Live Performance Question--Need A Bit Of Advice

tonytrout · May 14th, 2008, 01:56 PM

As I've prolly mentioned here numerous times, the band that I play lead guitar in (Irons In The Fire) will be opening for Marty Stuart on July 17, 2008. I've been asked to find a song to do for the show where I could 'show off" my playing abilities. I'd love to do one of Marty's songs that he does....but I'm not sure if I have to get his permission to do so.....or whether it might seem a bit 'awkward' to even do it.

Anybody got any ideas?? I'm really wanting this show to be a great show cuz it, personally, means a lot to me since I'm a huge fan of Marty's.

Any thoughts are welcome!!

mudbean · May 14th, 2008, 01:59 PM

Well, I certainly wouldn't recommend doing one of the headliner's songs when you're the opening act. That just seems weird somehow.

mud

ajgus · May 14th, 2008, 02:05 PM

And if you do one of his songs, definitely get his permisson & make sure he doesn't already have it planned in his set. Have you ever seen A Mighty Wind?

vjf1968 · May 14th, 2008, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonytrout

As I've prolly mentioned here numerous times, the band that I play lead guitar in (Irons In The Fire) will be opening for Marty Stuart on July 17, 2008. I've been asked to find a song to do for the show where I could 'show off" my playing abilities. I'd love to do one of Marty's songs that he does....but I'm not sure if I have to get his permission to do so.....or whether it might seem a bit 'awkward' to even do it.

Anybody got any ideas?? I'm really wanting this show to be a great show cuz it, personally, means a lot to me since I'm a huge fan of Marty's.

Any thoughts are welcome!!

You don't want to be "that guy". Maybe a classic like "Speedin' West" , "Buckaroo" or an arragement of "Orange Blossom Special" for guitar?

superchicken_VI · May 14th, 2008, 02:11 PM

I wouldn't do the headliner's material. It may seem like you're honoring him by doing it, but many will not see it that way.

fenderfan · May 14th, 2008, 02:11 PM

Hello,
As a longtime regional gigging musician who was fortunate to open for some fine performers, my two cents worth would be that you should not do one of the songs of the artist you are opening for - your intentions would be pure, but it wouldn't be quite right. Definitely do some tunes where you can dig in and show your Tele skills, though, and congratulations on the great gig!

stxrus · May 14th, 2008, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonytrout

As I've prolly mentioned here numerous times, the band that I play lead guitar in (Irons In The Fire) will be opening for Marty Stuart on July 17, 2008. I've been asked to find a song to do for the show where I could 'show off" my playing abilities. I'd love to do one of Marty's songs that he does....but I'm not sure if I have to get his permission to do so.....or whether it might seem a bit 'awkward' to even do it.

Anybody got any ideas?? I'm really wanting this show to be a great show cuz it, personally, means a lot to me since I'm a huge fan of Marty's.

Any thoughts are welcome!!

a BIG TIME NO NO. continue to be a fan but show your chops on something other than the headliners music.

steve

Frank_Kimball · May 14th, 2008, 02:24 PM

The old banjo tune June Apple just sounds like something Marty and Kenny would do...Doc Watson is associated with it but I can't find any evidence that the Superlatives have done it onstage (Marty must have played this at one time or another, I'm probably wrong...anybody?) Lots of counterpoint, a great Tele workout:

Durtdog · May 14th, 2008, 02:28 PM

You could go ahead and do a whole set of Marty's music. When you finish, pass him backstage say, "Oh sorry Marty, were you wanting to do some of those songs?"

Just kidding.

Seriously, I would NOT do any of his songs when opening for him. I can't imagine it would be good for him or your band.

tonytrout · May 14th, 2008, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vjf1968

You don't want to be "that guy". Maybe a classic like "Speedin' West" , "Buckaroo" or an arragement of "Orange Blossom Special" for guitar?

I've already seen Marty do "Buckaroo" once before so....that's a no-go.

Thanks for the advice, fellas.

geddins · May 14th, 2008, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonytrout

I've already seen Marty do "Buckaroo" once before so....that's a no-go.

Thanks for the advice, fellas.

Yeah...but he's covering it...just like you would be....I think folks are just saying don't cover a tune he's cut.....

I like the idea of an arrangement of OB Special (he's prolly played that a few times as well

); you'd have a lot of space to play in/around to show off your chops.

Good luck, and congrats on a fantastic gig!......

garytelecastor · May 14th, 2008, 03:05 PM

Under no circumstances should you do one his songs!!!!!!!

