Bluewine

7 hours ago, Gank Bass said:

The gig itself was a bit shit - private event in a posh garden, lovely surroundings but it was cold and rainy so we played most of it to an empty garden occasionally punctuated by their kids doing cartwheels 

 

However I did get to use my newly contoured and painted custom bass which felt much nicer 

Join the club. We had a not so great gig yesterday.  A real " downer " after 3 hot gigs in a row.

Great pic though!

Daryl

On 25/09/2025 at 20:56, Bluewine said:

We're doing an outside 12:00-2:30 full Maple Road gig this Saturday at The Harley Motor. We'll be leaving at 9:00. That's very early for me.

 

This one will be a little  different Usually we do our acoustic offering inside 5:00-7:30.

 

I'm hoping there's some type of special event to ensure a decent crowd.  I hope we can keep our streak going.  We've had 3 really good gigs in a row.

 

Daryl

Ok, here goes.

Probably one of the worse gigs I've had in years.

The Harley Motor, we left at 9:00 and it was already 80°. I had to drive because we used our heavy production gear ,so no room in the van for me.

The Harley Motor is having a rough time of it so they tried something new. A full band at noon instead of our 3 piece acoustic set inside 5:00-8:30.

The heat would not let up.90° and no shade. We basically played to nobody. Just a poorly planed idea that didn't work.

I did get some bike pics for Dave.

Daryl

7 hours ago, dmccombe7 said:

Have a good one Daryl.

First gig in 5 wks tomorrow night with the Glam band. Leaving the house 3pm for an 8:30pm start and 11pm finish. Two 1hr sets so should be a fun night. Our new PA company is doing the PA so that saves me humphing those blooming large QSC cabs in and out of my car especially at the end of the night. Should be back home for approx 2am. An 11hr day for me but i do miss it when we have these long gaps between gigs plus my wee plucking fingers get soft and will be painful by the end of the gig unless i really take it easy and concentrate on playing lightly.

That'll last for approx 3-4 songs then i just get carried away and into the zone. 😂

Dave

Thanks Dave,

I hope you guys have a good one too.

Yeah, August was slow for me. September has been busy.

Daryl

2 hours ago, Stub Mandrel said:

Small venue tonight so I went DI with one of the 'baby' devices.

 

Struggled all first set until nearly done when I realised the PA on my side had the top turned down.

 

Used it to Bluetooth music to the pa in the interval... then struggled for two songs until I realised it had reset and was on a preset, then I got my sound back.

 

All this combined with gigging flats gor the first time,  I couldn't relax and felt awkward.

 

Ironically a bass player in the audisaid I had a really good sound... I  just wish I could have heard it better.

 

Conclusion... if I go ampless again, I will need IEMs. But it took me decades to find earplugs I like so...

 

 

Took me a few minutes to pack away, then 50 minutes helping the others...

I think DI is the way to go for small venues. I use a pretty basic DI. I wonder if I should shop some of the high end bass DI/ pre-amps with all the bells and whistles. 

Daryl

We're doing an outside 12:00-2:30 full Maple Road gig this Saturday at The Harley Motor. We'll be leaving at 9:00. That's very early for me.

This one will be a little  different Usually we do our acoustic offering inside 5:00-7:30.

I'm hoping there's some type of special event to ensure a decent crowd.  I hope we can keep our streak going.  We've had 3 really good gigs in a row.

Daryl

On 21/09/2025 at 02:37, SteveXFR said:

I was in a prog metal band for a relatively short time. We wrote and recorded enough for a 40 minute set and then had a meeting about getting ready for gigs. At this meeting, the front man brought lists for each band member with specific items of kit each of us had to have. This wasn't little things like leads etc, my list included Ampeg SVT Classic with 410 cab, the guitarists list included a HiWatt amp and a load of pedals. After a relatively short argument, we all quit. The front man contacted me again recently claiming he's a bit more chilled out now, I told him to get stuffed.

