Which do you want, to play it your way or sell out?
By Mark Grove
I just read an article in Canadian Musician magazine which I subscribe to. It was from a Bass player named Steve McCormack who's done a lot of session work for many top acts,movies and TV shows. I'm not going to go into his session work because this article is about the title of this post.
Steve said you're asked to play the part only and not to over do it what so ever. That's what you're suppose to do, play the part. Naturally your rig and guitar have to be set up to their requirements for the gig. Yet, Steve says people will want your sound on a session or gig. I include both live and studio work in this article.
Yes, your sound. Also, Steve said some players create a demand for their signature sound and great success followed.
Yeah, I just wrote copyrighted material. So sue me!
Then Steve says it's not all about reading and playing what's on the chart. That's contradicting what he said. Remember, he said to play just the part. Then he said basically bands and producers will be wanting your signature sound.
What?
Most sessions are about playing the part. I don't care if you've got Slash playing on a blues/rock session of yours. Session guys are there to play the part. I would rather have an unknown blues guy who plays the part,yet can give you just a little bit of their own way of playing yet, be in sync with the other band members in a live or studio situation.
I would say that knowing how to hear what the other band members are playing, and your timing,interpreting and textural playing not just keep the rhythm together, but keep a touch of your own sound in the session. Knowing how to read music is something you have to unfortunately do for some gigs, but if all your sessions become about being able to read music and play totally to the way a band wants, it becomes about being a robot and never learning to play your way.
Dee Curtis, a major blues artist here in Canada has always played his way, and has turned down some high paying gigs because he couldn't play it his way. Also, a lot of high paying session work is like having a regular 9 to 5 job and you'll start feeling chained to an employer.
Keep session playing to a minimum if you want your own band. Learning different music is important but focusing on two or three genres of music at the most, is more important than going in 10 million different directions musically.
Sure, you have to prepare and have your part down pat, but keep in mind what you want and what that fan who actually appreciates someone who plays their own way. If you can't do it your way even to a small degree, walk out. Yeah, some of you will say well I'll be leaving a lot of session playing money on the table.
Bullshit!
If you read some of my articles on Canadian Guitar Player you'll know some of the off the beaten paths to make money as a player. Just do it your way as a player lads.
Peace to all Players,
Mark
