Subject: [Harp-L] asking to sit in

[Sylvia & Fred <fsstov@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

--- In harp-l-archives@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Bob Cohen <bcohen@xxxx> wrote:
>> I'm going to see Little Charlie and the Nightcats tonight.  They are 
one
>> of my favorite bands.  It would be a dream come true to sit in with 
them
>> for a number.  Does anyone know how they feel about that sort of 
thing?
======================
FWIW, I saw Little Charlie & the Nightcats in a small club a few years 
ago.  At the break I chatted with Rick a few minutes, and once he knew I 
was a harp player, he asked me "How do I sound in the mix?"  When I 
replied that it sounded a little muddy to me, he asked that I go back to 
the sound man and see if I could get him to clean up the mix a little. 
I went back and relayed Rick's request and my opinion to the sound man 
(who looked at me like I had snakes crawling out of my ears).  If I say 
so myself, it did sound a little better in the 2nd set.

So I have "sat in" with Little Charlie and the Nightcats - as an 
audience member.  What Rick asked me to do was definitely the best (and 
probably only) thing I could do to add to the show.  Unless you are one 
of the top 25 harp players in the US, I agree with Sonnytone - don't 
even think about it.  (If you have to ask, you can't afford it.)  I 
assume you also think it would be ok to ask the Yankees if you could 
pitch batting practice?  If you want to jam with the best, go to a SPAH 
or a Jam Camp where it's expected and accepted.  Don't put the 
performers in the uncomfortable position of politely declining - even 
though I am sure they are pros at it.  It's tough enough making a living 
on the gig circuit without having to deal with that.  My 2 cents - enjoy 
the show.
Fred S