The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #45280 Message #838265
Posted By: Fortunato
01-Dec-02 - 11:26 AM
Thread Name: Commitment and Success in NYC Folk
Subject: RE: Commitment and Success in NYC Folk
Hey, Larry,
I'm signing on late here, but I find myself in agree with Suffet about maintaining a 'bench'.
I'm located in DC. Everyone tells me it's different than New York. I wouldn't know. It's smaller anyway. The Irish scene here is not small, however. There are quite a few venues. I'm sure Seamus Kennedy could tell you more about that than I. My impression is that many musicians in the circuit play or have played with everyone else if they're any good, use a kind of 'bench' system.
As you may remember I play Old Time Country Music now. But I've been a solo folk performer, hosted open mikes, played in country bands, rock bands and western swing bands. I've played on the 'strip' in burlesque houses and I've played in NCO clubs and I've played in coffee houses. All that to say, I'm not inexperienced in putting together, booking and breaking up bands.
That said, here's my current take on this. I am the band leader. Fascist? No, far from it. I ain't Benny Goodman, but I am the guy responsible for making the show work. The vision is mine (though my wife shares it), the planning is largely mine. the research is mine and the implementation is mine. What success there is, is shared because it's ABOUT THE MUSIC. I hire the best musicians I can bring to a venue or recording session. If 'S' can't make it I'll find another bass player; if the fiddler can't make it I'll find another. I cut CDs and give the 'hired guns' the material ahead of time. These guys are so damn good they don't need real rehearsal and know how to listen and watch. That keeps the intros and outs formulaic, yes, but "shave and a haircut, two bits" works every damn time doesn't it?
I don't know what you've done or tried other than what I read up there, so I'm not commenting on your efforts AT ALL! Just my own, ok?
Would I like to have a band of 'soul mates', sure. But in the meantime the message to me is this: IF THE AUDIENCE SHOWS UP AND LIKES THE SHOW, THE VENUE OWNER WILL LIKE THE SHOW. IF THE VENUE OWNERS LIKE THE SHOW, I'LL HAVE PLACES TO PERFORM. If they don't then I don't. Now it's up to me to put together the show. No excuses, nobody else to blame.
It's a tough business and I'm glad I have a day job. All the best to you and good luck with your music. Chance