weekendwarriors

This was the first combined evening: Jammers from 1900 to 2100 and two bands from 2100 to 2200. The two bands were 'The Pact' and 'PlanBE'.

First: I enjoyed the night! I got to play bass with a variety of people and faced some challenges myeslf (I never learned 'Layla'). I brought Gus along and as we compared notes I realised that we as some of the more mature musicians present (yes, all right, old farts) were passing on knowledge we gained the hard way to those we played with. This probably sounds big-headed but it did happen and hopefully some people learned something on the night. This could be a very useful part of these nights if people spoke to each other more. I'm going to do that in future.

'The Pact' gave us a neat little set with gems like 'When I was Young'. I thought they took a song or two to warm up (that's another one of those things you learn... Be warm before you start!) but I liked their set. The acoustic guitar sounded a bit thin to me but otherwise the sound was OK. I would go and see these guys again.

'PlanBE' were well rehearsed and now have Lisa back out front. She has already added to their sound and possibly repertoire as well. The two saxes sounded good together (but a trumpet in there would have been even better) and the rhythm section held things together (I include keyboards in there too). Now here's the hard part: what I didn't get from the set was energy. These guys just played their stuff well. So maybe I should explain where I'm coming from. I believe there are three ways a musician expresses himself through live music: private practice, jamming and performance. Practice is individual and personal, jamming is with others but with the aim of creating music, and performance is with others to entertain an audience. So I am sorry if I have missed it but the last two bands were there to entertain me. I even paid $5 to get in. And as I said, the music was fine but there was no show.

But I'll be looking out for both these bands because they have the basics sorted, now they need to dress it up and sell it.

Cheers

Performance and entertainment are interesting concepts. I'm making the assumption that the PlanBE people are amateur rather than professional musicians, who as you say Alan play their stuff well. As an amateur musician I can be entertained by watching other Warrior type bands ply their stuff even when they stand still as they play.

This music stuff is subjective according to taste (for which there is no accounting, as they say) and I can happily watch a Bill Wyman type performer but I shy away from the Pink type strut. Performers such as Roy Orbison or k d lang can entertain people on the strength of their voices alone but, to me, are entertaining and compelling to watch as they perform.

Having said that I acknowledge that many people prefer more lively entertainment and static bands may be boring for them. You may have inspired me to get my old duck walk out, just in case.

Hi Al,

Good review! To be fair, that was 'The Pact's debut gig and 'PlanBe' were using the evening to try some new material to put into their sets. However the intention is to give the bands a 'dress rehearsal' opportunity. I have expressed the opinion that having tried that format, I will try more jamming and just the one band doing a 45 minute set next month and see how that goes. We really need more support numerically to justify the effort nd expense so come on out people

Cheers,
Bob