[Dixielandjazz] gigs

[Paul Kurtz Jr]

Jim, I do honestly apply the “as long as I get paid, I’m fine with whatever people want to do,” comments to playing. But, maybe I apply them in a little different manner. 

If I’m getting paid for playing, I hold myself to a high standard of effort, attention, work,and make sure I do an excellent job. Now, in fairness, I apply that also to my volunteer efforts, too. The difference is, if it’s a volunteer effort and people don’t want to listen, they won’t see me again if I have anything to say about it. But, if they’re paying me to do a professional job, I’ll show up tonight, tomorrow, the next day, and whatever. 

Of course, there’s another aspect of this that I’ve talked about on DJML and on the TPIN (Trumpet Player’s International Network) to help people combat discouragement. I was playing a gig and listening to a man talk through the entire first half of the program. What shocked me was the fact that he came up during intermission, promptly talked about everything I’d played, told me about great trumpeters he’d seen playing the same music, and told me technically things I’d done that sounded good and like those players. I had no idea he was paying that kind of attention. As a blind person, I’ve had to have multiple tracks for my brain and my ears for years, but I wasn’t expecting this guy to have the same acuity. From then till now, I’ve remembered that and always played like everybody was listening fully. I’ll do that for the duration. 
Paul Kurtz Jacksonville, FL 
> On Jul 3, 2016, at 1:10 PM, Jim Kashishian <jim at kashprod.com> wrote:
> 
> 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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