Mickeyboro

How important/divisive/controversial is stage patter to your band? Do those without microphones comment on those with? Do you share the duties or is it solely the frontperson? Have any disputes resulted from comments made? Were/how were they resolved? I seem to have inherited the between-song duties for my band, but I suspect trouble is brewing…. 😈 Need perspective. Thanks

We encored with Mustang (our soundcheck only number) on Friday. Audience loved it. I put it down to the added organ…somehow legitimises it

Our twice yearly date at the Ringwood Meeting House. They’ve been hugely supportive of the Otis Jay Blues Band for the last three years and we have rewarded them with four different line-ups in the past four visits! Cecilia our new singer went down a storm with 53 paying customers - a reasonable haul and very appreciative. Rig: Sandberg VM4, GK MB200, BF One10, Clarks leather shoes.

Thanks! Sad that the feeble current Ali-led UB40 does so few of the political songs. The first two albums (ie pre covers) had a real bite to them you just don’t hear these days. Seeing them with the Pretenders made a big impact on the young would-be bassist me.

Agree with you, and the current line up is diabolical, but UB40 in their prime (a different matter) probably turned a lot of people on to the real thing. I am one of them.

Post 369…. Another recommendation for Clarky. Bought an Elf from me with no problems whatsoever. Thanks mate!🙏🏻

That works well if the drummer looks at you. I asked a dep why he was fixated on the singer and he said ‘Cos he pays me’

Robert bought a microphone from me in timely and efficient fashion. Recommended Basschatter!👍

Kind of you, Chris! I met him through my friend Deke Leonard, who adored him (and vice versa). James had a band called Glas, but fell out with the singer. He asked for my career advice and ignored it - rightly! I never saw him as a frontman. He can’t sing, but neither could Wilko. He just carries it off with sheer strength of character. I think he may be on the spectrum, but boy has he made the most of his talents. How long he can keep up the relentless touring is another matter. Apologies for raving, but nice guys can make it. And in my book James Oliver is a worthy contender. He gives 110 per cent and I would be delighted to be his bass player.

James is a darling! Not everyones cuppa but he has certainly worked for his success. And, I admit, proved me wrong. His relationship with NWR is touching, respectful and an extra facet of the act. My final sales pitch is that James has delivered every time I have seen him. Which sadly couldn’t be said of Norm’s previous employer…

Another good point, well made. I played my last gig in sloppy gear as We were late on stage and i was forbidden to change… I always thought Dr Feelgood had the ideal ‘non-image’!

Very good points. I have posted dodgy footage as it’s all I have… need to reconsider!

As @Steve Browning has been kind enough to follow us, it would be rude of me not to offer you all the opportunity to do likewise!😁 http://www.facebook.com/OtisJayBB

Steve - we are the Otis Jay Blues Band. I have your email so I’ll send you our dates. I must try and get over to Portsmouth and buy you a drink one of these days - sure it would yield a lot of good info!

Some people who see us now think we do, as we tend towards the obscure. We might as well be hung for a sheep. As long as we don’t cave in and do Mustang Sally!

We do that already - basically, there are audiences who expect the Commitments/Blues Brothers and those who are broader minded. I want to know what blues clubs and festivals expect…

My band has been around for three and a half years. We could like to play blues clubs and/or festivals as well as the local venues we’ve found suit us - pubs and social clubs seem not to work so well. So my question is - what do these more specialist venues/events require? Original material rather than classic blues? A following to boost their attendees? A commercial recording? How can we take the next step? I’m sure many here have made the journey, and I’d value your thoughts. Thanks

Chop off their bass playing fingers!😁