Being in Michigan, one of the hardest hit by the economy. Gigs really dropped. So with that in mind, I am not a big negotiator. I see what their budget is and say either yea or nay.
Things are starting to show a comeback thankfully. But most gigs pay average $60 an hour. Sometimes a really good one will come up and remind me that it's possible to make a living in music, but that's far and few between.
... moreBeing in Michigan, one of the hardest hit by the economy. Gigs really dropped. So with that in mind, I am not a big negotiator. I see what their budget is and say either yea or nay.
Things are starting to show a comeback thankfully. But most gigs pay average $60 an hour. Sometimes a really good one will come up and remind me that it's possible to make a living in music, but that's far and few between.
One thing I'm lucky for is that my private gigs have let me play places I would never be in otherwise. And I've had meals I could never order. Sometimes the perks are in things other than money especially when you can work with great musicians.
If they wnat a price and leave it to me to quote, I usually start around $60-75 an hour and come to a mutually agreeable price. But I don't cheapen myself too much. I'd lose theirs and my respect for myself. If they've got a nephew that will do it for a lot less I tell them to go for it. You usually get what you pay for in music, especially a... less
I just got the Reed Geek last week. Played a full gig with a reed that I would have put in my "last resort" group. I was pleased how it improved greatly the reed. It was a much more solid 'tight' feel and better response. I'm guessing my biggest problem h... moreI just got the Reed Geek last week. Played a full gig with a reed that I would have put in my "last resort" group. I was pleased how it improved greatly the reed. It was a much more solid 'tight' feel and better response. I'm guessing my biggest problem has been reeds not being flat against the table of the mouthpiece, what a difference!
When I read the endorsements of other players I figured I'd give it a chance. For less than what I spend on reeds in a few months it was well worth it.
I recently picked the Saxholder. So far I am very pleased at how secure it holds my horn and especially of how it removes all stress and weight off my neck. If you haven't seen this yet, it puts the majority of weight on the shoulders. I was concerned abo... moreI recently picked the Saxholder. So far I am very pleased at how secure it holds my horn and especially of how it removes all stress and weight off my neck. If you haven't seen this yet, it puts the majority of weight on the shoulders. I was concerned about the third point being on my abs but after playing a full nights gig I had no stress, fatigue or pain from the weight of the horn.
It works great for both alto and tenor. Not sure if and how it works for a bari. Satisfied about this product which was just over $50. Well worth it, IMO. less
Round Midnight
Body and Soul
I Thought About You
Quiet Nights... moreRound Midnight
Body and Soul
I Thought About You
Quiet Nights
Polkadots and Moonbeams
That's All
There are tons!!!
Of course, live is always preferred. Interaction and inspiration abounds. But it's a financial call of the client or even of the band leader. If there isn't enough money to go around to make it worth it for the musicians then a compromise has to be made. ... moreOf course, live is always preferred. Interaction and inspiration abounds. But it's a financial call of the client or even of the band leader. If there isn't enough money to go around to make it worth it for the musicians then a compromise has to be made. I play with a 6 piece wedding group that does covers and we still play with sequenced tracks. But people want to hear the cover with nothing missing. So, we have 2 singers, drummer, guitar, keys and myself on sax. The bass and other parts are on the track which can be muted accordingly. I have done a lot of solo sax gigs in restaurants and private events using tracks. I've settled into tracks that keep it live sounding for my benefit. There are a lot of cheesy sounding tracks out there. Beware! But I've even used some Aebersold tracks for some light jazz standards. It's all business for me in those situations. The pay split 3 or more ways is just not worth it for anybody. But then a really playing jazz won't pay but is worth all the time to be there. less
Music and jazz in particular is an aural tradition. Playing duets is very important in the students development of understanding and interpreting jazz heads and phrasings. Much more is gained in a shorter time as they play while hearing it rather than try... moreMusic and jazz in particular is an aural tradition. Playing duets is very important in the students development of understanding and interpreting jazz heads and phrasings. Much more is gained in a shorter time as they play while hearing it rather than trying just read it. Play on!
I've run across a vintage alto recently. The markings on the bell read: Herni Selmer4 Place Dancourt ParisMedaille D'OR St Louis 1904No other markings, serial numbers. There is no neck. Anyone an expert or know of one who I can contact to find o... moreI've run across a vintage alto recently. The markings on the bell read: Herni Selmer4 Place Dancourt ParisMedaille D'OR St Louis 1904No other markings, serial numbers. There is no neck. Anyone an expert or know of one who I can contact to find out about this horn?
I would like to eventually sell it. But I am thinking a collector and not a player would be more interested.
It obviously needs a total overhaul, repad, cleaning.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks, Eugene
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