I've been in a musical rut as of late. I've always had this deap down desire to play in a horn band, do swing, big band stuff. Never got going on the idea. So 2 weeks ago I put out an ad, saying big band forming, looking for players, to my suprise I got some pretty good contacts, some young college horn players that loved this stuff wanted to come out. Got bass/great vocal guy/ guitar/ so I had a good start. I have a meeting planned for this weekend, having some of these players out to talk song list, time/location to practice, goals and brain storm. anyway last night I get a email from this key board guy who was intersted in what I was doing. he sends me his web site and u tube links, Holly crap, all pro dude. turns out I call him he is a piano instructor, plays jazz, and is an agent in chicago. he tells me I should not waste my time and invest in swing, he says its all but dead. No clubs want to pay for this type of music anymore, and that I should focus on 60 stuff with horns. He adds, if I get that type of band off the ground, he can most likely get us booked around town pretty easy. This guy knows what he talking about, he does it for a living, however I do disagree with him, with all the rock bands, punk bands, metal bands competing for the same clubs, I would think this type of band could target hotels, casino's, private party's and even a wedding here and there, not sure, what do you guys think? I do like the idea of say a brass 60 band also. maybe add some swing here and there.
Is Swing Dead?
70's Pearl Fiberglass Ivory
With the exception of classic rock top forty type stuff you know standards you have to play maroon five stuff to get a good paying gig I say you go for it just for the love of the music I think is is awesome to play swing.. all the best
Check out my buddy Chad Rager's band.
Prepare for some blazing chops while you're at it.
he tells me I should not waste my time and invest in swing, he says its all but dead. No clubs want to pay for this type of music anymore, and that I should focus on 60 stuff with horns. He adds, if I get that type of band off the ground, he can most likely get us booked around town pretty easy.
He contradicts himself. So I wouldn't take much stock in his opinion.
I feel that if you can find the musicians who are willing and capable to do it, go for it.
He contradicts himself. So I wouldn't take much stock in his opinion.I feel that if you can find the musicians who are willing and capable to do it, go for it.
This is what went through my mind. IF he can get you booked regularly, then in ain't quite dead yet!
I would love to play again in a Chicago/BST type of band again. My first band (that was more than a "garage" band) was 9-pc. But we had trouble getting booked for enough to make anything (early 70s).
After I went off the college, I played whatever "paid." I filled in with a "Swing" band out of the Hays, Ks area one night. I LOVED it! All of the guys were "older guys" (you know, my parent's age), but it was really fun. I don't remember what the name was, but I remember them all telling me they were booked every weekend. Of course, it was all "older folks" that attended their dances.
And that's probably why the idea is out there that it's "dead." Many of the people who flocked after that stuff are just that -- dead. My folks loved that stuff and are still around -- but they're in their mid-80s and just don't go to things like that anymore!
But, anyway, I'd say go for it! If you can assemble talented musicians who like that stuff you may be filling a "void." And besides, more-than-likely the band you would assemble would be capable and interested in the Chicago/BST type of music too and you could be versatile and do both!
Just my thoughts...
Bill
Cherryvale, Ks
"Redrums - Ks" on FB and Reverb
(also "billnvick" on eBay)
Gary!
Dead? Not even close. I did 72 nights last year in the "swing idiom". Audiences were full/sold out for most of it. Here's the thing though:
Much like a Real Estate agents mantra, the same can be said for playing/working within the swing idiom: Location.. location.. location. In my case, I work the entire tri-state area of New England: CT/RI/NY. Gigs a-plenty!, for a pro unit that has something the people want. One also has to be with the RIGHT agencies that will get behind the band/group, and the only way to get THAT happening in your case, would probably be for you to get with a group that is already established... if possible. It can be very difficult to start this from scratch. Not impossible of course... but difficult. Still... swing? NOT DEAD, contingent on location, and yours is good in that regard! As to HOW you function as a player within this style, only you know the answer to that. Good luck!!
Tommyp
My wife`s cousin is the front man in a 60`s band, Guitar, drummer, bass, two brass sax, and a guy with a blue horn,...they are busy and can play anything !! (Boston area)
.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Oh yeah. It's dead, all right. You didn't hear? What a ceremony it was, too. So sad.....
C'mon!! Its never left. Maybe not so out front right now; or as prominent as it was, on the tail-end of the last Blues ride in the late 90's (here, in AZ), but it will always have a following. Seems a silly question. What greater, fun material to play, than swing?
B
Swing? ... Dead? The guys got no clue.
Music doesn't die. It's a beautiful collection of interlocking and overlapping sine waves. Sometimes it's up. Sometimes it's down. None of it dies. It waits patiently for the next musical genius to see it for what it CAN be ... and we smile, nod our heads, and shed shed shed.
Tommy P,
Where can we catch your swinging band in CT, and in particular, northern CT? I'm up in MA.
Thanks,
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