So our club band was formed last year with an intention of being a working (gigging) band whenever possible. Since then we have played two outdoor gigs as part of multi performer days. One was in front of around 400 people, the second an audience of approx 1500.
Our first lead guitarist had "control" issues, wanting to dictate the direction of the band and take most of the lead vocals (we formed as four equal vocalists). He also developed health issues that saw him "resign" after about 6 months.
When I was in America last year the band had to recruit a fill in rhythm player for a club day, who became our new lead guitarist. But to prevent any issues with "fill in's" in the future we also recruited a second harmony/rhythm guitarist. Our main lead lives a good two hours away. The harmony/rhythm player is only 45 minutes drive away but he relies on his sister to bring him to practice sessions as he does not own a car. I should add here that the only guitar he "owns" is a much played (and worn) sub US$200 budget model, while not owning, but having access too, two small amps!
We have two good gigs coming up, one in less than two weeks. We have around 55 songs which most of us already know, but as anyone who has been in a band will know, some personal touches are added by musicians that do not exist on the "official" recordings. So we have been trying to schedule practice sessions to ensure we are all on the same page when it comes to playing the songs.
Our lead guitarist tells us he "works at two jobs so works seven days a week. He has to take time off for club days, so can't attend practice days", even though we are willing to travel to him to practice. (He also is a little "excitable" and can lose his temper at times, threatening to walk out if things don't go well "on the day"). He also never plays a song the same way twice. Sometimes he "extends" a lead break, other times he shortens it. He doesn't supply chord charts for his songs on club days, and often doesn't even communicate what he is singing, just starts and waits for the band to fall in behind him. He also has a tendency to only sing half a song then finish if he is "not in the mood".
Our harmony/rhythm guitarist attended one full days practice about a month ago. Today we had another full day practice arranged. He was keen to attend but last night his sister sent a text saying she didn't have enough gas to make the trip.
Both are "noodelers" between songs, and neither willing to wait for a count in from our drummer.
Sue, our bass player and musical director, is normally placid and even tempered, but when I spoke to her last night she was all fired up. She said we should keep the two for club days but find someone else for gigs outside the club. It is something we will need to thinks seriously about, especially as we have been asked to travel away as a group.
So after speaking to Sue last night I began to compose a recruitment notice for a regional musicians face book page:
***************************************************
Lead guitarist required.
"Local" established rhythm section (drums/bass/rhythm guitar) are seeking a local lead guitarist, preferably with some vocal abilities, to join us on our musical endeavours.
We play a mix of country/country rock/rock'n'roll/light rock with a smattering of bluesy R&B and a touch of reggae.
We play the music of The Eagles, The Mavericks, CCR, Elvis, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Kenny Rogers, Bob Marley and others.
We are seeking someone who:
1. Has their own quality gear (guitar and amp) suitable for both indoor and outdoor gigs, and plays with minimal effects. Additional equipment such as music stand/mic stand/quality mic/and leads an advantage.
2. Must be a team player. Our philosophy is that we serve the music for the benefit of those who come to listen. We do not pander to individual egos. This means that you will be required to listen, consider and try out suggestions to change your music, not insist "this is the way you have always played it and always will play it".
3. Have the commitment necessary to attend one or two full practice days each month. These days run from 9:30 - 4:30 in out "local" rehearsal space with breaks for refreshment.
4. Must have a reliable vehicle, and the means to run it!
5. Must be able to supply quality charts of your music and commit to following the charts of your fellow band members.
t was a this point that I realised that such a lead guitarist does not exist and I was wasting my time even thinking about it further.
Our first lead guitarist had "control" issues, wanting to dictate the direction of the band and take most of the lead vocals (we formed as four equal vocalists). He also developed health issues that saw him "resign" after about 6 months.
When I was in America last year the band had to recruit a fill in rhythm player for a club day, who became our new lead guitarist. But to prevent any issues with "fill in's" in the future we also recruited a second harmony/rhythm guitarist. Our main lead lives a good two hours away. The harmony/rhythm player is only 45 minutes drive away but he relies on his sister to bring him to practice sessions as he does not own a car. I should add here that the only guitar he "owns" is a much played (and worn) sub US$200 budget model, while not owning, but having access too, two small amps!
We have two good gigs coming up, one in less than two weeks. We have around 55 songs which most of us already know, but as anyone who has been in a band will know, some personal touches are added by musicians that do not exist on the "official" recordings. So we have been trying to schedule practice sessions to ensure we are all on the same page when it comes to playing the songs.
Our lead guitarist tells us he "works at two jobs so works seven days a week. He has to take time off for club days, so can't attend practice days", even though we are willing to travel to him to practice. (He also is a little "excitable" and can lose his temper at times, threatening to walk out if things don't go well "on the day"). He also never plays a song the same way twice. Sometimes he "extends" a lead break, other times he shortens it. He doesn't supply chord charts for his songs on club days, and often doesn't even communicate what he is singing, just starts and waits for the band to fall in behind him. He also has a tendency to only sing half a song then finish if he is "not in the mood".
Our harmony/rhythm guitarist attended one full days practice about a month ago. Today we had another full day practice arranged. He was keen to attend but last night his sister sent a text saying she didn't have enough gas to make the trip.
Both are "noodelers" between songs, and neither willing to wait for a count in from our drummer.
Sue, our bass player and musical director, is normally placid and even tempered, but when I spoke to her last night she was all fired up. She said we should keep the two for club days but find someone else for gigs outside the club. It is something we will need to thinks seriously about, especially as we have been asked to travel away as a group.
So after speaking to Sue last night I began to compose a recruitment notice for a regional musicians face book page:
***************************************************
Lead guitarist required.
"Local" established rhythm section (drums/bass/rhythm guitar) are seeking a local lead guitarist, preferably with some vocal abilities, to join us on our musical endeavours.
We play a mix of country/country rock/rock'n'roll/light rock with a smattering of bluesy R&B and a touch of reggae.
We play the music of The Eagles, The Mavericks, CCR, Elvis, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Kenny Rogers, Bob Marley and others.
We are seeking someone who:
1. Has their own quality gear (guitar and amp) suitable for both indoor and outdoor gigs, and plays with minimal effects. Additional equipment such as music stand/mic stand/quality mic/and leads an advantage.
2. Must be a team player. Our philosophy is that we serve the music for the benefit of those who come to listen. We do not pander to individual egos. This means that you will be required to listen, consider and try out suggestions to change your music, not insist "this is the way you have always played it and always will play it".
3. Have the commitment necessary to attend one or two full practice days each month. These days run from 9:30 - 4:30 in out "local" rehearsal space with breaks for refreshment.
4. Must have a reliable vehicle, and the means to run it!
5. Must be able to supply quality charts of your music and commit to following the charts of your fellow band members.
t was a this point that I realised that such a lead guitarist does not exist and I was wasting my time even thinking about it further.
