Trad Gig in Tight Quarters

[jhatpro]

We played our audition as scheduled and the owner said he really liked us! He'd already booked some blues players for the next couple of weeks but wants to add us to his schedule soon because our New Orleans-style sound pairs better with his Cajun theme.

Let the good times roll!
_________________
Jim Hatfield

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle

[homecookin]

[Oncewasaplayer]

Match the band to the venue and the pay.

In New Orleans, you see a number of different sized groups. Some duos (piano, clarinet; banjo, clarinet), trios (cornet, bass, guitar; clarinet, bass, banjo; piano, clarinet, trumpet). Or you see quartets (piano, drums, two horns; piano, drums, guitar, clarinet). You see quintets (three horns, banjo, bass; piano, three horns, drums). All these smaller combinations require strong players who can take care of business.

I'm sure everyone enjoys the full band but based on the space, you might consider subdivisions within the group.

Also, money drives some of these choices. The trio often can pay more per man than the larger groups or at least allows a decent wage, lost with bigger groups.

Trad playing requires flexibility and ingenuity.
_________________
Getzen 800DLX cornet
Selmer Sigma trumpet

[Uberopa]

Congrats on making the audition. Nice you were able squeeze everyone into the available space. For those working at music performance using the right size group for the space available to maximize the take home pay is quite understandable. For those of us who don't have to rely on music making for a living keeping the group intact is much more important.
Can you imagine the hard feelings if you left someone out of a playing opportunity to make more money despite them having shown up to all the rehearsals that got you the gig in the first place? Best of luck with the gig.

Have a trad gig coming up myself so if you don't mind sharing your set list ...
Thanks,
Brian