SteveK

A long time ago (early - mid 70s), but something that I took part in: [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windsor_Free_Festival"]Windsor free festival[/url] - the last one (1974), was abruptly brought to a halt by hundreds of rozzers, truncheons in hand. Thankfully, my band (Stallion) played the day before the invasion. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjxN7uAIg40"]Here's a clip[/url], a mix of the Windsor festival (when I was in the band) and Reading festival (when I wasn't)

[quote name='silddx' timestamp='1330710646' post='1562086'] Music is FULL of restrictions Steve. [/quote]Not too sure what you mean there. I don't have too much problem with odd brass, voices, effects etc samples being used as and when needed, but to play an entire song to a click in order to do it is (IMV) a restriction too far. [quote name='silddx' timestamp='1330710646' post='1562086'] I play in some bands that have tight arrangements with effectively a 10 piece band on backing tracks, and 3 - 7 musicians on stage. [/quote]And for that reason, with respect, this would be a band that I would have no interest in. [quote name='silddx' timestamp='1330710646' post='1562086'] Sometimes the writer's vision is just too expensive and impractical to make real, so some compromises are necessary. [/quote]Again, something that wouldn't interest me. [quote name='silddx' timestamp='1330710646' post='1562086'] Anyway, in one of them the keys player uses Ableton Live with a live arranger pad so if a section is really cooking we can extend it, and have done numerous times. [/quote]I don't know how that works, but if it means bringing stuff in at the touch of a button without enduring a click, then that doesn't sound restrictive at all. At the end of the day it's horses for courses. I would probably be a little more vociferous if it was regarding using a click just to play in time.

Ok, just seen that the OP is in a [i]'wedding/functions cash generator!' band[/i]. He'll probably be playing covers to a strict format... so my 'thoughts and experiences' will be mostly irrelevant to him.

[quote name='silddx' timestamp='1330691794' post='1561656'] Oh come on, Steve. You need to justify comments like that. [/quote] [quote name='Doddy' timestamp='1330692479' post='1561674'] It only restricts your ability if you let it. I've done quite a bit of work with a click,ranging from just the Drummer hearing it to the whole band having it and it never hindered anyone's ability to play music. The whole 'click restricts your feel' argument is just like the 'you can't groove while reading' debate.....bullshit usually banded about by players who can't do it. (I'm not saying you can't, ....more of an 'in general' statement) [/quote] How does a machine respond if the band wants to move up a gear tempo-wise, or pull it back? How does a band respond if the instrumental section was really cooking and over runs by eight bars and there are some fancy pre programmed horns coming up at bar 56? Now can you see how it might be more than a little restrictive? [quote] bullshit usually banded about by players who can't do it. (I'm not saying you can't, ....more of an 'in general' statement)[/quote] I've done it many times over the years, on stage and in the studio...believe me, I can [i]do it[/i] I'll add and reiterate that this is [i]my[/i] experience. Thankfully I play with like minded musicians...and the punters dig it...so, all is well.

Unless you're in a covers/tribute band and are trying to replicate the original record or in a band plays every song to a strict format, then I would say (and do), avoid clicks and pre programmed stuff at all costs... IME clicks and the like seriously restrict your ability to actually play music.

Unless you're in a metal band, then I'd say it doesn't matter a jot.

[quote name='kerley' timestamp='1330001001' post='1551091'] Guess you would have to track back to when miming to songs on TV became the norm. 1980s?, it certainly wasn't that recently anyway... [/quote]Bands and singers have mimed since the first days of TV. That wasn't really my point. It was more that it seems to quite common these days to hear 'At least they were playing live' as if this is the exception and for that fact alone the band should be applauded. I even occasionally find myself saying it... followed by a little sigh Since dlloyd posted the Hendrix clip, I'll say, there is quite a difference between doing a TV show such as TOTP and a 'live' event such as The Brits. We often see artists at these 'live' events miming, so I guess in that regard Blur should be applauded. In any case. Whether you dig them or not, scrappy or not, and even though they are now old farts, they're a rock'n'roll/pop band keeping the spirit of rock'n'roll alive. Good for them.

Shame internet and BassChat wasn't around in the 60s. Would've been fun comparing this thread on Blurs Brits performance to, say, a Who, Kinks, Troggs, Stones, Move etc performance of the 60s... methinks there would be an uncanny similarity, There's something strangely comforting but at the same time disappointing about Blurs appearance. It's a really sad state of affairs when the most common positive comments I've read are, 'At least they played live". How have we come to this?

[quote name='Dave Tipping' timestamp='1329784132' post='1547488'] [b]... oh and going back to the "context of this thread" .. "[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif] may contain exaggeration and humour." .. geez some of you boys need to lighten up! [/font][/color][/b][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif] [/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif] I don't actually hate the audience ... just their taste in music! sometimes .. not EVERY gig .. just the odd gig maybe once a month? Usually in a night club where we play a very different set from our usual pub circuit.[/font][/color] [/quote] Sorry, you seemed to be in need of some advice - my mistake - nothing personal

[quote]do you think I should play tonight [/quote] Only you can answer that. But, I've always been of the opinion that you make every effort to do the gig. If you can get to the gig, hold a bass (even if you're sitting down), and it won't seriously exacerbate your condition then IMV you should do the gig.

My first gig was in 1968 playing guitar. The only thing I remember is playing Green Onions while a dozen or so Girl Guides played 'pass the parcel'.