Very unfortunate and I've been there with other bands. For me it was always the guy that took things too seriously. 

My current  band has been together and gigging constantly since 2007. I've been with them since 2009. 

Outside of gig confirmation and details  there's  no Interaction with each othe until we're on stage. We don't rehearse, no list of dos and don't. However there's an unwritten rule, show up at every gig with a positive attitude and have fun.There's also no material suggestions or exchange of musical ideas. 

I really think it's why the band has been together for 18 years.

Don't get me wrong,new musical ideas happen and become apart of our set,  however they happen organically. There's never any formal discussion. 

It's a sad thing when things in a band don't work out and fail. I think it can happen even when initially everyone is on the same page.

Daryl

On 19/09/2025 at 16:28, Dad3353 said:

 

You'd be less tired if you used your Hofner bass a bit more. 

 

...

 

 

Agreed, I need to gig the Hofner Club and my Gibson Thunderbird more often.

Daryl

5 hours ago, dmccombe7 said:

Looks like a couple of nice venues Daryl. Well done. Hope you feel ok after it.

Dave

Thanks Dave, We have 3 " hot" gigs in a row under our belts now. 

This Saturday we're doing a Harley event with a 12 noon start time. This won't be The Harley Motor Restaurant  . I believe this will be a dealership event.

Daryl

47 minutes ago, casapete said:

Quiet couple of weeks for me, our annual 2 weeks blanking the duo’s diary for holidays etc.

However, I’ve had a couple of gigs this weekend with friends.

 

First one was my favourite boozer, The Sun Inn in Beverley on Saturday evening, depping with 

a band of mates in their dad rock band. Absolutely torrential rain so expected it to be quiet but

by 9pm we had a nearly full pub when we started. It was one of those gigs that didn’t really gel

for some reason - guitarists struggled a bit, and it was a bit too loud towards the end. Still,

went down well so job done I guess. Played my P-Lyte into the Rumble 500 combo.

 

Then yesterday it was playing at a memorial gig for a good friend Lynn Blakeston ( Blake ) who died in April.
This was in a local civic hall, with a big PA and backline / kit supplied. Plenty of acts / bands lined

up to play, and of course we were on last ( bit annoying because we all arrived early but hey ho).

I was playing with an old Hull band called ‘Uncle Sam’ who were an early country rock band in

the mid to late 70’s. Four original members plus myself. John Cambridge on drums ( ex-Bowie)

and Steve Lee on lead vocals ( also a writer / multi instrumentalist with a CV including Joan

Armatrading, Lionel Richie, Will Young, Then Jericho). Steve came up from London for the gig,

and was amazing - a pleasure to play with such a talented singer.
I used my 63 Precision which had done a lot of gigs with Blako so seemed fitting. Used the house

HA5000 / 410 which was fine. We did eight songs, including stuff from Poco, The Eagles and

Linda Ronstadt and went down well, with a few dancers at the front and a good reception from 

the rest of the audience who were mainly made up of musicians. Despite the sadness of the 

occasion it was still good to see loads of people I’ve not seen for ages, and we all agreed we’d

have to do it again in happier circumstances. 

 

 

Beautiful!

Daryl

8 hours ago, cetera said:

Great gig, depping with Duran/Spandau show 'From Gold To Rio' in Gainsborough on Saturday night. Almost full.... and receptive audience up and singing/dancing.

 

Bass sounded great in my IEM's, and apparently out front too, really cutting/punching through.

 

Gear used:

Spector Dimension HP4 set flat, through dimed HAZardlAMPS preamp pedal, in to HXStomp with my own EQ'd GK800/Ampeg 810 setting (& chorus where needed).... and out to desk.

 

 

 

That's what I call a "high end" gig. Nice.

Daryl

On 19/09/2025 at 16:13, dmccombe7 said:

Ach you'll be fine. Get the youngsters to do all the hard work. 😂

I do most of the heavy lifts in the Glam band.

Dave

I'm very lucky . I didn't have to drive and the band leaders helped move my gear.

