Bluewine

That's great advice. Just because you write songs doesn't mean you know how to arrange, record or produce a record. Agreed, if your serious about recording hire a good producer Blue

In my neighborhood it was the Mom's that were wonderful. Blue

Sad Blue

Well I was loading my gear into someone's parents car. Parents would drop us off and pick us up. Mostly school dances, church sponsored events for teens, YMCA stuff like that. Usually about $20.00 a man which as you can imagine was a lot of money for a 12 year old in 1966. Blue

It depends on what your in this for, the creative outlet of the bluesier band or the gigs of the cover band. I always contend you can't be in 2 bands that gig a lot without big schedule conflicts. There's only so many Fridays & Saturdays. Blue

My opinion none of these artist are in the same league as Aretha. It takes more than being a great singer to accomplish what Aretha did. Let's not forget get she was a once in a lifetime artist and has a very special place in history. The others don't in my opinion. I will continue to wave my 1960s flag high with honor and will always support the icons from my generation. Blue

I think about what I'm playing, staying aware of what the rest of the band is dong and the audience. Blue

Not sure cthis comment is for this thread. So weird, last night Saturday night I was loaded my bass into my car and getting ready for my gig. I remember doing this same routine when I was 12 years old. I'm still doing it at 65 years old. I'm blessed, there's no real down side to this. Blue

No matter how much you practice we all can't be fancy riff technical guys. Figure out where your abilities start and stop and work with it. Master what you can do well. Blue

The Vista King Boat Cruise on Lake Michigan was actually a good gig and I hardly ever say that. It was a good gig because it was sold out at $22.99 per ticket.so the pay was top rate. I think it sold out because we did it on at Saturday night instead of Friday night. After 3 disasterous gigs for me I was finally happy with my sound. I had my MXR M-80 Bass Distortion pedal on most of the night with gain and level down pretty low Great enthusiastic young crowd. Very engaged with the band thanks to our front person whose also our star lead guitarist. We came out " Blazing" from our first song till the last. We played non- stop for two hours. Our front did an excellent job calling up songs. All up tenpo recognizable standards including if you can believe it, Sunshine Of Your Love, Boots Are Made for Walking and our take on Superstition. No originals or slow tenpo songs all night. It's so much easier and effective to manage 2 hours of material as opised to 4. Blue

Awesome, and I thought my 65 gigs was a lot. Blue

I'm open to new music but my genre is pop and progressive guitar, bass and drum driven rock. Not much new stuff for my for my genre that I know of. Blue

I'm 65 and gigging every weekend. 39 is young in my book Blue

I go way back in the 70s with TOP. What can I say, I'm a FRP guy. Blue

Very interesting point. I would think guys playing at that level would have and could easily afford a good health insurance plan. What kind of money do these guys make as pro musicians. I would think 6 figures annually? Comments? Blue

Thanks, he's one of my top five. Unbelievable chops and a style all his own. Blue

What's happening with my main man Francis Rocco Prestia? Blue

Big difference between being a great artist, being talented, being good and being born with a gift. Aretha Franklin is one of the few born with a gift. Poor quality but worth watching, she smoking on the Fender Rohdes. Blue

I know where your coming from. Our guitarists are great at certain things but not learning material that involves an understanding of music theory or learning specifif parts. It's why I never make suggestions on how to improve songs we play or bring new songs to the band. However, I knew that before I joined 7 years ago. I joined because they made money and gigged a lot and had a great front person which is still the case. Very few bands in my area want to gig much or make money from it. Most ads for Musicians state "We all have day jobs and we're not in this for money" Blue

Sorry, this was meant for the "How Was Your Gig Last Night" thread. ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT! MAPLE ROAD SATURDAY NIGHT! 8/25/2018 9pm - 11pmMilwaukee Boat Line Cruise101 W Michigan St, Milwaukee WI We play this gig every year. Any of you guys done this type of gig? Blue

Back to the topic. I think it's important to leave your band on good terms. You don't win if you leave in a " huff". Especially if the band has been a good source of income for you. Me personally, I wouldn't give notice until I was up and running meaning gigging with a new band. Some might say " why not play with both?" I content it doesn't work if both bands are gigging heavily on weekends. Blue Blue

Good idea. Blue

That Dorset/Yorkshire weekend sounds fun. Blue

Agreed, If you play as many bar gigs as me and you've been around for a few summers, you don't come in like "rock stars". It should be clear you are part of what we call " the help ". Your no different than the bar staff or those washing dishes. Blue

A once in a lifetime artist. I'm so lucky to have been the right age to grow up with her career and gift. By the way, ever heard this type of description, " she's the new Aretha" ? Well, there is no "new Aretha" and they'll never be one. Aretha, end of story. Blue