Bilbo Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 I did a gig with John Parricelli last Sunday and that is it. One more gig in the diary for November (which I have arranged) and then nothing. 'Get a double bass and you will get loads more gigs', they said. Clearly not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 You need to broaden the range of music you're prepared to play. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hobbayne Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 .... Or get a Fender Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TPJ Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Or live where the gigs are.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted September 30, 2015 Author Share Posted September 30, 2015 I had 120 gigs in one year and I was living in the same place!! It has gone down every years since. I guess I am going to have to set up my own gigs from here on and be the bloke who books everyone else. PS the November gig is on electric!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted September 30, 2015 Author Share Posted September 30, 2015 [quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1443605148' post='2876079'] You need to broaden the range of music you're prepared to play. [/quote] So Jazz, Blues, Pop, Funk, Big Band and Latin not a wide enough selection, then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skej21 Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 [quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1443611105' post='2876148'] So Jazz, Blues, Pop, Funk, Big Band and Latin not a wide enough selection, then? [/quote] What about all those Moondance gigs you're missing out on though ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobmartin Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 (edited) I used to play masses of gigs on the D/B, it dropped down to almost nothing. Since then I've sold it, kept the Stagg and now keep busy on the trombone; how strange is that... Edited September 30, 2015 by bobmartin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beer of the Bass Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 [quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1443611105' post='2876148'] So Jazz, Blues, Pop, Funk, Big Band and Latin not a wide enough selection, then? [/quote] It might or might not be up your street, and I don't know what the scene is like in your area, but folkies of various sorts love a double bass. Perhaps there could be some gigs to be had there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 [quote name='bobmartin' timestamp='1443611600' post='2876156'] ... and now keep busy on the trombone ... [/quote] Euphemism? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skej21 Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 [quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1443612776' post='2876186'] Euphemism? [/quote] Euphoniemism? (I'll get me 'tenuous brass pun' coat!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassace Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Funny thing, the double bass. You can have lean periods with nothing in the diary then you get a call. Then another. So stay optimistic, Rob. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatback Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Poverty is God's punishment for playing jazz. But seriously, hang on in there; everything comes in threes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRev Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 It worked for me, got as many gigs as I can handle. That's with one band though, dunno what the gig situation would be as a bass for hire (assuming that's your situation?). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jakenewmanbass Posted October 7, 2015 Share Posted October 7, 2015 freelancing is hard for everyone Rob... and getting worse it would seem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtroun Posted October 7, 2015 Share Posted October 7, 2015 Feeling this. It seems like a lot places are putting on bands of questionable quality who will play for peanuts or nothing at all, and I'm trying hard to break onto the established professional circuit but because my band is made up of my peers instead of 'names' I haven't had a single positive response from a venue. The gigs I do get at the moment seem to be one-off 'event' type gigs which require a lot of preparation for only a small financial reward. Not great. I'm not doing many functions at the moment, are most people with agencies or relying on contacts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted October 8, 2015 Author Share Posted October 8, 2015 [quote name='jakenewmanbass' timestamp='1444214783' post='2881141'] freelancing is hard for everyone Rob... and getting worse it would seem. [/quote] It's just picking up, Jake. I now have two gigs (both on electric and only one is paid) between now and my eventual death. It's grim!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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