Jazz Band London a view
Pizza Express Jazz Band London a view
As a bandleader of a jazz band in London for many years I felt compelled to put down a few thoughts on how the business runs from the band leaders point of view. Now I am at the “entertaining” end of the jazz spectrum. I have some amazing musicians to call upon in London. Some of the best in the world. As such I never need to compromise my position as band leader for any jazz musician, however talented. London jazz musicians come in all shapes, sizes and personalities. In my band talent is only one of the requirements. I want a good personality, cooperation, a sharp dress sense, an even temper, good timekeeping and an understanding that band leaders aren’t just able to think about the music on the day, they have lots of other things going on at the same time.
Jazz Band London, a view
So, lets start with the booking of the jazz musician. I have negotiated a fee, worked out the timings and am phoning round to put together the jazz band. It might be a trio, a quartet or something bigger. Obviously I have my favourite players, people that have been known to me for some years. Sometimes, if they are already working on that day, I have to go and trawl London for other players to complete the band. The phone call includes the following information. The date of the gig, the times it starts and finishes, where the gig is and what it pays. Now, at this point the musician has to make a decision, does he/she take the gig or not? From a band leaders perspective the matter is done and dusted. One the jazz player says yes then the contract between band leader and player is made. Now for the fun and games!!
Jazz Band London, a view
This is where it can go wrong for the London Jazz musician. He or she has committed to my gig. Anything else that occurs that compounds on my engagement is their problem not mine. So what can occur?
Ronnie Scotts Jazz Band London a view
1. The musician can get offered a better paid job. 2. The musician can get a job offered later in the day, wants to fit them both in and wants to know if he can leave your job earlier. 3. The musician finds out that his/her sister is getting married on that day and needs to pull out. These are scenarios that I am confronted with all the time. Can I point out at this juncture: IT’S NOT MY PROBLEM!! It’s the jazz musicians problem. Now, band leaders aren’t monsters, if they can help out a musician without it spoiling the gig they are trying to get out of then fine. But band leaders have enough to worry about without being presented with problems from the sidemen. Sidemen, listen!! Deal with the issue yourself.
Jazz Band London a view
This is the conversation I want to hear. “Hi Jeff, sorry but there has been a domestic situation happen which means I will have to pull out. I have organised (insert name) to cover for me and I have passed on the address of the gig the timings, the money and the dress code.” Now nine times out of ten this is fine. No one should be dispensable. London harbours hundreds of talented players on all instruments that know thousands of tunes. they can be relied on to do a great job. But, that said, if the gig is high profile and requires rehearsal then chances are that the individual who has pulled out will not work with me again. Same if the individual jazz musician is always cancelling and putting a dep in. As I said before the band leader has enough to think about without having more stress put on his lap by the sidemen. If sidemen know this and have an awareness of this then they will never burn bridges.
Jazz Band London a view
Hideaway Jazz Band London a view
So what is this this stress you hear me writing about? Well. Firstly I may have had to compete for the gig, sending out publicity material, sitting on the phone chasing bookers, making countless emails to finally get through to a decision maker before finally getting the gig. On the day the bandleader will be responsible for getting a P.A. into the London venue. Probably during rush hour, whilst parking regulations are in place and during the congestion charge. That in itself is stressful. the sound gear needs to be set up before the band arrives, the car parked legally, the client needs to be reassured that all is well and that the musicians are on their way. the the band leader has to wait till all his/her musicians have turned up. Then the bandleader has to run the gig, thinking one maybe two tunes ahead, maybe the band are on a door split…in which case he/she may be counting heads! Are they spending money? A band leader wants his London Jazz Band to do good business, after all, he wants to come back and do a second gig, and a third and so on! If it is a jazz band for wedding hire, the band leader is hoping to pick up more work from the brides friends or family (this does happen) The bandleader is concerned the band is playing as well as it should, are their any egos struggling on stage? And so it goes on.
Jazz Band London a view
So, for a sideman, a hired gun, it is good to have this insight. Don’t be resentful because the jazz band leader is getting more money than you are. That is just a destructive state of mind to get yourself into. Of course the band leader is getting more than you are. In effect he/she is doing three gigs to everyone of yours! He/she is playing the gig, comparing, setting up and breaking down, sorting out the money, making the arrangements, hustling the gig, writing website copy, buying sound equipment, band uniforms, paying for posters, paying for postage to send them out to venues, visiting venues, the list goes on and on!! We live in a world where there are probably more people that enjoy playing jazz that enjoy listening to it. More and more people think live music is a live DJ spinning records or operating an mp3 player !! More and more London venues expect the band leader to promote the jazz band as well as turn up and entertain people. In the environment sidemen and women can not afford to lose gigs because of resentful attitudes or sloppy business practices. It is not just about the music! Sadly!
Many years ago, when live music was King, things were very different. Musicians were more un restrained in their personalities. There was always another gig to go to! This website talks a lot about London jazz bands and the view of many different players. Highly recommended and very entertaining. The website has now been taken over by the National Jazz Archive. Very informative with some interesting conversations about London Jazz Bands and musicians.