How time flies.
This "Little Band" as they describe themselves (got to be JT) has now been together as TheSotightBand with Miss Nadine for one full year. I'm sure i am not the first person to offer Congratulations but I do have a perspective to offer because of how this "Little Band" has affected me personally.
I remember very well as a newcomer to Vancouver and as a volunteer to the Jazz Festival being told of a one off venue on a Saturday afternoon for good music was a place called Rossini's in Kitsilano. This is June 2006. As a Brit used to playing in bands on Sunday lunchtimes from 11am to two pm this was a GOOD thing. Don't know a single soul but Rossini's seems friendly and has an '"atmosphere" I frankly found missing elsewhere, still do.
Band playing is..Billy Dixon and The SoulTrain Express...electrifying...first rate covers from a first rate artist, audience participation has me enjoying myself. Billy gives his all and has
everybody up and dancing, booze is flowing, ladies seem able to come here alone or with girlfiends without problems and there is a general feeling of goodwill .Good beer too.
Saxaphone player, whose name I don't know, gets my attention, plays a ton of notes at such a furious rate and with such Passion I just know there is SOMETHING here I have never experienced before in Canada. Singers got an ego, hogs the limelight, but nothing wrong with that, he is excellent and gets everybody dancing. Ask the sax players name, bartender not sure, ask the singer at break, gives me his autograph and an invite to Boat party instead, good salesman.
I will always consider myself a lucky person, no background in the local music scene and yet found myself so drawn to what became TheSoTightBand with Miss Nadine.
The very first time I heard Nadine States perform with SoTight, raw, nervous, edgy AND wonderful, if Nadine does not rank with the very best of todays performers then show me WHO is better. Miss SoTight has grown so much in the past year that perhaps we take it all just a liitle too much for granted.. There is a talent here, that for me, is not being recognised at the very highest level. Amazing natural voice, a stage presence which is huge, and has that ability to interact with her audience right on the dance floor level, gets down and dirty with ease and always gives you the impression she just loves and appreciates the audience reaction, not through ego but a genuine will to GIVE and then seems quite astonished at the return.
The very BEST thing one year later is her ability to grow that edgy, nervous and still raw energy she brings to each performance, more comfortable with her own ability,hits almost impossible notes with confidence, I don't think we have seen anything even close to what Miss Nadine can, and will do in the future.. As you read this I would just ask you to close your eyes and do nothing but listen to an extraordinary talent right on your doorstep.....and show your love. Got quite the body..looks and moves too...down boy down (It's all in the mind at my age...fantasy is a wonderful thing)
The Band.
Here is where I totally lose it. I would have given my eye teeth to play with such a group of musicians, sold my first born blonde son to the Arabs, allowed my wife "Freedom to
Fully Explore her Sexual Fantasies in Mongolia"(Still think that's a WONDERFUL idea, just need a ton more air travel points) AND made a contribution of high calibre to the Flat Earth Society.
We will never really know what makes these individuals tick, a Chicken who plays Guitar, a drummer who can STILL get into a one piece outfit from the seventies(whats THAT all about)
a Bass Guitarist who should be in jail as an obvious Biker Hooligan, a saxaphone player ( so he tells us) who pretends to be '"arry Potta"but looks suspiciously like "U Efner" (God help Jeannie )and speaking of God they are all looked over by the Priest Himself masquerading as a keyboard player, well it's not right is it? PLUS they pretend that the only player who knows what he's doing is "Away in China"... beggars belief.
I hold up my hand and swear I do not know of a group of amazing individuals (oxymoron..too late) who play with such energy together...who continually play basically the same material and yet always bring something fresh to each performance, a group that is so committed to each other that time after time over the past year somebody has stepped up to the plate when illness or just a low point has hit a band member , a spouse, close relative, or friend. If this band were all full-time musicians then that's fine BUT they ain't, most are working stiffs like all of us, and yet on A Saturday Afternoon at Rossini's, late at night at the Yale or the Casinos' etc they routinely transform OUR lives and give us a few hours of pure magic.
THEY will tell you that they feed off us, that they appreciate the loyalty and following we give them. I say it is THEIR wonderful musicianship which has grown over the past year and continues to grow, THEIR belief in each other not just musically but as friends and then those moments we all look for when everything just clicks and they" forget" all of us and let the music play, thats what these people give to us..time in and time out.
A great quote from a good friend..."They play covers better than the Originals"...They do too
To Nadine..to Peter..to Rob..to Robbie..to Cliff..to JT..to Kent HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Richard Winn
White Rock BC
One Year In... The Best Is Yet to Come
Keep it Tight...Keep it SoTight
Monday, October 29, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007
Last Update
Hi all.
This will be the last post at this site, the new site will be released through the SoTightBands website within the next couple of weeks. Watch out for a whole new approach, should be cool.
I was not the only one who enjoyed the band at Rossinis on Sat. july 14th.
For once there was room to breathe, not so full as is usual and it had an unexpected benefit. The group just seemed to me to play with more freedom, more relaxed if you like. It never took a thing away from the "SoTight" brand but they were really letting fly all afternoon and appeared to enjoy the experience themselves. I know Nadine had a great time being able to move and sing among the patrons more than usual and even had a certain lady (or not) play grab ass with her on the dance floor. Quite hilarious, lucky lady I say.
One of the reasons I like to get there early is to listen to the warm-up and sound test stuff they play, wish they would do more of that, great loose jazz feeling. I know of course thats not what they are there for but boy it suits me. Jt, Robbie Marr and Peter did their thing with no guitar or drums for a while, fun to listen to. A Gillespie piece if I'm not mistaken.
Talking of drums, Mr Nuemann had a brand new set to play on and the difference was really noticeable, particularly the bass drum, its odd how some simple changes can make such a difference in the overall sound.
Yes, Rossinis was fun, I love that place.
BOAT CRUISE.
The SoTightBand Inaugral Boat Cruise aboard the Queen of Diamonds was a real blast and hopefully very successful for them and that there will be many more in the future years. (Maureen said to say the band were all great) Everybody seemed to have a great time whooping and hollering all afternoon(glad the bar bill wasn't mine to pay) and it all appeared very good natured. An abiding sight for me and no doubt many others was James and his cape trying to take off into the wind to great applause from those arround him. The weather was good all day and apart from what was happening aboard I personally really enjoyed the amazing scenery from False Creek out into that wonderful bay and back again. What a place we are so fortunate to live in, i know i spoke to many who said they never take it for granted, its just great to be alive in this place.
As to the music, a little more difficult to describe. Unless you were well forward the band were not that easy to both hear or see. From where I was standing, a little over half way toward the back, it simply wasn't easy to know quite what was going on. At some points I couldn't hear Cliff or Rob Neumanns drums (He told me he was "beating the hell out of them") at all and because the band were not on an elevated stage I really only caught glimpses of the odd face or two here and there. That is not to criticize just a statement of fact. I occasionally did venture into the jumble of bodies leaping up and down like whirling dervishes directly in front of the band and of course could hear everything with no problem. I don't think it mattered too much except perhaps to those folks who just went to listen, there was so much going on ,it was just plain fun all afternoon.
The boat was full, the weather was great, the booze was flowing, a lot of skin was on display, the music was hot inside and outside, what more can you ask for.
Richard Winn
White Rock
This will be the last post at this site, the new site will be released through the SoTightBands website within the next couple of weeks. Watch out for a whole new approach, should be cool.
I was not the only one who enjoyed the band at Rossinis on Sat. july 14th.
For once there was room to breathe, not so full as is usual and it had an unexpected benefit. The group just seemed to me to play with more freedom, more relaxed if you like. It never took a thing away from the "SoTight" brand but they were really letting fly all afternoon and appeared to enjoy the experience themselves. I know Nadine had a great time being able to move and sing among the patrons more than usual and even had a certain lady (or not) play grab ass with her on the dance floor. Quite hilarious, lucky lady I say.
One of the reasons I like to get there early is to listen to the warm-up and sound test stuff they play, wish they would do more of that, great loose jazz feeling. I know of course thats not what they are there for but boy it suits me. Jt, Robbie Marr and Peter did their thing with no guitar or drums for a while, fun to listen to. A Gillespie piece if I'm not mistaken.
Talking of drums, Mr Nuemann had a brand new set to play on and the difference was really noticeable, particularly the bass drum, its odd how some simple changes can make such a difference in the overall sound.
Yes, Rossinis was fun, I love that place.
BOAT CRUISE.
The SoTightBand Inaugral Boat Cruise aboard the Queen of Diamonds was a real blast and hopefully very successful for them and that there will be many more in the future years. (Maureen said to say the band were all great) Everybody seemed to have a great time whooping and hollering all afternoon(glad the bar bill wasn't mine to pay) and it all appeared very good natured. An abiding sight for me and no doubt many others was James and his cape trying to take off into the wind to great applause from those arround him. The weather was good all day and apart from what was happening aboard I personally really enjoyed the amazing scenery from False Creek out into that wonderful bay and back again. What a place we are so fortunate to live in, i know i spoke to many who said they never take it for granted, its just great to be alive in this place.
As to the music, a little more difficult to describe. Unless you were well forward the band were not that easy to both hear or see. From where I was standing, a little over half way toward the back, it simply wasn't easy to know quite what was going on. At some points I couldn't hear Cliff or Rob Neumanns drums (He told me he was "beating the hell out of them") at all and because the band were not on an elevated stage I really only caught glimpses of the odd face or two here and there. That is not to criticize just a statement of fact. I occasionally did venture into the jumble of bodies leaping up and down like whirling dervishes directly in front of the band and of course could hear everything with no problem. I don't think it mattered too much except perhaps to those folks who just went to listen, there was so much going on ,it was just plain fun all afternoon.
The boat was full, the weather was great, the booze was flowing, a lot of skin was on display, the music was hot inside and outside, what more can you ask for.