[quote name='Dave Tipping' timestamp='1329776979' post='1547321'] I often think "you horrible, horrible people" after nailing a quality tune to a few golf claps then having the pub torn apart to the black eyed peas! [/quote] You probably need to adjust your set, or maybe you're not nailing the song as well as you think. In the context of this thread (covers band, wedding receptions etc)... ...If a song is not going down well, it's a foolish musician that blames the audience.[quote name='Dave Tipping' timestamp='1329776979' post='1547321'] I just think you are lying to yourself if a bit of you doesn't hate them deep down! :op [/quote] eh?

Actually, ignore my post above. Having reread it it sounds like it was posted by a boring 56 year old What you should do is go to your first rehearsal with the enthusiasm and vigour of a youngster (I'm guessing you're under 30), with your array of pedals, be yourself and demonstrate what you can do. They will possibly love it - Possibly they won't. The worst they can do is say, "We'll let you know".

If I was in this band and read your post, I would be a little concerned. When you join a band it's generally the case that you will be expected to fit in with them, and not them with you. Does this band know about your nifty pedal work? Is that why they've asked you? If no, then I'd back off with the pedals or you'll probably find your time with the band short lived.

[quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1329302866' post='1540180'] I know me and JB would have a falling out every day about his choice of material. I'd have to sack him..... [/quote]I guess you're meaning Over the Rainbow and the like. Unfortunately, this is Harvey Goldsmith's influence. It's HG's attempt to get get JB more mainstream. Jeff Beck is a good example of a musician who isn't the greatest technician in the world, but, has incredible flair. Possibly one of the most instantly recognisable musicians around.

[quote name='musophilr' timestamp='1329234771' post='1539270'] That's the legacy of punk for you. Punk demanded you ignored everything that was ever understood to be commonly accepted wisdom about music - including the idea that to make music you should know something about it. [/quote]Yep, I was going to post something along similar lines, but didn't really know where to start. So I'll just say that it was a sad day for music when punk happened, placing attitude above any real ability.

My guess is, those very same people wouldn't even be able to name their own Prime Minister/President. Although, to be fair, it's been a long time since his high profile days of The Beatles, Wings and early solo stuff.

[quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1329045121' post='1536335'] My feelings exactly - in general I think of Fenders as Ford Model T's - [b]did it first but everybody has done it better since[/b]..this has just confirmed it for me.. Anybody want to make me a sensible offer?? [/quote]Can't really comment regarding Jazzes (never owned one), but as far as Precisions go... Providing you get along with the feel of the neck and you haven't bought a dog, then they can be as playable as any other bass. But, for me it's more about the sound. There's something reassuring about it, probably due to the fact that, over the years Fenders have been used on more records than any other bass. I really wouldn't be without my '72 P

You can do a lot worse than getting yourself a copy of [url="http://jimmycopley.com/albumpage.html#"]this[/url]. [url="http://jimmycopley.com/albumpage.html#"]A solo album by my compadre, mucker and general tub thumper Sir James of Copley.[/url] And who do you suppose is playing bass on the first track? And if you're partial to a little Jeff Beck...well, he comes included :-) EDIT: Should add, the link takes you to a track samples page. Well worth a listen.

A couple of years ago (as 5s seemed to getting more popular) I decided that I should jump aboard the 5 string train. Did a little research and ordered a custom Stingray... which took several months to arrive. It was a beautiful looking instrument, perfectly set up and it sounded better than I had imagined. However, today I am a born again 4 stringer. I really wanted to enjoy the 5 - I practised with it for quite a few weeks before airing it in public - and used it for a grand total of... 3 shows. I just couldn't get on with the lower B. Going below E just sounded ugly and wrong. Of course for some music [i]ugly[/i] is good . Didn't really like the restricted string spacing much either, although with time I'm sure could've got used to that.

[quote name='Marvin' timestamp='1328200884' post='1523562'] So the common comment is the diversity of the set. I see that as an issue as well, and think it'll be quite difficult to execute convincingly. The bands I see that get the most bookings seem to be the one's that are distinctive, [/quote] Yeah, the problem with a set that diverse is, that while there may be "something for everyone" there's going to be a whole lot of songs that [i]aren't for everyone[/i]. Identify your strengths, and what type of gigs you hope to do. EDIT: Just had another look at the set. I think anyone would be forgiven for thinking that you had mixed up the set lists of a Rock covers band and a function band.

[quote name='Marvin' timestamp='1328186721' post='1523201'] Crap innit. [/quote] It's not really possible to say without seeing/hearing the band. Depends on the main strengths and weaknesses with the band. The songs themselves are mostly OK (couple I don't recall). A few of the songs will be pretty demanding for a singer. Unless he is quite exceptional, I would drop those. Some require a pretty tight rhythm section, so unless that's the case, I would drop those... As you see it's difficult to be really helpful without knowing the band FWIW Not sure I like the diversity.

Unless money's tight I would keep hold of it...You'r more likely, in the future, to regret selling it than [i]not[/i] selling it.

Come on guys - a thread about 70s 80s disco - we're 6 pages in - and no mention of The Commodores(?)... That's gotta be against the law, surely? [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrBx6mAWYPU[/media]

Wot, no Narada?... fixed! [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tYIbLrco24[/media] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVHX5OWXkjE[/media]