First off, I'd be remiss if I didn't say something about the new administration, and my excitement about the winds of change. I won't get political here - but I WILL say we've witnessed history on so many different levels, my head's spinning. Here's to an extended - oh, I don't know, maybe eight year long - honeymoon period. Oh - and God bless America.
Personnel changes in my band as well, with a new bass player bringing a different sound and fresh approach to the music. This is part of the 'biz - cover bands are amazingly organic things. Trust me - this isn't an earth-shattering event. Players come, players go, and that's just the way it is. Besides, one thing you learn VERY early on - it's not the coming and going that's wonky. It's the wake left behind after the departure. Depending on temperment, players either get it or they don't. Anyway, ask a good cover band musician how many bands he's played in, and he'll probably laugh, roll his eyes and move on to the next gig. So, we've made a change and it's going to work out wonderfully. Then, a few years down the road, things'll change again. That's just what a cover band is, my friends.
One more thing about the above-paragraph: new players really do bring a new approach to the music, and it's nice to be kept on your toes. Lethargy in music is death, and lethargy is amplified in a cover band. Normally, you're playing about 80% of the same songs every week, so you'd better find a way to challenge yourself. Remember - those of you who feel it's time to change bands, but don't have the nerve to do it..? Do it. You'll become a far better, much more well rounded musician, and I guarantee you'll develop a stronger musical vocabulary.
So, even in this down economy - I've had two cancellations on some pretty hefty gigs because the companies are cutting down the spending - I'm really looking forward to '09. Yes, my knees still sound like Rice Krispies the day after a gig. Yes, the amount of work I do hasn't yet been equalled by the benefits of the work (in the land of cubicles they call this - gack - "ROI"). No, it isn't always easy to get across to the crowd. Yes, my gear needs constant tweaking and tuning. But we ARE working every weekend, and with a handful of new clubs on the calendar I feel fortunate and blessed to be doing what I'm doing.
Playing cover music - for money? Preach it, brother.