Richard Winn
White Rock
Monday, June 25, 2007
Blog and The Band
Hi all (at least those that can access this site, the new one should be up in time for the Boat Cruise
Band on their very best behaviour for the Vancouver Jazz festival and so was I.(lol)
Hands up those who thought that last Saturday at Rossinis was simply the best we have heard from this band? Wave please 'cos I'm still deaf and also hoarse from vocal excitement, loved every minute of it and I know from my son and daughters response they had NEVER seen anything like it.
My son who is a wannabe guitarist (his words) could not believe some the stuff coming from Cliff and my daughter immediately fell in love with JT (what the heck is it about male sax players and female listeners)
Right from Nadine's introduction the whole band seemed just determined that the Jazz Festival was an excuse to let fly, there were times when you could just see and feel their own enjoyment of those very special occasions when each member is "in the groove", if you have ever played at any level you always remember and understand those times. Thats when a new dimension is reached and it is truly "all for one and one for all". I would never have thought to use the word SWING (sounds old fashioned) with the SoTightBand but at one time or another during the afternoon they were movin' big time. Brings up a point, these guys and Nadine can play any thing and any style of music (loved those little reggae bits) and play them well, those two opening intrumentals were an eye opener and they never let it drop all day. (I, being me, just loved the very brief 3/4 stuff between Mr Marr and Mr Platt during the warm up, i'll bet THEY don't remember that)
The new numbers the band introduced (and there were many)were really a breath of fresh air too, my daughter thought Mark Knopflors "Private Dancer" was superb and Robbies down and dirty version of "Unchain my Heart" was just plain brilliant, incidentally for those who give a hoot, on the original 1962 Ray Charles version (he was not the first) David "Fathead" Newman was his sax player, guess whos' tickets I have for Wed Jazz Festival, great player.
There were many moments for the memory, you will have different ones from mine (my sons' was he thought jt threw in a little Michael Jackson at one point) whatever they are, why don't you let us know? For me I thought everybody played there best and a special mention to Peter who was just flying, at least a couple of his solos had Messrs Neumann and Marr supporting in fantastic manner. Peters sound is also much improved from earlier gigs, you can hear each note very clearly.
Just talking about support I must mention Rob Neumann who is so good in his ability to read whats going on around and respond at such a high level. My best example would be when there is just him and JT together, thats some playing Mr Neumann and better than drum solos to me.
What do you say about Jt? How he does what he does is beyond me. Played his heart and soul out with no help or break with the absence of Kent's trumpet, takes the breath away with his passion and energy, i reckon he must lost lose a few pounds at every performance, wonderful excitement all afternoon from him.
I'm going to leave comments about Nadine to others. I can tell you a lady approached me who had only heard her on one other occasion at the Fairview. She said the reason she came to listen to Nadine on Saturday at Rossini's was because she felt stardom was going to steal her away from us and she wanted to remember she was there in "the early days"and listened to an extraordinary talent.
Says it all don't it. Bless you Nadine, you are something else.
I know I've missed out so much, if you can help, put it down, me, I just enjoyed the music and the occasion.
Don't forget your tickets for the Boat Cruise July 15th ,its going to be wild.
Keep it Tight---Keep it SoTight
Richard Winn
White Rock
Band on their very best behaviour for the Vancouver Jazz festival and so was I.(lol)
Hands up those who thought that last Saturday at Rossinis was simply the best we have heard from this band? Wave please 'cos I'm still deaf and also hoarse from vocal excitement, loved every minute of it and I know from my son and daughters response they had NEVER seen anything like it.
My son who is a wannabe guitarist (his words) could not believe some the stuff coming from Cliff and my daughter immediately fell in love with JT (what the heck is it about male sax players and female listeners)
Right from Nadine's introduction the whole band seemed just determined that the Jazz Festival was an excuse to let fly, there were times when you could just see and feel their own enjoyment of those very special occasions when each member is "in the groove", if you have ever played at any level you always remember and understand those times. Thats when a new dimension is reached and it is truly "all for one and one for all". I would never have thought to use the word SWING (sounds old fashioned) with the SoTightBand but at one time or another during the afternoon they were movin' big time. Brings up a point, these guys and Nadine can play any thing and any style of music (loved those little reggae bits) and play them well, those two opening intrumentals were an eye opener and they never let it drop all day. (I, being me, just loved the very brief 3/4 stuff between Mr Marr and Mr Platt during the warm up, i'll bet THEY don't remember that)
The new numbers the band introduced (and there were many)were really a breath of fresh air too, my daughter thought Mark Knopflors "Private Dancer" was superb and Robbies down and dirty version of "Unchain my Heart" was just plain brilliant, incidentally for those who give a hoot, on the original 1962 Ray Charles version (he was not the first) David "Fathead" Newman was his sax player, guess whos' tickets I have for Wed Jazz Festival, great player.
There were many moments for the memory, you will have different ones from mine (my sons' was he thought jt threw in a little Michael Jackson at one point) whatever they are, why don't you let us know? For me I thought everybody played there best and a special mention to Peter who was just flying, at least a couple of his solos had Messrs Neumann and Marr supporting in fantastic manner. Peters sound is also much improved from earlier gigs, you can hear each note very clearly.
Just talking about support I must mention Rob Neumann who is so good in his ability to read whats going on around and respond at such a high level. My best example would be when there is just him and JT together, thats some playing Mr Neumann and better than drum solos to me.
What do you say about Jt? How he does what he does is beyond me. Played his heart and soul out with no help or break with the absence of Kent's trumpet, takes the breath away with his passion and energy, i reckon he must lost lose a few pounds at every performance, wonderful excitement all afternoon from him.
I'm going to leave comments about Nadine to others. I can tell you a lady approached me who had only heard her on one other occasion at the Fairview. She said the reason she came to listen to Nadine on Saturday at Rossini's was because she felt stardom was going to steal her away from us and she wanted to remember she was there in "the early days"and listened to an extraordinary talent.
Says it all don't it. Bless you Nadine, you are something else.
I know I've missed out so much, if you can help, put it down, me, I just enjoyed the music and the occasion.
Don't forget your tickets for the Boat Cruise July 15th ,its going to be wild.
Keep it Tight---Keep it SoTight
Richard Winn
White Rock
Monday, June 18, 2007
Changes
Hi all
I,m hearing of many people who cannot, for one reason or another, access and comment on this blog site. The site being free is also very limiting in adding photos, videos etc.
I always wanted the blog to be the best support for the SoTightBand with Miss Nadine as is possible and I have tried to do this to the best of my ability. Circumstances and a desire to move forward to help the band in the best way possible mean a change in the way this blog will be presented in future.
Look for a brand new blog coming soon through the Bands website at www.thesotightband.com.
Thank you for all who participated to date and look forward to hearing from all of you who wish this extraordinary group of individuals and their families and friends well. For me it's a privilege.
Take care.
Richard Winn
White Rock
I,m hearing of many people who cannot, for one reason or another, access and comment on this blog site. The site being free is also very limiting in adding photos, videos etc.
I always wanted the blog to be the best support for the SoTightBand with Miss Nadine as is possible and I have tried to do this to the best of my ability. Circumstances and a desire to move forward to help the band in the best way possible mean a change in the way this blog will be presented in future.
Look for a brand new blog coming soon through the Bands website at www.thesotightband.com.
Thank you for all who participated to date and look forward to hearing from all of you who wish this extraordinary group of individuals and their families and friends well. For me it's a privilege.
Take care.
Richard Winn
White Rock
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Adding comments
Hi everybody.
I understand that some people are having problems adding comments to the blog. I'm not sure why, as long as you have signed up for a FREE Google Account you should be ok. Having said that, it may well be that the system at Blogspot itself is not up to speed.
If you have tried to add comments and unable to do so for any reason please email me rswinn@shaw.ca or better still call me at 604-542-1479 and lets sort it out.
I want this to work for everyone not just a few.
Watch this space
Keep It Tight---Keep It SoTight
Richard Winn
White Rock
I understand that some people are having problems adding comments to the blog. I'm not sure why, as long as you have signed up for a FREE Google Account you should be ok. Having said that, it may well be that the system at Blogspot itself is not up to speed.
If you have tried to add comments and unable to do so for any reason please email me rswinn@shaw.ca or better still call me at 604-542-1479 and lets sort it out.
I want this to work for everyone not just a few.
Watch this space
Keep It Tight---Keep It SoTight
Richard Winn
White Rock
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
mrallnight6
Seems like its just you and me buddy. I think it is shameful that the Head Blogger (Thats me, although my wife calls me many different names, the court case comes up shortly) doesn't even get an invitation to ALL the private parties and a paid limo to all other SoTight events complete with full bar and "questionable female entertainment" Bloody disgrace if you ask me, working my fingers to the bone thinking up nice things to say about the band when I could be in the boozer getting pleasantly p****d.
I am forced to sit out on my patio overlooking Semiahmoo Bay slugging down the odd Mai Tai and actually TYPING this stuff that nobody seems interested in.
I have an idea to run by you Mrallnight6.
I'm thinking of fining people a small sum of money (say $500 a pop) for not reading and commenting on these blogs within a reasonable period of them being put up (say two hours, I think thats being very generous) Here is how this will work. Everybody will provide me with their credit card number(complete with ccv and expiry date) and i will promise (in writing) only to charge their card when 121 Minutes has passed, can't be fairer than that.
Here is where YOU come in. I may need some muscle for any charge backs, I'll provide the balaclava, wrap around shades, helmet and Harley(stolen, false plates no sweat) and I'll also agree to pay a generous 50, no 25 ahh lets say 15% of all funds you collect.
Are you IN ?
Anon
White Rock
I am forced to sit out on my patio overlooking Semiahmoo Bay slugging down the odd Mai Tai and actually TYPING this stuff that nobody seems interested in.
I have an idea to run by you Mrallnight6.