Daryl

On 18/09/2025 at 18:47, Bluewine said:

This weekend. 

 

Ziegler Winery!

Sat, Sep 20 @ 3:00PM — 6:00PM

 

Ziegler Winery , W3953 Winnebago Heights Rd, Malone, WI

If you haven't discovered Ziegler yet, what are you waiting for?? Join us on the fabulous patio for a music and wine filled Saturday!

 

 

Cedarburg Wine and Harvest Festival!

Sun, Sep 21 @ 12:00PM — 2:30PM

 

Cedarburg Wine and Harvest Festival, W63 N643 Washington Ave., Cedarburg, WI

Join us for an early Sunday Funday on the MAIN STAGE at this years' Wine and Harvest Festival in Cedarburg!

 

 

Both gigs were good with nice responsiveness crowds.

The Ziegler Winery gig was moved inside due to the rain.

The,Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Fest was another win for us. The stage and sound was very good. 

Daryl

10 hours ago, dmccombe7 said:

Looks like a busy night Daryl.

Dave

Dave, Agreed and two gig weekends are tough at my age.

Daryl

This weekend. 

Ziegler Winery!

Sat, Sep 20 @ 3:00PM — 6:00PM

Ziegler Winery , W3953 Winnebago Heights Rd, Malone, WI

If you haven't discovered Ziegler yet, what are you waiting for?? Join us on the fabulous patio for a music and wine filled Saturday!

Cedarburg Wine and Harvest Festival!

Sun, Sep 21 @ 12:00PM — 2:30PM

Cedarburg Wine and Harvest Festival, W63 N643 Washington Ave., Cedarburg, WI

Join us for an early Sunday Funday on the MAIN STAGE at this years' Wine and Harvest Festival in Cedarburg!

6 hours ago, Piers_Williamson said:

 

Did you get paid in wine?

Funny you should ask. They kept the wine flowing.  However we were not offered any food.

Daryl

6 hours ago, dmccombe7 said:

Look at that sunny weather you lucky sod Daryl. We're getting 6 oC (43 oF) and the central heating is now on most of the day. Hottest its reached was about 14 oC. (57 oF)

Looks like a very interesting gig tho. 

Dave

Thanks Dave,

It was 75° and sunny.

Daryl

I was in the big time Saturday night at The Bend Theatre with the full Maple Road band.. Sunday we had an acoustic gig and back in reality.

It was an okay acoustic gig. We were background music for an event sponsored by wine makers and vendors. 

Daryl

8 hours ago, dmccombe7 said:

Superb Daryl. Love those kind of venues and a decent crowd too. 

And using a proper bass rig this time too.

Happy days sir.

Dave

Thanks again Dave.

I was in the " big time" last night. Today we have an outside gig at a produce stand. Lol

Daryl

7 hours ago, dmccombe7 said:

Superb Daryl. Love those kind of venues and a decent crowd too. 

And using a proper bass rig this time too.

Happy days sir.

Dave

Thanks Dave,

We didn't do so well last time we played The Bend . We had something to prove last night .

Daryl

On 09/09/2025 at 19:21, Bluewine said:

We're back at The Bend Theatre this Saturday night, opening for Reverend Raven. Catered dressing room and we play a 45 minute set. My type of gig.

 

Maple Road

By presenting an eclectic blend of blues, rock, and folk jams, Maple Road is a band that does not fall short of keeping an audience entertained and intrigued.  While honoring musical heroes and legends, the group also strives to craft original and memorable tunes that allow each band member and the audience to interpret the music.

Reverend Raven + Maple Road Blues Band - The Bend Theater | West Bend, WI https://share.google/vkEznZyOQe7dRBx7y

 

Daryl

We had a great night with a great crowd at The Bend Theatre opening for Reverend Raven. We sold 230 tickets $18.00-$20.00.

The place only holds 300. We played from 7:30- 8:30.

I could tell from the sound check that were clicking on all 6 cylinders. 

