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September 24, 2006
Over the moon
An update on my recently-formed jazz band, the Moonjumpers.
Let's just say there's one less guy jumping with us now. At least that's what I heard. I'm trying to verify this with the guy in question first. Being the band leader, I was a bit down when I got the news second-hand, but was told by our music school manager that it's normal for kids these days to not give proper notice. That got me even more concerned about our future generation.
But I can totally understand when a talented young man has another commitment that's already gotten him a recording contract with potentially regional fame. Who'd want to play in a little-known, new jazz band? (I'm not trying to sound bitter - that's life.)
Jazz is not a genre that gets you mass popularity, compared to others like pop and rock. Playing jazz in a competition full of mat rockers and rappers isn't going to win you anything (unless you're really very good - and even then, you just may not be what most of the audience is looking for).
What's my philosophy, playing in a band, and being a band leader?
Firstly, I only want dedicated members in my band. I think whoever stays with jazz and doesn't run off chasing other genres must be pretty devoted already. My dream is still to play fusion, which includes funk, a bit of pop, smooth jazz, traditional jazz and latin. So it's not like we'll be stuck on one kind of sound.
When I was in Sydney, I harboured (pun!) the thought of bringing back a digeridoo, so we could try out some Jamiroquai sounds. However the digeridoos looked pretty touristy so I didn't buy one in the end. Maybe I need to go to Cairnes or something to get the real thing.
In any case, once you join a band, it's no longer just about you. Other people have spent their time travelling to the studio and back. We may have postponed or cancelled other commitments just to make it for the session. We have spent hours (hopefully) practising our parts. It wouldn't be fair to have no-shows, or people coming in grossly late, or last-minute pullouts. Because that sets our schedule back by another few weeks, when all of us are free again to meet.
If what I've heard is really true, and I fear it is, then the next few weeks may be spent looking for a new member. Which then sets us back further.
On my part, I will have to ensure better and more frequent communication, so this kind of thing doesn't happen again. Or, at least, I'd know about it earlier.
It's a learning process for all of us.
Posted by vantan at September 24, 2006 12:58 AM
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