[Dixielandjazz] Agent Work . / . Kenny G.

[Steve barbone]

 "LARRY'S  <sign.guy at charter.net> asked

> It's been years since I used an agent.  I've been thinking about
> approaching one  because the Casinos and big business here pretty much
> hire through them.   Does anyone out there have any ideas, viewpoint etc

Larry & List mates:

Virtually all Casino gigs in Atlantic City are through agents. Probably
Vegas too. By all means cultivate a contact with a similar agent(s) in your
area around St Louis.

Caveat: They are slow pay (The Casino pays them and they pay us) so you must
keep after them. First experience was that they were 8 weeks behind. We got
that cleared up in a hurry, by threatening to unleash Guido. Now about three
weeks behind. 

They also try and take a pretty big chunk off the top. They typically
control 17-20 musicians per casino here and therefore make a super good
living. Some get $50 per musician per day, (they'll try and get more) and
with 17 musicians working daily on average, that is $850 a day, 7 days a
week, nine months a year. Less in the winter (now) when musical schedules
are pared down. There are quite a few agents controlling the music scene in
AC. They also get you private party work on the outside, which like the
casinos, is relatively high pay.

They hire a few band leaders, and the leaders hire their own sidemen. So
take your pick. Lead, or get friendly with a leader who is there.

Cheers,
Steve

"Jim Kashishian" <jim at kashprod.com> wrote

> In my studio dealings, I ended up today working with a CD I've never
> heard....and, what a surprise.  It was Kenny G playing Christmas songs.
> Lovely, beautiful tunes on the sop!  And, one particular swinging song on
> tenor sax.....as jazzy a song as one would ever be able to hear.  Excellent,
> jazz licks on the impro....
 
> Whatasurprise.......

Oh Oh, Jim, look out. Those who have not really "heard" Kenny G recently
will think you are crazy. I agree with you. IMO, he is a solid musician who
as I posted a few days ago, plays in tune, thrills millions of people all
over the world, and improvises. His music is jazz. And his new Christmas
album is one of the best around. What's not to like?

Hope Pat Metheny isn't reading this. :-) VBG.  For Pat's view, see:

http://www.johnharle.com/philosophy/articles-philosophy/KennyG.html

Cheers,
Steve

PS. I do agree with Metheny that Kenny G's overdubbing of Louis Armstrong
was a vile case of "musical necrophilia". (love his description) I think
perhaps that G now also believes he made a mistake by doing it.