I got mobbed in the lobby as I was leaving.lol

Daryl

19 hours ago, Cat Burrito said:

We opened the Swindon Shuffle’s Friday Night at The Castle in Old Town last night. Arriving in good time to see the headliner’s soundcheck, I was immediately taken by the bassists sound. Very dubby. He had his back to me and when he turned around, he was playing with a pick, right up by the bridge! It was a Genz Benz amp and every time I hear one of those, they sound fantastic. 
 

We were the first of five bands and I think were given this slot as we’re just a duo. I would be too polite to argue but a few people suggested we should have been higher up the bill. In many respects though, it was one of the better slots. I had my 2008 USA Fender Jazz that was going through my board. Doing as the soundman wanted, he had me go through the Genz Benz amp and it sounded great. 
 

 

We did an all original set with the keys / drums on the iPad. Some soundmen struggle, with this set up but the guy last night clearly knew his way around the desk and the sound both on and off stage was glorious. 
 

We let the music do the talking but still had a bit of banter with the audience. We held the audience throughout our 30 minute set, something some of the other acts didn’t manage. Introducing two new songs and a few favourites, the time flew. At the end, I thanked everyone, only for the track to loop and start up again. I quickly stopped it and said “So sorry, you didn’t ask for an encore!” which I think endeared us further. 
 

 

I thought we played well. My lead vocals (I am not the main singer) are definitely gaining confidence and I am falling in love with my Jazz bass all over. A great night. 

Cool pics and love that pick.

Daryl

10 hours ago, basexperience said:

Bredon Cider Fest 2025, Jagged Little Alanis (www.jaggedlittlealanis.co.uk) headlining Friday night - this is a wonderful small festival with a big feel when you're onstage. The crowd are great, no lairiness, everybody happy as anything. Cider selection (and beers) was outstanding, food was good, and neither was extortionately priced. A great example of a well run fest, getting in and out was easy and seamless. They ran like clockwork and the sound guys were excellent, even though they'd come on board late in the game and didn't get the spec sheet (which is extensive for the band).

 

The wig was a £10 TEMU job, it's surprisingly good haha

 

Video is of the crowd singing the first verse. Ends abruptly as I suddenly realised I had to get my arse in gear on bass!

 

Tribute acts aplenty (really good ones!) over the 2 days, such a great little fest.

IMG_3761.mov

Love that dressing room.

Daryl

We're back at The Bend Theatre this Saturday night, opening for Reverend Raven. Catered dressing room and we play a 45 minute set. My type of gig.

Maple Road

By presenting an eclectic blend of blues, rock, and folk jams, Maple Road is a band that does not fall short of keeping an audience entertained and intrigued.  While honoring musical heroes and legends, the group also strives to craft original and memorable tunes that allow each band member and the audience to interpret the music.

Reverend Raven + Maple Road Blues Band - The Bend Theater | West Bend, WI https://share.google/vkEznZyOQe7dRBx7y

Daryl

13 hours ago, mcnach said:

 

 

Maybe consider some basic IEM solution?

 

Even if you don't have your own mix, you can typically get AT LEAST a feed from one fo the wedge monitors or the PA speakers themselves. Most are active these days and will have a 'thru' output. You can use a cheap Behringer P1 personal headphone amp, and plug into it whatever mix you can get in one XLR, and your bass on the other. With good sealing earphones (no need to spend hundreds, a KZ with the right tips would be fine) you can get a very reasonable balance. The main thing is that the earphones have a good seal. No need to go wireless, but that would be an improvement if the solution works for you.

 

I wish we could invest in a good IEM solution.  Unfortunately we recently investted in new floor wedges.

Daryl

1 hour ago, dmccombe7 said:

Problem with many phones is they focus on vocals and everything else fades slightly quiet during singing and come back up when vocals stop so always very wary of phone recordings.

I've usually got the opposite that i cant hear myself on certain stages but on phone recordings the bass is there.

Dave

 

I always hear a little more bass with earbuds. 

Daryl