We play it our own way...

[getbent]

song 1, set one....

 

[Preacher]

Whenever I hear someone say, "we play it our way" usually means they can't play it the right way.


Of course if the band dynamics are good and you get along with the people then just have fun.

 

[sax4blues]

Is the singer allowed to go their own way with lyrics?

 

[Holy smokes]

Are they paying you to improvise. Take the money and jam . No need for rehearsals no need to change strings nothing but playing free form for some cash. We’re do I sign up

 

[chulaivet1966]

I'd walk. No-one, unless they're starving, needs a gig that much.

Howdy tomy....

Yep....I'd walk without any further thought.
Who knows how may other red flags of poor attitude and lack of professionalism will be revealed as time goes on.
If I were asked....I'd bolt from them asap.

Carry on amigos.

 

[Alaska Mike]

To me, this comes down to lack of respect by the others for bass and drums. If they don’t understand the importance of the roles, you’re not going to earn their respect. You’re always going to be “less than” and replaceable. Don’t be Michael Anthony.

If you’re not a tribute band, you don’t need to play it exactly as it was recorded. Most original acts don’t do that. However, if you do deviate, everyone needs to be on the same page.

If the behavior doesn’t change, like yesterday, walk. The vindictive side of me says the day before the gig, but that’s not professional. Be professional, even if they aren’t.

 

[39martind18]

I think it would be fun to do a band where we take the most complicated material, like Steely Dan or Yes, and do all the songs badly. Maybe even throw in Sinatra's My Way, and do it our way.

Yeah, " I Did It Sideways" ...Aaaaaand that's why I do a solo act!

 

[prairietelecaster]

There’s playing it your own way (which is all I do) and then there’s playing it wrong

Jakedog nailed it. Winging it on the fly is an important stage skill.

 

[Telenator]

but I think that means compromise and knowing it isn't gonna be perfect... and that the good people of vermont may not care.

I certainly don't expect perfection. I'm an adequate player. Nothing special. I'm just used to playing with others who actually know the material and share the pleasure of playing well for an audience.
I moved from Vermont about 6 months ago to the Berkshires in Massachusetts. Much better music scene here, for the most part, and worlds ahead of Vermont. As I'm fond of saying, Vermont is culturally and intellectually bankrupt.

 

[Telenator]

No live band can really “play it like the record” given that most songs consist of a blend of many tracks which can’t be duplicated by a small number of players. Of course, you could use backing tracks like a lot of big name touring bands do these days…

I'm not asking anyone to sound like the original. Just that they learn the songs as recorded, meaning that they know the parts, the arrangement, and can play it competently. Not trying to mimic the sound. I would just like to hear the group sound like they're all playing the same song.

 

[Telenator]

Jakedog nailed it. Winging it on the fly is an important stage skill.

At one point I was traveling the country for my work and playing with many people from this forum all over the country. I was fearless to get on stage with anyone. Not because I think I'm any good, but because I know how to at least listen, and when to be quiet. That's fun. Jump off the cliff and go on pure instinct! Then there are times when you're rehearsing for a specific gig and it just needs to sound good. This is one of those occasions.

 

[dogmeat]

.... "Oh, so yer a jam band then.."

 

[Trenchant63]

I’m the guy hiring OP. Y’all are too persnickety and ain’t got the guts to carve out your own trail through the songs live in front of an audience!!! I’ll find someone else who likes our chance music approach!!!!

 

[DekeDog]

Hope it works out for you.

 

[patman555]

A band only works when everyone works together. Like a marriage, it takes compromise and communication from everyone. It does not seem like that is the relationship here. No matter who is ‘to blame’, this is not a relationship that will last if you can’t communicate.

 

[beep.click]

It took me a while to remember the one time something similar happened to me. In my case, the rehearsal went fine. Then at the show, the other two guys changed the key and didn’t bother to tell me. Told each other, just left me out.

Never played with either of them again. Pointless.

 

[Telecastoff1]

A seasoned Pro should be versatile enough to step in, analyze how the band is playing a given tune and blend in. If it's Country, get in the pocket with the drummer and build that tune together, paying attention of course to what and how the lead vocalist is steering the song. Yes, flubs will be made, but put them behind yo and keep moving it forward. If there's a solid element there, you guys will find it and make decent music and have fun doing it. Give them and yourself a chance. Music isn't a competition. Don't bail.

 

[Maguchi]

Chuck Berry was known to show up at a gig, local musicians were hired by the venue to back him up. He would start a song, might not even give the key it was in and expect them to just go for it!

To be fair, if it was Chuck Berry, I would of definitely taken the gig. Besides getting to play with a legend, I've heard all his recordings many times. Am pretty familiar with all his songs and cut my teeth on all of his licks. So I wouldn't be going in blind. If it was somebody else, I'd have to rehearse with them 1st.

Most other guitar players, even if they hadn't heard of Chuck Berry before, could easily search online and find and practice his songs. Then it's just a matter of changing the key and listening for the arrangement and chord changes. Maybe not the easiest thing, but doable.

 

[GGardner]

Perhaps just dumb down your bass lines. Fake it. Get paid.

 

[getbent]

Perhaps just dumb down your bass lines. Fake it. Get paid.

root and five gets paid.