Pick out something different. This is NEVER EVER a good idea.
I have actually had this in contracts. DON'T DO IT!

If you do it well, Marty will be pissed.
If you don't do it well, you look ridiculous.

garytelecastor · May 14th, 2008, 03:12 PM

The best list you can put together-dependent on time of course-should basically be in your face tunes that get the crowd in a party mood. Put in only one or two slower tempo songs at the most. Kick 'em in the teeth from the first song.
Don't talk on the mic too much and if possible go from one song directly into the next for the first two.
Then introduce yourself and play.
Your job is to whip up the crowd and whet their appetites.

stxrus · May 14th, 2008, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garytelecastor

The best list you can put together-dependent on time of course-should basically be in your face tunes that get the crowd in a party mood. Put in only one or two slower tempo songs at the most. Kick 'em in the teeth from the first song.
Don't talk on the mic too much and if possible go from one song directly into the next for the first two.
Then introduce yourself and play.
Your job is to whip up the crowd and whet their appetites.

that IMHO is the best advice you can get on the subject other that NOT covering something the headliner has recorded or MAY include in their set(s).

rock on and have a good time

steve

Califiddler · May 14th, 2008, 09:32 PM

[quote=Frank_Kimball;1245249]The old banjo tune June Apple /QUOTE]

Sorry to be the nitpicker, but June Apple is a fiddle tune. Sure, banjo players (it's a great tune for clawhammer), guitarists, mandolinists, etc. play it, but it's a fiddle tune.

raf · May 14th, 2008, 09:40 PM

Avoid anything of the headliner's and any cover he might do! They said showcase YOUR talent...don't "ride the coat tails"...show 'em your stuff!

bowlfreshener · May 14th, 2008, 09:45 PM

Only do a song the headliner plays if you are into burning bridges.

woodman · May 14th, 2008, 10:49 PM

i'd steer clear of headliner songs. the reason is, last year we opened for Asleep at the Wheel. our band did a pretty dang good version of their song "Bump Bounce Boogie," and i was thinking about approaching Ray (who i'd met previously) and asking him if it would be OK to do this song, which i hadn't heard them do since Chris (female singer) left the band decades ago.

but at the last moment, i got a weird feeling, scratched it from our list and didn't even say a word to Ray about it. sure enough, third or fourth song, they broke out with Bump Bounce Boogie!

YMMV, of course, but i would certainly approach the music director before embarking on a headliner cover.

bender-freak · May 14th, 2008, 11:12 PM

it's a no-no, imo....back in my "day" the bands i would be working with did lots of openers for different artists....we never once considered doing one of "their" songs.....after quitting running my own band thing in the early 80's i had hired out as lead guitarist to a band here locally; we did an opening show for Hank Jr....he/his band were were kind enough to allow us to use their amps and stuff, even their drums!! ...as anyone who has ever seen one of his shows knows what a mountain of stuff they have...there simply wasn't room for us to set up.....anyway, the lead singer/band leader of OUR group decided to do one of Hank's early songs from when he (Hank) was trying to sound like daddy Hank....

i was HUGELY embarrassed by the whole thing, the crowd didn't like it, Hank Jr. never acknowledged our band or gave out the usual "how about a hand for the house band" thing....i still cringe when i think about it all.....

don't do it...just my opinion...

teleman65 · May 15th, 2008, 12:35 AM

No no no no no no !!!!!!!!
Find another tune.

petebradt · May 15th, 2008, 01:04 AM

I don't have much to add - but don't effin do it. Do a Delbert song, Marty likes Delbert.

Tim Bowen · May 15th, 2008, 01:07 AM

The closest I've ever come to doing a tune at a show that the headliner had actually recorded is a song called "Blues in Maude's Flat". It's a Grant Green tune that the Atlanta Ryhthm Section covered on one of their early records. I absolutely love this tune, and had reason to believe that it wouldn't be included within the ARS set (it wasn't). In this sense, the tune was certainly fair game, and my original intention was all about paying homage to a band that I'd grown up with and loved dearly. However, something didn't feel quite right about it, so I pulled the plug on the idea at the last minute.

Take a cue from Marty Stuart and cover something that an audience would never expect, such as his spin on Pete Townshend's tune, "I Can See for Miles", on which Marty plays mandolin. My duo partner recently attended a Marty Stuart show, and said that the Who tune wasn't included within the set. Nonetheless, one of the best ways to offer a cover to a listening audience is to catch them off guard.

