[Dixielandjazz] FW: Band loyalty

[Bert Brandsma]

Jim, I agree with you.
 
I had the same when I was asked to help out with Chris Barber.
The date of the first gig, early March, I was still booked in the Cologne Opera House.
So I went to the organisers of the 27 dates in the Opera House and explained that I could get a tour of 7 gigs with the Barber band, if I could find a replacement for one day at the opera.
They were not happy having to miss me, but understood the situation (Even in the opera house they know Chris Barber's jazz band!) and the second alto was asked to play lead for this one day. A replacement came in for second alto.
It was more than a month before the actual date, so time enough.
 
My experience is that it is best to explain it, not come up with excuses or lies.
I could have come with a big story that it was legally to send a replacement by the nature of the contract, but that is not what it is about. Be reasonable to all sides and explain.
 
In the end a many everyone was happy, like second alto, who was now allowed to prove what she could do as lead, after playing 2nd for 6 years now.
 
Kind regards,
 
Bert Brandsma
 

 
> From: jim at kashprod.com
> Date: Thu, 24 Mar 2011 18:26:48 +0100
> Subject: [Dixielandjazz] FW: Band loyalty
> CC: dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com
> To: mister_bertje at hotmail.com
> 
> 
> As happens often on djml, someone (Bob Romans in this case) asks a question,
> and that question suddenly blooms into practically a different vein. 
> 
> I can only address Bob's original dilemna with experiences as a session
> musician where certain musicians were booked for a session particularly
> because the producer had counted on certain talents. When a sub showed up
> announced, there was a huge blowup! Understandably, the producer was
> expecting a particular sound, and was forced to accept another...even though
> the sub was also good.
> 
> I have found one thing to be true with subs, at least in a small band of 5
> or 6. One sub, no problem (if he is not subbing a "special" member). Two
> subs in a nite can change the overall sound of the band, and it becomes
> something else. That something else may be ok, as in the session musician
> story above, but it is still something else!
> 
> The loyalty part, I have no particular experience in this as far as sidemen
> go. However, I can comment on "booking loyalty". What happens if you
> booked a club date & a big concert comes up on the same date? My rule is,
> if it's something like a month ahead, a call & explanation will usually get
> you out of the lower paying job. Everyone understands business! However,
> if it's a few days before your gig....swallow it, and do your original job.
> I've done that on many occassions.
> 
> Likewise, I expect the same from the people that book us. Advanced warning,
> "great, no problem". Close to the gig, nope! 
> 
> Cooperation, understanding & respect go along way in business....IF you're
> dealing with good people! :>
> 
> Jim
> 
> 
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