tsp17 Posted July 28, 2013 Posted July 28, 2013 I got a call to sub in a group playing its first gig, a four set booking. That was odd all by itself, but also it is a jazz group and the place that booked them is called the "Camel Breath Inn" which is a classic local bar hangout, not particularly noted for its discriminating music clientele, or as devotees of anything remotely resembling jazz. When I walked in, plenty of good country was blooming from the juke box. The bar manager said they wanted to try an experiment with some different music. Our band leader asked me to bring some pedals just in case we needed to shift gears to serve the crowd and secure a return engagement. First gigs are always a little jittery, but I'd not played with this team before other than a quick run through of some tunes a few nights ago and I am not very experienced playing out, so I confess to some extra nerves, plus I felt the disconnect between our set list, genre and the venue. Sure enough, the first set was a pretty rough and the crowd seemed disengaged. I had a feature early and didn't nail it, so I was not grooving at all. Then a guy put a $20 on my music stand and asked us to play some Wes Montgomery (go figure). No pressure. We got some quizzical compliments at the break. In the next set the band leader sensed that the natives were getting restless and we needed to crank it up a little. This is where the 576 came to my rescue. I almost never play anything but straight ahead jazz, and clean on the neck pickup only. I love the full round sound the of the 576 though my PRRI. I don't even own a solid body guitar for rock or blues. I don't play rock or blues. But I had my 576 and a Tim and a Carbon Copy and bingo, a fusion jam band was born. The keyboard player plugged in his Fender Rhodes patch, and we went for it. Played heads on the neck clean, then switched to the bridge for solos, hit the Tim and wow did it soar. Not me (I'm not that good), the 576. Strong fusion jazz-rock tone for days, authoritative, with just enough hair and bite. So What, Black Orpheus, and other standards got turned into extended inside-outside jams. There were still a couple of train wrecks and plenty of moments when the bar crowd was bored, but in the end it was a very good time. The 576 proved itself as a truly exceptional and versatile companion. Gave me a sound I didn't even imagine that I was capable of producing.
Gitfiddler Posted July 28, 2013 Posted July 28, 2013 Tad~ You had to sub with a band doing its first gig at a mixed-bag venue...with a quartet?! Talk about pressure! Looks like you had fun and made lemonaide out of potential lemons. When in a situation such as yours, its best to just enjoy the ride...and keep that tip jar way out front. What happened to the band's original git player?
yoslate Posted July 28, 2013 Posted July 28, 2013 In the next set the band leader sensed that the natives were getting restless and we needed to crank it up a little. This is where the 576 came to my rescue. I almost never play anything but straight ahead jazz, and clean on the neck pickup only. I love the full round sound the of the 576 though my PRRI. I don't even own a solid body guitar for rock or blues. I don't play rock or blues. But I had my 576 and a Tim and a Carbon Copy and bingo, a fusion jam band was born. The keyboard player plugged in his Fender Rhodes patch, and we went for it. Played heads on the neck clean, then switched to the bridge for solos, hit the Tim and wow did it soar. Not me (I'm not that good), the 576. Strong fusion jazz-rock tone for days, authoritative, with just enough hair and bite. So What, Black Orpheus, and other standards got turned into extended inside-outside jams. There were still a couple of train wrecks and plenty of moments when the bar crowd was bored, but in the end it was a very good time. The 576 proved itself as a truly exceptional and versatile companion. Gave me a sound I didn't even imagine that I was capable of producing. That's right! That's right! I've testified before as to the versatility of the 576...silky singing warmth, funky honky, bark and bite! This is a cool testimonial and real-world gig report, Tad! Love to hear about working Heritages!
