Session Man?

[poltr1]

A comment from folkmew on a recent LJ post of mine mentioned the various woodwind instruments I sometimes bring to filk cons and housefilks.

As I've often said, I'm not a guitarist. And when I'm in a circle of nothing but guitarists, it's tough to get some playtime in, especially when they don't want me to play along. (I know I can get loud with my winds, and it's not my intention to upstage anyone.)


First off is the array of instruments. I have a flute, a clarinet, a bass clarinet, an alto sax, a native American flute, and a combo stand on which I can place three of them. Why so many? In pit orchestras, small ensembles, and the "big bands" of the 1930s/1940s, the music is often written for several instruments, there are only 4 or 5 woodwind players, and they often have to switch between instruments. I thought that that was impressive, that woodwind players can do that, and so I thought, "I'd like to be able to do that too!" While bass clarinet is my main axe (I played it for nearly 6 years in junior high and high school), I've taken about a year of flute lesons, and have tried to teach myself alto sax.

Second are the keyboards. I don't have the greatest of piano chops; I studied organ when I was younger, and moved to synthesizers in the late 1970s/early 1980s. While there are other keyboardists in the filk community, I think I'm the only one in filkdom with a classic "model D" Minimoog, and the knowledge to "program" it. (I need more stickers for the flight case, including a big "dandelion" sticker.)

So when do I get to play? Not very often. I'm often disappointed in my ability to play solo; I think I perform better in a group than by myself. And there are only a handful of pieces that have parts written for the instruments I play. (I'd love to play "Starlight and Saxophone" as a duet with filkertom, or "Saxophone in Spring" with zencuppa and ohiblather. Even if it's a practice session or housefilk. Maybe someday....)

At GaFilk this past year, ladyat mentioned that a bass clarinet would be a great instrument for playing scary songs. (Yes, I can play the theme from 'The Addams Family', so long as the rest of you help with the finger snaps. :-) ) That got me to thinking.....could I be a 'session man' that gets brought in for recording sessions, just like some of the pros do? And am I good enough to play on a recording? I think that would be a lot of fun for everyone involved. I find there's an incredible synergy that happens when two or more people make music together. And I want to be a part of that synergy.

Comments

[athenawindsong.livejournal.com]

Once we get started on regular Wednesday night practices again, you should come by the house and sit in on a Snakey rehearsal. Dave can get so worried about a gig that he turns neurotic, TR is all about screwing up the performances by not playing the same instruments he rehearsed with (I think he does that just to mess with Dave), Amy rocks out on the bass drum, I end up being the group secretary and take notes for poor Dave, Susan catches us all up on the latest politicking, and we have a new doumbek drummer - Owen. Then, there are the dancers who get Dave really worked up into a tizzy with their requests and minor adjustments... It's a hoot!

[tigertoy.livejournal.com]

And when I'm in a circle of nothing but guitarists, it's tough to get some playtime in, especially when they don't want me to play along.

Speaking for myself, I'd be thrilled to have woodwind backup on most of the stuff I do, as long as we manage enough talent between us to not mess up. But my biggest weakness in performing is rhythm; I tend to do bad things to timing that throw off people who are trying to play or sing with me. I'd love to have time to try to practice some things, if we somehow ever managed to find some, and I'd be game to try it cold in a circle. So if we are in the same circle, assume you are invited to play with me unless I say otherwise.

[catalana.livejournal.com]

You are welcome to play along with me in circles, just for future reference. I'd love it!