I'm thinking of fining people a small sum of money (say $500 a pop) for not reading and commenting on these blogs within a reasonable period of them being put up (say two hours, I think thats being very generous) Here is how this will work. Everybody will provide me with their credit card number(complete with ccv and expiry date) and i will promise (in writing) only to charge their card when 121 Minutes has passed, can't be fairer than that.
Here is where YOU come in. I may need some muscle for any charge backs, I'll provide the balaclava, wrap around shades, helmet and Harley(stolen, false plates no sweat) and I'll also agree to pay a generous 50, no 25 ahh lets say 15% of all funds you collect.
Are you IN ?
Anon
White Rock
Monday, June 4, 2007
Yale and Party
Would appreciate any feed back from folks who attended James' Party and or at The Yale last saturday (June 2), What happened, how did it all go, any interesting comments to bring?
Richard Winn
white Rock
Richard Winn
white Rock
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Toot Toot---Beep Beep OH MY!!!!!!
Hiya People.
Well, what can I say about the Bands "SHOW" last night at the Wise Hall because thats exactly what they did for all of us, put on a show.
If that had been in Vegas it would have got rave reviews and with people panting for more. Do humans still "pant"? All i can say is there were quite a few tongues hanging out there toward the end, any dog would certainly have understood
My ears are still ringing (It's the bells you know, they make me deaf). The sheer volume of sound was just unbelievable, cascading around the room, literally bouncing off those old wooden walls. Was it only me who quite expected Shakespeare to make a sudden appearence from the balcony? Thought for just a minute I actually spotted him, turned out to be Collier with his video camera, pity really but one cannot have everything.
Folks, I wish I had the words to describe properly the "Coming of Age" the "Loss of Virginity" of the SoTight Band with Miss Nadine last night but words fail me, it was exciting, it was stupendous. Have you EVER seen a group of people,mostly of a certain age, just dancing their hearts out and having so much fun?
Do we even understand how lucky, how fortunate we are to be even a little part of this, if you DON"t then show me ANY band in ANY local community that puts out so much effort and has the respect and loyalty they have gained in such a short period of time.
Just try to imagine how it must feel for THEM, for each individual on that stage, looking back and seeing a mass of humanity out on the floor, big, big smiles--nah---HUGE GRINS on all the faces,people from all walks of life,colours,creeds the less fortunate in wheelchairs just 'bopping' away. (can you still say bopping, well it works for me) It must give each one of them a sense of real pride and I'm sure, not a little surprise,that this is happening for them, lets face it, turn the clock back a few years and the SoTightBand would have been out of here and on the road.
I cannot go through all the individual performances, it would surely be unfair to single out any one of them, THIS was a BAND performance and truly remarkable. Having said that lets give a huge hand to Nadine's mum, a huge hand to the class shown by Sotight with their flower presentation to wives, girl friends and helpers, they ALL worked so hard to put on this event, we had only to show up and PARTY. I understand they were there from 11 am setting up, decorating the hall etc and then taking everything down after we were safely tucked up in bed, thats roughly 15/16 hours. I can only applaud each and every one of them.
I would also like to mention the care and attention given to the wheelchair bound folks who had such a great time, you are very special and devoted people, may your god go with you.
I also want to take this opportunity to applaud each and every one who came, you are a truly wonderful group, never a sign of "trouble" and in this day and age that, in itself,is a blessing we should not ignore, give yourself some applause just stand up and put your hands together, you deserve it.
OK PLEASE...IT"S YOUR TURN. WHAT DID YOU GET OUT OF IT LAST NIGHT?
Which solo or number sticks out in your memory? What did enjoy most about the whole evening? Andra, get YOUR fingers working, I know you have something to share, what about some others? Kathy, your'e up, find a way to give us your thoughts, if you or anyone else is unsure HOW to add a comment, send me an email at sotightbandblog@yahoo.ca and I'll be glad to help.
Final note to band, fire that announcer you had, he will want to sing next, LOL
Great stuff Boys and Girls, this boy had a ball. THANKYOU.
Remember..Keep it Tight--Keep it SoTight
Richard Winn
White Rock
Well, what can I say about the Bands "SHOW" last night at the Wise Hall because thats exactly what they did for all of us, put on a show.
If that had been in Vegas it would have got rave reviews and with people panting for more. Do humans still "pant"? All i can say is there were quite a few tongues hanging out there toward the end, any dog would certainly have understood
My ears are still ringing (It's the bells you know, they make me deaf). The sheer volume of sound was just unbelievable, cascading around the room, literally bouncing off those old wooden walls. Was it only me who quite expected Shakespeare to make a sudden appearence from the balcony? Thought for just a minute I actually spotted him, turned out to be Collier with his video camera, pity really but one cannot have everything.
Folks, I wish I had the words to describe properly the "Coming of Age" the "Loss of Virginity" of the SoTight Band with Miss Nadine last night but words fail me, it was exciting, it was stupendous. Have you EVER seen a group of people,mostly of a certain age, just dancing their hearts out and having so much fun?
Do we even understand how lucky, how fortunate we are to be even a little part of this, if you DON"t then show me ANY band in ANY local community that puts out so much effort and has the respect and loyalty they have gained in such a short period of time.
Just try to imagine how it must feel for THEM, for each individual on that stage, looking back and seeing a mass of humanity out on the floor, big, big smiles--nah---HUGE GRINS on all the faces,people from all walks of life,colours,creeds the less fortunate in wheelchairs just 'bopping' away. (can you still say bopping, well it works for me) It must give each one of them a sense of real pride and I'm sure, not a little surprise,that this is happening for them, lets face it, turn the clock back a few years and the SoTightBand would have been out of here and on the road.
I cannot go through all the individual performances, it would surely be unfair to single out any one of them, THIS was a BAND performance and truly remarkable. Having said that lets give a huge hand to Nadine's mum, a huge hand to the class shown by Sotight with their flower presentation to wives, girl friends and helpers, they ALL worked so hard to put on this event, we had only to show up and PARTY. I understand they were there from 11 am setting up, decorating the hall etc and then taking everything down after we were safely tucked up in bed, thats roughly 15/16 hours. I can only applaud each and every one of them.
I would also like to mention the care and attention given to the wheelchair bound folks who had such a great time, you are very special and devoted people, may your god go with you.
I also want to take this opportunity to applaud each and every one who came, you are a truly wonderful group, never a sign of "trouble" and in this day and age that, in itself,is a blessing we should not ignore, give yourself some applause just stand up and put your hands together, you deserve it.
OK PLEASE...IT"S YOUR TURN. WHAT DID YOU GET OUT OF IT LAST NIGHT?
Which solo or number sticks out in your memory? What did enjoy most about the whole evening? Andra, get YOUR fingers working, I know you have something to share, what about some others? Kathy, your'e up, find a way to give us your thoughts, if you or anyone else is unsure HOW to add a comment, send me an email at sotightbandblog@yahoo.ca and I'll be glad to help.
Final note to band, fire that announcer you had, he will want to sing next, LOL
Great stuff Boys and Girls, this boy had a ball. THANKYOU.
Remember..Keep it Tight--Keep it SoTight
Richard Winn
White Rock
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Professionalism
Hi Folks.
Took my wife and daughter to Rossinis on saturday. They both were very sceptical of my enthusiasm for "THE BAND" feeling it was just a good excuse for yours truly to "Get Single" for a day as my wife puts it and come home generally worse for wear but smiling. Well, "She who must be obeyed" is 100% correct but then as I have discovered, she always is.
I confess to being a little leary of taking them this last weekend knowing that JT was not playing and it was bound to have an effect on the overall SOUND of the band, in fairness Mr Platt also brings such great personal presence in addition to his amazing ability on the sax.
It was a strange day and took some time for the Band to really get going. Also perhaps due to the earlier start the place was eerily empty, here is me telling my "family" to be prepared to be surrounded by a bunch of loudmouthed drunks shoulder to shoulder with no room to breathe (naively thinking they wouldn't want to go) and blow me down it was very quiet, too quiet, I'm getting anxious and jumpy, I've told my daughter this is the best party band in Vancouver and she needs to book them for her upcoming 40th Birthday, which immediately pisses her off to be reminded of, another carafe of wine , waitress please, make it two.
The sheer professionalism of the SoTight Band comes through and i must give huge credit to KENT WALLACE who all afternoon was simply amazing in his ability to play what were surely saxophone parts on the trumpet, no matter his ability on that instrument it just MUST have been something of an ordeal to front the band at it's "Home Base" and carry it off the way he did, you are something else Mr Wallace, kudos too you and hope the later Salsa gig went well.
Then there was Miss Nadine. The more I see of this lady the more excited I get for her future, like Kent it cannot have been easy for her, and in addition seemed a little tired, maybe not well and yet she stepped up to the plate, got it going and just WORKED her tail off the whole afternoon. I know at some point, just by looking at the reaction of both members of my family they were simply astonished by her range, her presence, her command of the audience and as my daughter put it, her obvious love for what she does. (Actually, Nadine says she would really have rather been a comedian, interesting isn't it, mind you I would rather have sung like Sinatra but the s.o.b got there first) Which reminds me when is Mr Buble going to pay his dues to this city and give us a song or two at Rossinis (no cover charge Arni) No time soon methinks.
There is no doubt that the second and third sets got everybody going, the place was filling up and the dance floor was starting to rock. In those sets I thought PETER's keyboard playing was superb, really relaxed and into it, and along with the always wonderful and hard working guitar playing of Cliff all is well. Or is it?
Mr Marr was strangely quiet, no solos, no vocals and was often seen playing with his back to the audience. Turns out poor Robby had done some serious damage to his back and probably should not have been there at all, so definitley struggled all afternoon but NEVER let the others down and THATS professionalism. Get well quick Mr Marr.
Drummers never get the accolade they should and yet in Rob Neumann the SoTightBand simply could not have a better one. Here is such an unassuming guy who takes his art seriously, listens intently to what is happening around him, supports the soloists very, very well and on saturday let his hair down with the best solo effort I have seen from him yet. Perhaps being allowed to solo without having to play around the beat of the song still prompted by the others, his true ability to show his technical expertise shines through. I DO know this is just the beginning of what is coming from Rob and wasn't it absolutely seemless the transition from drum solo back to the band, loved every minute of it Rob but then I would wouldn't I.
