Just back from a gig and re-reading.All calmer now,I see,on this front (and Mudcat have done some 'removing' of the odd post) and it is actually turning into a debate rather than a slanging match.I'm presuming the original guy has found a band by now and that this question is no longer the issue.
Speaking purely as an agent who deals with ceilidh,barn dance bands (and nothing else) I'll point out again my misgivings - and Adam can either heed or hiss.
The issue is not musicianship but representation.
I'm happy to assume that Ship's own regular musos are very capable (I've clocked the accord player Nic at Bromyard FF 'shower room' session/s and know how capable he is - even with a bandaged finger !)I'm also very happy to accept that 'skint or unskint' ceilidh band musos are lowly rewarded and,in my opinion,should be paid higher than currently - our own genre (and love of that genre) is partly to 'blame' for this.As an agent (any band dealing with me will presumably vouch for this) I never try to 'talk down' a band's fee (like some agents I can think of) or dictate what their rewards should be.In the wide wide world,folk music is undersold in comparison with other genres (but as a genre is less popular).That's just a fact.And here's some other facts !
Ceilidh bands are booked primarily on Saturdays/Fridays with some (increasingly) Sundays and a smidge of mid-week stuff for (ignoring Ceilidh Series events) weddings,birthdays,anniv's,f/raisers and corporate bashes.
THUS,an individual identifiable band (even with 2 line-ups from their 'collective' of musicians,not entirely uncommon) has a finite number of gigs per annum - AT BEST 150 gigs per annum as a particular band.
NOW,Ship Band advertise their band as being 'local' in some extremely far flung reaches from Bristol.I'd suggest that there is no way that their band can 'cover' more than 150 gigs given a nationwide (virtually) coverage - so,let's presume they get 150 gigs per annum..........their choice will be to
(a) turn down bookings 'cos they're booked
(b) offer ('introduce') an alternative band whom they would recommend (without any remuneration) who deal directly with the 'hirer'
(c) offer to recommend an alternative band (from whom Ship Band take a 'kick-back/commission/call what it what you like) thus making them an introductory agent without responsibilities to the 'hirer'
(d) offer to arrange a suitable,similar band and further offer to arrange 'the gig' taking a commission/percentage or whatever for their services in making the arrangement.
(e) offer an alternative band and act as the agent in drawing up a formal contract which becomes accepted,legally,between the band (artist/s) and the 'hirer'/client
In scenario (a) and (b) that's legitimate,understandable and they have done the 'skint' musos a favour.Applause !
In scenarios (c),(d) and (e) the Ship Band will,effectively,be acting as agents for others and will bear some responsibility,legally,for the performance of their recommended band.
IF they are agents,they should come under the regulations governing agencies - the main pre-requisite being.........YOU LET PEOPLE KNOW THAT YOU'RE AN AGENT !!!
Ourselves/bandsandmusicians/Random agency/Counties agency all make this clear that ...this is what we do.....so do several other agencies who don't really know a barn dance band from a barn door !! But they do know their responsibilities.
Some may think this sour grapes (but I've noticed no downturn in enquiries despite Adam's views).
THE POINT - if you're acting as an agent Adam - you need to let people know - there's rules,regs which you may or may not like/be aware of.And mis-representation is high up on their regs.This is not the 'heavy',just being straight with you.
I don't mind competition - I've had that for years on end - but if my suspicions are correct,you need to be very careful.Please don't take that as a warning,that's solid advice ! (And if you don't believe me,check out any old established agency you can think of !)
Chris Mulvey