[Dixielandjazz] gigs

[Jim Kashishian]

Fellow djml poster Marek and I were having a private discussion about my
recent trip to Armenia.  I mentioned that at a cocktail party we attended
(my wife, my son & I) that there was a modern jazz group playing, but with a
twist to it, as they had someone playing a "tar", a traditional Armenian
instrument (stringed with a type of gord as a sound chamber).  It was a very
interesting blend of two types of music, and the musicians were beyond
belief!  Excellent!
 
Since it was a company (clients & employees) event...cocktails & stand-up
dinner, you can imagine that no one paid attention at all to the musicians.
I applauded every song, and a few followed my example.  
 
Marek asked me how musicians put up with those situations.  Having played
many, many such events myself, I can answer how I handle it.  Maybe others
willl have some comments to make.
 
I find that not having to "please the audience"....knowing that you are only
background music, can be somewhat liberating.  You can play tunes you want
to play, even try out new tunes if you have a few lead sheets already in
place.  So, the whole gig can actually be fun if you try to have fun with
your mates on the stage.  
 
Granted it is not the same as geting a tremendous roar of applause that you
might get at a concert or club.  However, I try to get what I can out of
each gig.   Since no one is really listening closely, you can try new things
on the ensemble, and reach out a bit on your solos.  Mostly, I've had a good
time at those kind of gigs.
 
I try not to fall into the "oh, well, at least it pays the bills" attitude,
because I don't want my music to ever come to just that.  That doesn't mean
I don't appreciate a good paying gig, and company gigs are usually just
that! 
 
It is nice, though, when you see at least a small amount of people enjoying
the music, and that is why, when I'm part of the audience at that type of
gig, I try to give a bit of applause.
 
Jim
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