So it ends up, the band showed a wonderful degree of (that word again) professionalism under difficult circumstances. My daughter can't sit still and wants to dance and best of all cannot believe how a bunch of 'old buggers' can possibly have so much fun on a Saturday afternoon. My wifes impressed and wants to come every time the band plays now so I'm quitting effective immediately.
Did you hear the great news that the SoTightBand is having a BOAT CRUISE on Sunday JULY 15, I just had a call from my daughter who has returned home to Edmonton to make sure we book tickets for her and husband and for her sister and husband which together with my wife and son makes seven of us. The point here people, is the SoTightBand and the excitement they ALWAYS create to anyone around them NEW and old. BRING NEW FRIENDS to any of this bands gigs and they will always become SoTight Friends.
OVERHEARD AT ROSSINIS,
1) Outside ladies washroom,excellent aroma of marridgeuanna:
"When the F%%% do you think they'll fix the leaks?"
2) Passing comment from lady regarding Mr Wallaces expertise;
"He sure can BUMP-IT with that TRUMP_IT"
Gotta love those ladies.
Richard Winn
White Rock
Took my wife and daughter to Rossinis on saturday. They both were very sceptical of my enthusiasm for "THE BAND" feeling it was just a good excuse for yours truly to "Get Single" for a day as my wife puts it and come home generally worse for wear but smiling. Well, "She who must be obeyed" is 100% correct but then as I have discovered, she always is.
I confess to being a little leary of taking them this last weekend knowing that JT was not playing and it was bound to have an effect on the overall SOUND of the band, in fairness Mr Platt also brings such great personal presence in addition to his amazing ability on the sax.
It was a strange day and took some time for the Band to really get going. Also perhaps due to the earlier start the place was eerily empty, here is me telling my "family" to be prepared to be surrounded by a bunch of loudmouthed drunks shoulder to shoulder with no room to breathe (naively thinking they wouldn't want to go) and blow me down it was very quiet, too quiet, I'm getting anxious and jumpy, I've told my daughter this is the best party band in Vancouver and she needs to book them for her upcoming 40th Birthday, which immediately pisses her off to be reminded of, another carafe of wine , waitress please, make it two.
The sheer professionalism of the SoTight Band comes through and i must give huge credit to KENT WALLACE who all afternoon was simply amazing in his ability to play what were surely saxophone parts on the trumpet, no matter his ability on that instrument it just MUST have been something of an ordeal to front the band at it's "Home Base" and carry it off the way he did, you are something else Mr Wallace, kudos too you and hope the later Salsa gig went well.
Then there was Miss Nadine. The more I see of this lady the more excited I get for her future, like Kent it cannot have been easy for her, and in addition seemed a little tired, maybe not well and yet she stepped up to the plate, got it going and just WORKED her tail off the whole afternoon. I know at some point, just by looking at the reaction of both members of my family they were simply astonished by her range, her presence, her command of the audience and as my daughter put it, her obvious love for what she does. (Actually, Nadine says she would really have rather been a comedian, interesting isn't it, mind you I would rather have sung like Sinatra but the s.o.b got there first) Which reminds me when is Mr Buble going to pay his dues to this city and give us a song or two at Rossinis (no cover charge Arni) No time soon methinks.
There is no doubt that the second and third sets got everybody going, the place was filling up and the dance floor was starting to rock. In those sets I thought PETER's keyboard playing was superb, really relaxed and into it, and along with the always wonderful and hard working guitar playing of Cliff all is well. Or is it?
Mr Marr was strangely quiet, no solos, no vocals and was often seen playing with his back to the audience. Turns out poor Robby had done some serious damage to his back and probably should not have been there at all, so definitley struggled all afternoon but NEVER let the others down and THATS professionalism. Get well quick Mr Marr.
Drummers never get the accolade they should and yet in Rob Neumann the SoTightBand simply could not have a better one. Here is such an unassuming guy who takes his art seriously, listens intently to what is happening around him, supports the soloists very, very well and on saturday let his hair down with the best solo effort I have seen from him yet. Perhaps being allowed to solo without having to play around the beat of the song still prompted by the others, his true ability to show his technical expertise shines through. I DO know this is just the beginning of what is coming from Rob and wasn't it absolutely seemless the transition from drum solo back to the band, loved every minute of it Rob but then I would wouldn't I.
So it ends up, the band showed a wonderful degree of (that word again) professionalism under difficult circumstances. My daughter can't sit still and wants to dance and best of all cannot believe how a bunch of 'old buggers' can possibly have so much fun on a Saturday afternoon. My wifes impressed and wants to come every time the band plays now so I'm quitting effective immediately.
Did you hear the great news that the SoTightBand is having a BOAT CRUISE on Sunday JULY 15, I just had a call from my daughter who has returned home to Edmonton to make sure we book tickets for her and husband and for her sister and husband which together with my wife and son makes seven of us. The point here people, is the SoTightBand and the excitement they ALWAYS create to anyone around them NEW and old. BRING NEW FRIENDS to any of this bands gigs and they will always become SoTight Friends.
OVERHEARD AT ROSSINIS,
1) Outside ladies washroom,excellent aroma of marridgeuanna:
"When the F%%% do you think they'll fix the leaks?"
2) Passing comment from lady regarding Mr Wallaces expertise;
"He sure can BUMP-IT with that TRUMP_IT"
Gotta love those ladies.
Richard Winn
White Rock
Monday, May 14, 2007
A Fantastic Week
Hello again.
Not sure that everybody understands what happened with the SoTight Band this last week but I do know the band themselves understand.
With Kent on Trumpet the SoTightBand played for three consecutive nights at The Yale and the Fairview Pub on Broadway.
It cheeses' me off big time that having to travel from White Rock and having a fancy for a drink or two,I cannot be there more often. Translink does not care for music lovers beyond Midnight. Time to move downtown me-thinks.
I WAS at The Fairview on Saturday and just sat back and enjoyed what was happening around me. It took a while but by 11pm the joint was jumping and for me what was so great to see, was so many of the 'younger set' ( that hurts) out on the dance floor, and that is a wonderful testament to this band,just people showing up, looking to enjoy a night out and then finding out this was something Different and Special.
I remember particularly two folks I know from Rossinis, Jackie, who said 'Take a Look At The Waitress" who was serving us, she was singing along and doing quite amazing things with her hips(NNNIICCE Hips) while plugging in customers orders on the computer, and Darlene who came over to our table basically saying we looked like a Panel of "Experts "ready to hold up our cards of approval or otherwise. All 6.0's for me.
If anybody out there was at the Yale or at the Fairview on Friday perhaps you could let us know what happened, good, bad or indifferent. I can say without reservation that the interaction between Kent and Jt was awesome to listen to, no doubt that the three consecutive nights really helped those two. Also they all looked so relaxed up there, had some fun with their "stage routines" that they are so good at and not able to do at Rossinis' I am liking the way that Nadine is getting more and more involved with the audience,going all over the place and getting up front and personal while singing away, she is a truly remarkable performer and growing in confidence with each gig, how she hits some of those notes so spot on every time is quite amazing, at least to me.
What do YOU think about Nadine? Do you think she is "good" "very good" or like me "special". To me she fits this band like a glove and seems to get along so well with each member of the band.
Great to see Mr Marr doing more vocals, just excellent on Mustang Sally and Take me to the River, down and dirty Robbie, down and dirty.
Thanks to Rob Neumann for giving me a DVD he has made of his favourite drummers, they remind me of why I quit.
Thanks also to Andra for what she had to say about the Billy Dixon thing, I wish I could write like you Andra, would you consider getting a divorce from that Guitar playing fellow that always has such a huge smile on his face on stage, surely he cannot possibly be so nice at home. WE could have a lot of fun writing blogs on anything and everything that nobody has any interest in whatsoever.
With regard to Mr Dixon, time to move on,not doing anybody any good. Billy is a consumate performer and business man who has been extremely successful over a long, long period of time and i know the SoTight group wish him well and hopefully he feels the same toward them. Life's too short for any animosity and anyway there are not enough superb musicians in this city to go round, lets all enjoy the ones we do have. It would be a wonderful thing if Billy, at some point in the future, came on at Rossinis (or anywhere) for a guest spot with the Band. I'm going on one of his Boat cruises, haven't heard his new band yet.
As this blog is not getting much attention, very few people seem to be interested, I will be making some changes over the next few weeks, It's no fun bothering if it has no value. We shall see.
Thanks to the folks who HAVE shown an interest in their support of the band and this blog, particularly to "MrAllNight6" "AncientDen"(who delights in telling me he is younger than I am) Rossinis dance mob and the Band themselves.
Looking forward to Rossinis on Sat with Kent on trumpet(no JT, seems to feel he needs a holiday) and also don't forget the Band is at the Yale Wednesday the 16th.
Keep it Tight...Keep it SoTight
Richard Winn
White Rock
Not sure that everybody understands what happened with the SoTight Band this last week but I do know the band themselves understand.
With Kent on Trumpet the SoTightBand played for three consecutive nights at The Yale and the Fairview Pub on Broadway.
It cheeses' me off big time that having to travel from White Rock and having a fancy for a drink or two,I cannot be there more often. Translink does not care for music lovers beyond Midnight. Time to move downtown me-thinks.
I WAS at The Fairview on Saturday and just sat back and enjoyed what was happening around me. It took a while but by 11pm the joint was jumping and for me what was so great to see, was so many of the 'younger set' ( that hurts) out on the dance floor, and that is a wonderful testament to this band,just people showing up, looking to enjoy a night out and then finding out this was something Different and Special.
