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#371697 - 09/06/13 05:06 PM
Play for money or People...?
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Senior Member
Registered: 01/02/04
Posts: 7306
Loc: Lexington, Ky, USA
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You'd think it would be an easy choice...the more people you play for, the more money is generated...right?
Not in my case; at least, not recently.
Now, two full days and nights a week are devoted to doing film scores...more like sound tracks, complete with tempo breaks, effects, etc. While lots of people eventually see the final product, the work is buried under the images and voice-overs. And, minimal folks are around when I am sequencing. These productions are used as proprietary tools to sell investment firms on the choice of an individual asset for portfolio managers, or as general "fluff" pieces about what's going on at the organization.
Most of my live play is in a dining room, at a State office or Corporate retreat where I'm playing second fiddle to a ham sandwich. Rarely is there any interaction between the diners and I.
I do 6 overseas trips a year. I play in a mansion lobby or a dining room; often for two people, who rarely even look my way.
Sounds awful...except...these are MAJOR MONEY JOBS! They pay many time more than lounge jobs and general private parties.
I guess you can't have everything. I only want to play what I want to play, and want to play with superior musicians, not as a single (something I have no choice but to do, often).
I won't play country, Buffet...lots of stuff.
NOW, I'm bitching about not playing for people.
I've basically played myself out of a job. Probably serves me right.
I have a new appreciation for the notion that music must be played for people, and that musicians draw from the reaction they get.
But, somehow, I can't bring myself to play for just anyone and play just anything.
Man, am I getting picky growing old.
Russ
Edited by captain Russ (09/06/13 05:13 PM)
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#371712 - 09/07/13 12:59 AM
Re: Play for money or People...?
[Re: DonM]
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Senior Member
Registered: 10/23/06
Posts: 1661
Loc: USA
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Drop all the low playing jobs, and just do the big money stuff, then you can play for free with a jazz band or whatever is fulfilling for you! What Don said here reminded me of one of my wisest music decisions. In the 90's, when the DJ takeover was happening, I fought it tooth and nail arguing with myself every day that I'm not going to give up playing live music...that I trained as a musician and that's what I'm going to be to right up to my expiration date! One day a friend said to me: "Don't you get it? You pay your bills with the money you make if you become a disc jockey and that, in turn, will give you the freedom to pick and choose your "live" jobs....and then you'll enjoy your playing even more. And that's what I did after that. Both live and DJ (and Karaoke). Interestingly, I thought I would be bored standing there spinning discs, and........I WAS bored! But that boredom caused me to start interacting more with the audience and before I knew it, I became an "entertainer." And....for the first time I was able to stand up to sing, and "breathe" properly, and my vocalizing improved even. Doing so many different things really helps you to grow in all areas of performance. I was lucky. I was able to move into something else that I not only really enjoyed doing, but it also......paid the bills! BTW Russ, I've enjoyed reading your many poignant posts over the years! Especially this one that gave me a lot to think about as someone who was approaching "burnout" at the time! http://www.synthzone.com/forum/ubbthread...sted#Post366334 (.......there are ways to make a really good living ($100,000.00, plus annually) by playing smarter, not necessarily better.) Mark
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#371726 - 09/07/13 07:14 AM
Re: Play for money or People...?
[Re: captain Russ]
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Senior Member
Registered: 11/12/08
Posts: 2450
Loc: Bluffton/Hilton Head SC USA
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Capt.
While your off doing your jazz thing or whatever playing only what you want and with the people you want can I fill in for some of those mega money boring jobs ?? I'd love to have some big money boring gigs. LOL 1
Don't cry hunger with a loaf of bread under your arm. Your one lucky guy to have the contacts and talent you do.
Do what you have to for $$$ and then put together a little group of who you want, and play what you want, probably for no $$$, just for your own satisfaction. Sort of reminds me of years ago Woody Allen playing clarinet with a Dixieland group every Tues. night. So happens he was up for a major award of some sort but decided to forgo the Tues, night awards ceremony so as not to miss the gig.
Good luck and do as DNJ said, I reccommend Makers Mark.
_________________________
Bill in SC --- Roland BK9 (2) Roland BK7M, Roland PK5 Pedals, Roland FP90, Roland CM30 (2), JBL Eon Ones (2) JBL 610 Monitor, Behringer Sub, EV mics, Apple iPad (2) Behringer DJ mixer
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#371763 - 09/08/13 12:28 PM
Re: Play for money or People...?
[Re: captain Russ]
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Senior Member
Registered: 01/30/06
Posts: 3944
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You'd think it would be an easy choice...the more people you play for, the more money is generated...right?
Not in my case; at least, not recently.
Now, two full days and nights a week are devoted to doing film scores...more like sound tracks, complete with tempo breaks, effects, etc. While lots of people eventually see the final product, the work is buried under the images and voice-overs. And, minimal folks are around when I am sequencing. These productions are used as proprietary tools to sell investment firms on the choice of an individual asset for portfolio managers, or as general "fluff" pieces about what's going on at the organization.