Quote:

I've been asked to find a song to do for the show where I could 'show off" my playing abilities.

Cool, and fair enough. But don't get hung up on this precept. Choose a tune that strikes a nerve with listeners, and develop an arrangement that makes it irresistable, vibey, and cool. If "chops" enter into the equation, so be it. Maybe pick a tune that has a particular chord progression that you personally seem to blaze effortlessly over, and build an arrangement around that.

In any event, enjoy the show!

cantolina · May 15th, 2008, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonytrout

As I've prolly mentioned here numerous times, the band that I play lead guitar in (Irons In The Fire) will be opening for Marty Stuart on July 17, 2008. I've been asked to find a song to do for the show where I could 'show off" my playing abilities. I'd love to do one of Marty's songs that he does....but I'm not sure if I have to get his permission to do so.....or whether it might seem a bit 'awkward' to even do it.

Anybody got any ideas?? I'm really wanting this show to be a great show cuz it, personally, means a lot to me since I'm a huge fan of Marty's.

Any thoughts are welcome!!

Find something in the same vein...

Playing a headliner's song is an insult...sort of like a challenge...I wouldn't even consider it if I were you....there's no way NOT to avoid a real embarrassment....

(I'm a former Tour Manager, so I know where this CAN go)

Just my opinion, but its a huge risk with unknown repercussions (even if you ask), in ways you might not have thought of...

Pete Bradt has the right idea....do something the artist likes....

May 14th, 2008, 01:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
tonytrout Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Brasstown/Murphy, North Carolina Age: 32 Posts: 431 6 Photos	Live Performance Question--Need A Bit Of Advice As I've prolly mentioned here numerous times, the band that I play lead guitar in (*Irons In The Fire) will be opening for Marty Stuart* on July 17, 2008. I've been asked to find a song to do for the show where I could 'show off" my playing abilities. I'd *love* to do one of Marty's songs that he does....but I'm not sure if I have to get his permission to do so.....or whether it might seem a bit 'awkward' to even do it. *Anybody* got *any* ideas?? I'm *really* wanting this show to be a great show cuz it, personally, means a *lot* to me since I'm a huge fan of Marty's. *Any* thoughts are welcome!! __________________ Phil. 4:13; Jer. 29:11

May 14th, 2008, 01:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
mudbean Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: SoCal Semi-Desert Semi-Paradise Age: 49 Posts: 1,435	Well, I certainly wouldn't recommend doing one of the headliner's songs when you're the opening act. That just seems weird somehow. mud __________________ www.mudbean.com "Do ya want it to be interesting, or do ya want it to be true?" "So far, it's neither."

May 14th, 2008, 02:05 PM	#3 (permalink)
ajgus Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: chicago Posts: 1,999	And if you do one of his songs, definitely get his permisson & make sure he doesn't already have it planned in his set. Have you ever seen A Mighty Wind? __________________ "I'll eat up all your crackers & your licorice. Hey yo, fat girl...come here...are you ticklish?" - Sir Humpty Hump

May 14th, 2008, 02:11 PM	#6 (permalink)
fenderfan Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Denver Posts: 511	I don't think so... Hello, As a longtime regional gigging musician who was fortunate to open for some fine performers, my two cents worth would be that you should not do one of the songs of the artist you are opening for - your intentions would be pure, but it wouldn't be quite right. Definitely do some tunes where you can dig in and show your Tele skills, though, and congratulations on the great gig!

May 14th, 2008, 02:24 PM	#8 (permalink)
Frank_Kimball Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Carlsbad, CA Age: 47 Posts: 698 7 Photos	The old banjo tune June Apple just sounds like something Marty and Kenny would do...Doc Watson is associated with it but I can't find any evidence that the Superlatives have done it onstage (Marty must have played this at one time or another, I'm probably wrong...anybody?) Lots of counterpoint, a great Tele workout: __________________ Seems like every time you turn around/There's another hard-luck story that you're gonna hear... -Dylan, "Black Diamond Bay"

May 14th, 2008, 02:11 PM	#5 (permalink)
superchicken_VI Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Monroe, NC Age: 36 Posts: 1,291	I wouldn't do the headliner's material. It may seem like you're honoring him by doing it, but many will not see it that way.

May 14th, 2008, 02:28 PM	#9 (permalink)
Durtdog Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2004 Location: Tennessee Posts: 3,244	You could go ahead and do a whole set of Marty's music. When you finish, pass him backstage say, "Oh sorry Marty, were you wanting to do some of those songs?" Just kidding. Seriously, I would NOT do any of his songs when opening for him. I can't imagine it would be good for him or your band.

