Hear my playing

[XNavyDrummer]

Klemme, Thanks for your comments also. I appreciate the encouragement!

[cjbdrm]

Hey Andy,

I read your post- you're welcome. I was just giving you an honest first impression. I never said there were "too many notes"...I guess I was waiting for the vibe/groove/feel to happen, and felt it never did- or at least not for very long...this is the kind of gig where I tend to think in terms of 'atmosphere' as in: What kind of atmosphere are we trying to create? This of course depends on the client, the room, etc. I just thought the 'atmosphere' you guys were creating wasn't appropriate...of course art is subjective, this is only my opinion, etc, etc.

Also, keep in mind that although my first post seemed harsh and negative, it was meant to be helpful/encouraging as well...

Let me clarify a few things for everyone:

1)Background music doesn't have to be boring...that's like saying you can't play with intensity at a low volume.
2)Playing background music is indeed "making music".
3)One man's music is another man's MUZAK...and one man's MUZAK is another man's music.
4)If the client is happy, that's really all that matters anyway, no matter how you approach the gig.

Looks like that is the case here...

[matricks]

Since someone in the band recorded the performance, it was certainly done in a way that the band can be heard, which could therefore give the impression that this background music is not background music afterall. Maybe in context of the overall sound of the room it was indeed in the background... i don't think background music with a few extra notes is a bad thing... it's not like they are playing Mahavishnu's The Inner Mounting Flame or anything, then that might be an issue [img]wink.gif[/img]

[Kubla]

Nice job Andy. I say always give the client your best shit until they tell you otherwise. If they want wallpaper, they'll tell you ... guaranteed.

[drum4fun]

Sounds good Andy! I wish I could play as well as you.

[XNavyDrummer]

Thanks, cjbdrm, matricks (Inner Mounting Flame was on the next set, as a bossa), Kubla and drum4fun. I appreciate all of your comments.

And thanks again to everybody for taking the time to listen and respond!

I gigged with three different bands today. The approach was very different for each one. This music thing is like acting I think. You can end up playing very different roles depending on your perception of what's needed.