[Harp-L] Re: Read if you're bored!

[Mike Fugazzi <mikefugazzi@xxxxxxxxx>]

"When I play I want to play for real... I take my playing seriously
just like all my hero's I grew up listing to...  I want the  XXXXXXX
to be the real deal, and to get tone... great tone I need to be at a
level that will allow me to get there pure and simple, no bink tone or
fake sounding distortion pedals at low levels...  can't and won't do
it.
 I am not going to turn down any lower than I already play, nor is the
band as a whole."

I wouldn't do it.  They obviously don't get playing live for others.
I could go on and on about why the above quote is a bunch of BS, but I
won't.  Rationalizing with someone like this is impossible.  Real
deal?  I HATE when people play the "hero" card.  1.)  He isn't SRV,
Clapton, etc.  2.)  He is playing venues a fraction of the size of
said artists.  3.) Said artists have pro sound systems.  4.)  today's
scene is not the same as 1960.

There is a lot of ego in his post.  If that is how he is just
discussing stage volume, he is not a team player.  Unless they draw
great crowds, play a lot, get paid a lot, and you don't have to do
much work, it is a crappy deal.


On Apr 2, 11:16 am, Nick Walsh <niko8...@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> Here is an email exchange I recently had with a band leader who asked me to come play him and his band.  It's long but I just wanted to know the groups thoughts about this exchange. Here is some background on the email: this band played at a very loud level. This level always increased during set to the point that everything including vocal was muddy and distorted.
> Let me know If I out of line at all.
> I actually found his respond ridiculously entertaining.
> Nick "Chowda"
> ________________________________________________________________________________
> Nick..  I hope all is well with you, I am in search of a good harp player for the new reformed XXXXXXX, and it now consists of some great players.    I really liked playing with you and what you brought to the stage when you jammed with us.. and I know you must be even better now.    If you are interested in playing with us again please let me know...
>
> Thanks, Tom
> __________________________________________________________________________________
> Hey Tom,
>  Thanks for the email.  I have been really busy with school and work. That being said I am looking to play more harp. I really like the song choice of the XXXXXXX has and the style you’re playing.  I think my harp sounds good with it.
> I have a few suggests if you're interested.  I don't mean this in any disrespectful way what so ever, but I found it hard to play with the XXXXXX because of the overall volume level.  I felt like I got lost in the mix with my medium sized amp (12" speaker, 25 watt amp).  Even when I brought out my Bassman I felt able to compete but then I felt like I was perpetuating the issue and forcing others to turn up. The last time I played with the XXXXXX I left feeling a little discouraged and like it wasn't my place to ask everyone to turn down.
> Again, I mean this with total respect.  I think you're a great guitarist and the other guys in the band were really cool as well.
> Thanks,
>  Nick
> ___________________________________________________________________________________
> Great to hear from you Nick....     and oh yes, the volume issue...   There are some people that really have a hard time dealing with it and I, and that is fine for them, but not me.   At the smaller venues I do try to keep a lid on it as best I can but I have to tell you I will not play at lounge levels, never happen.    When I play I want to play for real... I take my playing seriously just like all my hero's I grew up listing to...  I want the  XXXXXXX to be the real deal, and to get tone... great tone I need to be at a level that will allow me to get there pure and simple, no bink tone or fake sounding distortion pedals at low levels...  can't and won't do it.
>  I am not going to turn down any lower than I already play, nor is the band as a whole.   If you think you can handle that and want to give it a go then let me know and you should come to our next rehearsal.   If not.. I fully understand.
>
> Either way...  good to hear from you, always liked you and your playing and thought you had great potential.
> Tom
> _____________________________________________________________________________________