About myself, New equipment, In the zone, etc.

Marc Friedland · From: Fort Collins, CO

Hi everyone,

This particular post will probably offer no help to newbies and be pretty boring to seasoned players, but I’m writing it anyway, because who else can I brag about all this stuff to?

To start with, I have recently purchased new equipment, a beautiful new Carter, a new pac-a-seat made by Ken Rollans, and the new Peavey Nashville 112, and absolutely love it all. I’m still holding on to my older equipment and not selling any of it.
I now have the luxury of having at least 2 full setups, so I can have a spare of everything at home to practice to, or to take to a gig without breaking down any of the gear when there’s more than one gig in a day.

Fortunately, this is a very busy time of year for me, and I realize how lucky I am, and do appreciate not having to work a job outside of music to generate enough income.
In addition to typical music gigs, I also sing and play acoustic guitar for nursing homes, and do accept the occasional guitar student.
I’m at the beginning of a stretch that includes 22 gigs in 38 days. Some of the gigs include rooms, but they’re all close enough to drive back home.
I’m not exactly sure why anyone would want to, but if you’re interested in knowing more about my gigs or equipment I use, feel free to send me an email.

I am NOT a monster player and would probably never get confused with any of the so many great pickers out there.
I bought my first pedal steel about 10 years ago, and try to play it as much as possible on gigs, but probably the reason I gig so much is because I double well on keyboards and guitar, and also sing a little. I pride myself in being a true team player, and besides having a pretty good ear, I usually know when to play and when not to play, and what stylistic attitude is required.
I feel I’m good at my job which to me means supporting and enhancing the music in the following priorities – the singer, the song, the band, and then of course myself if there’s any space left over.
Playing In The Zone:
The other night I was added to an existing band to play at a County Fair.
The band normally consists of female vocalist, drums, bass, guitar, keys & fiddle, so I was the 7th person on stage. I played with my old gear, and not any of my new stuff, except for the pac-a seat.
Normally I spend much time jumping around from one instrument to the next, with quite often 2 in the same song, but in this case I found myself sitting there trying to look good for most of the song and only playing a few fills and maybe one or two solos per song.
Also, since I was not familiar with how they customized their arrangements, I paid even closer than normal attention to what everyone was doing. One rule I made immediately was if I saw the fiddle player go up the mic to play (her pickup wasn’t working), I stopped playing until she walked away. I jumped in on fills when I knew it was appropriate, and only played lead after given the sign from the singer or guitar player. It all worked out quite well. As a matter of fact, I felt like I was at the top of my game for almost every note of every song. It was one of those magic nights where it seemed totally effortless to play tastefully, and tuning was no issue at all. I was playing aggressively, yet totally relaxed. I even did stuff that I normally only try at home when practicing, and that worked out as well. It felt really good when after playing an improvised solo in a slow song, the guitar player was making the “we’re not worthy” motions and the musicians I recognized in the audience were all looking at me and smiling. Within my own limitations, this was pretty much the best I can do on this wonderful instrument at this time. At this point I don’t know if this was a nice exception to the rule, or hopefully setting a higher bar for me.
If anyone is still reading this, thank you for listening, and feel free to add any replies you feel are appropriate.
-- Marc

Jack Francis · From: Queen Creek, Arizona, USA

Well you certainly can't be faulted for having a good attitude....keep it up, it will serve you well.
Many years ago I played in a few clubs in your area including some regular gigs at Skaggs Island. (I believe with b0b also)
Jack

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RUS-LER S-10 / NV 400
Randall rack amp system
TELE's & STRAT FENDER TWIN
Seymour Duncan 50W tube amp

Jim Eaton · From: Santa Susana, Ca

I love those "cruse control" gig's!!
JE:-)>

Chris Brooks · From: Providence, Rhode Island

Marc--

I enjoyed this "anecdotal" writing (I teach English comp at a local community college).

Sometimes it's good to sit back and introspect without analyzing *too much* on a musical experience. Experienced players and novices a like can learn something from a little essay such as the one you have written.

Chris

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now living in the Ocean State ....

Eric West · From: Portland, Oregon, USA, R.I.P.

Marc.

Those gigs are the best to lock away in your mind for future reference.

Congrats.

The World is yours and all that's in it.

EJL

[This message was edited by Eric West on 12 August 2003 at 01:49 PM.]

Billy Woo · From: Los Angeles, CA, USA

Hi Marc

You and I go back a few years and I know what you're going thru and My Credo if you will is just to keep playing, I still play the same gigs here in Culver City but I enjoy playing out and always have since I was a kid. One doesnt need to be a "Monster player" to get enjoyment out of entertaining folks and getting paid for it, Im definitely Old school and try to sing and play as best I can when Im doing a gig regardless of 5 or 500 folks out there listening, anyway good luck with your new gear and nice to see that you're still at after all what's the key word between fellow musicians, yup you guessed it we're off the porch and doing it.

Bronco Billy
Zumsteel U-12, Sierra U-12

Bobby Lee · From: Cloverdale, California, USA

Marc,

A guitar player you worked with recently told me that you sounded really good in his band, and he enjoyed playing with you. Word gets around. Keep that great attitude!

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Bobby Lee - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs, Open Hearts
Sierra Session 12 (E9), Williams 400X (Emaj9, D6), Sierra Olympic 12 (C6add9),
Sierra Laptop 8 (D13), Fender Stringmaster (E13, A6),
Roland Handsonic, Line 6 Variax

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