TimR

[quote name='skej21' timestamp='1419452361' post='2640200'] And spends the same time practicing that most members here do discussing pointless stuff... Such as the use of music stands! :-P [/quote] I think you'll find that proffesional musicians regard practicing as cheating.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1419444065' post='2640077'] Good songs is always my start point... I wont really know how the band will sound until we get these to rehearsal..but I am pretty sure the gtr has some preconceived ideas. I REALLY didn't want to be stuck in the 80's at all.. and if your age range audience is correct then that is too limiting. Maybe that is why 80's bands don't do too well out of pubs round here. And by that I mean, they still charge pub sort of money to do parties.. I like the band to be a bit more than a selction of the most popular numbers it can play... so yes, I'll take it a bit more seriously. I think this can be rescued IF the guys in the band can pull off some original takes of a popular song..but it will be short lived if we are just a copy band...which is one reason why I resisted keys and I am glad I did...altho they will feature for the bigger better gigs when the band goes to 7-8 piece. [/quote] The function bands that I've playing in do one set of 80s at most. 60-70s go down a storm with all ages and the under 30s and 35-40s go mad for 00-10s. What you have to realise is that 'most' people in the age range 30-40 are home with kids or at each other's dinner parties. Getting this age group out of the house is quite a challenge.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1419436869' post='2639975'] ... I want piano more than keys. In fact, I'll tell the keys, no midi sounds, only paino, electric piano, hammond and one or two synth sounds and that's it.. [/quote] Yes. Soft strings is about it. Anything else just sounds like you've tried too hard and missed. Personally I think you can take any tune with a good hook, strong melody and good lyrics and rhythm and play it in your own style. It'll still be instantly recognisable. If you're sticking to 80s number then you're sticking to 35-45 age range audience. Unless you start playing ABBA or tunes from Disney films. The danger with 80s tunes is taking yourselves too seriously. I lived through the 80s as a teenager and it was real cheese for the most part. If you accept it's cheesy you'll do well.

What is the petition hoping to achieve? Don't the petitions just get parliament to debate the issue. Which is apparently already being done and has cross parliamentary support... https://appgticketabuse.wordpress.com

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1419337068' post='2638839'] It's their way of ensuring that only UK residents are counted. T'web is (I'm told...) 'world-wide', and we wouldn't want non-nationals petitioning, now would we..? Blinkin' well unbeatable method of preventing cheating, eh..? Took a lot of work to invent, did that. [size=4] [/size] [/quote] They can then check a sample to make sure that real people did sign it and it wasn't just someone going through the phone book and adding names.

[quote name='UglyDog' timestamp='1419327017' post='2638705'] Yes it is. Although TBH that's a bit like asking "is this the 'Frog Chorus' Paul McCartney?" I've always thought it a real shame that they are remembered mainly for one of their poorest songs. I guess that's what happens when you're something of a one-hit-wonder. [/quote] Great analagy. Or the Brick In The Wall - Pink Floyd.

[quote name='tonybassplayer' timestamp='1419325648' post='2638679'] To be fair it's not my petition it's just co incidental that I was having exactly the same feelings at the same time but it's building very fast and usually I am quite a chilled out kind of a person but there is no doubt about that this is very much profiteering and I am confident that in time ( sadly nothing seems to happen very quickly ) this could help change the situation. [/quote] Ah ok. However, looks like Watchdog have already given this on a big bashing. The various companies have replied. Sharon Hodgson MP is/was apparently one pushing for a change in the law to limit the price increase to 10% Watchdog stuff here. Interesting read. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3Sn9kz60SZPXy0g0qCy2zk8/second-hand-ticketing

You should bring this to the attention of BBC Watchdog. You might get on TV. I'm usually very sceptical of these petitions, usually badly worded and based on idealism but in this case you're spot on the money. Well done.

Exactly.

[quote name='spacey' timestamp='1419284985' post='2638428'] Cowel want sp**k trumpets to empty the pockets of teenage girls of their pocket money. [/quote] And the object of a proffesional corporate function band is to ...?

