Greetings everyone,
I had a lag in gigs. So here's what I'm up to....
Rent
Rehearsals have started for the production that I am playing for. The music director is the piano player in my trio. The pit is great. I've wanted to play this show since high school & I have the chance to now!! Book wise-there are a few unfamiliar parts, but they are quickly being learned. I have a few page turns that don't particularly like me, so I'm figuring out a way to eliminate them. More than likely, I'm going to make copies of a few pages & tape them together, so that my book has 2 page free "expansion".
Gear for Rent
The gear that I am using for this production is the same as what I used for Evita with 3 additions. The additions are 3 pedals. The book is written with chorus & octave divider. I'm also using a volume pedal to pull back the volume on some pick & slap parts.
The specific pedals I'm using are:
Ernie Ball 6166 Volume Pedal-a big hunk of steel that I bought in 2002. Really simple pedal, it's a volume pot controlled via pedal. It also features an internal dip switch that allows you to change the throw/taper ever so slightly. I don't notice much of a difference. The quality and construction of this pedal is what you'd expect about of Ernie Ball. I'm confident that you could drop this pedal from the catwalk of a theater and it would still work...probably without a scratch.
Danelectro Milkshake Chorus- This is my oldest pedal. I bought it while I was in middle school. I want to say in 1998 or 1999. I'm using this pedal for the chorus parts as well as the fretless parts. On the recording, the fretless bass sounds really shimmery, yet there aren't that many songs that call for it. So instead of bringing another bass for a small pit, I'm just using the pedal. The settings that I am using are: speed minimum and depth maximum. It's a really subtle effect...adds a bit of shimmer to the sound without being too distracting. Construction wise-it's decent. It's all plastic and the only issue I have is that the switch doesn't have a defined feel to it. It's like you're pressing an elevator button. It works & sounds good though, so I'm not spending money on a new one just yet.
MXR M-288 Bass Octave Deluxe-I just bought this pedal for this production. I have not used an octave pedal prior to this show. Construction is great. It's all metal. It sounds good, was a nice price, and feels like it will last a long time. I'll be writing an indepth review within a week or two.
I'm still playing Slams. Not a whole lot else is going on.
all the best.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Long time no post
So, it's been awhile. I haven't been playing too many gigs, so I'll update from the past and then give the update for the future...
Past
I've continued playing Slams. It's my favorite gig-extremely relaxed, the people are great, and it pays well. I have no complaints.
I played for Circle Theatre's Emerging Young Artist's production of Disney's High School Musical 2. This was fun. It was a 2 week run, the book was good for the most part. Some of the tunes, I wasn't overly fond of, but hey-it's theater. I love playing it.
The more electric shows I do, the more I'm paying attention to how the time period they were written influences the writing/orchestration. For example, Evita-the show was written when the 4 string bass was the most prevalent and there weren't any Sub E notes written. We added some for the production I was playing (i'd often on sustained chords add a sub double). However, on High School Musical & High School Musical 2-the lower notes are actually written in the part.
Future
I signed on to play a production of "Rent" with Big Noise Theater company. It should be fun. I don't have the book yet, but I'm excited.
I'm also playing more Slams...I plan on doing this gig until they don't want us anymore.
I'm doing a 1 off gig back in Indiana. I'll be playing with Spanton this Saturday. Playing a mix of covers & originals written by David. Should be fun.
Past
I've continued playing Slams. It's my favorite gig-extremely relaxed, the people are great, and it pays well. I have no complaints.
I played for Circle Theatre's Emerging Young Artist's production of Disney's High School Musical 2. This was fun. It was a 2 week run, the book was good for the most part. Some of the tunes, I wasn't overly fond of, but hey-it's theater. I love playing it.
The more electric shows I do, the more I'm paying attention to how the time period they were written influences the writing/orchestration. For example, Evita-the show was written when the 4 string bass was the most prevalent and there weren't any Sub E notes written. We added some for the production I was playing (i'd often on sustained chords add a sub double). However, on High School Musical & High School Musical 2-the lower notes are actually written in the part.
Future
I signed on to play a production of "Rent" with Big Noise Theater company. It should be fun. I don't have the book yet, but I'm excited.
I'm also playing more Slams...I plan on doing this gig until they don't want us anymore.
I'm doing a 1 off gig back in Indiana. I'll be playing with Spanton this Saturday. Playing a mix of covers & originals written by David. Should be fun.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Late June/Early July
Greetings and salutations!!
