[Dixielandjazz] Sitting in

[Larry Walton Entertainment]

We should have these printed and posted with each band.

Personally I have always made it a personal rule to never play unless 
invited.  I did break my rule a couple of years ago.  For those listees 
who have already read the story hit the delete now.

My  Masonic Lodge was 140 years old and because it was founded by 
riverboat men the Master of the lodge wanted to have the party on a 
riverboat.  The St. Louis boats were too expensive so we got one in 
Hannibal Mo.  I keep a RV trailer near there and knew from playing the 
Mississippi Queen that there was a pretty good Dixie band located in 
that town.  Putting two and two together and coming up with five I 
decided to take my soprano along and see if I could sit in and play a 
few tunes.

The band wasn't a Dixie band but a Jazz group and a really good one too, 
out of Quincy Ill. Undaunted, about halfway through their second set I 
asked the leader if I could sit in.  He was really reluctant but since I 
was the guy that was going to sign the check that night he said OK but 
that I had to have my own mouthpiece. (I think he had been there done 
that before) 

Now you have to get the picture.  Six musicians wanting to die.  Then 
this guy walks up with a Soprano yet.  I think they were all looking for 
a place to dive overboard about then.  After my first solo I glanced up 
at the tenor player and the look on his face made my day.  After the set 
on their break I was invited to show up at their next several gigs.  I 
just listened the rest of the evening but I had a great time and made 
some friends too.

I agree with all the comments made about guys wanting to sit in that 
they can be rude and overbearing.  We played a wedding reception once 
and a guy wanted to sit in. After the first tune the bride came up and 
told me to get that guy off the stage.  Maybe an old boyfriend?

I really don't care for sit ins and that's why I guess I never (or 
almost never) ask to sit in with a group.
Larry Walton
St. Louis

Jim Kashishian wrote:
> Someone wrote............ players take control of  the stage from bands who
> generously invited them up as a guest for one or  two tunes. 
>
> And, while that was another subject it brings to mind some of my pet
> dislikes: 
>
> 1.  people who ask to sit in, then take over the band.  Had one guy take the
> only mic on stage, put it at the front of the stage, put a chair behind it.
> Readjust all the floodlights on the chair, choose & count off the song, etc.
> He was a washboard player, otherwise he would have called the key, also!
> :>
>
> (That was at least 30 yrs ago.  He wouldn't have gotten away with it today,
> as I have hardened over the years!)   :>
>
> 2.  friends who only want to sit in, or for that matter only come in to see
> the band, when they have a huge crowd with them.  (read in:  show offs!)
>  
> Maybe even worse than the "show-off" are the shy ones.  Some people come up
> on stage & you just know they are dying to get away.  What drives them to
> come up?  You leave them a gap for a solo & they just stand there!  Egads!  
>
> 3.  people who don't really fit in with the band, so why do they bother
> sitting in?
>
> 4.  people that sit in and then disappear, never saying thanks to everyone
> in the band, particularly the instrument they may have been doubling.
>
>
> My list can go on & on, but those are some of the main points.  Sitting in?
> We were all taught how to behave when visiting someone's home for the first
> time.  Sit in the least impressive chair, wait until asked for a taste of
> something.  Be polite. Don't make a show of yourself. Don't take over the
> party. Say your thanks when leaving.  
>
> Jim
>
>
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