[quote name='Dan Dare' timestamp='1419277196' post='2638321'] A bit of defensiveness in the "not raw enough/too sterile comments, methinks. Great musicians. End of. [/quote] Not really. It's classic west end theatre style stuff. It's what it is. It's aimed at corporate events. It's good. Not what I enjoy. Similar to the band on 'strictly' People like Cowell and quite a few west end production auditions I've been to now, specifically avoid this type of performer. There is something missing (the x-factor if you like )

Good luck. Whatever happens you'll have fun.

No doubt if you're on a tour with an established band. Learning the horn parts would be simple. Handed them at the gig might be a bit different.

I suspect a lot of what the brass play in originals bands has been arranged by someone else. I can't see them all sitting round and working out parts.

I was going to ask if they both only play from the dots. If the pianist can play from charts it'll make it a lot more fun as that would leave the cello the tune, you some basic riffs while the pianist gets stuck into some chord work and provides the rhythm. Quick and simple formula for playing practically any tune from the 1001 tunes for buskers books. Never know you could form a band. Record it though. It would be good to laugh at in a few years time when they're accomplished musicians.

Classic album. It was in the charts in 1985 for what felt like forever. Wikipedia has it in the top 40 for the whole year! Practically every track was released as a single. I would say everyone aged between 42 and 50 probably has it on vinyl. Or did. Floppy hair, big collared wooly jumpers tucked into peg trousers with a soul belt. .

[quote name='spectoremg' timestamp='1419096680' post='2636560'] ... we found by asking afterwards were in fact 'album' tracks. Heinous. [/quote] Technically that is exactly what the "Classic Rock" genre of music is. A guy at work had this on today. http://www.thearrow.co.uk They played a lot of numbers our band plays that I've never heard on the radio. Would be a great rescource for picking more of the less played tunes.

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1419077059' post='2636258'] ... Otherwise you run the risk of sounding like a politician trying to get down with the kidz. ... [/quote] Excellent analogy. That's what I was searching for in "the best function band I've ever seen" thread.

[quote name='Number6' timestamp='1419088067' post='2636439'] I still maintain that it should state in the promotional material whether stands will be in use.....it just avoids that awkward moment where someone is having to decide....Should i stay or should i go now [/quote] Get your coat!....

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1419087633' post='2636428'] I cant sight read or read a chart quick enough for most songs but I am thinking of buying an open framed stand and a copy of something like "expert notation for talented musicians in 5/8 and 3/4" to put on the stand, but with "Jugs Weekly" hidden inside [/quote] I'm definitely going to do that at our next gig. A black folder with an art magazine. Just in view of the drummer. Can't wait to see his face when we start the first number and I open the folder. Closely followed by the rest of the band when they wonder why he has fallen off his stool. .

I gave up using stands after too many gigs with stage lighting that made it impossible to read the chart. I tried various lights but found it just easier to learn the tunes than carry around a stand, a light, a folder. And then when the band leader decided to produce a different setlist on arrival at the gig; half an hour rearranging the order of my music.

Short selling.

Lots of triplet stuff where you just play the two and three of the triplet. Unfortunately to be any good at any style you just have to immerse yourself in it for weeks. Just listen constantly on your iPod to as much as you can get hold of.

It's kind of what I look for now. If the band isn't getting repeat bookings or gigs from people recommending them it's a no for me. That's how you get in a decent function band and it's how function bands should operate. There's lots of bands out there trying to get gigs. You shouldn't have to try to get gigs. If you're good you'll get offered them.

[quote name='The fasting showman' timestamp='1418899852' post='2634557'] 'The best party /function band' certainly wasn't the rubbish I was doing last Saturday, confirmed by the phone footage I saw. Bloody chronic. I need to start taking heed of other Basschatters and up my game band-wise. Martin [/quote] It's difficult. I played in a band where the enthusiasm was a lot more evident than the talent. We got gigs and people danced. We didn't tend to get many rebookings though...