gave him half a dozen charts and asked him to show up at Jerry's place to meet the rest of the band. I had no doubts that he would be good for the band. In all honesty he had with his stage name of "Lumpy Jones"

The rest of the Band was very pleased with his abilities. Now the hard work of learning 60+ arrangement in time for our first gig in 4 weeks with a new rhythm section.

So You Want to be in a Band Part 21

The last entry we were still trying out drummers.

To come into a band that has been playing together for a year + and play with some drive --but not too loud, and follow the breaks that we haven't told you about, is got to be a little rough.
That was the situation that Jerry Endres was thrust into. He pulled it off. The first time through a phrase the rest of the band played the breaks like we always had --Jerry only had to hear it once and the next time around he nailed it. It didn't matter whether it was the drum breaks in "Knock on Wood" or "Sweet Home Chicago", he was able to drive it or make it swing. The band breathes a collective sigh of relief.

Hey the man already owns a Cowboy Hat---Ready to play those Patsy Cline Gigs

So You Want to be in a Band 20

Jerry our trumpet player was moonlighting in the Front Street Jazz Band. I guess its O.K. Both Todd and I have been known to moonlight with that group. (But I didn't wear a red vest.)

Steve Weldon playing Sax.

Scary thing. Pete our 20 something drummer is having surgery. I dont do well with this kind of stuff.

Three days Later

Pete's Surgery was long but went well, he's been recovering at home.

The Band hasn't practiced as a complete group in more than 4 weeks. Jerry, Todd and I have been getting together to work on and fix the horn parts for the Sounds of Summer/Jimmy Buffett music. We have also been learning some percussion instruments clave, cabasa, cow bell and others. Jerry has been learning the steel drum. I worked with him last night supplying horn parts to play the steel drum against. I am encouraged by the steel drum work.

Tomorrow we will have the full band at practice except for Pete. Jerry has a drummer coming in to work with Band. It will be a very tall order as Pete is a great drummer and the Band only feels right with him. I will report back later with how it turns out.

One Week Later...

Finding a drummer that plays with the same swing, drive...talent, as Pete is very difficult. The first attempt failed. A good drummer, just not the right fit. I hope we can pull it together. We have another drummer coming in this Sunday.

I would kid Pete about using a drum machine...yeah right.

Last Night

I try to listen to other local groups and follow what they are up to. Last night I listened to a group by the name of the Big Timers --Robert Abate, Steve Weldon, Bill Muha, and others. The music was great with a right blend of musicians and tune selection. Both guitarists had something to say and did in tasty riffs on each selection. I was particularly taken with Steve Weldon's work on tenor- it was both melodic and exciting. The rhythm section was very attentive and on the mark throughout the night.

Live Music- there is nothing like it.

Jerry went down to visit Pete. Brought back good reports.

Until next time

So You Want To Play In a Band Part 19

OTHER MUSICAL EVENTS

Jerry Byville has been involved in a music program that he put together for a local charter school. The program is to introduce the students to jazz by way of improvising. This is no small task due the differing levels of musical background of the students. This program was to culminate with a short performance during a dinner held at the school.

To create a successful experience for the kids Jerry utilized some of the Jamey Abersoll back up CD’s. These are a great teaching tool; the musicians that play on these CDs are some of the top players in the Jazz world. (I will pop one of the CDs in my car player just to hear the musicians laying down a solid track that is always in the pocket.) In another life Jerry taught school as a Shop Instructor. After school he took the time to teach jazz improvising right in the shop room. As with those kids and the ones he is teaching today, they are very fortunate.

The day of the performance was about a week away. I was asked to sit in with kids along with Al, Todd, and Jerry. The plan was to have a couple of “ringers” to be sure the song got started and then get out of the way so the kids could do their thing. I stopped in at practice the day before the performance. The kids were very excited about playing. They all had chords (3rd‘s) they would be improvising written in pencil on their music. The songs Jerry had selected are as follows; “C jam Blues”, “Basically Blues”, “Watermelon Man” and “Blue Train”. I told him these were great selections…. Blue Train really. I watched seasoned players have a train wreck with Blue Train. He told me that’s why I was there. Throttle down this is Jerry after all.

The night of the performance I arrived at the school and was surprised at the number of people there. We began to set up. I pleased to see that Jordan, a drummer I played with in the NMC jazz band, was sitting in to help out the rhythm section. Bass lines were being laid down by Anthony Weber, an employee of the school. Keyboard duties were being more than handled by Steve Stargart- One the best players in Traverse City.

After announcements and introductions the first chart was called. C jam started with a lone trumpet and to that was added a second trumpet, saxophone, trombone, and a flute section. Every student took their turn improvising. We did a call and response with the audience. The song ended with that same lone trumpet. It was pretty effective. The rest of the performance went well. Even Blue Train went off without going “off the tracks”..

As the performance came to a close I wondered if the kids really understood what just happened. With musicians from many walks of life and varied musical experience all in one place creating music together, that is the true meaning of a “jam session”.

So You Want To Play In a Band Part 18

Let’s catch up. In December BlueShadow played at the Elk Rapids Town Hall, again playing the Patsy Cline tribute. This time was a little different- the band paid for the Hall up front, counting on the door receipts to cover our expenses. The weeks leading up to that night we were sure we were going to take a bath on this one. Joanie appeared on 2 local radio programs and Todd added a short blurb on the end of one of his radio adds. We printed more fliers hoping that we could get a better turn out. The night came, along with the threat of rain/snow. The Band went into set up mode and people started to arrive… turns out we had a great night (SRO). In order to shoot video that included Motown, we changed clothes and played a short Motown set as an added bonus.

First week of January there is 2 feet of snow on the ground and 10 degrees outside, so of course Jerry wants to talk about Jimmy Buffett tunes to help sell the BlueShadow Band this summer. You got to have a hook of some kind; “Sounds of Summer” is the name of that hook. Jerry assured me that he will come up with the charts. A week later he had “Volcano”, “Come Monday”, and “Its Five O’clock Somewhere”.

Going Forward

With a new promo pack and DVDs, Jerry and I met with HERTHA (Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall Association). They liked the “Sounds of Summer” idea. We were booked for 3 weekends. Encouraged, I visited The Patio (Holiday Inn). We talked about the theme and I set the “Sounds of Summer “ hook and reeled in 3 Saturday Gigs for the summer. I believe I may have left her with the idea that we have a steel drum. I’m sure Al can pull it off. I wouldn’t be surprised if he played lead steel drum in a past band. That’s just the way Al rolls.

I am still holding jam sessions now and again at Espresso Bay.

Well that’s all for now, with the Band is learning Jimmy Buffett tunes. I am being told that I will have to learn to play the Guiro. What’s a Guiro?!

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!