[Dixielandjazz] Playimg Concerts with subs

[Stephen G Barbone]

A while back we had a thread about how some bands freely substitute  
for regular band members who can't make a gig. Some felt that the  
audience pays to see the regular band and therefore, if a member or  
two can't make a gig, then they do not take the gig. Others, like  
mine, will freely substitute.

Tonight is a case in point. We booked the gig months ago and all  
regular band members thought they could make it. Then the trombonist  
had a personal issue come up for the date a month ago and asked if I  
could sub. Same thing with the drummer 3 days ago. And at the end of  
last night's, our gig bass player (81 years old) started to feel ill.  
This morning, fearing a bleeding ulcer, he asked if I could sub for  
him tonight and maybe again on Sunday. Meanwhile he went to the  
emergency room at a local hospital.

In all 3 cases, we've subbed so the band will be 3 regulars and 3  
subs. How will it affect the music? We'll find out tonight, however  
all 3 subs are excellent jazz musicians and have worked with us  
before. I'd bet the farm that the program will be fine and generate a  
standing ovation from the audience at an upscale retirement home.

For those of us who grew up with seeing various Eddie Condon bands at  
his joint, having a large pool of competent jazz musicians to draw  
from is a plus. Fans could never be sure who would be in his band on  
any given night, however a Condon Band was always excellent. While we  
are certainly not on a par with Condon, the modus operandi is similar.

Here in the Philadelphia area, there are many competent Dixieland Jazz  
musicians, most of whom are looking for work and Barbone Street is  
pleased to be able to accommodate some of them when our regulars can't  
make it.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband