Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul Warburton
As you probably know, NYC is the epi center of Jazz. As with all things in life, there are trade-offs involved. That's where the best players at least go through consistantly to play the clubs, concert halls and educational venues. Many of the greatest living players either live in the city or in close surrounding areas. The negatives are there, off course, but the musical pay backs are huge.
I've thought about it many times and am giving serious thought to giving it a shot.
A good musical reputation and some word of mouth can help, as can friends in the area.
Would I walk in there with some kind of "attitude"? Nope. Not on your life.
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I've played in NYC many times over the years and love it. I gave living there a shot in 1979-80 when I was in my mid twenties, and brother, I had to give up. I played with some great players, did some nice gigs and was able to continue traveling with the band I was in at the time (based in Chicago), but I could tell that it was going to be a long road to get to the point of making a living from music there as I had been doing for a few years in Chicago. The logistics of dealing with bass and amp on public trans, parking my car, etc. were pretty tough after having things relatively easy in Chicago. Some memorable experiences:
Showing up at Roseland for a union sponsored gig search. A crowd of musicians looking for work, I think every Tuesday. I was standing next to Sal Nestico in his tux and thought, oh geez...
Taking the Lex Ave train from 69th? St. to 125th and walking over to 9th? Ave, I think, with my bass and amp, to play at the "Cotton Club" I'll never forget that walk.
Leaving a session downtown at 2AM or so and getting on the subway, looking around at the crowd, and getting off before the doors closed. I think I walked 40 blocks getting home that night.
Getting a call to play with drummer Billy Hart, oh yeah, I thought. I asked the leader how to get to the club in NJ - take my bass and amp on the subway to 186th?, grab a bus to wherever, they'd then pick me up and take me to the club. Gig payed $35 I think. I passed...
Ken, I think I may have met you at guitarist Ross Traut's loft on 27th St. I think maybe you had just started making basses. Sound familiar?