In my last post, the outlook was pretty grim. Now, all is good in my kingdom! I have secured a new day job. I'll be working for Kmart Monday-Thursday nights. Yes, Kmart. A company that is stable, cares about customer service, and isn't difficult to get to...and they were hiring. They were really really flexible and understanding with my schedule. I have a schedule block in place so that I can continue to play gigs Friday-Sunday nights...I can't work after 4PM those days. This gives me enough time to get home to Rogers Park and head to where ever I'm going...and get there by about 6PM [seems like i can get nearly anywhere in the city in about an hour]. This makes me extremely happy as it means that I don't have to move in with my sister in Indy, I greatly appreciate her offer and I think it would be fun for a short term thing, but I love Chicago.
Gigs
Not a whole lot on the horizon. Cam's Tie is playing 1 Slam in July and 2 Slams in August. I don't have another theater gig lined up. It appears that my teaching studio is going to start up again soon though-I've had interest from two potential students.
I'm also in the early stages of forming another band. Ever since I studied with Tom Mendel in 2006, I've wanted to form a Motown/Funk/Soul band playing Detroit's music from the 60's & 70's. From Marvin Gaye to Sly & The Family Stone to James Brown to Stevie Wonder. So, I'm starting to arrange some charts, find players, and give this a shot. The band will be white guys from the Midwest playing Detroit's music. Yeah, I'm NOT ruling out using black or other minorities, it's just-most of the cats I've played with are typically middle classish white guys...in the Midwest. I'll be leading this band from the bass chair. I'll also be the principle arranger, booking agent, band manager, etc. All that I want from my players is to show up, play their best, and leave. Not a democracy, a much more friendly dictatorship. I'm taking my time with the players-I want to get the best cats for the job even if it means NOT using some of my friends. This is a business that is fun, not fun that is a business.
More to come as I figure stuff out.
all the best.
In my last post, the outlook was pretty grim. Now, all is good in my kingdom! I have secured a new day job. I'll be working for Kmart Monday-Thursday nights. Yes, Kmart. A company that is stable, cares about customer service, and isn't difficult to get to...and they were hiring. They were really really flexible and understanding with my schedule. I have a schedule block in place so that I can continue to play gigs Friday-Sunday nights...I can't work after 4PM those days. This gives me enough time to get home to Rogers Park and head to where ever I'm going...and get there by about 6PM [seems like i can get nearly anywhere in the city in about an hour]. This makes me extremely happy as it means that I don't have to move in with my sister in Indy, I greatly appreciate her offer and I think it would be fun for a short term thing, but I love Chicago.
Gigs
Not a whole lot on the horizon. Cam's Tie is playing 1 Slam in July and 2 Slams in August. I don't have another theater gig lined up. It appears that my teaching studio is going to start up again soon though-I've had interest from two potential students.
I'm also in the early stages of forming another band. Ever since I studied with Tom Mendel in 2006, I've wanted to form a Motown/Funk/Soul band playing Detroit's music from the 60's & 70's. From Marvin Gaye to Sly & The Family Stone to James Brown to Stevie Wonder. So, I'm starting to arrange some charts, find players, and give this a shot. The band will be white guys from the Midwest playing Detroit's music. Yeah, I'm NOT ruling out using black or other minorities, it's just-most of the cats I've played with are typically middle classish white guys...in the Midwest. I'll be leading this band from the bass chair. I'll also be the principle arranger, booking agent, band manager, etc. All that I want from my players is to show up, play their best, and leave. Not a democracy, a much more friendly dictatorship. I'm taking my time with the players-I want to get the best cats for the job even if it means NOT using some of my friends. This is a business that is fun, not fun that is a business.
More to come as I figure stuff out.
all the best.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Mid-Late June
Greetings my loyal followers....
Evita is in the final shows. We had a sing through tonight as a refresher for the last 4 shows. We're doing Friday & Saturday shows the next two weeks. It should be fun. It'll be weird not playing this show anymore, but hey. The show picked up either 6 or 8 Jeff Awards including Best Musical Non-Equity, Best Music Director, and then a few best actors awards. Pretty hip.
