I�m sure most of us arranger guys play in a OMB. Maybe you get to add real musicians from time to time? What musicians do you add on? Since I�m not much of a singer, a good vocalist is what I like to add first- if they play an instrument too that�s even better. If I�m doing a Latin dance job, I like to have a congero and maybe a sax/flute. I�ve also added trombone, trumpet and guitar too. What musicians have you added to your OMB?

I generally add a vocalist first.

If the vocalist can play guitar well enough to play along with a style(some can't), then that gets added.

I have a buddy who plays sax and sings well....we've done a few gigs and it was fun.

I still would rather playing on my own...I guess it's a control thing, plus I prefer instrumental music.

Ian

Hi Montunoman & Ian:

I also play instrumental music at the ballroom dances for Seniors, and lately, a good friend of mine, Dennis Murphy, he sings (really good) and plays the trumpet also.

The people so far, has like it very much, Dennis does not "take over", and play really balanced, parts are sing, play the trumpet and of course, I do the parts....as soloist or simply, playing embellishments.

I think the MOST important ingredient here is the "Musical Chemistry" is sort like reading the others mind, ....and the other guess it and no words are spoken....know when to be in the "back", "front" or somewhere in the middle , to me is the greatest type of musicianship.
So, you need to find the persons that are musically "compatible" with your style and so on.


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mdorantes

Well said mdorantes...the "chemistry" is what will make the gigs less like work and more like fun.

Ian

I have two players I rely on when I need to add pieces ... one plays sax - soprano, alto, and tenor, clarinet, and flute and brings them ALL to a gig ... the other plays tenor sax, flute, harmonica, and guitar ... and brings them ALL to a gig ... so there is a LOT of variety when I work with either one ... ALSO, they both sing pretty well ...
I REALLY enjoy working with either one of them ...
t.

When I work as a Duo I add a guy who plays tenor, plus clarinet and flute...It works well.

I've also added a pedal steel guitar player and that was awesome...



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Bill in Dayton

At the same time?

Taike

[This message has been edited by Taike (edited 11-30-2009).]

Yep...I'll give you a hint how he does it...he used to work in a circus...be called Flatulent Man.

Lately his playin' stinks, butt he's bean off his regular diet.

Ian: By the way, Bill in Dayton seems to have a talented guy who plays tenor, plus clarinet and flute.

Taike: At the same time?

Ian: I ain't goin' there...

I don't know which is scarier, Ian...my imagination or yours.

Taike

Adding players on arranger gigs is a joy. I have an extensive list of players, and use them whenever the budget allows. It's so much fun that I sometimes take a little cut in my leader's share to make it happen. I frequently use a flugal horn player, guitar player, sax player; sometimes a percussionist, which "sweetens" the rythem section nicely.


My favotite combo is guitar and sax/flute from an old group (been playing for over 30 years together off and on) and a drummer on percussion.

Until an accident put my left hand on 50% effectiveness, sometimes, I'd use these guys with a B-3 for large country club dances.

Playing with other players is, in large part, what music is all about-for me, at least!


Russ