Echoes of Rick Fielding

Subject: Echoes of Rick Fielding
From: JedMarum
Date: 05 Jan 10 - 02:52 PM

I found this post on a local Craigslist for Dallas TX area musicians. It reminded me right away of the sort of advice Rick Fielding would be giving, except if it were Rick he would be giving it one on one, with practical instructions for acting on the advice!

Anyway - I thought it might spark some discussion here, so I am reposting the text below.

At the risk of sounding arrogant or condescending, I have to repeat some of the thoughts I've seen posted on other threads here at CL.

There are lots of requests posted here by folks who say they are ready to make the breakthrough step to the next levels - and many are, but please; never underestimate the importance of learning your craft, and learning it REALLY WELL.

You can make forward progress in your career while you're still learning (in fact you SHOULD) but know the basics as well as you can! Your intonation is extremely important. Tune your guitar. Always! Sing in pitch and on time. Everyone in the band should be hitting the same beat EVERY time. These little things are so much more important then you realize. It's true most audiences can't tell you when pitch is off a little, or the beat is "muddy" - but they feel it when it's perfect and they respond.

Identify your weaknesses and turn them into strengths! If you're a talented songwriter but don't play your instrument really well; Learn To Play It Really Well. If you're behind the curve on your chops, find a damn good teacher and practice, practice, practice. A mediocre player can become a good player, over time with regular work.

I've heard/seen some raw, undeveloped but TALENTED folks in these CL threads. Some who will only remain frustrated because they haven't learned to develop their chops. If you work hard at it; you WILL get better. Everyone does. I only say this to encourage people. It's true, some stars get there without really developing, but not many. Music is a skill that can be developed.

Subject: RE: Echoes of Rick Fielding
From: JedMarum
Date: 05 Jan 10 - 02:58 PM

Just for additional background, Craigslist is worldwide. It is very active in local communities, while barely active in others.

The Dallas area list is pretty active - and there are lots of ads from bands looking for a new "hot lead guitar player," or a "chick drummer" - and lots of folks saying they are ready for the big time and only need a pro agent or record contract to move to the top of the heap.

Subject: RE: Echoes of Rick Fielding
From: JedMarum
Date: 05 Jan 10 - 03:02 PM

... and by the way, I know the focus at Mudcat is very different from the Pop or Rock Star orientation that the Craigslist forum has ... but I can just hear Rick saying things like, "learn the full chord, play ALL the strings," etc etc ... those same lessons apply to music no matter what the genre.

Subject: RE: Echoes of Rick Fielding
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Jan 10 - 03:18 PM

And always modest about his genious. I like the "At the risk of sounding arrogant or condescending,".
That sounds like Rick.

Subject: RE: Echoes of Rick Fielding
From: Jeri
Date: 05 Jan 10 - 03:21 PM

I think Rick figured that 95% of an audience won't catch mistakes, but you should play for the 5% who do. "Good enough" doesn't cut it.

Subject: RE: Echoes of Rick Fielding
From: JedMarum
Date: 05 Jan 10 - 03:26 PM

SEE!!

Echoes of Rick Fielding! You both nailed it - and those are two I had missed!

I think Rick's still out there ... lending us all a helping hand with a kind and well directed comment or few.

Subject: RE: Echoes of Rick Fielding
From: JedMarum
Date: 05 Jan 10 - 03:30 PM

... miss you Rick. Still grateful for your thoughtful push. Still hearing your words echo through these winter winds.

Subject: RE: Echoes of Rick Fielding
From: Amos
Date: 05 Jan 10 - 03:50 PM

Second that emoo-ootion, Jed....



A

Subject: RE: Echoes of Rick Fielding
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Jan 10 - 07:17 PM

It does sound like Rick. I can also hear my early violin and piano teachers..practice, practice, practice. When I was learning a French tune on the dulcimer my Rog was frustrated because I wasn't playing a tempo. I told him tempo didn't matter if I didn't get the notes right in the first place. Exactly what my violin teacher used to say and, like that 7% of an audience who can tell the difference, she could point to the one player in orchestra who had not learned their "chops" every time.

I miss Rick and his voice around here, too.

Subject: RE: Echoes of Rick Fielding
From: bbc
Date: 05 Jan 10 - 08:19 PM

Thanks for sharing that, Jed. I agree that it sounds like Rick & I never mind a chance to think of him.

best,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Echoes of Rick Fielding
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Jan 10 - 11:28 PM

How do we know Rick didn't write it and someone else "borrowed" it and reposted it THERE? "~)

~S~