[Dixielandjazz] Working In The Trenches

[Russ Guarino]

I had to spoil your creative juices, but in Monterey, $75 a night is common.
$200 a night is, well, imaginative.

Russ Guarino
Clarinet Maverick

Steve barbone wrote:

> In response to an off list question asking what I meant by "working in the
> trenches", here is jazz pianist Jessica Williams view of what that is. Note
> that while I agree with her concept, my sidemen make more money per gig.
> They are just a bit below the "excellent" pay she mentions.
>
> BTW, Jessica Williams is an excellent female jazz pianist who works concert
> venues such as Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall etc., and writes a Blog called
> THE ZONE "Dedicated to John Coltrane, Elvin Jones, Mary Lou Williams, Dexter
> Gordon, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Philly Joe Jones, Tony Williams, and
> all who have devoted their lives to American Improvised Jazz Music."
>
> Cheers,
> Steve
>
> "The truth is that most musicians who work in nightclubs and bars average
> considerably less than $100 a night for a full 5 hours of music (from 9pm to
> 2am). The bartender, waiters, and waitresses make more, much more. My
> gardener makes three times that much (and deserves it). This wage has
> changed not at all in 25 years. Some musicians make $50 a night, and most
> make $75. Those musicians lucky enough to land a steady hotel job in a rich
> area (such as Monterey, CA) may make $200 per night. That's unusual, and
> considered excellent pay."
>
> "And it hurts me too. Don't get the idea that I'm casting any aspersions
> here. I admire the musicians who work for little or no compensation 'in the
> trenches'. At least they're making music and turning a few people on to
> jazz. I can't cut the wages, the environment, and the attitudes. I get sick
> and depressed in that 'scene'. That's my problem. But I do admire those
> musicians."
>
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