Frustrated Looking for a Performance Outlet

[AllanAllen]

I get people complimenting my band saying it’s like being with their grandparents again.

[rpjazzguitar]

Just a quick note on era.

Early in life most people hear whatever their parents like.

So many people have heard the music of their parents' generation.

It seems different now, but when most people watched three channels, the programs also catered to grandparents, so young people heard older music.

Of course, precious little was jazz.

Now, with a multitude of sources, I'm not sure what people have heard.

[Stringswinger]

If the 20 somethings have not heard the Great American Songbook, we should keep the flame alive by playing it for them.

I have been doing my part.

[Stevebol]

If the 20 somethings have not heard the Great American Songbook, we should keep the flame alive by playing it for them.

I have been doing my part.

Your audience is 20-somethings?

[Stringswinger]

Your audience is 20-somethings?

Sometimes. My audience can include teenagers up to folks in their 80's.

[digger]

I'd love to do a gig to 20 anythings! It's normally one bloke, a dog, and a barmaid.

[Stevebol]

Thought it was a good idea.. Rainy Saturday afternoon at a small town coffee shop. Couple of hours bringing the light of culture and (ahem) art to the locals. I expected to be background jazz and I was. However, the few locals who were there seemed more annoyed that I was taking up space where there children could run around than the fact that there was live music. Not very satisfying.

I think performing is important. That's where the real lessons are. However, around here it's bluegrass and worn out rock tunes. Getting kind of discouraged.

Video.. Sorry for the poor sound quality. Thing is, the playing isn't great but not awful. Was thinking the locals might like it better than they did. Anybody else feeling the lack of an outlet?

Sounds like a gig on the Vegas strip. Kids running around. Find your parking spot and roll in the gear.
It pays well.
Take the money and run.

[JazzIsGood]

There is a subset of teenagers currently who are familiar with jazz music. It's more accessible to them because of YouTube and spotify. I played a gig once at a high school prom. Out of 900 kids, we had about 40 hanging around our area who knew a lot of the tunes and would make requests. It's mostly Sinatra versions that they know. For some reason the Sinatra recordings have been embraced by younger generations. These are the artsy kids, the theater kids mostly. Still, I think more kids knew the tunes in 2023 when I did this gig than my generation would have known inn the 90s when I was in high school.

I checked google trends as well, and used the term "jazz guitar." Search traffic has plummeted since the beginning of google. It's down like 90% or something like that. My guess is that jazz guitar is kept alive mainly by the rock and blues guys coming over who are looking for something more intricate to learn and play.

[Alter]

I mentioned video promos on an earlier post on this thread, so I thought I'd post my latest one. Targeted at solo hotel gigs etc. A lot easier to book than even duets nowadays unfortunately.

I have a few solo pieces on a demo playlist, but for this demo I just used a looped rhythm guitar background. On this type of gigs you can get away with live looping longer forms, but I try to have setlists with small and simple tunes that don't take too long to loop. I still have to spend some serious time organizing that..

Should have used an extra pedal for the electric sound, but I was too bored to look..

[JazzPadd]

I've had surprisingly good luck getting song lists for a given set of parameters from chatgpt.

Here's what I got just now:

You said:

what would be a good set list for a jazz band trying to entertain 35 year old people. Not necessarily tunes that only jazz artists play.

ChatGPT said:

Creating a setlist for a jazz band to entertain 35-year-olds gives you the opportunity to blend classic jazz standards with more modern and recognizable songs that could connect with the audience's tastes. For this age group, it’s key to mix familiar tunes from the '80s, '90s, and 2000s with timeless jazz melodies, as they’ll appreciate both the nostalgic and contemporary vibes. Here's a potential setlist that strikes a balance between jazz improvisation and recognizable pop culture hits:
1. "Cantaloupe Island" – Herbie Hancock

• A groovy, funky tune that mixes jazz with a bit of soul. It’s upbeat and can set the tone for the evening.

2. "Take Five" – Dave Brubeck

• A classic jazz tune that’s easy for audiences to recognize. The 5/4 time signature makes it a bit unique, but still catchy.

3. "Moondance" – Van Morrison

• This song has jazz elements and is popular enough that the audience will recognize it. Its swing rhythm and smooth melody make it a perfect choice.

4. "Smooth" – Santana ft. Rob Thomas

• This modern classic has a catchy Latin jazz vibe that would appeal to a wide audience. It’s a fun, energetic track that can get people tapping their feet.

5. "Summertime" – George Gershwin

• A jazz standard that has been performed by many artists. It's soulful, relaxed, and familiar, evoking warm feelings and nostalgia.

6. "Just the Two of Us" – Bill Withers

• A soulful track with a light jazz feel that’s incredibly recognizable, and perfect for the 35-year-old crowd. It has a laid-back groove that everyone will enjoy.

7. "All of Me" – Billie Holiday

• A timeless jazz standard that everyone will recognize. It has a lot of room for improvisation and can be played in a variety of ways.

