ahh, first gig!

lovefool · Nov 29, 2008

Been happily playing for about 8 months, and a friend of a friend wants me to play at her christmas party.

I need to get hold of some backing tracks for not too hard songs. Any genre is ok I guess.

Some christmassy ones would be nice.

Can anyone point me to a good economical source? I've got the jazz and classic blues guest spot books, but these are bit tricky for me.

Any help very much appreciated.

Keira

birdman · Nov 29, 2008

guestspot also do a xmas playalong a bit traditional but good fun and not too difficult.
Jazztastic beginner is a good starter, with watermelon man,c jam and summertime.

Luluna · Nov 29, 2008

Keira how wonderful! Congrats and have fun ~

love your avatar btw, is that you?

found something on ebay that ships ww: http://tinyurl.com/6qjkxw
has backup CD and "Baby it's Cold Outside"

found this one on eBay UK, more traditional: http://tinyurl.com/5desoj

Hope this gets you started 😉

Taz · Nov 30, 2008

I just bought 10 tracks from Ameritz They are a great site, I've bought from them on several occasions and can recommend them. At ?1.50 per track they are good value for money IMHO. Check out their site, you can preview the track to see if it's what you want. Good luck with the gig. Let me know how you get on.

Luluna · Nov 30, 2008

Wow Taz ~ that is a great resource, I've bookmarked the link - the preview option is the clincher.

btw, great band and youtube links.

lovefool · Nov 30, 2008

Thanks for all the pointers, guys. Ebay has much more than I imagined.

Yes, Luluna, it is me, - was landing a jump and wasn't actually trying to do that! 🙂

Thanks for the sentiments, Taz.

Pjonah · Nov 30, 2008

Nice one Taz bookmarked that baby too, you really got your finger on the pulse dood!

Hows the shoulder and busking?

richard_perks · Dec 1, 2008

It's bookmarked in Canada now. Thanks Taz

Tenor Sax · Dec 1, 2008

Hi Keira

There are a range of play along books Called "Take the Lead" The Scores are simple, Comes with a CD. Each track has the example with the Sax and a second track with just the backing. Ideal if your sight reading is not up to scratch. Two Options are Traditional Carols and Christmas Songs.

Taz · Dec 1, 2008

😡 Stomps off to see the people at Ameritz about some comision!! :laugh: I'm glad to be of service, someone on here recommended it to me ( :cry: can't remember who)
The shoulders not doin too bad thanks Simon, its not quite up to lugging all my gear round yet though.....You'll know when I am !!
Hey Luluna, glad you like the band and youtube site, although i don't think the band will be together for too much longer and youtube needs updating. Although if you go to youtube and lookup "The Poplar Kitten" it will take you to a "Music" night that PaulyT arranged and was great fun!

lovefool · Dec 1, 2008

Yes thanks Chris. I ordered something from Ebay. Can't remember the brand but it had about 20 instead of just 10 songs. Hope the quality doesn't suffer.

Taz · Dec 2, 2008

Keira, watch out for MIDI tracks, they sound terrible. Having said that, you can get them free by going to a MIDI download site. just right click on the song title and "Save Title as" then save it to a folder on your pc It is a way of getting backing tracks for nothing and it gives you something to practice too.Try this site some of their downloads are free so give it a go.

lovefool · Dec 2, 2008

thanks for that, Taz. I will try that. - but I haven't mastered Michelle yet...

ee it's hard sometimes this sax lark..

Like today I found my reed was becoming a bit crappy sounding (or maybe it was me.. who can say?).. so tried a new reed and it came out all breathy, then another new reed with the same result. -- and I just couldn't regain that effortless floaty sound... ok i'll stop moaning now.