I remember particularly two folks I know from Rossinis, Jackie, who said 'Take a Look At The Waitress" who was serving us, she was singing along and doing quite amazing things with her hips(NNNIICCE Hips) while plugging in customers orders on the computer, and Darlene who came over to our table basically saying we looked like a Panel of "Experts "ready to hold up our cards of approval or otherwise. All 6.0's for me.
If anybody out there was at the Yale or at the Fairview on Friday perhaps you could let us know what happened, good, bad or indifferent. I can say without reservation that the interaction between Kent and Jt was awesome to listen to, no doubt that the three consecutive nights really helped those two. Also they all looked so relaxed up there, had some fun with their "stage routines" that they are so good at and not able to do at Rossinis' I am liking the way that Nadine is getting more and more involved with the audience,going all over the place and getting up front and personal while singing away, she is a truly remarkable performer and growing in confidence with each gig, how she hits some of those notes so spot on every time is quite amazing, at least to me.
What do YOU think about Nadine? Do you think she is "good" "very good" or like me "special". To me she fits this band like a glove and seems to get along so well with each member of the band.
Great to see Mr Marr doing more vocals, just excellent on Mustang Sally and Take me to the River, down and dirty Robbie, down and dirty.
Thanks to Rob Neumann for giving me a DVD he has made of his favourite drummers, they remind me of why I quit.
Thanks also to Andra for what she had to say about the Billy Dixon thing, I wish I could write like you Andra, would you consider getting a divorce from that Guitar playing fellow that always has such a huge smile on his face on stage, surely he cannot possibly be so nice at home. WE could have a lot of fun writing blogs on anything and everything that nobody has any interest in whatsoever.
With regard to Mr Dixon, time to move on,not doing anybody any good. Billy is a consumate performer and business man who has been extremely successful over a long, long period of time and i know the SoTight group wish him well and hopefully he feels the same toward them. Life's too short for any animosity and anyway there are not enough superb musicians in this city to go round, lets all enjoy the ones we do have. It would be a wonderful thing if Billy, at some point in the future, came on at Rossinis (or anywhere) for a guest spot with the Band. I'm going on one of his Boat cruises, haven't heard his new band yet.
As this blog is not getting much attention, very few people seem to be interested, I will be making some changes over the next few weeks, It's no fun bothering if it has no value. We shall see.
Thanks to the folks who HAVE shown an interest in their support of the band and this blog, particularly to "MrAllNight6" "AncientDen"(who delights in telling me he is younger than I am) Rossinis dance mob and the Band themselves.
Looking forward to Rossinis on Sat with Kent on trumpet(no JT, seems to feel he needs a holiday) and also don't forget the Band is at the Yale Wednesday the 16th.
Keep it Tight...Keep it SoTight
Richard Winn
White Rock
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Monday, May 7, 2007
Rossinis
Good morning. (After reading this I promise to keep away from so much "personal stuff" not directly related to the Band, just could not resist this one time so I hope you will indulge me and not fall asleep)
Another amazing saturday afternoon at Rossinis. You have to love this place and I'm quite sure most of the 'regulars" understand just how fortunate we all are to have such a remarkable venue. I was about to say 'institution" but we surely are not there yet and have many more years of fun, conversation and entertainment ahead of us.
In my case it's a real throwback to my playing days in England, we would invariably have a gig on a Sunday lunchtime from 11am 'til 2pm at some pub or other sometimes out in the middle of nowhere but because Sunday lunchtime has always been major get together and boozing time for Brits the atmosphere was just as elbow to elbow as Rossinis and still is today.
Pay was appalling but the beer was free (to us) and good but of course the best thing was the sheer number of bands that got to play, lots of "Guest Players" and sometimes, if we were in the Countryside with only the local bobby to be of concern about 2pm closing then we could and did just jam for as long as the landlord would stand for it.
Before finishing on this and so as not to bore you anymore than I have already was the fun we had with the Americans, they just could not understand this Sunday "thing" at all. I lived in North Yorkshire and for a day job sold Restaurant Equipment and my best account was the US Spy Listening Station at Menwith Hill just outside Harrogate so over time i got to know American musicians from all walks of life and all corners of that great country. They were really anxious to be a part of the community and many, many times I would phone one or the other at 8 or 9am on a sunday morning and relate that the band was playing at such and such pub and would they like to come watch and perhaps sit in. They were convinced we were completely nuts but bleary eyed and unbelieving they would show up and I don't know one over the years that did not have a ball.
If you ever get the chance there is one single venue I would suggest you visit, if you are ever "over there" and want a taste of the very best Jazz the UK has to offer on a Sunday morning then go to 'The Bulls Head"(Established 1684) at Barnes on the south side of the Thames. www.thebullshead.com
The pub, which is always packed has had jazz of all descriptions being played there without a break since 1959 and some of the worlds best musicians have played there and still do, check the site out it is such an interesting place. For me when I was not playing I would regularly get on the Train and travel from Leeds to London (200 miles) catch the number nine bus across the river and arrive just as the doors were opening, didn't matter who was playing it was always first class.
AND now you know why I love Rossinis, particularly when its jam packed to the rafters which it always is rain or shine when The SoTight Band is performing, the energy of the people in the room is fantastic and in my Canadian experience very unusual. I was always told how reserved and quiet and a bit boring the people of this nation could be (something us Brits have been wrongly labled with for centuries) well I ain't seen it and very much the opposite at this little spot in Kits. Great stuff, I love it.
Now, back to THE BAND. I have decided to leave it up to others to comment on any particular gig, most know my feelings about this group so other than drawing attention to things that stand out to me personally I would really appreciate what YOU think of the Band, its members,Rossinis and other venues. That is what this Blog is for so don't be shy,step up and give us YOUR input. That is what is going to help the band the most, lots and lots of people offering their thoughts WHATEVER they may be. I am grateful to the few who have shown interest so far "Ancient Den" "Mr all-Night6" (Hell of a handle sir) the Rossinis Dance Group etc and also for the Band themselves who have an appreciation of what we are trying to do here and believe me they DO read this "Blog Thingy" as JT loves to call it.
As I have mentioned before we will be adding different features to the Blog to keep it informative and interesting such as Photos, a new section called SPOTLIGHT ON........... a member of the band AND on individuals who support them (wives and friends IF they'll let me) and YOU so watch out.I eventually want to do this by Video if possible but this is just as new to me as it is to you so not sure I can carry that off, bit scary but WOULD be fun, we shall see.
I am glad to see the Link to this Blog is up on The SoTight Website, thanks to the Band and Andra for that, the more we all co-operate the more interesting it will become.
If you have suggestions as to what I should add or what YOU would do in my shoes I need all the help I can get, if you don't want to send them via the Blog then send to 'sotightbandblog@yahoo.ca'
Don't forget to keep checking the Band's website for where they are playing next. This month is great, this weekend Fri and Sat with KENT at The Fairview Pub on West Broadway,The Yale on the 16th, back at "HOME" Rossinis on the 19th and a very special occasion on the 26th, the SoTightBands very first "Party" at The Wise Club on Adanac Street, that will be something else.
Last, this is what I noticed about the Band's performance on Saturday which really impressed me. As always with the "practiced" part of each number they were as Tight as ever but the fun came with the new "Looseness" they are each giving when soloing, there is a freedom being given here to really let the individual FLY and they are really starting to understand that. It is just so intriguing to see the growth in such a short period of time as they grow more comfortable with each other, with Nadine (who was simply wonderful, didn't she LOOK great and leads from the front when singing) and the fact that they know their audience so well and so obviously grateful for it. So TELL US WHAT YOU THOUGHT about saturday, what stood out for YOU? Was it a particular band member or something else that happened?
Forgot to mention there is one NEW AREA of this blog that I need your participation with and people we are going to have some fun with this. It's amazing how, with so much noise generated at Rossinis that one can pick out a few words of presumably private conversation here and there quite clearly whether standing still, moving about, on the dance floor and very often in the area where the washrooms are. This will be called "Overheard at Rossinis" and should be no more than a sentence or so long. No names please.
My own this last saturday stuck with me all the way home to White Rock and what gave me the idea.
Very Attractive Woman to man standing next to her near the bar.
"I HAVEN"T HAD SEX FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS"
What an opening line folks, wish we men could get away with that one.
What have YOU heard" Just try to keep it RELATIVELY clean.
Keep It Tight, Keep it SoTight.
Richard Winn
White Rock
Another amazing saturday afternoon at Rossinis. You have to love this place and I'm quite sure most of the 'regulars" understand just how fortunate we all are to have such a remarkable venue. I was about to say 'institution" but we surely are not there yet and have many more years of fun, conversation and entertainment ahead of us.
In my case it's a real throwback to my playing days in England, we would invariably have a gig on a Sunday lunchtime from 11am 'til 2pm at some pub or other sometimes out in the middle of nowhere but because Sunday lunchtime has always been major get together and boozing time for Brits the atmosphere was just as elbow to elbow as Rossinis and still is today.
Pay was appalling but the beer was free (to us) and good but of course the best thing was the sheer number of bands that got to play, lots of "Guest Players" and sometimes, if we were in the Countryside with only the local bobby to be of concern about 2pm closing then we could and did just jam for as long as the landlord would stand for it.
Before finishing on this and so as not to bore you anymore than I have already was the fun we had with the Americans, they just could not understand this Sunday "thing" at all. I lived in North Yorkshire and for a day job sold Restaurant Equipment and my best account was the US Spy Listening Station at Menwith Hill just outside Harrogate so over time i got to know American musicians from all walks of life and all corners of that great country. They were really anxious to be a part of the community and many, many times I would phone one or the other at 8 or 9am on a sunday morning and relate that the band was playing at such and such pub and would they like to come watch and perhaps sit in. They were convinced we were completely nuts but bleary eyed and unbelieving they would show up and I don't know one over the years that did not have a ball.