Most of my live play is in a dining room, at a State office or Corporate retreat where I'm playing second fiddle to a ham sandwich. Rarely is there any interaction between the diners and I.
I do 6 overseas trips a year. I play in a mansion lobby or a dining room; often for two people, who rarely even look my way.
Sounds awful...except...these are MAJOR MONEY JOBS! They pay many time more than lounge jobs and general private parties.
I guess you can't have everything. I only want to play what I want to play, and want to play with superior musicians, not as a single (something I have no choice but to do, often).
I won't play country, Buffet...lots of stuff.
NOW, I'm bitching about not playing for people.
I've basically played myself out of a job. Probably serves me right.
I have a new appreciation for the notion that music must be played for people, and that musicians draw from the reaction they get.
But, somehow, I can't bring myself to play for just anyone and play just anything.
Man, am I getting picky growing old.
Russ Russ, Every day nearer to death and hell, look back old man have you enjoyed your lot, even though your not now look where have all those years that have gone, make the best of what you have now and if you don't need the brass, bin it all, enjoy what little you have left. You may be dead tomorrow and who will listen then, every day is a bonus. Man I am getting wiser by the day, I can see clearly through fog and bullshit now!! Here endeth the first lesson.
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#371764 - 09/08/13 02:42 PM
Re: Play for money or People...?
[Re: captain Russ]
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Senior Member
Registered: 09/21/02
Posts: 5520
Loc: Port Charlotte,FL,USA
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Amen brother
_________________________
pa4X 76 ,SX900, Audya 76,Yamaha S970 , vArranger, Hammond SK1, Ketron SD40, Centerpoint Space Station, Bose compact
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#371771 - 09/08/13 05:38 PM
Re: Play for money or People...?
[Re: Tony Hughes]
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Senior Member
Registered: 12/08/02
Posts: 15576
Loc: Forest Hill, MD USA
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Every day nearer to death and hell, look back old man have you enjoyed your lot, even though your not now look where have all those years that have gone, make the best of what you have now and if you don't need the brass, bin it all, enjoy what little you have left. You may be dead tomorrow and who will listen then, every day is a bonus. Man I am getting wiser by the day, I can see clearly through fog and bullshit now!!
Here endeth the first lesson.
Truer words were never spoken, or put in print, Tony. BTW: Glad to see your shining name here again. I, for one, really missed you. Gary 
_________________________
PSR-S950, TC Helicon Harmony-M, Digitech VR, Samson Q7, Sennheiser E855, Custom Console, and lots of other silly stuff!
K+E=W (Knowledge Plus Experience = Wisdom.)
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#371798 - 09/09/13 09:15 AM
Re: Play for money or People...?
[Re: travlin'easy]
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Senior Member
Registered: 01/02/04
Posts: 7306
Loc: Lexington, Ky, USA
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Thanks, folks. I was just giving myself a kick in the pants for being the jerk I can be, doing things the way I like, and bitching about the inevitable result...chasing off people...some types of people (read that: NORMAL people).
I have been supremely lucky in my life. And I willingly admit I have made some compromises. As little as I like country music, I have spent years in the past playing it. And, at the time, as a back-up player, I kind of enjoyed the whole experience as more entertainment than music.
Thing is, I'm not an entertainer, so I have figured out how to make a good living in the music field. Everything is in place....money...jazz...recognition.
The only thing missing are ....LISTENERS!
OH well, you can't have everything.
Russ
BTW, Tony's reference to the fragile nature of life came home to me...big time...this week-end.
Last Monday, all during a 14 hour studio session, I had a severe pain in my left side. Finally, I had my physician work me in Thursday afternoon, convinced I had a kidney stone. He told me to watch it and call the next day.
On Friday, I woke up with my eyelids stuck together. My eyes were so red I looked like a rabbit.
After a few hours, I called the Dr., who sent me to the emergency room.
I have acute diverticulitis and acute conjunctivitis, AT THE SAME TIME!
Talk about pain!
Ya never know!
Russ
Edited by captain Russ (09/09/13 09:19 AM)
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#371812 - 09/09/13 02:09 PM
Re: Play for money or People...?
[Re: captain Russ]
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Senior Member
Registered: 12/08/02
Posts: 15576
Loc: Forest Hill, MD USA
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Bad news about your health, Russ. Both maladies can be extremely dangerous if not properly treated. Please, take care of your health and don't worry too much about the music biz. Stay healthy old friend, Gary 
_________________________
PSR-S950, TC Helicon Harmony-M, Digitech VR, Samson Q7, Sennheiser E855, Custom Console, and lots of other silly stuff!
K+E=W (Knowledge Plus Experience = Wisdom.)
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#371842 - 09/10/13 09:13 AM
Re: Play for money or People...?
