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thumbstruck
Ahonui
USA
2183 Posts |
 Posted - 05/06/2010 : 08:23:00 AM
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Anyone care to chime in on a discussion that Slipry1 and I have had for the past few months? What make a good sideman?
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Retro
Ahonui
USA
2368 Posts |
Posted - 05/06/2010 : 08:30:20 AM
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The ability to listen, and to adjust accordingly.
You two taught me that, and it was one of the most important lessons I've had to date (as you all patiently allowed me to learn how to play bass guitar). |
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Mark
Ha`aha`a
USA
1628 Posts |
Posted - 05/06/2010 : 08:45:09 AM
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Since I am the proud owner of a laminated all-access festival pass listing me as "Sideman" (no name necessary, I suppose) I feel qualified to chime in.
Appearances to the contrary, I also happen to much prefer the role of side.... errr... person, to that of leader. Or solo act, for that matter.
Here's my list. Listening and chops are a given, by the way.
- The ability to make the leader and/or lead singer sound better -- without drawing attention to yourself.
- Knowing when not to play.
- Always acting in a professional manner. As in: being set up and ready to rehearse or play at the downbeat.
- Knowing when to talk on stage, and when to keep your mouth shut.
- Being able to hold yer cool while wearing ridiculous hats.
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Hookani
Lokahi
232 Posts |
Posted - 05/06/2010 : 09:04:50 AM
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Listen, listen, listen and did I mention listen. Just because you know the song, doesn't mean the lead is going to play it the way you always play it.
Don't turn up your volume so you can be louder than everyone else.
You may be better than the lead but there is no need to show off.
Don't try to be a star and certainly don't act like one.
Blend with what's being played.
Play and act with aloha. |
Ke Kani Nahe
YouTube
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slipry1
Ha`aha`a
USA
1511 Posts |
Posted - 05/06/2010 : 10:36:54 AM
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| I couldn't agree more with all of you. After all, my 3rd commandment is LISTEN - Ho'alohe! Here's my take. A sideman lives in hyperspace, just minding his own business and supporting what the person taking the lead is doing. Then, when the leader says "Take it!", the sideman pops out of hyperspace and plays (hopefully) a dynamite solo and then pops back into hyperspace. In realistic terms, that means that the sideman does his best not to attract attention to himself while something other than his solo is going on, then, when it is time, takes the center and plays. Note that the word "support" was used. As a sideman, it is your obligation to support the leader. In a trapeze act, there is a flyer, who does all the fincy work, and the catcher, who must be at the right place at the right time to catch the flyer. IMHO, a sideman's role is similar. In summary: listen and support. |
keaka |
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Mark
Ha`aha`a
USA
1628 Posts |
Posted - 05/07/2010 : 08:25:09 AM
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Y'know, I was just re-reading this thread & this thought struck me: with the exception of my crack about hats (and I wasn't fooling, as anyone who has seen the Galician band I play in knows...) all of these observations would apply equally well to the question:
"What to bring to the table as a jam participant..." |
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slipry1
Ha`aha`a
USA
1511 Posts |
Posted - 05/07/2010 : 09:24:08 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Mark
Y'know, I was just re-reading this thread & this thought struck me: with the exception of my crack about hats (and I wasn't fooling, as anyone who has seen the Galician band I play in knows...) all of these observations would apply equally well to the question:
"What to bring to the table as a jam participant..."
Right on, Pard! Listen and support. If it's not your turn, lay out. That's what made our second night of jamming on Maui so much fun. I find that I learn a lot by just listening to others during a jam. Experiencing different ideas, different approaches from others are learning tools, even if it's "Cheesh - I sure wouldn't play it THAT way!", or "WOW! How did he DO that? I'll have to ask him later". |
keaka |
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What to look for in sidemen
