Playing the saxophone Playing live vs for YouTube

[skeller047]

Miming has been around since the very beginning of moving pictures. You see it especially on old promo clips (aka “soundies” from old 40s video jukeboxes).

And then there were the mime groups like Milli Vanilli…

 

[SaxGrass]

I have preformed and soloed on Clarinet, saxophone and piano since a young age being 'judged" as in adjudicated by committee or a judge in competitions, for level of performance grading, auditioning for special programs, Bands, scholarships, High school and University admission. So the fear of live performance is long gone.

A recent insight into playing....
Many sax players tend to hold Sax n trax playing in low regard even with scorn. But for me Sax n Trax has led to House and DJ sax gigs and so many other genres. These venues require one to be front and centre, be in the moment stand and deliver. You need to be on the top of your game if you want to succeed.

On my first Sax n Trax gig over three years ago I was worried not "afraid" because I had no idea what I was doing with my gear, sound, play lists, dress, reading the crowd... I knew I could play but could I entertain on my own. This is not playing a solo this is a couple of hours of trying to engage an audience many who don't care you are there and supply ambience to a venue.

One can start playing Sax n Trax very low key even sight reading if that is your level of play. But you stand before a live audience alone and are judged often harshly by them and the booker / payee on your value.

One can play creatively, spontaneously no sight reading if you are at that level. You must advance in your skills or you will not get bookings. You might listen to a new tune to familiarise before a performance. But you will / must develop no fear of walking in cold and just playing regardless of genre. DJ sax, House, New Age..Reggae, Pop, Classical, Klezmer, Eastern Folk, Indian, Bolly ... whatever you get a call for you show or the calls stop coming. That gets you gigs. You can become a feature artist if you excell at it. You will have the joy of playing and the money is very good.

Don't be timid go for it. The more you play the more fluid and natural it will become.
This is a venue I recommend for young players to embrace as band gigs are rare for established players let alone for a young newbie. 😎

Well said. And from experience, I echo your sentiments about the challenge of carrying the gig load all by one’s self. When playing solo gigs, you can’t have an “off night’ — or even an “off song.” There are no bandmates to cover for you if you’re not sharp that night because you’re under the weather, you cut your lip the day prior, your fingers are sore, etc. You must have your “A” game every night — all night — because you’re the only one the audience sees. Prior to the gig, you must think of all the gig intangibles (equipment/logistics issues … and have a plan for each one), and you must arrive in plenty of time for your setup, because, again, there are no bandmates to cover for you if you had car trouble and are still unpacking your equipment and wetting a reed at the time the gig is supposed to begin. Solo gigs demand attention to every detail from start to finish. But they can be very rewarding (and not just financially).

My only slight divergence from your post is the “walking in cold and just playing regardless of genre.” I guess it depends on the person. I’m retired and don’t gig for a living. I’ve done over 700 solo gigs in the past 10 years but I have a very narrow interest in music (mostly classic jazz/swing/bossa nova and oldies pop), so I screen my queries very carefully and accept only those gigs that ask for music that I know and like to play. There are many types of music I have no interest in playing, so I don’t accept those gigs at any price. But that’s just me.

 

[JSL]

Well said. And from experience, I echo your sentiments about the challenge of carrying the gig load all by one’s self. When playing solo gigs, you can’t have an “off night’ — or even an “off song.” There are no bandmates to cover for you if you’re not sharp that night because you’re under the weather, you cut your lip the day prior, your fingers are sore, etc. You must have your “A” game every night — all night — because you’re the only one the audience sees. Prior to the gig, you must think of all the gig intangibles (equipment/logistics issues … and have a plan for each one), and you must arrive in plenty of time for your setup, because, again, there are no bandmates to cover for you if you had car trouble and are still unpacking your equipment and wetting a reed at the time the gig is supposed to begin. Solo gigs demand attention to every detail from start to finish. But they can be very rewarding (and not just financially).

My only slight divergence from your post is the “walking in cold and just playing regardless of genre.” I guess it depends on the person. I’m retired and don’t gig for a living. I’ve done over 700 solo gigs in the past 10 years but I have a very narrow interest in music (mostly classic jazz/swing/bossa nova and oldies pop), so I screen my queries very carefully and accept only those gigs that ask for music that I know and like to play. There are many types of music I have no interest in playing, so I don’t accept those gigs at any price. But that’s just me.

All true and I wouldn't argue with any of what you & @SaxGrass wrote. However, I really, really enjoy playing with a live band! The interaction between players and ensemble work is highly gratifying. Standing alone, playing to a backing track is not my idea of a fun performance. Ok for the practice room, but not for live playing. And even as an audience member I prefer, by far, to hear a full band. But that's just my preference, others may differ.

