I'm starting a new job at an upscale restaurant this week. There is a discussion of me moving from the lounge (with full-service dining)to the patio about May...something I did at the main competitor's place for over 14 years. I'm thinking of using the arranger and nylon string in the lounge and a Midjay and the bass pedals I've had for years on the patio, with a double-neck Ovation (6 and 12 string). I'd work about 1/2 hour at each location and use an Ipod for break tunes.

My first experience with automated music was an Auto-Orchestra, which was an early module. It came with a set of bass pedals. You play the root bass notes with your left foot and use the volume pedal, which has toe and heel switches for minors, 7ths, etc.

I'll do the same thing with the Midjay. Actually, this afternoon, I'll hunt in the warehouse for the Auto Orchestra. When I "decommissioned it", it was still working (about 1985).

A little variety between the two rooms, and still a full sound that no-one else is doing around here. I'll take 5 minutes or so between locations. At this place, sets need to be short to turn the tables anyway, so 1/2 hour sets are often appropriate. If one location has more going on than the other, i can stay there longer. As the night progresses, people migrate from the bar to the patio in the summers anyway. I'll just "follow the croud".

What do you think?


R.