[Dixielandjazz] Fair Pay

[Talegatorz at aol.com]

The many recent postings on the list concerning the unfair pay practices so 
prevalent in our business are nothing new. This has probably been the case 
since mankind first
made music and it is something that is a part of many other arts and trades.  

Music is like house painting. The only part people notice is brushing on the 
final coat.
It seems like an easy thing, but no one ever considers that ninety percent of 
the work
was washing, scraping, caulking, replacing rotten boards, priming and 
endlessly climbing up and down the ladders. When we perform, the audience or club 
owner only sees us painting that last coat. They don't see all the learning, 
practice, travel, organization or purchase of instruments and equipment. If we are 
any good at what we do, what they actually see looks even easier to them. 
Basic economics are also at work. If the band leader, club owner or politico 
can hire us for less, they think that only means more money left in their 
pockets. These 
shortsighted folks are very common. They get what they pay for and I've seen 
most of them come and go. There are individuals who defy this stereotype and 
will pay fairly for real quality. I believe that there are far more survivors 
in this category than the former. They deserve our thanks, respect, admiration, 
best work and greatest loyalty. The others should be aggressively negotiated 
with and if the price is not fair, should be politely, but firmly told to go 
pound on some sand.
People just don't like to pay for someone's labor. When I was young enough 
for a day job working on cars, customers would often say things like. "Couldn't 
you just adjust that?"; It takes you ten hours to replace that transmission?" 
What's your labor rate again?" or the ever popular "Oh, by the way, I forgot 
to bring my checkbook." At least I could just lock it up in the back yard with 
the Dobermans. Musicians have no such options at the gig and can only pick and 
choose carefully, hoping for the best. Lest someone write to complain about 
auto shop labor rates, you should know that the average wrench is paid about 
twenty per hour and the rest goes to pay the rent, insurance, mortgage, 
management and a bit left over for profit. The mechanic has spent most of his life 
learning his craft, skinning his knuckles and has probably paid the Snap-On guy 
one-hundred per week for tools since he started out. One of my best friends is 
dying before age fifty of a brain tumor after a life of honesty, fairness and 
hard work in this industry. If you ever find an honest, competent mechanic, be 
kind, pay him what he asks, thank him and give him a nice tip at the 
holidays. He will likely feel that he can never do enough for you and you will be 
repaid tenfold.

Thank you for reading my ranting,

Gus Bloch