|
|
|
|
|
|
#60985 - 06/01/05 06:11 PM
Struggling with the type of music I play
|
Senior Member
Registered: 06/04/02
Posts: 4912
Loc: West Palm Beach, FL 33417
|
I had good intentions when I said I would start a teaching post on the forum. Since then I have committed to making a changeover in the type of music that is needed to play the jobs that I play.
Creating a new repertoire is one big job, I?m doing it reluctantly, I love the older music. Big Band, Latin, Polkas, Nice Ballads and all that goes with that era. This happened to me back in the 60?s and 70?s in New York, that?s why I moved to Florida, I was able to continue playing the music I love. Here in Southeast other than nursing homes there is very little demand for the older music. Even the condos have changed their preference.
In the changeover I am using Midi Files ? I sing --- and I may also use Guitar --- Wow, it sounds like I am back in New York again. Maybe it's time to quit.
I am open to any thoughts -- Are any of you struggling with the same problem?
Puzzled, John C
[This message has been edited by bruno123 (edited 06-01-2005).]
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#60991 - 06/02/05 02:40 AM
Re: Struggling with the type of music I play
|
Senior Member
Registered: 09/21/02
Posts: 5519
Loc: Port Charlotte,FL,USA
|
Hi John I am going through the same thing.It is easy enough for me to modernize.In fact many times I prefer it. To put this in context,I am speaking of moving up to the 50's to 80's from 20's to 40's.
I have played nursing homes and senior dances where the former is always appreciated. I have played lodges and other venues where you can't give them a steady diet of bigband,ballroom,etc.I thought about this a long time,and concluded that to stay in the mainstream at all,I cannot keep playing the same music I did 40 years ago,although the irony is I played cover songs then that were newer than I play now. The reason is I was playing lounges for a living.
I am going to keep the old,but,also join the 50 and 60 yr olds. Afterall,I remember when that was old as dirt. Look at our British friends,Bill and Rog.I thought their music was refreshing at the Jam
Good post,John
_________________________
pa4X 76 ,SX900, Audya 76,Yamaha S970 , vArranger, Hammond SK1, Ketron SD40, Centerpoint Space Station, Bose compact
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#60995 - 06/02/05 04:11 PM
Re: Struggling with the type of music I play
|
Senior Member
Registered: 03/19/02
Posts: 1098
Loc: Cambridge, Cambs, England
|
When I and a friend started our Keyboard Club, I was surprised to be criticised for playing "favourites" my way. Apparently, I was not keeping the beat, I was not using the correct style/backing and was using some "peculiar" (their word not mine) sounds as well.
My answer to them was, you can have several people all admiring the same picture but each will see different aspects of it. Some will like it some will loathe it and some will be indifferent and that is how it is with music.
When I buy a new music book/sheet, one of the pleasures for me is to pick a song and go through my styles on my KN7000 - it is amazing how many styles suit a particular piece of music.
I also do this when playing a 'gig' I surprise my audience by playing a popular song to a an unusual rhythm. Again, it is surprising how many people will say "that's sounds good, I never thought of using a Latin rhythm" or whatever.
I must be doing something right because I keep getting repeat 'gigs' so as Elizabeth said in her posting, enjoy your music, if someone doesn't like it - tough! You cannot please everybody all of the time.
Good luck!
Aud (U.K.)
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#60997 - 06/03/05 02:15 AM
Re: Struggling with the type of music I play
|
Senior Member
Registered: 09/21/02
Posts: 5519
Loc: Port Charlotte,FL,USA
|
John C I run my laptop through an Echo"Indigo" card that slips into the pmcia(?)slot. The sound for MIDI playback is equal to the 7000 GM sounds. Sometimes better.
