Re: Looper on its Way - Help!

Neil N wrote:
On Jan 11, 10:32 pm, "Mike Rieves" <mr...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
"pTooner" <geddi...@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message

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Lane Baldwin wrote:
"Mike Rieves" <mr...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
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It can certainly be misused or overdone, but in small clubs that can
only afford a solo or duo act, it's a way to get a full band sound that
couldn't be gotten otherwise. The folks I know who do it make it clear
that they're performing with backing tracks, they aren't trying to fool
anyone, they're just trying to put on the best show they can for the
crowd. It's really hard to afford a band for a lounge that only seats 35
to 50 people, not to mention that there's no room on stage.
You know, it makes me smile to see that this discussion has taken this
particular turn. Here's why:
1. I am a professional bassist with 40 years on the instrument, and over
27 as a working musician. It's not like I don't know my instrument.
2. I asked for advice about using a LOOPER, not backing tracks.
3. There are a TON of pro bassists at the top of the heap -- Victor
Wooten, Steve Lawson, Michael Manring, Alain Caron, and many others -- who use looping devices in their shows.
OK, so I'm not looking to play superchops modal three handed tapping - I
just want to add an extra dimension to a Blues set. But is there really
all that much difference between what they are doing, and what I hope to
accomplish? How is that, suddenly, it's all about how bad are some of the
acts that use backing tracks?
Really Lane, this whole discussion started back in the seventies when drum
machines first became popular. I was playing keyboard back then and the
debate started then and has continued every since.
Gerry
When backing tracks are used for the purpose of putting real musicians out
of work, so the band leader can put more money in his/her pocket, or when
they're used to make it seem that incompetent musicians are good when they
aren't, it's wrong. When they're used to allow very small venues who can't
afford full bands to give their audiences a full band sound with one or two
real musicians who are actually playing their instruments it's good. Like
any other tedchnology, the potential exists for good or evil. :-)- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Just musing here....

I'm wondering where on the slippery grey slope of backing tracks issue
I turn to rejection of them...

Perhaps musical performances are like high wire acts for me... It's
fabulous to see real talent pulling off a great sound live, "without a
net".
For me, it creates an energy, that only exists in the live forum.

If I wanted to listen to a recording, I'd stay home and do that. Or
even worse, If I wanted to take in some Karaoke, I imagine I'd do
that...

I work with many acts in the theatres/soft seaters, and one particular
producer just LOVES his tracks. I show up, play the rote parts pretty
much the same every night, take the checks and smile. You're pretty
much paid to show up and be a warm body on stage. He books lots of
shows, makes tons 'o' dough, so more power to him. That's
entertainment.
Another show I really like working with is entirely live, responding
and improvising as need be. Those are the ones I really dig playing in
and put the love into, and look forward to. It's being involved in the
moment. They work lots as well, btw... I just take way more pride in
'em.

Anyways, Lane, no intent to be part of hijacking of this thread.
FWIW and IMHO, use of a looper live , is CERTAIINLY NOT "tracks".
It's spontaneous creation, and I really enjoy performers who know how
to use one. The "high wire without a net" element is definitely
there.

Let me reiterate that I don't have a hard and fast position on this. However, the looper acts I have seen have been novelty acts along the line of dancing bears. Sometimes they are quite entertaining, but they haven't looked like something with staying power to me. That includes the ones I've seen on youtube, btw. Now as I see it, the difference between a sequence and a looper is you don't see the guy do the work creating the sequence usually whereas with a looper you do. I'm not sure what difference that makes. If I create the sequence on stage would that make you happy? Really just curious here, it's a question I've never been completely satisfied. How about guys who use auto arranger keyboards on stage? Just asking for opinions, I'm undecided myself on all these points.

Gerry
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Looper on its Way - Help!
    ... It's really hard to afford a band for a lounge that only seats 35 ... Perhaps musical performances are like high wire acts for me... ... and improvising as need be. ... FWIW and IMHO, use of a looper live, is CERTAIINLY NOT "tracks". ...
    (alt.guitar.bass)
  • Re: Looper on its Way - Help!
    ... It's really hard to afford a band for a lounge that only seats 35 ... I asked for advice about using a LOOPER, ... the looper acts I have seen have been novelty acts along the ... creating the sequence usually whereas with a looper you do. ...
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