Len_derby

Get onto Radio 6 now. Craig Charles about to do a 30 minute tribute.

[quote name='radiophonic' timestamp='1505767437' post='3374211'] Is this your Folk-Punk ensemble going the way of all flesh? I wondered if you'd be doing either Oxjam or Hockley Hustle next month. Might finally get to hear you play! [/quote] The band, 5 Hiils Out, found a replacement and is carrying on I'm glad to say. It was all amicable and they put a nice 'obituary' for me on their Facebook page. 😄 I'll have more spare time to come and see you now John!

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1505750042' post='3374011'] Interesting,over here in the Midwest Bands can't wait till Festival and fair season. The poorly run would be the the exception. Blue [/quote] To be fair, I think I might be in the minority amongst gigging musicians in not enjoying festivals.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1505660061' post='3373392'] Fair and festival gigs in The States are great. Usually you play half the time of a bar gig and your pay is doubled. And the weather is usually great. Blue [/quote] From what I understand Blue, your state and county fairs have a reasonably long history and take place in proper show grounds with decent infrastructure. There are lot iof festivals in the UK that have sprung up in the last 20 or so years and have, in my opinion, poor quality facilities and organisation. Also, in my experience, if you're not fairly high up the bill you won't get a cash payment. The 'fee' is free entry for the whole festival. Which puts a different light on things. Although, I agree with you, set times are often short plus PA, lights and backline is usually supplied.

Festivals. There are some exceptions, but I find being at UK festivals a generally vile experience. When the band leader declared that the way forward was playing at festivals it was time to move on.

Just in case no one gets back to you, I have a Countryman Kala U-Bass rip off and it takes 2 3-volt CR2032 batteries.

My experience is that it's surprising what you can fit into even a small hatchback. The key is to come up with the best way of getting it all in by a bit of planning and trial and error. And then take some photographs!

It could be very useful to have your presence on old publicity when looking to join a new band. A bit like a visual cv. I've recently had to step down from a busy band because of medical reasons. The band leader asked me if I wanted all the old photos and vids with me prominent left on line. I said I was fine with it, but if the replacement bass player had an issue I'd be cool if I was erased from view.

Herbie Flowers is a close neighbour of my in-laws. I've never met him.

If you're of a bluesy persuasion try Eric Bibb.

A late welcome to Basschat. As mentioned above I'm in Allestree. Being a true local yokel I know where Flaxholme is. I'm glad you're using the name, as it doesn't appear on any signs and hardly any maps anymore. I play regularly with a guitarist/singer who lives just up the A6 from you by the traffic light junction for Wirksworth. Daz Kelly. I'm long overdue to have a meet-up with Spondonbassed, would you be interested in an evening get-together of all three (or more) of us? Maybe an open-mic or similar.

I was able to help Russ with moving his collection to a new home. He's the happy new owner of five Hercules wall hangers. I'm pleased to be able to help such a great Basschatter.

Well done sir. I have the orange version and love it.

Bought a gig bag off Tobie. Well packed, great communication and Tobie was patient when I was a day late in arranging payment. Good transaction all-round. Another great member of Basschat.

As I said yesterday, wow. 😄

One of the many good things about living in Derbyshire is that I'm only a stroll away from Andy. I had the honour of seeing and holding this bass for real this afternoon. Wow. That's all.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1500764167' post='3340101'] Excellent point Pete I think, at the bar band level fun should be the priority. As a matter of fact whenever I arrive at a gig I start the process by creating a fun atmosphere. Not just for me but the whole band. It's really important. Guys, don't show up at a gig with a sour attitude. Your not that important. Blue [/quote] Similar to me Blue. I always say 'if we're not enjoying it how the hell can we expect the audience to?' Although sometimes it's about faking it.

Another festival last night, this time small local one at a village called Doveridge. 5 Hill Out were playing in a good-sized village hall adjacent to the main field. Given the rain this was to our advantage as the place was rammed full. We went down a storm and sold a good wodge of CDs. A break now for holidays and then we play at The Green Meadows festival near Peterborough on 11th August.

[quote name='cheddatom' timestamp='1500278401' post='3336562'] Wellowfest last night. All the press etc. made it look like it was a big deal, and they certainly had the stage, PA, and overzealous security to live up to that. It's a shame they didn't have the audience to match! Never mind, it was still fun [/quote] That's a shame. I know the organiser, David Chappelhow works really hard to make Wellow work. I'm wondering if there are just too many festivals now chasing a limited audience. I know there were at least 3 other festivals within a 25 mile radius of Wellow this weekend. We were at Ripley, which is just the other side of the M1.

A busy, 2 band- 2 gig, weekend. Friday night 5 Hills Out folk punk at a crowded sweaty pub in Ashbourne. Loads of energy both on stage and in the audience. It was our first return since the landlord changed, but he was a happy chappy at the end of the night and even gave us our fee without us asking. A very drunk fan wanted to help us break down and carry the gear out. Erm, no thanks very much. Saturday, blues and gospel with the Daz Kelly Band at the Ripley Music Festival. For a small festival it has a fantastic stage and sound provision. We were in stark contrast to most of the acts (heavy rock covers) but went down well, maybe because of that. It's a charity festival, raising money to keep the small local hospital going but we got a small fee for expenses. I went home and spent it mostly on beer and then grooved around the kitchen with my daughter to the R6 Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show. Incidentally, hosted this week by Colin Greenwood.

Over time, I've tried to stop fretting about it. Particularly in a live situation. Yesterday I payed at a festival with an active Precision through a Trace Elloitt combo. I didn't like the tone I was hearing on stage at all, but the people out front said it sounded just dandy.

5 Hiils Out played a short set this afternoon at The Belper Food Festival. Under an awning in a pub yard, very hot in the sunshine. Amazingly there were three other Basschatters in the audience; Chris Sharman, KevB and Andyjr1515! That's 4 active members at one gig (and already knew each other). Anyone beat that?

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1499532013' post='3332051'] Depends on the type of band your in Tim. In my band I only have control and opinions on my performance and stage presence. Unfortunately we're not the type of band that reviews and has open discussions on this topic. Blue [/quote] Blue, if your band is getting regular gigs and good feedback from audiences and promoters then things are ok. We talk over here about rule 1 of engineering. "If it ain't broke, don't try and fix it ".

Yamahas are great choices for 5 strings in my experience. Enjoy!