If you ever get the chance there is one single venue I would suggest you visit, if you are ever "over there" and want a taste of the very best Jazz the UK has to offer on a Sunday morning then go to 'The Bulls Head"(Established 1684) at Barnes on the south side of the Thames. www.thebullshead.com
The pub, which is always packed has had jazz of all descriptions being played there without a break since 1959 and some of the worlds best musicians have played there and still do, check the site out it is such an interesting place. For me when I was not playing I would regularly get on the Train and travel from Leeds to London (200 miles) catch the number nine bus across the river and arrive just as the doors were opening, didn't matter who was playing it was always first class.
AND now you know why I love Rossinis, particularly when its jam packed to the rafters which it always is rain or shine when The SoTight Band is performing, the energy of the people in the room is fantastic and in my Canadian experience very unusual. I was always told how reserved and quiet and a bit boring the people of this nation could be (something us Brits have been wrongly labled with for centuries) well I ain't seen it and very much the opposite at this little spot in Kits. Great stuff, I love it.
Now, back to THE BAND. I have decided to leave it up to others to comment on any particular gig, most know my feelings about this group so other than drawing attention to things that stand out to me personally I would really appreciate what YOU think of the Band, its members,Rossinis and other venues. That is what this Blog is for so don't be shy,step up and give us YOUR input. That is what is going to help the band the most, lots and lots of people offering their thoughts WHATEVER they may be. I am grateful to the few who have shown interest so far "Ancient Den" "Mr all-Night6" (Hell of a handle sir) the Rossinis Dance Group etc and also for the Band themselves who have an appreciation of what we are trying to do here and believe me they DO read this "Blog Thingy" as JT loves to call it.
As I have mentioned before we will be adding different features to the Blog to keep it informative and interesting such as Photos, a new section called SPOTLIGHT ON........... a member of the band AND on individuals who support them (wives and friends IF they'll let me) and YOU so watch out.I eventually want to do this by Video if possible but this is just as new to me as it is to you so not sure I can carry that off, bit scary but WOULD be fun, we shall see.
I am glad to see the Link to this Blog is up on The SoTight Website, thanks to the Band and Andra for that, the more we all co-operate the more interesting it will become.
If you have suggestions as to what I should add or what YOU would do in my shoes I need all the help I can get, if you don't want to send them via the Blog then send to 'sotightbandblog@yahoo.ca'
Don't forget to keep checking the Band's website for where they are playing next. This month is great, this weekend Fri and Sat with KENT at The Fairview Pub on West Broadway,The Yale on the 16th, back at "HOME" Rossinis on the 19th and a very special occasion on the 26th, the SoTightBands very first "Party" at The Wise Club on Adanac Street, that will be something else.
Last, this is what I noticed about the Band's performance on Saturday which really impressed me. As always with the "practiced" part of each number they were as Tight as ever but the fun came with the new "Looseness" they are each giving when soloing, there is a freedom being given here to really let the individual FLY and they are really starting to understand that. It is just so intriguing to see the growth in such a short period of time as they grow more comfortable with each other, with Nadine (who was simply wonderful, didn't she LOOK great and leads from the front when singing) and the fact that they know their audience so well and so obviously grateful for it. So TELL US WHAT YOU THOUGHT about saturday, what stood out for YOU? Was it a particular band member or something else that happened?
Forgot to mention there is one NEW AREA of this blog that I need your participation with and people we are going to have some fun with this. It's amazing how, with so much noise generated at Rossinis that one can pick out a few words of presumably private conversation here and there quite clearly whether standing still, moving about, on the dance floor and very often in the area where the washrooms are. This will be called "Overheard at Rossinis" and should be no more than a sentence or so long. No names please.
My own this last saturday stuck with me all the way home to White Rock and what gave me the idea.
Very Attractive Woman to man standing next to her near the bar.
"I HAVEN"T HAD SEX FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS"
What an opening line folks, wish we men could get away with that one.
What have YOU heard" Just try to keep it RELATIVELY clean.
Keep It Tight, Keep it SoTight.
Richard Winn
White Rock
Monday, April 30, 2007
Rob Neumann
Sorry to Rob for my mis-spelling of his name in blog 7, always unforgiveble not to check a persons name.
I also went through the Bands profiles again today just as a reminder to myself of who they are individually and what brought them here. From ALL of their backgrounds I must admit to a feeling of naivete( correct spelling folks ,I checked) when singing their praises, they have all been around this scene many, many more years than I have, so perhaps much of my enthusiasm is water off a ducks back to most of the listeners. If so, thats just tough luck unless YOU can come up with better ways to help this band move forward and get the recognition they deserve as The SoTight Band and help get them more gigs. This is a very TOUGH city musically speaking (although I am given to understand this has not always been the case), venues are not plentiful and for various reasons ( having to go through agents etc) those that ARE here, the band at this time cannot play at.
They will help themselves a great deal by producing a CD and better Publicity and that is where I see this blog being of real help as we go along as it is my intention send it to various places, such as the Georgia Straight and many others ( suggestions please) and get some FREE publicity
Get involved people, it would be very sad if they were forced to break up because WE did not do our part.
Richard Winn
White Rock
I also went through the Bands profiles again today just as a reminder to myself of who they are individually and what brought them here. From ALL of their backgrounds I must admit to a feeling of naivete( correct spelling folks ,I checked) when singing their praises, they have all been around this scene many, many more years than I have, so perhaps much of my enthusiasm is water off a ducks back to most of the listeners. If so, thats just tough luck unless YOU can come up with better ways to help this band move forward and get the recognition they deserve as The SoTight Band and help get them more gigs. This is a very TOUGH city musically speaking (although I am given to understand this has not always been the case), venues are not plentiful and for various reasons ( having to go through agents etc) those that ARE here, the band at this time cannot play at.
They will help themselves a great deal by producing a CD and better Publicity and that is where I see this blog being of real help as we go along as it is my intention send it to various places, such as the Georgia Straight and many others ( suggestions please) and get some FREE publicity
Get involved people, it would be very sad if they were forced to break up because WE did not do our part.
Richard Winn
White Rock
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Save Me, Somebody Save Me
Rossinis, saturday afternoon, roughly 3pm to 7pm .What's happening here?The sun is shining ouside, folks walking, biking playing volleyball on the beach in bikinis (the older I get the more I seem to notice these things, at least the bikini wearers and why is it that the mind never seems to grasp that you ain't 25 anymore ,hell I ain't 55 anymore, makes a man want to weep, still I CAN ogle and I'm very good at that)
So, back we go to Rossini"s, which is jam packed full AGAIN despite the weather. I don't know how they get away with it, the crowd, the decibel level. Did you know in the great and wonderful City of Vancouver (where freedom reigns) it is ILLEGAL to have more than TWO musicians on stage at one time on a Saturday afternoon, ILLEGAL for heavens sake. According to Stephen May at Rossini"s they are the ONLY place in this city who have requested and received some form of exemption from this stupid draconian law, who thinks these things up anyway? Remember when the same stupid people outlawed TELEVISIONS in bars because they exceeded the width ALLOWED by those folks who know whats best for us.
Anyway, politics aside and as I get so bloody hot under the collar at silly restrictions like these we were unable to have Kent's trumpet added as Rossini's were concerned that this might just become a red flag and none of us wants that, it's a shame, he adds so much to the Band but there it is.
So the place is filling up, the 'Lookers" and the "Posers" of both sexes are entering the premises (THEY know who they are or if they don't WE DO) the hugs and air kisses are in profusion, the booze is flowing and the Sotight Band starts playing.
People, I just do not know how they do this in this location, Time after Time they raise the level of performance but without question for me this was simply the very best yet. Rob Nueman says I ALWAYS say that and I do, if its true) I thought the overall sound system was better, at least to my ears and yet I understand the band themselves (or some of them) were not sure. To me, the individual notes now coming from Peter's keyboards right through to the words of the songs themselves were clearer than they have ever been in Rossini's and added greatly to the effort. Having said that ,the Band just seemed to be up for it. The jump that they had from the very first note played had me forgetting I COULD have been cutting the grass. At times if you shut your eyes you would have sworn there was a Big Band on stage, the wall to wall sound was just huge. I just love that, can't get enough of it.
Did you notice Robbie's five string bass guitar, great mellow sound, as a drummer (ex) I would have gone a long way to play with that, without ANY other instrument present. It doesn't take me to say Robbie could play with any of the worlds best known groups of any genre and come out ahead, he is one oustanding musician. Did you get a load of him with 'Ride Sally Ride", more of that please, great fun.
They were all excellent as usual and it was great to hear a new addition in "This will Be" (isn't that a Natalie Cole number)? Whatever, it is very welcome. .Nadine never sounded better and more relaxed all afternoon and doesn't she work the room so well? Started off in the washroom and got through everybody in the joint.
Last but not least WHAT ABOUT JT. He was just right up there all day and I have no doubt it was because of the way that the rest of the band was performing, when THEY are in the groove he becomes unstoppable in his intensity. Someone said to me during JT's solo on Dr Feel Good that he heard a high D ( I thought he said Heidi and I was searching with bated breath for a big busted blonde in a halter top) whatever, all the dogs in the surrounding area must have been going nuts. Jt doesn't PLAY his saxaphones he ATTACKS them, absolutely relentless and breathtaking. Will he survive the song, will his head explode. All I know is if I were a sax manufacturer and wanted the product tested to its limit I'd be calling Mr Platt. He even plays the bloody whistle with high power. One thing that does cheese me off though is the number of women who always fall in love with the sax player, one told me yesterday she wants to marry him. what about the poor sodding drummer, belts his skins around all night trying to keep everyone else in line and all he ever gets is a free beer(if he's REALLY lucky). Anyway JT was simply awsome and if he ever starts practicing look out(LOL)
Ah well, thats it for now folks, lets hear from YOU. Met the lovely Andra (Cliffs wife) and she tells me the blog link will be added to the SoTight website this week AND I heard a WHISPER about a CD getting closer and closer. I do know that money is disappearing out of the door in new sound and recording equipment so we have a lot to look forward to. Don't forget Rossini's next Saturday and remember .. Keep it Tight.. Keep it SoTight.
