When I and a friend started our Keyboard Club, I was surprised to be criticised for playing "favourites" my way. Apparently, I was not keeping the beat, I was not using the correct style/backing and was using some "peculiar" (their word not mine) sounds as well.

My answer to them was, you can have several people all admiring the same picture but each will see different aspects of it. Some will like it some will loathe it and some will be indifferent and that is how it is with music.

When I buy a new music book/sheet, one of the pleasures for me is to pick a song and go through my styles on my KN7000 - it is amazing how many styles suit a particular piece of music.

I also do this when playing a 'gig' I surprise my audience by playing a popular song to a an unusual rhythm. Again, it is surprising how many people will say "that's sounds good, I never thought of using a Latin rhythm" or whatever.

I must be doing something right because I keep getting repeat 'gigs' so as Elizabeth said in her posting, enjoy your music, if someone doesn't like it - tough! You cannot please everybody all of the time.

Good luck!

Aud (U.K.)

AUDREY.....I want to be in your KB Club! Where do I sign up!

Isn't there a song entitled "Versatility"???

ELIZABETH

John C
I run my laptop through an Echo"Indigo" card that slips into the pmcia(?)slot. The sound for MIDI playback is equal to the 7000 GM sounds. Sometimes better.

Bernie

AUDREY....What I mean is that I support your conclusions! Not sure that is clear in my previous post...

Music is about enjoyment for all who hear it...including the players!

ELIZABETH

Hey John

Have fun on your gig.

Last night I played for an anniversary. It was fun to play the old goodies for the older crowd, but, songs like In The Mood will get all ages out there for sure.

After awhile I think you will find it super easy to transfer your midi files to your Tyros and also very easy to operate. And the sound is quite good as I think you have found.

If you get a chance play "In Heaven There Is No Beer" All ages should like that masterpiece, huh? haha


Scott

I played a job using my Tyros this past Saturday, it is the first time I have not used a Kn keyboard to play a larger job. New keyboard and an amended repertoire, less big band, more rock. I am using the word rock as any song that has a rock flavor from the 50?s on.

1-Started with background music, they were still eating.
2- I played enjoyable music but no rock.
3-Dinner is over, opened with a sing-a-long, then New York New York, Leroy Brown, and YMCA.
4-Now I entered the strange (to me) world of midi files. Pushed a button and I started singing. At one point I muted the right and left hand of the keyboard and caressed the keys while I was singing. Aaaah!
5-Next was the Audio files, Electric Slide, Pretty Woman ? ect.

The job was a success, they were pleased and I got a $25 tip.

It was not s bad as I thought it might be, in fact it was a much easier job. Not as rewarding. I am now a keyboard player, a DJ, and a karoake Guy. Hmmm

Life is interesting, John

Hiya John - I can sense the relief...
But, how do you feel about playing this comparatively easy stuff compared to what you have been doing?
Rog

and what's all this with using midi files - these more modern songs are easy to play given the right rhythm/style files...
Rog

IMHO: First and foremost we are entertainers ... We get hired, and paid (hopefully ) to ENTERTAIN... How we do that is by individual preference, taking into consideration the desires of the client... Many of us used to work in a band with other musicians and relied on their support to entertain the client, but the economics don't allow for much of that now ... so we now still rely on other 'musicians, or 'music makers', but they are not physically with us on stage ... they are the style makers, the midi file makers, the mp3 recorders, whatever ... As Dylan said "The times they are a changin' ..." and they will continue to do so ... if we want to continue to feed our pockets, and just as importantly, our EGOS, we must change with them ...

I can find enough enjoyment in 'pleasing the crowd' by playing THEIR music, and then find the time to please myself, playing MY music ...

Do whatever it takes, but just keep making music ...
t.

Well said,Tony
I would like to add that,for the purist's edification,playing midis does not mean all the time,and, it does not mean turning on the midi and pretending to play.

I use them when the style is custom made for the song,and much more identifiable than a generic style. Furthermore, I tweek the instruments,and mute parts so I am playing the melody and,manytimes,embellishing with my left hand.

From a musicians point of view,I think midis can be abused,but they certainly have a place in today's entertainment.
Bernie