Some days I really miss being in a band.
There's nothing like making music with a group of people, all on the same page, bringing their own uniqueness to the mix. But here's the problem.
No one seems to want to put in the effort these days. The last two times I tried starting a new band, I provided the other musicians with a set list - you know, to get the ball rolling. The songs weren't difficult in any way. All I asked was that they learn the songs. I gave them the keys the songs are in and all but taught them the arrangement. Rehearsal time came...and not a one of them learned the songs. They just figured they'd learn it at rehearsal. That is not what rehearsal is. According to the Oxford dictionary, the definition of rehearsal is "a practice or trial performance of a play or other work for later public performance." This indicates knowing what you're expected to do prior to rehearsal. An actor, in preparation for a production of Hamlet or Death of a Salesman isn't going to just 'wing it'. They'll be sent packing and will probably have a difficult time finding work in the future.
Even when I'm asked to sit in with a band/artist, I try to learn the material. I can often dive in cold, but I'd rather not. It's unfair to everyone involved, including and especially the audience. In the past, there have been times I've had to learn over 100 songs in less than a week. This really isn't a special skill. Most types of music follow certain patterns. Know and understand these, and the rest is a breeze. Recently, I had to learn 2 hours' worth of material for a last-minute fill-in gig. I had just enough time to go over the list, pack up my gear, and drive 2 hours to the show. I listened en route, making mental notes. I got there and did the show. We had the crowd dancing. Job well done. I've done this hundreds of times.
So, why is it so difficult for musicians to do this?
I could guess and say that laziness and arrogance are the answers. If you don't have the time to learn the material, you don't have time to be in a band. It's just that simple. Expecting to go play the same material everyone else is playing will lead to dull and limited performances. As for arrogance, trust me - none of us is THAT good. The late Sam Philips was known to say, "if you're not doing something different, you're not doing anything!"
I recently spoke with a drummer and a bassist about a project. Neither are particularly inundated with gigs. They have them, but not the frequency I prefer. They were both interested - but then came the excuses. Credit where due, these were potential excuses. "I might have to ______" and "sometimes I have to ________." I get it. What this means is your interest is not at my required level. So, I let it go. No need to follow through on 'maybes'.
I don't need the most talented musicians. If they can play in key and in time, we're good. We'll work out the rough parts AT REHEARSAL - which is what it's for. I don't like to rehearse a lot. If the musicians have learned the material, a week or two of rehearsals should be enough to get us up and running. You can rehearse once or a hundred times. Chances are, you're going to make the same mistakes. What makes a band tight is the frequency of performing together. There's an artform to learning to communicate on-stage; learning the quirks of how a particular group of musicians perform together. Personally, I like to improvise. This keeps the music fresh, and if a performance needs to go longer, this is an easy way to achieve that. If the audience is really enjoying a particular tune, I say give them more of it!
If you're wondering why I'm not still out there making noise - this is essentially why. If I had the budget available, I'd just go into the studio and record. I can, and have, gone in with just a drummer and recorded singles and even a full album. Once I have the drums tracked, I can do everything else if need be. I already know the songs and the arrangements. It's usually quicker this way. But it's not the same as working with a band. It's a different energy.
And some days I really miss it.
Who knows, maybe one of these days it'll happen again. Until then, I'm always playing, writing, and arranging. I've released a lot of music. I still have all sorts of recordings and video in the vault. Even if I never gig again, I've been blessed with having made a lot of music. 6,000+ shows to date. I probably shouldn't be so greedy.
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