Richard Winn
White Rock
So, back we go to Rossini"s, which is jam packed full AGAIN despite the weather. I don't know how they get away with it, the crowd, the decibel level. Did you know in the great and wonderful City of Vancouver (where freedom reigns) it is ILLEGAL to have more than TWO musicians on stage at one time on a Saturday afternoon, ILLEGAL for heavens sake. According to Stephen May at Rossini"s they are the ONLY place in this city who have requested and received some form of exemption from this stupid draconian law, who thinks these things up anyway? Remember when the same stupid people outlawed TELEVISIONS in bars because they exceeded the width ALLOWED by those folks who know whats best for us.
Anyway, politics aside and as I get so bloody hot under the collar at silly restrictions like these we were unable to have Kent's trumpet added as Rossini's were concerned that this might just become a red flag and none of us wants that, it's a shame, he adds so much to the Band but there it is.
So the place is filling up, the 'Lookers" and the "Posers" of both sexes are entering the premises (THEY know who they are or if they don't WE DO) the hugs and air kisses are in profusion, the booze is flowing and the Sotight Band starts playing.
People, I just do not know how they do this in this location, Time after Time they raise the level of performance but without question for me this was simply the very best yet. Rob Nueman says I ALWAYS say that and I do, if its true) I thought the overall sound system was better, at least to my ears and yet I understand the band themselves (or some of them) were not sure. To me, the individual notes now coming from Peter's keyboards right through to the words of the songs themselves were clearer than they have ever been in Rossini's and added greatly to the effort. Having said that ,the Band just seemed to be up for it. The jump that they had from the very first note played had me forgetting I COULD have been cutting the grass. At times if you shut your eyes you would have sworn there was a Big Band on stage, the wall to wall sound was just huge. I just love that, can't get enough of it.
Did you notice Robbie's five string bass guitar, great mellow sound, as a drummer (ex) I would have gone a long way to play with that, without ANY other instrument present. It doesn't take me to say Robbie could play with any of the worlds best known groups of any genre and come out ahead, he is one oustanding musician. Did you get a load of him with 'Ride Sally Ride", more of that please, great fun.
They were all excellent as usual and it was great to hear a new addition in "This will Be" (isn't that a Natalie Cole number)? Whatever, it is very welcome. .Nadine never sounded better and more relaxed all afternoon and doesn't she work the room so well? Started off in the washroom and got through everybody in the joint.
Last but not least WHAT ABOUT JT. He was just right up there all day and I have no doubt it was because of the way that the rest of the band was performing, when THEY are in the groove he becomes unstoppable in his intensity. Someone said to me during JT's solo on Dr Feel Good that he heard a high D ( I thought he said Heidi and I was searching with bated breath for a big busted blonde in a halter top) whatever, all the dogs in the surrounding area must have been going nuts. Jt doesn't PLAY his saxaphones he ATTACKS them, absolutely relentless and breathtaking. Will he survive the song, will his head explode. All I know is if I were a sax manufacturer and wanted the product tested to its limit I'd be calling Mr Platt. He even plays the bloody whistle with high power. One thing that does cheese me off though is the number of women who always fall in love with the sax player, one told me yesterday she wants to marry him. what about the poor sodding drummer, belts his skins around all night trying to keep everyone else in line and all he ever gets is a free beer(if he's REALLY lucky). Anyway JT was simply awsome and if he ever starts practicing look out(LOL)
Ah well, thats it for now folks, lets hear from YOU. Met the lovely Andra (Cliffs wife) and she tells me the blog link will be added to the SoTight website this week AND I heard a WHISPER about a CD getting closer and closer. I do know that money is disappearing out of the door in new sound and recording equipment so we have a lot to look forward to. Don't forget Rossini's next Saturday and remember .. Keep it Tight.. Keep it SoTight.
Richard Winn
White Rock
Friday, April 27, 2007
Re COMMENTS
This is just a reminder for all who read this blog that they also read the COMMENTS. I know that the Band are reading about what is happening here so the comment listed under "How to Post" should clearly show them we need to know what DOES happen to requests or suggestions.
While it is likely the Band feels a certain song does not fit with them, it is made more difficult if we don't know WHY. I know I personally find it difficult to suggest new material because the Band has such a diverse range of ability which in turn is so very attractive. For instance I would love to hear Nadine add a couple of slower numbers, she does such an incredible job with "At Last" which always gets a good audience response and the whole approach of the Band when they perform 'Dr Feel Good" is nothing short of brilliant. I think Nadine is capable of adding some Billie Holiday material> I can see her sat on the Piano doing her own thing with "Love for Sale" for instance. On the other hand the Band probably feel that they must stay with their up-tempo frenetic approach which after all gets all us old buggers dancing. It really is hard to suggest new stuff and frankly the band themselves are going to have to give us some clue as to which direction they are going. It WILL all work out, it's just going to take time. So people read the COMMENTS and add your stuff to them. I will do my best to sort out the presentation to keep it fun and entertaining, just recognise I ain't done anything like this before so i'm learning as we go.
Keep it Tight people Keep it SOTIGHT.
.
While it is likely the Band feels a certain song does not fit with them, it is made more difficult if we don't know WHY. I know I personally find it difficult to suggest new material because the Band has such a diverse range of ability which in turn is so very attractive. For instance I would love to hear Nadine add a couple of slower numbers, she does such an incredible job with "At Last" which always gets a good audience response and the whole approach of the Band when they perform 'Dr Feel Good" is nothing short of brilliant. I think Nadine is capable of adding some Billie Holiday material> I can see her sat on the Piano doing her own thing with "Love for Sale" for instance. On the other hand the Band probably feel that they must stay with their up-tempo frenetic approach which after all gets all us old buggers dancing. It really is hard to suggest new stuff and frankly the band themselves are going to have to give us some clue as to which direction they are going. It WILL all work out, it's just going to take time. So people read the COMMENTS and add your stuff to them. I will do my best to sort out the presentation to keep it fun and entertaining, just recognise I ain't done anything like this before so i'm learning as we go.
Keep it Tight people Keep it SOTIGHT.
Richard Winn
White Rock
.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
How to Post a Comment
Not sure how to post a comment? Very easy to do, takes less than a minute.
1) Scroll down to end of the post (message) I've put up and Click on "COMMENTS"
2)Sign-up for a FREE Google Account, just follow the simple instructions shown. You are now good to go.
3) Enter your USER NAME and PASSWORD and put your comment into the box provided. Click "PUBLISH YOUR COMMENT" and your done.
Don't be scared folks, get the comments in, we need them to help the band.
1) Scroll down to end of the post (message) I've put up and Click on "COMMENTS"
2)Sign-up for a FREE Google Account, just follow the simple instructions shown. You are now good to go.
3) Enter your USER NAME and PASSWORD and put your comment into the box provided. Click "PUBLISH YOUR COMMENT" and your done.
Don't be scared folks, get the comments in, we need them to help the band.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
SoTight at Chantel's
This is proving the hardest update so far.
Got home to White Rock around 3.30 am this morning following the Bands Performance at Chantel's Lounge in the Boulevard Casino.
And what a performance, this was easily the very best I have seen yet from them, they were absolutley on fire. For those who have only seen SoTight at Rossini's, their best effort there cannot come close to what we witnessed last night and frankly I'm not sure I can do them justice, in fact I know I will fall short.
I also know that my friend Dennis who is as big a fan of SoTight as I am was there both nights and will be adding his perspective and insight to what happened here, 'cos I'm telling you folks, based on this performance they are capable of holding their own on stage in Vegas or anywhere else you can name. Over the Top?? Well you weren't there were you. So what happened? What happened is they put on a SHOW, collectively and individually. For the first time for me I can see that their true name should be The SoTight Show Band, they didn't just play great music last night they Entertained us and boy was it fun to watch.
To start with, the Stage area gave then freedom of movement not possible in Kits, then there is the sound system and way above all of that is the addition of Kent's just superb Trumpet playing.. Kent fits this band like a glove and just like all the others is so damned unassuming. I know i've said it before but it is very difficult to find an "Ego" between them which in this world of "prima donna" entertainers is nothing short of remarkable. There are other perhaps more subtle differences like Rob being able to play on his own drumkit which on its own changes the overall sound.
I am not a technical person when it comes to sound systems but i do know that the clarity of every instrument and voice was top notch (I understand this was not the case the night before) and had a major influence on the overall performance, it helped everyone but I thought it definitely helped bring Cliff's guitar and Peter's keyboards to a new level. In fact Cliff was an absolute star all night, I have never before heard the quality or the intensity of the solos he played and it was obvious to all that the band themselves, new this was something special. There were many highlights too numerous to mention, not the least was Robbie Marr's front and centre solo. What was interesting to me with that ,is that all the people on the dance floor weren't dancing, they were just cheering and applauding. One for the book Robbie. By the way we need you doing a few more vocals Mr Marr, really enjoyed that, band take note.
Now I must get down to Number One, Numero Uno star performer who just had a ball up there allnight and that was Nadine. She COMMANDED the stage throughout, she LOOKED the part, took CONTROL and sang her heartout. Some of her interactions with the band, particularly with Kent on Dr Feelgood were mesmerising. Because she has this unique ability to use her voice as another instrument, the interplay of notes between her and Kent was awesome to hear and they quite obviously raised each others game. Yes, Nadine was in charge right from the word go, never still and looked and sounded like a true star, and why not, SHE IS.
The other thing I personally love is when the The Two Horny's (Blame Nadine not me) play off each other. I wish they would do much more of that, they seem to have such an understanding of each other that transcends just two immensely talented individuals. JT who ALWAYS gives so much of himself, always pushing for more, definitely benefits from Kent's involvement. The practiced riffs they play behind other soloists are good but is when they improvise together that the sparks start to fly. Much more of this please. In fact I would love to see this happen between all of them, sax and guitar,trumpetand keyboards, both horns with bass guitar, bring in the drummer fot interchanges etc etc. The band will get the picture(I hope) Also JT NEVER seems to have any practiced or improvised riffs behind HIS solos and yet all musicians know that this send the soloist to new heights so why is that? Maybe use Nadine more with the instrumentalists when the band is really stretching out, perhaps more 'songs within songs' too.
