Thoughts From Me

I'd like to clear the air.

I have utmost respect for any musician in New York City, Los Angeles, and Nashville who has the courage to live without a net and play music full time. No health insurance benefits, no retirement fund, no government support what-so-ever.

For the one's that are actually successful at it and have an income that can support a home and family, well they are multi-millionaires in my mind.

I am as guilty as the next guy in here when it comes to being opinionated about certain players. Many of us sit back in our comfy homes(many of you still supported by your parents) in other parts of the world, play as a hobby or as a side job, and tear these professionals apart. The truth is we're in here talking, because we can't play half as good as any of them. Sure some folks in here have technical abilities and can maybe pull of some Colaiuta-esque fills, however I'm talking about music, groove and musicality.

I will continue to share my likes and dislikes and be honest. However, let it be known that I have worlds of respect for every player out there doing it for real. It's pretty easy to move to some other state or country, play cruise ship gigs, weddings and little recordings, and call yourself a pro. There is something to be said for that. I however am speaking of the folks who swim with the sharks.

Regardless of my musical tastes, I owe each and every one of you out there gratitude for inspiring me. Every comment of mine should be taken lightly as I am in awe of people who are out there creating full time and living a comfortable life.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ July 27, 2005 08:29 PM: Message edited by: Groovesmitty ]</font>

Here here.
[img]smile.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/thumbs_up.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/rose.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/sun.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/rainbow.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/smarty.gif[/img]

I hear ya...

Joey Baron told my friend that if you can pay your bills as a musician, that's serious success in his book.

yeah i would agree with that quote blake...the people that do ship gigs and small recordings are held in the same regard as vinnie or any other guy in terms of a professional.

In terms of playing ability and technicality etc...thats another story

I've had many working gigs, but 1 of which was a long-standing gig of almost a decade w a touring & recordg country-style & showtunes comedy act [think Hee Haw & Green Acres on 'roids - but NOT DukesOH!!]

It was the "Zappa" of C&W music [img]wink.gif[/img] - by that i mean, there was an overall songlist of over 100 songs, contempo-crossover C&W, showtunes, blues, rock, 50s, Elvis[!], etc, none of which were exceptionally difficult, & nothing new to a working "pro," but any of which could be called at any given time during the shows, which had no set set-list, & was completely prone to improv comedy bits & interaction w the audience, & music pertaing to. [Both click & non.]

Also, the frontperson would go out into the crowd w a wireless, sometmes 100s of feet, perpetrating a bear of a delay between his vox AWA improv'd banter, & the band's music.
& often the band would have to stop on an "impromptu dime" during tunes, or segue into something else, w room for improv within the styles. & make stuff up musically within whatever style on the spot.

& petaining to the biz & traveling/touring, I learned more off the bandstand than i did on it.

& I paid my bills as a result.

Then I'd go home in my free off-road-time & indulge/binge on jazz, fusion/world-ethno, funk, RnB/soul, classical/symph-orch, & prog rock [*whew* - thank God 4 small miracles, you say?] [img]wink.gif[/img] ...Moral: Never take "other" styles of music for granted... /;-p

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ July 28, 2005 03:47 PM: Message edited by: got_a_match_grip? ]</font>

It takes more that just great musicianship to make a decent living as a musician, much less a sideman like a drummer. It takes talent + some serious hussle. Ultimately, I chose not to do it, and I have no regrets.

Having said that, here's the funny part. In a town where accomplished jazz players work for $50-100 for a gig, the Klezmer band (think Hava Nagila) of 7 players I used to play in, books gigs at $1,000 an hour. I know an accomplished jazz guitarist who makes a ton of money playing and managing a corporate/wedding/bar mitzva/klezmer band business with a bunch of musicians that play multiple gigs. For example, he may have 3-4 gigs booked on a weekend and he may play in 1 or 2 of them.

I think my point is that in order to make a real living as a musician, you have to be willing to do what pays, even if it's not your passion.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ July 28, 2005 10:07 PM: Message edited by: Henry II ]</font>

Quote:

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Originally posted by spaceotter:
Most days I feel like such a f*ing coward for having a day job...AGAIN.

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">ditto
uncensored: fuckin' coward

Well said man... Great post...

I know how hard it is and I admire my peers and other people who are making it happen. Having said that, I have just as much admiration for people who decide it's not for them... I could never do that...

MP

Very well said...couldn't agree with you more [img]graemlins/thumbs_up.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/thumbs_up.gif[/img]

It's funny how some people make certain statements about them.
Henry no offense my man, you're cool and all, but groove was paying respect to the people that DO play music for real, not those who "choose" not to do it. I'm wondering why you even mentioned your scenario as it doesn't apply here. And again, no offense man at all, I'm just curious why you said that. He's not talking about you.
That being said, I'd rather be behind my drums for a living playing a polka than sit behind a desk or do something that it is not musical. Vinnie just played on a Paul Anka CD. Do you think that's his passion? Music is his passion. Any kind. Playing is better than not playing. For those who would rather play only what they love, well they are not cut out to play professionally as sidemen. Do you really think Vinnie LOVES Faith Hills music? Come on. Yet he spent 2 years on the road with her.
Of course you have to do what pays. But to get those kind of gigs, you have to be amongst the best in your field.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ July 29, 2005 12:32 AM: Message edited by: Flarobstix ]</font>