I am planning a big event. It will be THE most important musical event of my life, thus far. I am about to commit to a late summer date at a studio. Which will hold 100 people seated theatre style. As far as venues for songwriters go, this is as good as it gets. I've been to many concerts there.

This show will be for my originals. Like a going away party. I am going to Nashville in the fall. Might be there for couple of weeks to set things in motion. I might move there if I like what I see.

I have written dozens of songs about my hometown/area and characters I have known. In addition to a few of my best songs, I'd play mostly those songs. Sort of a homecoming for many people. I have even planned on projecting images (photos) of people/places as the songs play.

This has to be good. Real good. My problem is not only money (hiring musicians) but rehearsing. To pull these songs off with bandmates would require multiple rehearsals.

Some of the songs are guitar oriented songs, so, not so much a problem. Others that I have written or arranged on the psr2000... to have a band sound that good would require some doing.

So, I'm asking if you think the arranger could serve as the backbone and the bandmates play along to it.

I love bass/drums but I probably would forego that for this show. On some ballads, I think they would be gorgeous with me on guitar and a string quartet or at minimum, cello and violin.

Instruments I have considered:

another acoustic guitar / harmonica
another keyboard player (mostly for piano)
fiddle / banjo
cello or viola
electric guitar
steel guitar

I've considered just hiring the bandmates and not using an arranger at all but I honestly don't know if we could pull it off and sound great. Some songs, yes. But others, I don't know.

For instance, I have some bluegrassy numbers. I could mute the banjo and have a real banjo play. On country songs, I could mute the steel and have a real steel play. Etc.

I don't know about a drummer. Even though I *love* drums. I guess he'd have to wear headphones. I've never done that. Same for bass. But the basslines on even the lowly psr2000 sound fine to me.


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Bill
Yamaha PSR2000

Bill,

As you have stated, in order to pull this off, especially using the keyboard, you will need multiple rehersal sessions. Even then, if the other players are not well regimented with their timing, it will not work. If I were in your shoes I would seriously consider using the keyboard for all the main instruments, and possibly adding a quality rythm guitar player and someone that is good with a fiddle. The PSR-2000 is more than adequate for all the other tasks.

Good Luck,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

Bill, as you know, I've done this quite a bit. I find it best to use the drums and bass from the arranger, then add whatever solo instruments you want, such as guitar, fiddle, steel, etc.
Let me know if I can help.
Don

I agree. You almost HAVE to use keyboard for all backing. I play with a group that has two additional guitar players and a sax. Everything else is my problem.

Practice is ESSENTIAL, since your other musicians need to get used to the limitations and capabilities (tempo changes, transpositions etc) of the keyboard. You have an advantage here since you wrote the music yourself. When trying to play covers it's quite an issue sometimes and can cause friction simply because certain tempo changes are almost impossible to achieve...

Make sure you have a decent speaker setup - which includes a monitor speaker for yourself.

Good luck

Jerry

Bill,

Greetings from Michigan.

I've done just what you've suggested. I use the arranger for backing and add sax, guitar, and trumpet.

The good players will have no problem because they listen. Some players will struggle. Most band players aren't used to playing with perfect rhythm no matter how good their drummer is. Rhythm wise some will stray a little if they don't listen. If they do, you should be able to pull it off just fine.

Tom

i know players that do play to click tracks and using an arranger is similar. But there are very many musicians out there with timing problems. I agree with the others

Do it by yourself..add the special players you may need[fiddle, guitar ect]..Record the music you want them to learn, leaving space for the fiddle or guitar...Send them a cd with this material and let them practice on their own...Good side musicians will be able to perform without a lot of rehersals...maybe just once to get your approval..

I often add players. One thing that really "sweetens" the sound is an excellent percussionist, who plays around the arranger drum output.

It's correct that great players adapt quickly, as long as you play in horn keys and have experience as a group player. I'm lucky. I draw from players I've known for years...all staff members of UK, Morehead State or K State. Most have done sessions with me for years.


HAVE FUN!


Russ

Could you send all parties a CD / Tape of your EXACT arrangements well in advance of any rehearsal so the rehearsal should be a fine tuning exercise rather than a learning curve?

I suppose Dots / Tab would help as well!

I agree with the sentiment that this should pose no fears for competant musicians who would probably be grateful for a nice tight and predictable bass / drum section!