Yank

Is it the drummer's band or a democracy? I can see if someone really, really hates a song, but he should get one vote, majority rules, not total veto power. Tell him to take it like a man.

Musicians who play with passion inspire me, famous or not. The other day, someone played me on their phone some kid they knew, all of 14, singing and strumming an acoustic guitar. This kid had more passion that some adults I know who gig regularly. Trying to find that passion, every time I pick up an instrument is my goal.

It's a wonderful thing how we can become accomplished on an instrument but are willing to try other instruments. Some we take to and some we don't. Some make us feel like total idiots, but if we're motivated enough we don't give up. It might just keep altsheimers at bay. If not, at least it was fun trying. I'm amazed at the variety of instruments tried here.

Some Zydeco bands make liberal use of a triangle. Other than that, mostly symphonic percussionists. You think it's easy counting 156 measures of rest and then coming in on exactly the proper quarter note written by some dead guy? Those guys deserve a medal.

All things mentioned would be within the realm of the percussionist. There are folks within the latino genre who will add the little touches that will elevate the song. I know you meant to be funny, and while most folks who pick up a tambourine have no business doing so, check out the vidio "Standing in the shadow of Motown" about James Jamerson and the rest of "Funk Brothers". There's a short piece where the percussionist talks about how they would layer the song. What he does with a tambourine is so far above what you are used to hearing.

Shar music here in the States, which deals in the needs of string players (violins,etc.) have encountered knock-off strings which made their way into the mainstream marketplace. They buy direct from the manufacturer and put hologram stickers on the packages which they guarantee as genuine. Good violin strings can go for $25 -$150, with viola, cello and double bass stings much, much more. Who would have thought they'd be knocking off electric bass strings. I guess where there's money to be made, someone will come along to try and cheat you. Beware.

It's funny. Sure, there's plenty of flaky singers, but no more than other musicians. I assume we've all been involved in bands where it went so smoothly, until you lose a member for whatever reason. Then, trying to find a replacement, the dregs come out of the woodwork, whether singer or drummer or guitar player. Of course, never the bass player. Auditions are the only time these folks leave their bedrooms. They want to run with the big dogs, but their legs are too short.

I liked "More Than Words". Very Beatle-esk I think it was a well written song. I guarantee after all the hard-core guys left, the place was packed with beautiful woman who only came to hear that song.

Cool pics! His name was Martyn Gibson and he played a Hofner? Priceless!

I seem to remember Nick Beggs did a tour with John Paul Jones playing stick and bass. Makes him a badass in my book.

Thought you meant a Chapman stick. How anyone can make heads or tails of that is beyond me.

I've been blessed with a good memory. I started as a singing drummer as a wee lad, back when in order to learn the lyrics, you first had to get them off a record by dropping the needle over and over in the grooves. When I'm in bands where I'm not the lead vox, I remember the agreed upon arragement, and when a part is in doubt, will be the one who they turn to and say "how did we decide to do that part?". I've been in some bands where everyone had a great memory and once an arrangement was agreed upon, was written in stone. That makes it easy. I feel your pain!

Yes, the viola not the viola bass, which is a bass, not a viola. If the upright is a double bass, that must make the cello the bass, which might make the viola a half bass. It sounds really lush backing up singer songwriter type songs.

Starting to play my viola again. Curious if anyone else plays and maybe adds it in at a gig here and there. Such a beautiful sound.

Try to get at least a mid-price bass drum pedal and high hat stand. The cheap ones will fall apart quickly. With nice heads, you can get even very cheap drums to sound good by proper tuning. In a quiet space, you'll notice the difference in the quality of tone between good and cheap cymbals. Once the music starts, not so much.

"transwoman" ? Is that a man identifying as a woman or a woman identifying as a man. I'm so confused these days. Get "in touch" ? Is that a double entendre?

OK then. Change me to yes.

No. I don't believe Squire makes a fretless.

Standard around here growing up was always 4 hours. For some reason, standard has become 3 hours. Less than that seems unsatisfying. Load your gear in your vehicle, drive to gig, unload and set up at gig.........play.........tear down and load into vehicle, drive home, unload gear into house. Two hours and you're just warming up. No wonder Springsteen and The Dead played marathon gigs. I love playing parties where you might play for 6 hours.

13/14 songs in 2 hours? Musta been some great jams. I love playing songs that take you on a journey like that. Jam band or jazz based? Something like "Low spark of high-heeled boyos " ?

I don't think he's a bass player. He say's he's got professional gear and reliable transport. Next he's gonna say he's got a girlfriend.

No, I didn't do "Mo Ghile Mar". No point. Restaurant/bar as opposed to Bar/restaurant, where we had to keep the volume down so as not to disturb people wanting to talk. I much prefer bars where people get loose and feel free to hoot and hollar.

Hey Spondon, I don't actually speak gaelic, but If I learn songs in other languages I just memorize the sylables/ sounds of the words. Kind of like a party trick.

Hey phil c60 , where are you playing?

Last year I did "Mo Ghile Mar" in gaelic, but I might just as well have sung it in Hungarian for all anyone knew. Beautiful song, though.