Grubba99:
I'm a keyboardist / guitarist in 2 bands. We play covers, let's face it, originals just aren't that big a draw unless you're a known artist, or it's a coffee house where the owner's name is "Starshine".
In the band(s) we basically take the songs apart, and each of us is responsible for learning the parts note4note. That way we're learning what's important as far as our own instrument goes, then we come together to see how it all gels...or doesn't gel as the case may be. As an example, we do a rendition of "Wild Nights"..Van Morrison. I've got over $3000 in keys sitting in front of me, yet my part is in fact very minimal,(because the slap bass and percussion carry this song)...but who cares....quite often, less is more, and in the case of this example...we knock the audience out with well worked out vocal harmonies.

Maybe I'm not saying this right. It sounds like you may be (and please don't take this the wrong way) lacking a little self confidence. Obviously these players can see something in you that you can't, so give it a shot...hell, the worst they can say is no. But If you've been approached, then give it a shot, otherwise, you'll always be wondering...."what if"??
As part of a band understand that you are no longer the show. That your part of something great that works together to make great music, and it's everybody doing their part that makes it sound great. Try it...have fun. I'm 53, playing on average every second weekend (Fri. & Sat.) and I'm having a ball. It's my "out"..it's my release, my passion, my leave work at work and go out and enjoy myself. Everyone's gotta have something in their lives that gives them that high. For me...it's playing in a band with great people.
Good Luck in whatever you do...
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...L


[This message has been edited by shboom (edited 10-11-2004).]