[Harp-L] band arrangements/ band leader

[james.french@xxxxxxxxx]

I would like to relate my experiences as to a band without a leader. I was in 
a group(The Mudcats) that was led? by the guitarist. This is fairly common 
practice and he was soley intrested in playing only what intrested him. He 
learned some songs others wanted to sing and play but, basically it was his 
showcase. He is young and quite talented yet seemed oblivious to the needs of 
the crowd (we were a bar band) as a result our potential was never fully 
realized. Long solos, lack of songs with a good dance beat are a dirth in 
taverns. People like to dance and bar owners sell a lot more drinks when 
people keep dancing. We were talented and popilar enough to keep booked and 
draw crowds but, there could have been another level reached. I ran a band 9 
years previous to joining this one and we were much more successful with a lot 
less talent. My point being that a strong leader tends to the audiences' needs 
ina way that fosters entertainment not to mention promotion, song selection, 
encouraging showmanship that makes each audience member feel as if you are 
playing just for them. Thanks for letting me blow off steam.
                         keep turning blue,
                            Jim French