Re: [Harp-L] band arrangements/ band leader

["akc" <meadow.sweet@xxxxxxxxxx>]

I like the point in your last couple of sentences, Jim. I've heard too many 
'geniuses' playing for their own entertainment.

A.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <james.french@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, October 29, 2005 1:01 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] band arrangements/ band leader


> 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
> _______________________________________________
> Harp-L is sponsored by SPAH, http://www.spah.org
> Harp-L@xxxxxxxxxx
> http://harp-l.org/mailman/listinfo/harp-l