What not to do on a gig

[Boss Man Zwiebelsohn]

Then don't get an orchestral or pit gig :-)

Any solo by any of the artists I mentioned are so difficult to learn and play that just being able to execute that music is in itself a challenge and a joy - for me, at least. I've never said to myself "oh, here we go with that same old Carlton solo."

I know people who like to color mandalas or paint by numbers. If it brings them joy it is OK for me -- I personally rather draw freely. And maybe one day someone will transcribe my solos LOL

[Christian Miller]

Suit is a safe bet for most gigs


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[Boss Man Zwiebelsohn]

Suit is a safe bet for most gigs


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And what do you do when you are sweating like hell in your suit? I mean afterwards? Sometimes I could wring out my T-Shirt after three tunes. My trousers (cargo shorts LOL) show white salt crusts the next day -- no kidding.

[Christian Miller]

Then don't get an orchestral or pit gig :-)

Any solo by any of the artists I mentioned are so difficult to learn and play that just being able to execute that music is in itself a challenge and a joy - for me, at least. I've never said to myself "oh, here we go with that same old Carlton solo."

I don’t play much covers stuff but I do remember playing Peg, nailing the Graydon solo and feeling rather smug about it, and then the bandleader says ‘take another chorus!’ And I was like ‘help! What happens now??’

Interestingly of course the Dan were never insistent on playing the solos off the record on their live shows but every Dan tribute act had to play them as they were so much part of the song. IIRC Larry only learned the Kid Charlemagne solo note for note quite recently. There’s an army of guitar players who could have played it haha.


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[Christian Miller]

And what do you do when you are sweating like hell in your suit? I mean afterwards?

Go to the dry cleaners?

That’s why we get paid the big bucks!

Tbh vintage jazz gigs in the summer can be a difficult one. The music is fine, the clothes are not. And they always want you to wear a tie.

Linen suits are good.


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[Christian Miller]

I know people who like to color mandalas or paint by numbers. If it brings them joy it is OK for me -- I personally rather draw freely. And maybe one day someone will transcribe my solos LOL

There’s paid work in playing other peoples music well.

It’s never been what I would think of as my strong suit (not that I’m sure what my strong suit is haha).
I do wish I was better at learning music though. I’ve been working on it.

Some people make the Lego model on the box. I never did that.

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[pauln]

Suit is a safe bet for most gigs

Doesn't have to be Brooks Brothers., the ubiquitous black Summer weight travel blazers are inexpensive, sufficient to establish the illusion, lots in the $15-$30 range... your "right size" will be cut a little big for active movement.

If the temperature is really uncomfortable, take the stage for each set wearing it and then casually remove it as you talk to the audience for a moment before playing.

The old "It's the thought that counts" trick.

[RJVB]

The old "It's the thought that counts" trick.

There's that, plus I've seen enough guitar players roll up their shirt sleeve after the 1st piece or two because it interfered with their playing. Not jazz guitar and fingerstyle on top of that, but (most in) the audience won't realise that.

There's another solution: play in drag. Women have a lot more freedom in how they dress

[Christian Miller]

take the stage for each set wearing it and then casually remove it as you talk to the audience

Crikey, that's one approach.

[Boss Man Zwiebelsohn]

[...] There's another solution: play in drag. Women have a lot more freedom in how they dress

I have decided to simply become so good that people will invite you no matter what you prefer to wear.

But instead of cross-dressing I would rather wear an African or Arab dress which is probably the most adequate solution in these times of climate change.

An Arab dress might also be a good solution for dealing with the non-anonymous alcoholics among your fellow musicians.

[AllanAllen]

I have decided to simply become so good that people will invite you no matter what you prefer to wear.

Something to consider.... How good you are is easily the third thing I consider on the call list. If someone is okay, but they wear the right clothes and are chill, I'll call them every time over the phenomenal player who insists on wearing cargo shorts and a t shirt.

[Doublea A]

Something to consider.... How good you are is easily the third thing I consider on the call list. If someone is okay, but they wear the right clothes and are chill, I'll call them every time over the phenomenal player who insists on wearing cargo shorts and a t shirt.

Thank you


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[RJVB]

I'll call them every time over the phenomenal player who insists on wearing cargo shorts and a t shirt.

Don't you think there are excesses both ways? I agree that there's a decency aspect, I don't appreciate getting bare male legs shoved into my face either - in videos. IRL that'll probably be very different (the shoved-in-my-face aspect won't be there) ; musicians are there to be listened to, not looked at. Of course, it all depends if there's an intended audience of which I know they'll be insensitive to the musical quality but notice the irrelevant bits. In that case I'd probably skip the expense and prepare my own playlist or skip the music altogether.

