Concept of the Month

Concept Of The Month

March 2000

Playing Live

A lot of times musicians use playing in a live situation as the vehicle to show everyone what they have been practicing for such a long time. All the licks, all the grooves, all the tricks seem to come out all at one time. It is because of this approach that we need to take a step back for a minute and check out what is being asked of us by everyone involved with the gig.

Let’s start with the most important person first, the listener. The listener is there to be entertained. So we need to determine by the setting and situation just how it is they want to be entertained. In a setting such as a bar/restaurant, we need to be very careful as to how we will go about playing. In my opinion, this is the hardest situation to play in because there are many factors to take into consideration.

The guy at the bar wants to hear some good music while he is relaxing with a drink but at the same time it can’t be too loud in case he wants to strike up conversation with the person next to him. As the drummer, we can aid this by laying back on or volume a bit. So what about the rest of the band? They will follow you. They rely on you for the time and if they have a hard time hearing you they will play softer until they can. Now at the same time, the person on the dance floor wants to hear a heavy back beat so they feel more comfortable dancing. So we need to find the happy medium in volume to keep everyone happy. And don’t forget the guy who stopped in to eat. Usually the dining area is separate from the band area so it would be a real good sign that you are playing way too loud if this guy complains. Remember, the object for a venue of this type is not to offend ANYONE in the establishment. If you can do this, management will have you back again and again. So lets move on to the next important people. Your band mates. What do they want from you? They want a groove!! Don’t get so wrapped up in the volume issue that you forget to groove or play in time. Make it feel great and lay good time. You will make playing for them almost effortless if you give them a great groove and feel. By doing this, time becomes second nature to them and it allows them to focus more on being musical. You literally have the power to make the whole band sound great!!

Another venue would be a dance club. It’s a little easier for us in this scenario. People are there to dance and have a good time. We know for fact by listening to the house DJ play his tunes that people dancing like the music loud with heavy bass and back beat and lots of groove. This is how we should style our playing. Over the bar line fills, playing backwards, notey fills and displacements should be out of the question here. Nobody cares to here this stuff except for maybe some other musicians that may be out there but for the most part just groove. Playing that other stuff may cause a few back injuries out on the dance floor !!!

Now for our favorite gig!! The showcase!! This is when people are there for one reason and one reason only. To see and hear your band!! This is when we have the most freedom!! However, there still are some limitations. We must always stay musical!! Fill and groove your little heart out!! Play over the bar line, backwards, play those ghost notes, thirty –second note fills, cross over stickings and anything else you have been practicing BUT, play them in the right spots and only play them within the context of the music. Usually gigs of this nature are well rehearsed. Fit anything you want to do into your rehearsals and stick with it. Your band mates will appreciate this!! Don’t play anything unexpected!! This could turn into a disaster!! The slightest difference from what was rehearsed can turn into a train wreck!! Also, remember that there are more than just other drummers out there in the audience. Difficult grooves and fills may impress some drummers out there but the average guy off the street appreciates a nice groove just as much. He is looking for something to latch on to in your playing which for the most part is the groove. Be sure to keep EVERYONE happy!!

Good Luck!!

Fran Merante

ARCHIVE

| Fran's Gear |