111518 Posted July 28, 2013 Posted July 28, 2013 I got a call to sub in a group playing its first gig, a four set booking. That was odd all by itself, but also it is a jazz group and the place that booked them is called the "Camel Breath Inn" which is a classic local bar hangout, not particularly noted for its discriminating music clientele, or as devotees of anything remotely resembling jazz. When I walked in, plenty of good country was blooming from the juke box. The bar manager said they wanted to try an experiment with some different music. Our band leader asked me to bring some pedals just in case we needed to shift gears to serve the crowd and secure a return engagement. First gigs are always a little jittery, but I'd not played with this team before other than a quick run through of some tunes a few nights ago and I am not very experienced playing out, so I confess to some extra nerves, plus I felt the disconnect between our set list, genre and the venue. Sure enough, the first set was a pretty rough and the crowd seemed disengaged. I had a feature early and didn't nail it, so I was not grooving at all. Then a guy put a $20 on my music stand and asked us to play some Wes Montgomery (go figure). No pressure. We got some quizzical compliments at the break. In the next set the band leader sensed that the natives were getting restless and we needed to crank it up a little. This is where the 576 came to my rescue. I almost never play anything but straight ahead jazz, and clean on the neck pickup only. I love the full round sound the of the 576 though my PRRI. I don't even own a solid body guitar for rock or blues. I don't play rock or blues. But I had my 576 and a Tim and a Carbon Copy and bingo, a fusion jam band was born. The keyboard player plugged in his Fender Rhodes patch, and we went for it. Played heads on the neck clean, then switched to the bridge for solos, hit the Tim and wow did it soar. Not me (I'm not that good), the 576. Strong fusion jazz-rock tone for days, authoritative, with just enough hair and bite. So What, Black Orpheus, and other standards got turned into extended inside-outside jams. There were still a couple of train wrecks and plenty of moments when the bar crowd was bored, but in the end it was a very good time. The 576 proved itself as a truly exceptional and versatile companion. Gave me a sound I didn't even imagine that I was capable of producing. Great report. Appreciate the honesty --yup, sounds like a familiar situation. But then, so fun to have a chance to stretch, whether entirely by choice or not. I also appreciate the modesty, and, I'm sure the 576 and other gear was inspiring, but, music and musicians soar, not guitars and pedals. Congrats.
bolero Posted July 28, 2013 Posted July 28, 2013 what a great post...thx for the story I almost felt like I was there! and congrats on the 576
tulk1 Posted July 29, 2013 Posted July 29, 2013 Played heads on the neck clean, then switched to the bridge for solos, hit the Tim and wow did it soar. Not me (I'm not that good), the 576. Wha? You can have all the tone in the world. But someone has to drive. And if you weren't, then who was? Don't cut yourself short. I bet you soared right there with the rest of them! Looks like a lot of coin in the tip jar, too. Dead giveaway ... you were a hit! Nice
Kuz Posted July 29, 2013 Posted July 29, 2013 I love the 576, the gig report, and most of all.... THE GIG PICS!!!!! Way to Go!!!!
tsp17 Posted July 29, 2013 Author Posted July 29, 2013 What happened to the band's original git player? Not sure, he "wasn't available" so they called me. I've played at jams with the band leader a few times. I heard that their regular guitar player is pretty good, so we'll see if i get to keep the gig. You know what they say: "half of success is showing up"... or something like that. Wha? You can have all the tone in the world. But someone has to drive. And if you weren't, then who was? Don't cut yourself short. I bet you soared right there with the rest of them! Looks like a lot of coin in the tip jar, too. Dead giveaway ... you were a hit! Nice Thanks very much. I know my limitations, but there were definitely some very cool periods when we had it going. Those moments are priceless. One lady told me that we were "classin' up the place". they werent quite sure what to make of us for a while.
High Flying Bird Posted July 29, 2013 Posted July 29, 2013 Looks like "hump day." Sorry to much TV. I am glad things went well for you. I would have pissed myself and had to leave.
tsp17 Posted July 30, 2013 Author Posted July 30, 2013 ... I would have pissed myself and had to leave. Hilarious. There are so many experienced and very good-outstanding players in our little HOC world, I really appreciate all the positive reinforcement from you all. I tell my wife regularly what a great group of quality people and friends are here, even though I've never met any other member in person.
tsp17 Posted July 31, 2013 Author Posted July 31, 2013 I am surprised that no one has commented on the fine cable running from my guitar to amp? GT Cable Silent Tip. Finest Kind.
High Flying Bird Posted July 31, 2013 Posted July 31, 2013 I am surprised that no one has commented on the fine cable running from my guitar to amp? GT Cable Silent Tip. Finest Kind. We all have them. Ain't nothing special. ;^)
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