I'm bummed!! I've been playing in bands on weekends for the last 15 years or so.. My last band broke up and the band scene here in New Jersey has pretty much dried up.
Oh well.. I guess now is the perfect time to learn that bottom neck. If anybody hears of something in the South / Central Jersey and New York area please let me know.
My wife is getting way to used to me being home on weekends.if you know what I mean
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Bob Grado, Williams D10 (lefty), Peavey 1000,
Profex ll.
I feel for you, man. The same thing happened to me last September and I'm still without a gig. I even approached a three piece country band who could sure use some sweet steel but was told the money was too good splitting just three ways. I could really help them but they don't care. They're working 6-8 gigs a month as they are. Go figure.
well the political incorrect solution would be to repeal the drunk driving laws, shoot the on site DJ's, allow smoking, and get some "real" country on the radio and we could quit our day jobs, Tony, real country bands love steel more than a few extra bucks, my band is seven piece, ya, I only get to play a few times a month but thank God for the VFW's, the Legions, a couple Moose clubs where the folk like melody still, don't know who Rascal Flats are, and still talk about seeing Haggard twenty plus years ago
In my opinion it is technology that has put musicians out of work. Most of the 'Artistes' round here are a one man band singing to backing tracks. These 'entertainers' don't need live musicians, the audience doesn't like live musicians, as they prefer to line-dance to a snare drum and nothing else, and the booker certainly doesn't want more bodies on that stage, it's more expensive.
R B.
BobG, ditto on starting your own band. I play in about 4 or 5 bands now, but when I moved back to my hometown around 6 years ago I wasn't getting the calls and finally started a trio with a girl singer. We're still at it. Try putting up posters at local music stores saying what instrumentation you are looking for. Good Luck!
Thanks for the advice guys but I really dont have the time or funds (how much does a decent PA and trailer run these days?)for that kind of committment.
And Dave ...about the duo idea.. setting up next to you or Mr. Gimble on a regular basis would be a learning experience I would enjoy.
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Bob Grado, Williams D10 (lefty), Peavey 1000,
Profex ll.
It does appear that the scenes are a bit dry.
Lately I have been playing with 2 bands , not regular, but we do a free show every Fri night ( in front of people) we use this primarily as rehearsal time. I don't go every week but it is fun and it definetly keeps the chops alive and improving .
I have also been going with some friends every now and then to open mic jam night and I back up a few singers for about an hour or two on Steel and Guitar.. This has actually turned out a benefit as I have come to meet several fine players and get a chance to work with folks that I have never met before. This is how I hooked up with the band I am working with.
I know many say they would never work for free..but I don't look at it like that..I play stuff that I have been working on and if it works fine, if not..who cares..Playing at home in front of nothing is not the same as playing in front of folks..even if they are drunk and sing out of tune.
I come and go as I please and they are grateful when I'm there..who knows maybe they're grateful when I leave too !
Go out and hit a few jams.
Your phone will be ring'n in no time.
I agree with the post above... I'm playing with several bands and am not an official member of any of them.
Most bands seem glad to have steel when it's available.
Maybe i'll just go solo and work with rhythm
tracks. Do you think I can get away with playing "Sufer Girl" ten times a set for three sets?
Great tab Jim.
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Bob Grado, Williams D10 (lefty), Peavey 1000,
Profex ll.
Bob, you have solved your own dilemma with your work cut out for you. Pace yourself and learn 3-4 cocktail hour tunes per week. After 3 months, find a piano bar type setting and play with your BIAB tracks, free of charge. You might be pleasantly surprise what may follow! I notice you didn't respond to my last post but I did get Cohen's attention. Yep, if I can reach just one person...................collateral damage or not .....must have been the kasha sitting on the steam table too long
While driving to a local steel jam recently with two fellow steelers, one of them said. Remember when we used to play music and get paid for it. Now we go to jam sessions and pay people to listen to us. What's wrong with this picture?
Jim they have a lot of new medication for your condition. Call me and I'll give you my Doctors private #, he always makes me feel gooder.
Bob every once in a while I have to get a replacement for myself in A.C with Joe Dalton. Maybe you could fill in for me sometime.
"Jim they have a lot of new medication for your condition"
Ben, I know just what you are talking about. My wife has Sephardic too but she is only 1/2 which is too much anyway. I'm sick of smelts and funky grape leaves stuffed with drek.
Ditto on either starting your own band or making yourself available to sit in, like Pete does around here. There's always lots of work for a steel player. Hang in there...things have a way of working out...