8. "Valerie" – Amy Winehouse

• This track has a neo-jazz, retro vibe with strong soul influences. It’s modern but feels timeless, making it a great choice for a diverse audience.

9. "Fly Me to the Moon" – Frank Sinatra (or a more modern arrangement)

• This iconic tune can be transformed in various ways, whether staying traditional or giving it a fresh, upbeat, funky twist.

10. "Billie Jean" – Michael Jackson (Jazz Arrangement)

• A funky jazz version of this 80s hit will bring a touch of pop nostalgia. People will recognize the melody and appreciate the jazz interpretation.

11. "Kiss from a Rose" – Seal

• A hit from the '90s that blends soul and pop with jazz-friendly chord changes. It's dramatic and emotional, with a lot of room for a jazzy interpretation.

12. "Isn't She Lovely" – Stevie Wonder

• A joyful, funky track with a sweet melody. A jazz band can give this one a unique twist with playful improvisation.

13. "Norwegian Wood" – The Beatles (Jazz Version)

• A fresh, jazzy take on a Beatles classic. The audience will enjoy the familiar tune with a swing twist.

14. "Don’t Know Why" – Norah Jones

• Smooth and soulful, this 2000s hit has jazz influence and will appeal to people who like more contemporary artists with a jazzy touch.

15. "Uptown Funk" – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars (Jazz Funk Version)

• High-energy and a crowd-pleaser. This funk-driven tune can be played with a jazz twist, featuring improvisation and rhythmic variety.

16. "What a Wonderful World" – Louis Armstrong

• A quintessential jazz standard, this timeless track has universal appeal, and its positivity and simplicity make it a beautiful closing piece.

---

Setlist Flow Considerations:

• Start with a blend of upbeat and funky tracks to capture attention.
• Keep some smooth ballads like "Summertime" and "Just the Two of Us" in the mix for variety.
• Introduce some familiar pop songs with jazz twists, such as "Billie Jean" or "Kiss from a Rose", to keep the audience engaged.
• Finish with something universally loved and emotional, like "What a Wonderful World", leaving a lasting impression.

This setlist should keep the 35-year-old crowd entertained with both nostalgia and unexpected jazz interpretations!

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.
?

Interesting. That sounds like a set list from a mixed genre jam session at a venue I frequent, while my early 20s university students would love it, too.

When some of the latter come to watch me play at a session, after a few tunes I invite them up. Female students are much braver, and like to sing Fly Me to the Moon or an Amy Winehouse tune, among others. For male students joining, usually guitar players, Cantaloupe Island works.

[AllanAllen]

I’m going to start doing wonderful world, screw it, I love Louis Armstrong.

[pamosmusic]

Can confirm that Cantaloupe Island is still a banger with the young folk

[Christian Miller]

We Don’t Talk About Bruno works


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[Litterick]

We Don’t Talk About Bruno works

He is human. He has chops. He has a band, the Hooligans. He was not created in a studio or a marketing agency. He could be the John Connor of modern music.

[AllanAllen]

Wrong Bruno

[pamosmusic]

Lol

[rpjazzguitar]

My regular Brazilian Jazz band recently took a rock gig. Sorry if I'm repeating myself. We approached it like jazz nerds -- from charts.

It was raw fun. Enthusiastic audience, dancing and the band members were exuberant.

For our next regular monthly gig, I added some American tunes in the middle of the sets, sang a few myself even though we have a singer (I like doing it, I don't claim to be good at it) and included Just The Two Of Us with a duet vocal.

And another enthusiastic audience. More than doubled our usual tips.

Next Brazilian gig with a slightly different lineup, we played everything a little funkier than usual and included more Jobim than we usually play. Again with good results.

I ended up thinking "why have we been playing instrumental music nobody knows?"

All by way of saying that I think Chatgpt nailed the setlist for 35 year olds.

[pamosmusic]

Technically I’m 34 … but my setlist from last night … which was super fun.

Beatrice
Stella
So Danco Samba
Softly as in the Morning
Bemsha Swing
St Thomas

Equinox
Green Dolphin
Nardis
Well You Needn’t
Cantaloupe Island

We stretch out a lot and get really weird with the arrangements and people like it.

I don’t really think you need to make a bunch of special considerations on the tunes for 35-yos. Just have to be fun with it. Anyway … again im only 34 so I guess I’m still pretty removed from those old farts. We’ll see.

[Christian Miller]

He is human. He has chops. He has a band, the Hooligans. He was not created in a studio or a marketing agency. He could be the John Connor of modern music.

U wot?


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[AllanAllen]

U wot?


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He's talking about Bruno Mars

[Stringswinger]

I’m going to start doing wonderful world, screw it, I love Louis Armstrong.

I have always gotten a great reaction from that tune from people of all ages. And as luck would have it, it has neat changes which are fun to improvise on.

[Litterick]

He's talking about Bruno Mars

I tried humour but failed.

[AllanAllen]

I tried humour but failed.

Or I did...