[Harp-L] re: pro vs amateur

[rainbowjimmy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

If you play in a band you have to get 3-85 people playing together. You have to
cooperate, smile a lot, take criticism without being defensive, offer criticism
without being hostile and confrontive, and leave your ego at the door. Show up
on time, with your equipment, remember the words. The emphasis is on making the
band sound good, not the harmonica player.

There's nothing magical about bands or musicians. It's learned behavior. Some
people have a little more aptitude than others, some have a little more social
skills than others. I prefer playing with competent musicians with real good
people skills rather than virtuoso musicians with no social skills at all.

Oh yeah, it takes time too. It takes years before a musician has the chops to
play professionally and it takes years before a band really starts sounding
good. Patience. Enjoy the process. Don't be in a hurry. These things take time.

If you're just starting a band and there's a guy in the band with serious
substance abuse problems, give it up. You'll put in serious dues and get
nothing but heartaches.

Rainbow Jimmy
http://www.spaceanimals.com
http://www.soundclick.com/theelectricstarlightspaceanimals.htm