May 14th, 2008, 03:05 PM	#12 (permalink)
garytelecastor Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,405 18 Photos	*Under no circumstances should you do one his songs!!!!!!!* Pick out something different. This is NEVER EVER a good idea. I have actually had this in contracts. DON'T DO IT! If you do it well, Marty will be pissed. If you don't do it well, you look ridiculous. __________________ éí 'aaníígÓÓ 'áhoot'é Would you mind holding this bag while we go through the custom shop????? Redd Volkaert is a Jedi Knight at one with the Force!!!

May 14th, 2008, 03:12 PM	#13 (permalink)
garytelecastor Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,405 18 Photos	The best list you can put together-dependent on time of course-should basically be in your face tunes that get the crowd in a party mood. Put in only one or two slower tempo songs at the most. Kick 'em in the teeth from the first song. Don't talk on the mic too much and if possible go from one song directly into the next for the first two. Then introduce yourself and play. Your job is to whip up the crowd and whet their appetites. __________________ éí 'aaníígÓÓ 'áhoot'é Would you mind holding this bag while we go through the custom shop????? Redd Volkaert is a Jedi Knight at one with the Force!!!

May 14th, 2008, 09:32 PM	#15 (permalink)
Califiddler Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: California Posts: 917	[quote=Frank_Kimball;1245249]The old banjo tune June Apple /QUOTE] Sorry to be the nitpicker, but June Apple is a fiddle tune. Sure, banjo players (it's a great tune for clawhammer), guitarists, mandolinists, etc. play it, but it's a fiddle tune. __________________ "In the fiddler's house, all are dancers."

May 14th, 2008, 09:40 PM	#16 (permalink)
raf Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2007 Location: Indiana Age: 42 Posts: 643 9 Photos	Avoid anything of the headliner's and any cover he might do! They said showcase YOUR talent...don't "ride the coat tails"...show 'em your stuff! __________________ "Great playing! Awesome tone! Cool Tele! All is right with the world!"...raf '08

May 14th, 2008, 09:45 PM	#17 (permalink)
bowlfreshener Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2007 Location: Virginia, USA Age: 32 Posts: 1,453 6 Photos	Only do a song the headliner plays if you are into burning bridges. __________________ RAMA LAMA FA FA FA

May 14th, 2008, 10:49 PM	#18 (permalink)
woodman Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mint Hill, NC Age: 62 Posts: 5,802	i'd steer clear of headliner songs. the reason is, last year we opened for Asleep at the Wheel. our band did a pretty dang good version of their song "Bump Bounce Boogie," and i was thinking about approaching Ray (who i'd met previously) and asking him if it would be OK to do this song, which i hadn't heard them do since Chris (female singer) left the band decades ago. but at the last moment, i got a weird feeling, scratched it from our list and didn't even say a word to Ray about it. sure enough, third or fourth song, they broke out with Bump Bounce Boogie! YMMV, of course, but i would certainly approach the music director before embarking on a headliner cover. __________________ Truth is stranger than fact ... www.myspace.com/woodymitchellmusic BAND PAGES: www.myspace.com/stragglerswing (Stragglers - Western Swing) www.myspace.com/loafersgloryband (Loafers Glory - '70s country-rock)

May 14th, 2008, 11:12 PM	#19 (permalink)
bender-freak Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: springfield, missouri Posts: 1,292	it's a no-no, imo....back in my "day" the bands i would be working with did lots of openers for different artists....we never once considered doing one of "their" songs.....after quitting running my own band thing in the early 80's i had hired out as lead guitarist to a band here locally; we did an opening show for Hank Jr....he/his band were were kind enough to allow us to use their amps and stuff, even their drums!! ...as anyone who has ever seen one of his shows knows what a mountain of stuff they have...there simply wasn't room for us to set up.....anyway, the lead singer/band leader of OUR group decided to do one of Hank's early songs from when he (Hank) was trying to sound like daddy Hank.... i was HUGELY embarrassed by the whole thing, the crowd didn't like it, Hank Jr. never acknowledged our band or gave out the usual "how about a hand for the house band" thing....i still cringe when i think about it all..... don't do it...just my opinion... __________________ bender-freak

May 15th, 2008, 01:04 AM	#21 (permalink)
petebradt Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Niner Country Posts: 3,393 12 Photos	I don't have much to add - but don't effin do it. Do a Delbert song, Marty likes Delbert.