Sunday, August 23, 2015
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Unfortunately
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Unfortunately: In music "unfortunately" is a word you do not want to hear. "Unfortunately" means you did not get the gig, or your ...
Unfortunately
In music "unfortunately" is a word you do not want to hear. "Unfortunately" means you did not get the gig, or your group will not have an opportunity to perform for that show. No one wants to hear that word, but it is a reality of what we do. Music is a series of yes and no answers to getting that gig, and notice I said "that gig". Music is generally one gig at a time. That is just the music business for musicians. Sure, from time to time we are fortunate to secure multiple performance dates, and even secure long-term opportunities; that happens, and we should consider ourselves blessed to secure those opportunities, but for the most part it is only one gig at a time. No, we are not guaranteed gigs/jobs. Music is a feast or famine profession.
All we can do as musicians is do our best by being at rehearsals on time, practice the music and our instruments, and be ready for the gig. Hopefully, doing what I have mentioned will lead to a successful performance, with many more to come. However, "unfortunately" is a reality of music. Sure, it stings when you hear "unfortunately your service will not be needed at this time", or just flat-out "no". Again, there are no guarantees in music, but if you are an ablebodied person, who maintains his/her skills in music, you are not doomed to never working again.
When you are presented with "unfortunately", it is wise not to have negative words, and take it personally. Just remember, it is a honor to at least be considered. As musicians we keep going. When someone tells you "unfortunately your service will not be needed at this time", always maintain your professionalism. "Unfortunately" may only mean this gig at that time, and that`s it! Reasons could vary from there is not enough money in the budget to hire you, the band leader may be looking for a specific chemistry between musicians and singers, or any number of reasons. What ever reason, and what ever happens, maintain your dignity, integrity, and professionalism. See you on the band stand.
All we can do as musicians is do our best by being at rehearsals on time, practice the music and our instruments, and be ready for the gig. Hopefully, doing what I have mentioned will lead to a successful performance, with many more to come. However, "unfortunately" is a reality of music. Sure, it stings when you hear "unfortunately your service will not be needed at this time", or just flat-out "no". Again, there are no guarantees in music, but if you are an ablebodied person, who maintains his/her skills in music, you are not doomed to never working again.
When you are presented with "unfortunately", it is wise not to have negative words, and take it personally. Just remember, it is a honor to at least be considered. As musicians we keep going. When someone tells you "unfortunately your service will not be needed at this time", always maintain your professionalism. "Unfortunately" may only mean this gig at that time, and that`s it! Reasons could vary from there is not enough money in the budget to hire you, the band leader may be looking for a specific chemistry between musicians and singers, or any number of reasons. What ever reason, and what ever happens, maintain your dignity, integrity, and professionalism. See you on the band stand.
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: National Black Arts Festival In Atlanta
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: National Black Arts Festival In Atlanta: If you happen to be visiting Atlanta, GA, during the months of August and September, or if you were in Atlanta in July, hopefully you h...
National Black Arts Festival In Atlanta
If you happen to be visiting Atlanta, GA, during the months of August and September, or if you were in Atlanta in July, hopefully you had the chance to attend the National Black Arts Festival. In its 27 years, the National Black Arts Festival offers a season packed with dance, film, literary arts, music, theater, and visual arts from around the world.
This is a wonderful festival, and the city of Atlanta shines. How do I know? I had the pleasure of performing NBAF with Basiks Reggae Band in 2007, and it was spectacular.
In this blog I will not give you the complete performance schedule of NBAF, but if you go to nbaf.org/2015-festival season/, you should be able to find a schedule of performances.
Go, and enjoy NBAF, and don`t forget, put in a plug for my group Freedom, and who knows, may be they will call.
This is a wonderful festival, and the city of Atlanta shines. How do I know? I had the pleasure of performing NBAF with Basiks Reggae Band in 2007, and it was spectacular.
In this blog I will not give you the complete performance schedule of NBAF, but if you go to nbaf.org/2015-festival season/, you should be able to find a schedule of performances.
Go, and enjoy NBAF, and don`t forget, put in a plug for my group Freedom, and who knows, may be they will call.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)