Tell the phenomenal cargo shorts player that, OK, he can wear what he wants but he'll be in a place where the audience can't see him nor he the audience, and he won't get to mingle?

[AllanAllen]

No.

[mr. beaumont]

Don't you think there are excesses both ways? I agree that there's a decency aspect, I don't appreciate getting bare male legs shoved into my face either - in videos. IRL that'll probably be very different (the shoved-in-my-face aspect won't be there) ; musicians are there to be listened to, not looked at. Of course, it all depends if there's an intended audience of which I know they'll be insensitive to the musical quality but notice the irrelevant bits. In that case I'd probably skip the expense and prepare my own playlist or skip the music altogether.

Tell the phenomenal cargo shorts player that, OK, he can wear what he wants but he'll be in a place where the audience can't see him nor he the audience, and he won't get to mingle?

Will there be a cage for him, or will he just be chained to the stage?

[pamosmusic]

No.

I would agree.

Theres obviously a minimum bar — can you play the music we’re playing — but after that you’re looking for a good fit. Is it the vibe you want for the music, are they easy to work with.

If you tell someone to wear a button down and decent shoes and they show up in a hoodie they don’t get called again even if theyre the best player on the gig.

[mr. beaumont]

I'm telling y'all, the "one step above the audience" rule never fails. (Or match for black tie affairs)

[RJVB]

Will there be a cage for him, or will he just be chained to the stage?

Did I say anything about cages or chaining?

A nice chamber screen or two will do, it could even have images of properly dressed artists on it.

A balcony would be even better. You know, like what used to be the norm for the kind of high-brow event where you don't want to have to look at lowly musicians

One step above the audience sounds clever, but do you mean above everyone in the audience, including those few regulars showing up in new designer clothes every time (and who would probably not be amused to be outdone by the aforementioned artists)?

[mr. beaumont]

Did I say anything about cages or chaining?

A nice chamber screen or two will do, it could even have images of properly dressed artists on it.

A balcony would be even better. You know, like what used to be the norm for the kind of high-brow event where you don't want to have to look at lowly musicians

One step above the audience sounds clever, but do you mean above everyone in the audience, including those few regulars showing up in new designer clothes every time (and who would probably not be amused to be outdone by the aforementioned artists)?

One step above the general clientele is fine.* There's really no need to overcomplicate it. It's not hard to research a venue.


*everything of course defers to the group leader, if there is one.

[AllanAllen]

It's easier to just hire someone who dresses right.

[pamosmusic]

I’m going to be that asshole and say this is a “tell me you don’t have any gigs without telling me you don’t have any gigs” situation.

Is it your gig? Then you probably know what the general vibe is. Per Mr B … maybe you add a tie or a blazer to whatever the crowd is wearing.

Is it someone else’s gig? You ask and wear what they tell you to.

Not a super complicated problem.

[pamosmusic]

It's easier to just hire someone who dresses right.

Or like … will just dress the way you recommend they dress.

Why would you not? It’s such a low bar, I’m not sure why you’d hire someone who is told what to wear and then doesn’t.

[rpjazzguitar]

I usually use the same guys when they're available, and I have a list of subs. The vast majority have a professional approach to the work. So, I can count on them to show up on time, know the material if I've given out charts in advance, dress appropriately, bring the right gear in working condition, help each other with the load-in, etc etc. That is, be generally cooperative and appropriate.

The only problems I can think of were a few people who didn't show up on time for rehearsals. One no-showed, one came late multiple times, one often comes late and leaves early. One had a habit of cancelling at the last minute -- and would explain why -- reasons like her daughter had a school play - which must have been scheduled weeks before. Sadly, these were excellent players and nice people, but just weren't sufficiently reliable.

Haven't had any trouble with the dress issue, but I am reminded of a comedian's line. "No matter how weird somebody is dressed, you know that earlier that day they were in front of mirror thinking 'looks good to me!'".

[DawgBone]

Kinda glad I don't play jazz after seeing some of the shit posted in this trainwreck!!!!

We go from extremes of cargo shorts and sandals to fat men dressed in tight fitting women's clothing. Kinda makes a t-shirt and jeans seem, well, sane. LOL

[pamosmusic]

lol ... don't get me started on the Blues Guys Who Wear Dumb Hats phenomenon.

I'd rather dress for a jazz gig.