[Dixielandjazz] Problem at wedding gig

[Ministry of Jazz]

Hi Bob,

Thanks for you good words. That is pretty much how I feel.

I know you're a keyboard player, and you might not agree with me on this
one. But I have to say, I formed my band on the principle of being unplugged
and mobile. I love pianos, but I don't like synthesized sound for trad jazz.
More than that, every time I use electronic equipment at a gig, I have
problems with it. Every time! And most venues here do not have pianos, at
least not ones that work or are in tune.

I went home last night asking the good L-rd to strike me with lightning if I
ever lapse on my principles again and consider doing a gig with an
electronic keyboard or a sound system. We do have a portable battery-powered
amp and microphone for the times when we need some extra power for the
vocals, and we use even that as little as possible. I figure that if we ever
accept a gig where we need to be amplified, which does happen now and then,
the venue or customer will have a sound system that is adequate for the
occasion, and I will reluctantly use that if necessary. But at least they're
responsible for it, and not me.

Anyway, I feel a little better after a night's rest. Today I am laying the
tracks down for a new recording project where I am playing all the
instruments and putting songs together track by track. The first one came
out way better than I expected, so I am getting excited about completing
this project. It's one way to avoid the pitfalls of working with side men,
but the live performances are a bit tricky!

All the best,

Elazar
Doctor Jazz Dixieland Band
Tekiya Brass Ensemble
Jerusalem, Israel
www.israel.net/ministry-of-jazz
+972-2-679-2537


-----Original Message-----
From: Robert S. Ringwald [mailto:robert at ringwald.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2007 1:11 AM
To: DJML
Cc: Dixieland Jazz Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] Problem at wedding gig


Dear Elazar,

Shi* happens.  After reading through your lengthy description rather
quickly, it sounds as if you handled the situation very nicely.

I cannot believe that this so-called friend complained about the money after
what you did to get him and his equipment there.  And then to have his
equipment be faulty.

If it were me, I would probably never use him again.

The main thing as you say, is to do what you can to make the bride and
groom's special day, as special as you can.

You certainly have the right attitude there.

However, if it were me, I might stay friends with this musician, but I'd
never use him on a gig again.

--Bob ringwald