From k2mojo@groovedaddies.com Mon Dec 03 22:52:39 2001
Subject:Re: bands

When playing live in my band I've always tried to approach the parts
I play as if I were mixing a record. When you cut a record each
musician generally just "goes for it" and then once all the tracks
are laid down the producer goes back and adjusts the tracks, bringing
up the solos and fills as needed and burying the rest (I know I'm
oversimplifying this; I'm just trying to make a point). You don't
have this luxury onstage, so you have to adjust your parts and have
enough maturity and taste to bury yourself when you're not the focal
point and shine when you are. In my band we often ask ourselves
where we can we shut up, not "what do we fill this space with?" and
I'm lucky enough to play with a group of guys who "get it". Space is
what makes the cool stuff stand out.
Last year we had to fire a harp player who was just sure the world
revolved around his playing and just couldn't get it in his head that
not every song calls for harmonica. However, I am pretty sure ALL
songs call for Hammond organ ;-)

Ed Fliege