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#387393 - 04/02/14 11:44 AM
Re: Catching Up....!
[Re: tony mads usa]
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Senior Member
Registered: 01/02/04
Posts: 7302
Loc: Lexington, Ky, USA
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Thanks, Tony. Actually, there IS a little bit of pre-planning. I generally only play at places where people who are candidates for doing business with my company frequent.
My three largest contracts came from those contacts. I also use the gigs to entertain my clients. They show up, and I only have to deal with them 15 minutes an hour (LOL).
I moved to a very private country club 2 years ago, and I felt the reduction in business. Many have told me that they went to the old place and the hostess never heard of me.
While I don't want any more gigs, I need to be visible, so people can find me and I can have guests. The head of Toyota Motor Manufacturing (located in a town 15 miles from here) was promoted to international president. When he comes into the country he always calls. Last year, it took a friend who was a member of the club to agree to have him as their guest.
I'm about to move to a neat little place about 1/2 mile from my warehouse. It's run by a former horse trainer, and is a combo of a wine shop, small wine bar/sandwich shop, and a new bourbon bar; just opened and first rate.
It's in the middle of the downtown area, with lots of the people I generally do business with as after work regulars.
So, you're right...I have to leverage what I know, and find the right kind of place, with the right kind of clientele.
Other-wise, I wouldn't bother playing bars and restaurants...don't pay nearly enough. Same thing with the Philharmonic. People who patronize Philharmonic organizations are my target folks for the business. That's why I do things like the Beau Diddley tribute and other silly stuff. That and it;s FUN FUN FUN! Other-wise it's a really nice bunch of mediocre players rehearsing entirely too often (LOL)!
I would sincerely enjoy backing you with just you on vocals and me on guitar. Now, THAT would be fun. I really like the way you craft songs.
R.
PS. People hire me not because they like my music, but they want my customers. Sometimes, they start off by saying, "I don't like jazz, but....". I have BS-ed them into thinking that having jazz is cool and sophisticated.
AND, WE ALL KNOW, THAT's A BUNCH OF CRAP (Hee, hee ).
BTW, I forgot, in my initial post here to share the lyrics to a few of my "sophisticated" parodies:
"Don't look so sad.... I know you're pregnant... (Sorry Mr Price)
Suddenly, I'm not half the man I used to be... there's a husband standing over me.... (Apology to Paul).
"There's nothing left of me Since my hysterectomy. I left my bowels and ovaries among my souvenirs...
(GOT A MILLION OF EM, FOLKS)!
Edited by captain Russ (04/02/14 12:14 PM)
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#387397 - 04/02/14 12:55 PM
Re: Catching Up....!
[Re: captain Russ]
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Senior Member
Registered: 01/16/02
Posts: 14376
Loc: East Greenwich RI USA
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I would sincerely enjoy backing you with just you on vocals and me on guitar. Now, THAT would be fun. I really like the way you craft songs. R.
Thank you for that compliment, Russ, it is much appreciated ... but be careful what you wish for ... I may just send you a track for you to record with ... PS. People hire me not because they like my music, but they want my customers. Sometimes, they start off by saying, "I don't like jazz, but....". I have BS-ed them into thinking that having jazz is cool and sophisticated. AND, WE ALL KNOW, THAT's A BUNCH OF CRAP (Hee, hee ).
Yeah?, well I think that's BS too ... when we think about it, most high end restaurants and supper clubs (not sure what the difference is ) even if they don't have live music, will be playing jazz through the house system ... maybe not Monk and Coltrane, but you will hear tunes by Wes Montgomery, Oscar, Brubeck, Getz, etc. so it really IS cool and sophisticated ...
_________________________
t.
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