 

[SaxGrass]

All true and I wouldn't argue with any of what you & @SaxGrass wrote. However, I really, really enjoy playing with a live band! The interaction between players and ensemble work is highly gratifying. Standing alone, playing to a backing track is not my idea of a fun performance. Ok for the practice room, but not for live playing. And even as an audience member I prefer, by far, to hear a full band. But that's just my preference, others may differ.

FWIW... I never said that solo gigs are the only types of gigs I play. I occasionally sub in with a jazz trio or quartet, I play each week in my church's music ministry, and I play each week in a 17-piece nonprofit community big band. Those last 2 don't pay anything. But yes, I get the "play with others" experience regularly and, like you, I enjoy it.

No question about it... playing paid gigs with an ensemble and interacting live with other musicians is more rewarding -- IF you can find musicians of like mind, musical interest, talent level, gig availability, and work ethic. Trust me... I've had my share of small ensemble interpersonal drama, wasted practice sessions, "dog ate my homework" excuses for why a fellow musician isn't prepared for the gig, etc. Been there, done that. And you also need to be able to find gigs that command the $ to support more than 1 musician. Sadly, those gigs aren't always readily available. Some clients/venues can't afford more than a solo musician and some events just don't need more than a solo. And like it or not, I've found that some clients would rather deal with a reliable, predictable solo musician vs a small ensemble irrespective of the money issue. Smaller gig footprint, fewer variables.

 

[AlonW]

I play for YouTube because of a compulsion to express myself and do something creative even though I haven't found this in real life (I am trying). Sometimes I get sad thinking of all the work I put into my soundtracks and videos just for a couple of likes and a few watchers. Like, all the magic of real life playing and communication and sharing and energy is just sucked out of it. But if I didn't do this I wouldn't be ready for the real thing, when it does happen.

 

[PiccoloPirate]

Developing proper tone and technique, by leaning to play correctly, then practicing
2-4 hours daily, and many days, much longer, is how you become an accomplished musician.
Not everyone will be a chop master, but there are standards that define playing well, at different levels.

Technical studies, might get you there, if you do them and enjoy doing them.

Just playing tunes and trying to make quality recordings, when you lack the training, gets old for listeners, hearing the same marginal stuff, over and over.
Put in the work, and if your goal is to play well, it can be accomplished.

Duets, ensembles, large and small, always fun.
I remember, in the early '70s, "lets rehearse for a thousand hours, and cut a record."
My answer, "we got 20 tunes down, lets go down to the Village or anywhere, and work." $$$$
And meet the Ladies. 😍

 

[PiccoloPirate]

The above is for anyone that is learning to play a musical instrument.
No one in particular,
but if the shoe fits ............

 

[AlonW]

Developing proper tone and technique, by leaning to play correctly, then practicing
2-4 hours daily, and many days, much longer, is how you become an accomplished musician.
Not everyone will be a chop master, but there are standards that define playing well, at different levels.

Technical studies, might get you there, if you do them and enjoy doing them.

Just playing tunes and trying to make quality recordings, when you lack the training, gets old for listeners, hearing the same marginal stuff, over and over.
Put in the work, and if your goal is to play well, it can be accomplished.

Duets, ensembles, large and small, always fun.
I remember, in the early '70s, "lets rehearse for a thousand hours, and cut a record."
My answer, "we got 20 tunes down, lets go down to the Village or anywhere, and work." $$$$
And meet the Ladies. 😍

It sounds like you’re talking about me. I record as a way of practicing. I play 2 hours a day on average. I think I’m better than mediocre but not as good as pro.

 

[jazzdoh]

All true and I wouldn't argue with any of what you & @SaxGrass wrote. However, I really, really enjoy playing with a live band! The interaction between players and ensemble work is highly gratifying. Standing alone, playing to a backing track is not my idea of a fun performance. Ok for the practice room, but not for live playing. And even as an audience member I prefer, by far, to hear a full band. But that's just my preference, others may differ.

This is what i am happy with, been gigging for 40 years and now i am happy to slow down, i do agree that gigs are harder to get after covid but i couldn't imagine doing solo gigs with backing tracks, i love the spontaneity and originality of a real rhythm section, i know there are problems at times but it is still the way i like to play.

 

[SuperAction80]

Simply put, when you're playing live, "moments" flow naturally. It's just based off of the vibe of the audience and what you're feeling at the time.

In studio, and yes YouTube qualifies, you get to push those moments into perfection. You have to build that moment to grab an audience that hasn't been with you the entire night. Basically, I got a delete button, and can do something better if I'm not happy with it.