Bernie
_________________________
pa4X 76 ,SX900, Audya 76,Yamaha S970 , vArranger, Hammond SK1, Ketron SD40, Centerpoint Space Station, Bose compact
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#61000 - 06/08/05 03:20 AM
Re: Struggling with the type of music I play
|
Senior Member
Registered: 06/04/02
Posts: 4912
Loc: West Palm Beach, FL 33417
|
I played a job using my Tyros this past Saturday, it is the first time I have not used a Kn keyboard to play a larger job. New keyboard and an amended repertoire, less big band, more rock. I am using the word rock as any song that has a rock flavor from the 50?s on.
1-Started with background music, they were still eating. 2- I played enjoyable music but no rock. 3-Dinner is over, opened with a sing-a-long, then New York New York, Leroy Brown, and YMCA. 4-Now I entered the strange (to me) world of midi files. Pushed a button and I started singing. At one point I muted the right and left hand of the keyboard and caressed the keys while I was singing. Aaaah! 5-Next was the Audio files, Electric Slide, Pretty Woman ? ect.
The job was a success, they were pleased and I got a $25 tip.
It was not s bad as I thought it might be, in fact it was a much easier job. Not as rewarding. I am now a keyboard player, a DJ, and a karoake Guy. Hmmm
Life is interesting, John
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#61003 - 06/08/05 06:54 AM
Re: Struggling with the type of music I play
|
Senior Member
Registered: 01/16/02
Posts: 14376
Loc: East Greenwich RI USA
|
Originally posted by bruno123: ... I am now a keyboard player, a DJ, and a karoake Guy. Hmmm Life is interesting, John
IMHO: First and foremost we are entertainers ... We get hired, and paid (hopefully ) to ENTERTAIN... How we do that is by individual preference, taking into consideration the desires of the client... Many of us used to work in a band with other musicians and relied on their support to entertain the client, but the economics don't allow for much of that now ... so we now still rely on other 'musicians, or 'music makers', but they are not physically with us on stage ... they are the style makers, the midi file makers, the mp3 recorders, whatever ... As Dylan said "The times they are a changin' ..." and they will continue to do so ... if we want to continue to feed our pockets, and just as importantly, our EGOS, we must change with them ... I can find enough enjoyment in 'pleasing the crowd' by playing THEIR music, and then find the time to please myself, playing MY music ... Do whatever it takes, but just keep making music ... t.
_________________________
t.
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#61004 - 06/08/05 11:30 AM
Re: Struggling with the type of music I play
|
Senior Member
Registered: 09/21/02
Posts: 5519
Loc: Port Charlotte,FL,USA
|
Well said,Tony I would like to add that,for the purist's edification,playing midis does not mean all the time,and, it does not mean turning on the midi and pretending to play.
I use them when the style is custom made for the song,and much more identifiable than a generic style. Furthermore, I tweek the instruments,and mute parts so I am playing the melody and,manytimes,embellishing with my left hand.
From a musicians point of view,I think midis can be abused,but they certainly have a place in today's entertainment. Bernie
_________________________
pa4X 76 ,SX900, Audya 76,Yamaha S970 , vArranger, Hammond SK1, Ketron SD40, Centerpoint Space Station, Bose compact
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#61006 - 06/09/05 11:23 AM
Re: Struggling with the type of music I play
|
Senior Member
Registered: 09/21/02
Posts: 5519
Loc: Port Charlotte,FL,USA
|
Hi Rog I prefer using styles,myself,for a couple of reasons. One has more flexability for one thing.If one is playing backup to a vocalist,or if there is any need to pause. The second reason is pure ego. I like to play as much of the song as possible to lend some degree of personal authenticity.
Having said that, I also want to bring as much recognizable elements to the song,including proper instrumentation and,above all,a beat and accompaniment as close to the original as possible.
Unfortunately,unlike yourself, I don't own EMC software to convert the good Yamaha styles. I,also,do not possess the skill,or the patience to make my own. Therefore,sometimes there is a tradoff.
Cheers Bernie aka/Cheeky Boy
_________________________
pa4X 76 ,SX900, Audya 76,Yamaha S970 , vArranger, Hammond SK1, Ketron SD40, Centerpoint Space Station, Bose compact
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|