Cam's Tie at the Slam. Cam's Tie is still going strong. Scottie is subbing out Sunday the 21st, so I thought what better time than to bring in a buddy from Lafayette? Yep. The drummer that I played with all the time in high school had just moved up to Chicago, so it seemed like the perfect time to have him join me on his first Chicago pro gig. His name is Tanner Lee. We played for nearly everything at Jeff High School together. I'm looking forward to it. If things go well, he'll be my top choice sub for when Scott is unavailable. A part of it is, I'm excited to see how it feels after the few years it's been since we played together last. Add in that this environment is about as relaxed as you can get, it pays well, and it's at the GREEN MILL.
Side tangent about the rest of life...
I'm looking for a new day job. I have 3 shifts left. If i don't find something new, I'll be moving to Indy for a while. I'm hoping for less than 3 months. I don't want to lose what I have here in Chicago by moving to Indiana for much time. It'll cost me a bit of green to make the Mill gigs, but I think it'd be worth it. Instead of doing 3 Sundays a month, we'd probably just do 2 a month. It's a bit of a drive to be making at 10PM. Ok, it's a bit of a drive because I'm a horrible driver that has been thrilled to NOT drive much the past 4 years. I'm vastly more comfortable getting on a bus or train and just remembering to get off at a given stop. Yeah, it's not not the same as being able to leave whenever I want and not carry gear. However, I'll take walking 6 blocks with my DB w/it's wheel, an amp on a cart, and 2 electric basses in a back pack gig bag while going down stairs. Why? Because I don't have to screw with cars and driving. $86 for unlimited rides on the CTA. I couldn't park for that much.
So, if any of my readers know of any places that are hiring, let me know-please. I've been using: CarrerBuilder.com, Monster.com, Yahoo Hot Jobs, Craigs List, and SnagaJob.com, in addition to walking around looking for "Help Wanted" signs. I have extensive retail experience-7 years and I can work a flexible schedule. The only times that i can't work are: Sundays after 4PM and for a chunk of the year I play shows on Friday & Saturday nights.
all the best.
Evita is in the final shows. We had a sing through tonight as a refresher for the last 4 shows. We're doing Friday & Saturday shows the next two weeks. It should be fun. It'll be weird not playing this show anymore, but hey. The show picked up either 6 or 8 Jeff Awards including Best Musical Non-Equity, Best Music Director, and then a few best actors awards. Pretty hip.
Cam's Tie at the Slam. Cam's Tie is still going strong. Scottie is subbing out Sunday the 21st, so I thought what better time than to bring in a buddy from Lafayette? Yep. The drummer that I played with all the time in high school had just moved up to Chicago, so it seemed like the perfect time to have him join me on his first Chicago pro gig. His name is Tanner Lee. We played for nearly everything at Jeff High School together. I'm looking forward to it. If things go well, he'll be my top choice sub for when Scott is unavailable. A part of it is, I'm excited to see how it feels after the few years it's been since we played together last. Add in that this environment is about as relaxed as you can get, it pays well, and it's at the GREEN MILL.
Side tangent about the rest of life...
I'm looking for a new day job. I have 3 shifts left. If i don't find something new, I'll be moving to Indy for a while. I'm hoping for less than 3 months. I don't want to lose what I have here in Chicago by moving to Indiana for much time. It'll cost me a bit of green to make the Mill gigs, but I think it'd be worth it. Instead of doing 3 Sundays a month, we'd probably just do 2 a month. It's a bit of a drive to be making at 10PM. Ok, it's a bit of a drive because I'm a horrible driver that has been thrilled to NOT drive much the past 4 years. I'm vastly more comfortable getting on a bus or train and just remembering to get off at a given stop. Yeah, it's not not the same as being able to leave whenever I want and not carry gear. However, I'll take walking 6 blocks with my DB w/it's wheel, an amp on a cart, and 2 electric basses in a back pack gig bag while going down stairs. Why? Because I don't have to screw with cars and driving. $86 for unlimited rides on the CTA. I couldn't park for that much.
So, if any of my readers know of any places that are hiring, let me know-please. I've been using: CarrerBuilder.com, Monster.com, Yahoo Hot Jobs, Craigs List, and SnagaJob.com, in addition to walking around looking for "Help Wanted" signs. I have extensive retail experience-7 years and I can work a flexible schedule. The only times that i can't work are: Sundays after 4PM and for a chunk of the year I play shows on Friday & Saturday nights.
all the best.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Cam's Tie in NY Times!!
Greetings,
Cam's Tie in the NY Times print and web!
Ok, so we're not named, but we're in the pictures and audio. If go click on this link Cam's Tie in NY Times you can view the page. Once you're there, the audio on the audio slideshow & backing the poets is us. Hip eh?
