[Tradjazz] Tradjazz] The Bronx Zoo gig

[Bruce McNichols]

What a delight to read Steve Barbone's latest posting.  I, of course, agree with his ideas on gigs that aren't perfect (are any of them?).
  The best part is his ending remark: "Glad I went because this old dog learned a few new tricks."
What a pleasure to find such a like-minded guy.  I firmly believe in the old adage "You learn something new, every day."  Sad to say, I know one jazz musician (who shall remain nameless) who had the audacity  to say "I've heard it all."  He was referring to how he would never go to see other bands.  I was not mad at him for that attitude.  Frankly, I felt sorry for him.  Imagine the pleasure he's cheating himself out of.

On the subject of bitching sidemen, over the years, I've sometimes been faced with sidemen who complain that I've hired a certain, not-so-good, player.  As leaders know, contracting musicians for gigs is sometimes very difficult.  My comeback to the complainers has to do with "Don't think about that guy.  Think about the other guy we'd have been stuck with, if that guy wasn't available."
  Some people say that the glass is half empty. Some say that it's half-full.  I say the glass is too damned big!
McN


      To: <tradjazz at list.okom.com>  
      Subject: [Tradjazz] The Bronx Zoo gig  
      Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2006 20:48:28 -0400  
      From: Steve Barbone <barbonestreet at earthlink.net>   
     
"Bruce McNichols" <muskrat at bestweb.net> wrote (polite snip)

> My humble apologies to Steve et al, for that fateful NY's eve gig, but
> hopefully those guys subscribe to my policy, which is simply "I coulda said
> no."  

Ha, ha. Exactly right, good policy. My favorite expression to sidemen who
bitch about gigs is: "Did I put a gun to your head to accept this gig?"

No doubt other leaders know exactly what I mean about sidemen who
continually bitch about: 1) the gig  2) the money  3) the client  4) some
perceived slight  6) the background noise 5) some other "failing" that you
can't control, etc. Hey, you are a pro . . . just do it.

Actually I am very glad I did that Bronx Zoo gig. It has been a good
reminisce since the night we did it.

Also, McN mentioned Herb Gardner. Saw him yesterday with Linda Ipanema's
Dixie Cats at the Tri State Jazz Society Concert in Brooklawn NJ. He was
playing trombone and singing. Wonderful. BTW, there's a gal who knows how to
connect with the audience. VERY lively performer, bless her heart.

I went there on a kind of busman's holiday specifically to see her perform
because she does so many gigs. I figured her stage persona was worth a look
see and my old friend Barry Bockius was subbing on bass. Glad I went because
this old dog learned a few new tricks.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone 



     


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