I was blindsided this week after work on Saturday night. The owner and one (of the MANY) managers called me in for a little pow wow .... behind closed doors. The conversation started:
"Dave .... we have a problem with the music..."
This can't be a good thing, I thought. I let him elaborate, and we came to the conclusion that in the short one month that this new, beautiful place has been open ...... the crowds that have been coming in are not the ones they expected. They want a younger, later, less formal crowd than they attract, and they thought that MAYBE the music was part of the "lure" to the older crowd.
I didn't respond immediately, trying to engage my brain before enabling my lips. I was able to discern that no one was unhappy with my performance, but perhaps, the MO of the electronic instruments (though, impressive sonically) were falling short of the "look" or the "feel" that they tried to generate in the room. Puzzled? I'll go on.
I asked "What do you want me to play?"
They responded: "More contemporary"
I asked "You mean, new music that's on the radio?"
They said "No, not the top 40 stuff"
I asked "Give me an example of the type of artist that would satisfy you?"
They replied ..... "Hmmmm, I'm not sure"
I suggested, maybe Dave Matthews, John Mayer? That kind of acoustic energy?
They were still unsure. After examining the request, I determined that the digitally enhanced performance was taking over the musician's input, and the management was watching a polished, sophisticated, complicated ........... but also ..... automatic, boring presentation of 30 - 50 year old songs.
This may be a little harsh, since the age group that was coming in was very responsive to the music, and the presentation ..... still, something was missing.
To (attemt to) sum up this long story - They gave me a deadline to try and convince them that I could turn the tables and reconfigure the entertainment element to attract more of the late-night professional bar crowd that they want, so I suggested more of an acoustic feel, with the keyboard as the second fiddle, instead of the solo violinist.
I played 2 sets on guitar last night, using the drums a few times and a few (very few) sequences to add a little flavor and rhythm. This was huge to them. (go figure)
3rd set I played more kb's and concentrated on energy, and presentation ..... and the result was predictable.
The older, dining crowd was walking out after dinner holding their ears and giving me funny looks that said "what happened to that nice quiet guy that was here yesterday????"
But the mangers, were smiling ............ (NOW what !)
Last set - I arranged for a friend to come in and sit in on guitar/vocals, and the room came alive with dancing, singing, silliness ..... and all sorts of energy that was derived from the simple fact that a new "something" was happening. I've had this same reaction many times during the last set before ... the drinks have kicked in, the dinner is over, the lights have been turned down ..... it's a party.
The fact remains ...... the whole mood of the room changed with a simple shift of energy. That's the point of the story. It didn't matter what songs I played, or what instrument I used .... it all came down to the energy. I think the room will turn into a "TGI Friday's" atmosphere during dinner, and the live entertainment will start later, to attract the late comers. I doubt that I'll make the cut, because the late night barflies don't want as many oldies as I play. Such is life, I guess.
I only told this story to emphasize the fact that equipment doesn't make the performance. We talk about gear all day, every day here, and I LOVE it, but let's not loose sight of the fact that gear doesn't kill dance floors .... people do.
Dust off your shtick, dig into your "forgotten" repertoire and keep your eyes on the crowd. You have to earn the right to play with EACH performance. I was a victim of complacency, and it may mean that I will be changing locations next month. Don't get all wrapped up in the technicalities, and forget to PLAY THE MUSIC. Forget about music-finders, and transpose buttons ....... grab the instrument with both hands and PLAY THE SUCKER. Reach into your soul, pull out your guts and spread them on the floor so people can dance all over them. This business can be so exciting, but the automation is robbing us of some of that element that causes the excitement.!!!!
I can't say this enough - TURN OFF the auto junk sometimes, and just PLAY. You need to get back to roots and show yourself (and the crowd) the reason you became a player in the first place.
If you are just beginning - LEARN the basics!
If you are a part-timer .... Raise your sights and play out more (even for free)
If you are a pro - Remember that there are TONS of "out of work" players that want YOUR job, so sharpen your axe and start woodsheding ! Get the energy back, and spotlight your strengths ...... who cares about the next generation XYZ64,000 ?!?!?!?!?!
It's got to be about the energy. It's vital. It's HUMAN. It's irreplacable.
Whew........ what a rant. I'm finished now. That was your reality lesson for the week. I gotta go be a DJ tonight.(whoopti-doo .............. well, it's a living
)
I'll say it this once ........ Happy gigging everyone !
PLAY those instruments, don't let them PLAY YOU !