Evita
We're doing the 4 more shows. June 19th, 20th, 26th, & 27th. I'm a little dissapointed that we're only doing 4 more shows, but eh. I'm partially motivated by ::gasp:: money. Yeah, I lose my day job by the end of this month & I don't have anything lined up beyond Slams. It's been a fun run and a great experience.
Cam's Tie in June
We're playing the 7th, 14th, and 21st backing the Uptown Poetry Slam at the Green Mill. Preshow music starts about 6:45PM, $6 cover, 21+. This is my favorite gig. It's a relaxed atmosphere, totally improvised, and the venue is killer. The people at the Green Mill are amazing-from the bartenders & waitresses to the poets and patrons.
all the best.
Cam's Tie in the NY Times print and web!
Ok, so we're not named, but we're in the pictures and audio. If go click on this link Cam's Tie in NY Times you can view the page. Once you're there, the audio on the audio slideshow & backing the poets is us. Hip eh?
Evita
We're doing the 4 more shows. June 19th, 20th, 26th, & 27th. I'm a little dissapointed that we're only doing 4 more shows, but eh. I'm partially motivated by ::gasp:: money. Yeah, I lose my day job by the end of this month & I don't have anything lined up beyond Slams. It's been a fun run and a great experience.
Cam's Tie in June
We're playing the 7th, 14th, and 21st backing the Uptown Poetry Slam at the Green Mill. Preshow music starts about 6:45PM, $6 cover, 21+. This is my favorite gig. It's a relaxed atmosphere, totally improvised, and the venue is killer. The people at the Green Mill are amazing-from the bartenders & waitresses to the poets and patrons.
all the best.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
More Gigs
My apologies for the lack of posts lately.
So here's the update on gigs......
Evita was extended through May. It's been fun. They're trying to get us 4 more dates in June. This would be great for me as I lose my day job by June 20th. The show has been fun. I've been subbing out of most Sundays as Cam's Tie is taking off.
Cam's Tie is now playing 3 Slams a month on average. Marc Smith (SO WHAT) likes the group. The people seem to like it too. I'm having a blast!! Showing up, play improvised music behind poets, have a few beers, get paid. What's not to love? This past Sunday, Cam's Tie shared the bill with The Weird Sisters!!
That is significant because subbing in with The Weird Sisters is how Cam's Tie came into being. Oh yes, it was the birth of the gig. Bonnie had asked me to sub in for their regular bassist, Al. Marc seemed to like me and he asked me to put together a trio. That was on October 26th. Cam's Tie has been playing 2-3 Slams a month ever since. Not bad for a music school drop/transfer out eh?
So here's the update on gigs......
Evita was extended through May. It's been fun. They're trying to get us 4 more dates in June. This would be great for me as I lose my day job by June 20th. The show has been fun. I've been subbing out of most Sundays as Cam's Tie is taking off.
Cam's Tie is now playing 3 Slams a month on average. Marc Smith (SO WHAT) likes the group. The people seem to like it too. I'm having a blast!! Showing up, play improvised music behind poets, have a few beers, get paid. What's not to love? This past Sunday, Cam's Tie shared the bill with The Weird Sisters!!
That is significant because subbing in with The Weird Sisters is how Cam's Tie came into being. Oh yes, it was the birth of the gig. Bonnie had asked me to sub in for their regular bassist, Al. Marc seemed to like me and he asked me to put together a trio. That was on October 26th. Cam's Tie has been playing 2-3 Slams a month ever since. Not bad for a music school drop/transfer out eh?
Friday, April 17, 2009
Evita + Gear Review
Hello,
Evita, is in the final regularly scheduled weekend!! I'm subbing out of the last night, April 19th, to play a Slam. The run has been a blast thus far. We have an extension to run through the end of May...hopefully longer. Some of the cast and band will be changing. Kevin Brown, will be leaving us due to another contract and the new drummer will be awesome. The music director, Ryan, will be subbing out of a few dates as well. I'm sticking with the run....and will be subbing out for some Slams. Not going to lie, the Slams are a blast and they pay a lot better. In a typical night playing the Slam, I make double what I do playing Evita in a given evening. Evita is a lot of fun and pays well for the weekend...just not as much on a night.
Gear Review Tascam MP BT1
So this is my first formal [if i can call it that] gear review. I bought this little machine the first week of March and I've been playing with it since.
