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[L420]Live At Much Music

by Brian Farley, Bri

In the UK for the last 18 years at least, a whole generation has been virtually starved of live musicians for a variety of reasons. The advent of computers being a standard household utility with their accompanying music production and downloadable music format devices, together with widespread video and latterly DVD technology has kept many a youngster indoors for most of their leisure time. Coupled with the rising overheads and prohibitive licence fees and conditions imposed on UK venues such as pubs and restaurants to house live artistes (or even play recorded music), this has had a devastating effect on professional musicians and potential artistes alike. The biggest losers are the members of our younger generations – many of whom have never even heard a live musician or band.

It is easy to see why therefore, that during my live gigs lately, I am frequently faced with a young person totally agape watching the live musician at work. They have no doubt become conditioned to accepting music as an impersonally generated medium and find it fascinating to witness the live, hands-on music creativity. Fortunately, this seems to be having an inspirational effect. Having spent most of my career working with theatre orchestras and larger musical combos, I have recently returned to working a lot of solo gigs as a cocktail pianist playing a variety of music styles but often older standards such as Cole Porter, George Gershwin, etc. The thing is, not only am I now finding I’m being booked by the youngster that first saw me a few years ago, but they are requesting that I play the same style of music for their wedding reception or birthday party. It seems that they have got into this sort of music through being made aware of it when I first played for them and they were so intrigued by it.

There is very little coverage on UK radio or television of any music style other than the most recent commercial music. The sad thing is that if younger people do not get the opportunity to witness other musical styles because it is not in the mainstream broadcasts and because live music is so rare, we are not giving them the chance to decide if they like it or not. We have therefore been creating a generation for many years that is one-tracked in its musical culture, when we should have been giving our youngsters much more choice.

OK . . . so I am biased. I've spent hours and hours practicing my instruments and I've spent thousands of dollars on my education. I could come up with 20 Reasons. But I'll start with 5.

1.CLASSIER: The right band adds a certain amount of class to any event. A pianist playing a Grand Piano in a tuxedo of any event adds romance and dignity. A DJ behind a record player never will be able to produce that effect.

When you hire a live band or musician, you are telling your customers and friends, "I am a class act."

2.VERSATILITY: DJS are limited by their recorded product and tempos on the recordings.

Musicians will adjust to their surroundings. If the dance floor is packed, a band can keep the song going and will not be limited to the length of the original recording.

A musician can also change his tempo to the activities in a room. When I see a romantic couple dancing to Frank Sinatra tune, I will frequently add that spark that I feel for my wife.

Granted, a DJ may have a repertoire that is only limited by the amount of CDs they buy. But a good musician knows thousands of songs.

I know I have probably forgotten more songs than I learned over the years. You will love watching the band ?fake? their way through a tune they haven't played in years.

That kind of spontaneity is only possible when you use live music instead of a DJ. Which brings us to Reason #3 . . . .

3.PEOPLE LOVE TO SEE OTHER PEOPLE SCREW UP: Let's face it. Musicians are human beings. We make mistakes like everybody else. Why is American Idol so popular? Because we all want to see someone fail. And succeed!

Your friends and customers will love to try and "stump the band" when we're playing at your Sales Event or Product Rollout. (Watch their amazement when we succeed.)

?Music is a Manifestation of Emotion.
The feeling must always override the Technique?
- Jan Hammer (Keyboards for Mahavishnu Orchestra and Jeff Beck)

4.INTIMACY: There is something very intimate about seeing someone play an instrument and create music on the spot. Music is magical. It is almost surreal. Can a DJ play with emotion? Intimacy?

People love to watch my hands as I play the piano. It is as if the music appears out of nowhere. When a musician performs for you, it feels like they are creating just for you -- right on the spot. Magical!

5.INTERACTION: Not only will a great entertainer adjust his performance to a live audience. A live band will interact with each other onstage. A DJ is only one person. Surely a DJ can and will interact with his audience. But a good musician will interact so much better.

Also, just imagine the added dimension a live band will bring to your next Corporate Event. A live band will interact with your audience AND the musicians in the band. If you've ever had the pleasure of listening to a group of musicians ?hang out? after the gig, you know what I am saying is true. A DJ has only an audience for interaction.

Music is truly the universal language. It transcends any barrier -- geographic, cultural or economic. Hiring the right Musical Act will enhance your ability to reach your customers and clients.

Article Source : Pg. 27

About Author

Both Brian Farley & Joe Rogers are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Brian Farley has sinced written about articles on various topics from Keyboard Synthesizer. Brian Farley has been a worldwide professional Musical Director and pianist since 1974, and now operates from the UK as a cocktail pian. Brian Farley's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.

Joe Rogers has sinced written about articles on various topics from computers and the internet, Keyboard Synthesizer. Dan Gillogly is probably biased because he is a former Music Director at The Second City. He has written and performed music for A&E, FOX-TV and countless corporate clients including AT&T, Sears and IKEA. He is also the author of a Free Report entit. Joe Rogers's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.