[Re: captain Russ]
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Senior Member
Registered: 07/27/05
Posts: 10606
Loc: Cape Breton Island, Canada
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Russ, several years ago I had acute diverticulitis, and being rather busy looking after my Uncle Jim (who had dementia), I put it and the symptoms (pain) on the back burner. It developed into an abscess about the size of a grapefruit, and due to a perforation, I ended up with peritonitis. To make a long story short, I ended up requiring emergency surgery, and after removing 18 inches of my bowel, a huge amount of antibiotics, and three blood transfusions, I managed to pull through okay. I was in my early sixties at the time, and otherwise, very healthy...I was lucky!
My point is...this condition (diverticulitis) can be life-threatening if not looked after, so be very careful.
We don't want to lose you at such a young age.
Ian
_________________________
Yamaha Tyros4, Yamaha MS-60S Powered Monitors(2), Yamaha CS-01, Yamaha TQ-5, Yamaha PSR-S775.
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#371853 - 09/10/13 01:00 PM
Re: Play for money or People...?
[Re: Diki]
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Senior Member
Registered: 01/02/04
Posts: 7306
Loc: Lexington, Ky, USA
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Thanks so much, folks! I'm into my 3rd day of antibiotics and other assorted pills. I'm taking the same antibiotics for both problems...one in eye drop form and the other in a pill.
Believe it or not, even though I look like a rabbit (red, dripping eyes), and still have a bad pain (it started subsiding a little before I went to the emergency room), I haven't missed a job. I can't see well enough to drive, but I just got my bass playing son to drive me.
I went to the emergency room at 11:00 AM on Saturday. The scan of my abdomen and evaluation of the eye were done by 1:00 PM.
My son had my 5:00 PM equipment set (a patio at the club) before he came to get me. When I played that job, he set the 9:00 PM one, which is the trio.
At 1:00 AM, I went to my editing suite, but couldn't see well enough to do an "all-nighter". I did one 30, listened to about an hour of edits and called it a day...or night.
Because the stomach pain had started on the previous Monday, I had scheduled a light Sunday.
Monday, I put in a whole day at the office and played my regular dining job...luckily, the business was light and I left after two hours.
Today, I'm at the office (got here at 7:00 AM) and plan to work my regular evening gig.
The redness isn't so bad, and it's time to cut the antibiotic eye drops to every 4 hours, instead of 2.
I'm doing this with the shaking head, but the approval of both my eye and GP doctors.
This is what I know, and it has taken my mind off the discomfort.
The amazing thing is, my son noticed the red eye at noon, and I was in serious trouble the next day.
You never know..
Thanks for the good thoughts!
Russ
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#371859 - 09/10/13 03:16 PM
Re: Play for money or People...?
[Re: captain Russ]
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Senior Member
Registered: 12/08/02
Posts: 15576
Loc: Forest Hill, MD USA
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Russ, if the eyes do NOT seem to be getting better within three to four days of antibiotic eye drops, which only works for bacterial conjunctivitis, then it may be the viral strain, which is much more difficult to treat. Therefore, it's imperative to contact the eye doctor if the problem worsens or remains the same after three to four days of treatment. If it is the viral strain, then steroidal eye drops are the only treatment available. And, this particular strain takes several weeks to successfully treat. More often than not, conjunctivitis is usually contracted from another person, and often it's someone that you've come in contact with that may seem to have just a bad cold. If you shake their hand, then inadvertently rub your eyes, wallah - you WILL get it. Over the years I've managed to avoid many of these disease transmittal problems by merely carrying antibacterial wipes with my at all times, both in the van and a small pack in my accessory bag. After glad handing a lot of audience members, the first thing I do before packing up my gear is wipe my hands with the wipes. Even this is not an iron-clad guarantee that you are safe, but as my loving spouse of a half-century says "It's better than nothing." Good luck, Gary
_________________________
PSR-S950, TC Helicon Harmony-M, Digitech VR, Samson Q7, Sennheiser E855, Custom Console, and lots of other silly stuff!
K+E=W (Knowledge Plus Experience = Wisdom.)
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#371887 - 09/11/13 04:12 PM
Re: Play for money or People...?
[Re: captain Russ]
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Senior Member
Registered: 01/30/06
Posts: 3944
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Russ,
A friend of mine went on holiday to Spain for a week, had a lovely meal at the hotel one night, went out for a walk with his Doris and started to have pains in his chest, indigestion he said ,when he got back to the UK he popped into to see the doctor, with in 10 days he was on the operating table for a triple heart bypass, the bugger is lucky to be alive, his tubes were 90% block, your a long time dead Russ, BTW am I in the will??? Now the old bugger is complaining about a sore leg where they got the new veins from, no pleasing some people.
_________________________
Tyros 4/Pair SR 350/ PC with a i8 intel chip, XENYX 802, Ford Focus 2 litre/Tascam DR07/Brother printer/Designjet 500/ our Doris/5 Grandchildren/ white boxers short Kymart shipped over and Typhoo Tea Earl Grey
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