Some background, it's an MP3 Bass Trainer. What is a trainer? It's a headphone amp + music player in one. It features effects, metronome, tuner, and some fun software. The software allows you to slow down a song without changing pitch, transpose a song without changing tempo, cut the bass track, loop sections, and a variety of similar functions.
Now that I've had it for a bit, I love this thing. The metronome & slow down functions are great. The metronome isn't as feature laden as my Korg MA30, but it's adequate. You can't put in subdivisions or anything like that, you get to pick how many beats, and tempo. I used this to learn Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder & What is Hip by Tower of Power. Two tunes that previously I considered "landmarks'...where i knew my playing was at a great point when i could play those cleanly and with power. This device was also great for learning "Higher Ground"...I was reading a transcription of it as done by the Chilli Peppers while playing along with the Stevie Wonder version. The difference is...Chili Peppers played it in E where as Stevie does it in Eb.
The only frustration I had was at first with iTunes...I didn't realize that they had a really simple tool to create MP3 versions of songs. I thought you only had the Mp4s. Yeah, once I looked under "advanced" and saw make MP3 version. I was astounded. Now, I load up tunes & play-a-longs to the bass trainer and go to Evita to get some practice in between 7:30 & 8PM [we have a 7:30 call, but without the trainer, I'm just sitting there reading or being bored].
So yeah-I give this device 4/5 stars. The only things that I am deducting the star for are: Only plays MP3s, it's pretty big-about the size of a pack of Djarum Cigarettes or a bit wider than a pack of Marlboro 100's and about as thick. The unit is by no means large, but eh-I'd like to to be closer to the size of an iPod. Yep. ..I'm sorta picky. However, I do LOVE this unit. It has helped reinvigorate my practice routine. I love being able to practice whenever I want with an amp and metronome without driving the neighbors nuts. I like playing late [after gigs], so this is a great thing.
all the best.
Evita, is in the final regularly scheduled weekend!! I'm subbing out of the last night, April 19th, to play a Slam. The run has been a blast thus far. We have an extension to run through the end of May...hopefully longer. Some of the cast and band will be changing. Kevin Brown, will be leaving us due to another contract and the new drummer will be awesome. The music director, Ryan, will be subbing out of a few dates as well. I'm sticking with the run....and will be subbing out for some Slams. Not going to lie, the Slams are a blast and they pay a lot better. In a typical night playing the Slam, I make double what I do playing Evita in a given evening. Evita is a lot of fun and pays well for the weekend...just not as much on a night.
Gear Review Tascam MP BT1
So this is my first formal [if i can call it that] gear review. I bought this little machine the first week of March and I've been playing with it since.
Some background, it's an MP3 Bass Trainer. What is a trainer? It's a headphone amp + music player in one. It features effects, metronome, tuner, and some fun software. The software allows you to slow down a song without changing pitch, transpose a song without changing tempo, cut the bass track, loop sections, and a variety of similar functions.
Now that I've had it for a bit, I love this thing. The metronome & slow down functions are great. The metronome isn't as feature laden as my Korg MA30, but it's adequate. You can't put in subdivisions or anything like that, you get to pick how many beats, and tempo. I used this to learn Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder & What is Hip by Tower of Power. Two tunes that previously I considered "landmarks'...where i knew my playing was at a great point when i could play those cleanly and with power. This device was also great for learning "Higher Ground"...I was reading a transcription of it as done by the Chilli Peppers while playing along with the Stevie Wonder version. The difference is...Chili Peppers played it in E where as Stevie does it in Eb.
The only frustration I had was at first with iTunes...I didn't realize that they had a really simple tool to create MP3 versions of songs. I thought you only had the Mp4s. Yeah, once I looked under "advanced" and saw make MP3 version. I was astounded. Now, I load up tunes & play-a-longs to the bass trainer and go to Evita to get some practice in between 7:30 & 8PM [we have a 7:30 call, but without the trainer, I'm just sitting there reading or being bored].
So yeah-I give this device 4/5 stars. The only things that I am deducting the star for are: Only plays MP3s, it's pretty big-about the size of a pack of Djarum Cigarettes or a bit wider than a pack of Marlboro 100's and about as thick. The unit is by no means large, but eh-I'd like to to be closer to the size of an iPod. Yep. ..I'm sorta picky. However, I do LOVE this unit. It has helped reinvigorate my practice routine. I love being able to practice whenever I want with an amp and metronome without driving the neighbors nuts. I like playing late [after gigs], so this is a great thing.
all the best.
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