My only point here is that the Band which has only been together for just over six months and has improved to an amazing degree ,is already at a crossroads of a sort. They can either stay the same and lose out in the long term or get ahead of the game, add new material,maybe some fusion stuff, maybe some more choreography( not SLICK stuff) but a little added group together action.
I want to make it absolutely clear this is in no way any kind of criticism that ain't my job, I just think the POTENTIAL for SoTight is so huge Im just so certain with the calibre of people in the band they have not even touched the surface of what they can achieve musically. I see this blog as not simply inviting comments on the band but COMING UP WITH SUGGESTIONS to help them move forward, GET SOME REQUESTS IN THERE FOLKS. I know from MY playing days we would get complacent and play the same stuff over and over and had problems at practice with one band member suggesting trying so and so and others not being too excited BUT the LIFEBLOOD is always looking for new material and I can tell you when REQUESTS came in we bloody well had to handle them, providing they were not extreme or simply did not fit.
Funny thing about trying new material from requests is the bands ablility to try it out, get some reaction and then expand on the number until its part of the groups repetoire. My own example is when they felt they should look at trying playing Stevie Wonders "Sir Duke" They obviously were not sure and yet they now do a superb version that Mr Wonder would be proud to hear. Not sure why the band is not including that recently but that is THERE right to choose what and what not to play, just bring some suggestions either direcly to the band or through this blog.
Now this blog has been more of a personal rant when I read it, but I am sincere in wanting to help SoTight do some great things for music (and themselves) in this city and need help from YOU in making that happen.
Look this NOT an ordinary run-of-the mill bar band, it is NOT just another TRIBUTE band, it is a band who are JUST BEGINNING to recognise their own potential or should be- possible problem there just maybe because of the lack of ego or frankly a band leader,( I'm in trouble now) they DON"T understand how good they already are but much more importanly how good they COULD be. They are just STARTING to create a style of their very own, an IDENTITY and after seeing just a piece of that on Saturday I WANT MORE because they have it in them (if they indeed want it) to put a lot of smiles on the faces of Vancouverites and wherever they wish to go for a long long time.
Struggled with this folks and hey I might be out to lunch implying what may be construed as interference or criticism but that is NOT ME and I am not doing this blog for some personal ego thing, I just want to put in the effort to hopefully help a group of individuals who give me so much pleasure by the effort THEY put in to entertain us.
More this week on how I believe YOU can help, so if you like what we are trying to do here, TELL ME, if you don't like it TELL ME WHY, just do something.
Keep it Tight, Keep it SOTIGHT.
Richard Winn
White Rock
Got home to White Rock around 3.30 am this morning following the Bands Performance at Chantel's Lounge in the Boulevard Casino.
And what a performance, this was easily the very best I have seen yet from them, they were absolutley on fire. For those who have only seen SoTight at Rossini's, their best effort there cannot come close to what we witnessed last night and frankly I'm not sure I can do them justice, in fact I know I will fall short.
I also know that my friend Dennis who is as big a fan of SoTight as I am was there both nights and will be adding his perspective and insight to what happened here, 'cos I'm telling you folks, based on this performance they are capable of holding their own on stage in Vegas or anywhere else you can name. Over the Top?? Well you weren't there were you. So what happened? What happened is they put on a SHOW, collectively and individually. For the first time for me I can see that their true name should be The SoTight Show Band, they didn't just play great music last night they Entertained us and boy was it fun to watch.
To start with, the Stage area gave then freedom of movement not possible in Kits, then there is the sound system and way above all of that is the addition of Kent's just superb Trumpet playing.. Kent fits this band like a glove and just like all the others is so damned unassuming. I know i've said it before but it is very difficult to find an "Ego" between them which in this world of "prima donna" entertainers is nothing short of remarkable. There are other perhaps more subtle differences like Rob being able to play on his own drumkit which on its own changes the overall sound.
I am not a technical person when it comes to sound systems but i do know that the clarity of every instrument and voice was top notch (I understand this was not the case the night before) and had a major influence on the overall performance, it helped everyone but I thought it definitely helped bring Cliff's guitar and Peter's keyboards to a new level. In fact Cliff was an absolute star all night, I have never before heard the quality or the intensity of the solos he played and it was obvious to all that the band themselves, new this was something special. There were many highlights too numerous to mention, not the least was Robbie Marr's front and centre solo. What was interesting to me with that ,is that all the people on the dance floor weren't dancing, they were just cheering and applauding. One for the book Robbie. By the way we need you doing a few more vocals Mr Marr, really enjoyed that, band take note.
Now I must get down to Number One, Numero Uno star performer who just had a ball up there allnight and that was Nadine. She COMMANDED the stage throughout, she LOOKED the part, took CONTROL and sang her heartout. Some of her interactions with the band, particularly with Kent on Dr Feelgood were mesmerising. Because she has this unique ability to use her voice as another instrument, the interplay of notes between her and Kent was awesome to hear and they quite obviously raised each others game. Yes, Nadine was in charge right from the word go, never still and looked and sounded like a true star, and why not, SHE IS.
The other thing I personally love is when the The Two Horny's (Blame Nadine not me) play off each other. I wish they would do much more of that, they seem to have such an understanding of each other that transcends just two immensely talented individuals. JT who ALWAYS gives so much of himself, always pushing for more, definitely benefits from Kent's involvement. The practiced riffs they play behind other soloists are good but is when they improvise together that the sparks start to fly. Much more of this please. In fact I would love to see this happen between all of them, sax and guitar,trumpetand keyboards, both horns with bass guitar, bring in the drummer fot interchanges etc etc. The band will get the picture(I hope) Also JT NEVER seems to have any practiced or improvised riffs behind HIS solos and yet all musicians know that this send the soloist to new heights so why is that? Maybe use Nadine more with the instrumentalists when the band is really stretching out, perhaps more 'songs within songs' too.
My only point here is that the Band which has only been together for just over six months and has improved to an amazing degree ,is already at a crossroads of a sort. They can either stay the same and lose out in the long term or get ahead of the game, add new material,maybe some fusion stuff, maybe some more choreography( not SLICK stuff) but a little added group together action.
I want to make it absolutely clear this is in no way any kind of criticism that ain't my job, I just think the POTENTIAL for SoTight is so huge Im just so certain with the calibre of people in the band they have not even touched the surface of what they can achieve musically. I see this blog as not simply inviting comments on the band but COMING UP WITH SUGGESTIONS to help them move forward, GET SOME REQUESTS IN THERE FOLKS. I know from MY playing days we would get complacent and play the same stuff over and over and had problems at practice with one band member suggesting trying so and so and others not being too excited BUT the LIFEBLOOD is always looking for new material and I can tell you when REQUESTS came in we bloody well had to handle them, providing they were not extreme or simply did not fit.
Funny thing about trying new material from requests is the bands ablility to try it out, get some reaction and then expand on the number until its part of the groups repetoire. My own example is when they felt they should look at trying playing Stevie Wonders "Sir Duke" They obviously were not sure and yet they now do a superb version that Mr Wonder would be proud to hear. Not sure why the band is not including that recently but that is THERE right to choose what and what not to play, just bring some suggestions either direcly to the band or through this blog.
Now this blog has been more of a personal rant when I read it, but I am sincere in wanting to help SoTight do some great things for music (and themselves) in this city and need help from YOU in making that happen.
Look this NOT an ordinary run-of-the mill bar band, it is NOT just another TRIBUTE band, it is a band who are JUST BEGINNING to recognise their own potential or should be- possible problem there just maybe because of the lack of ego or frankly a band leader,( I'm in trouble now) they DON"T understand how good they already are but much more importanly how good they COULD be. They are just STARTING to create a style of their very own, an IDENTITY and after seeing just a piece of that on Saturday I WANT MORE because they have it in them (if they indeed want it) to put a lot of smiles on the faces of Vancouverites and wherever they wish to go for a long long time.
Struggled with this folks and hey I might be out to lunch implying what may be construed as interference or criticism but that is NOT ME and I am not doing this blog for some personal ego thing, I just want to put in the effort to hopefully help a group of individuals who give me so much pleasure by the effort THEY put in to entertain us.
More this week on how I believe YOU can help, so if you like what we are trying to do here, TELL ME, if you don't like it TELL ME WHY, just do something.
Keep it Tight, Keep it SOTIGHT.
Richard Winn
White Rock
Friday, April 20, 2007
Too Tight
I have been severely reprimanded for poor set-up, mised (sic) letters and lousy shhpelling.
All errors are mine and I am very proud of them.
Richard
All errors are mine and I am very proud of them.
Richard
That Band Again
PHEW!!! I'm glad to see some comments coming in from the first blog, 'ancient den" is right, i've been sweating bullets that nothing would happen and i was naturally pleased to see I have been given a Knighthood at this early stage. He certainly has my son (karaoke steve) and myself well pegged. Stephen (not unlike myself) is a fountain of useless knowlege and never afraid to hand it out( I blame The Discovery Channel) to anyone within range. I shall be watching what I say to "den" in the future and restrict my outpourings to simple subjects such as 'the sexual life of a camel" so as not to confuse the poor fellow. What has this to do with Band? "Nowt" as they say in Yorkshire, just my verbal dihorrea. In the first blog I mentioned holding various contests to get people involved, one of which is how best to describe the band to those poor folks who have not heard them play. I will be keeping a note of the suggestions and publish them for a vote at a later date. Thanks to "mrallnight6" who suggested "The Soul of the City" your first on the list. any others??Den is right that they are simply the best "party entertainment" group we will ever get to hear so we need to tie all that in with the description. One of the vital components is their ability to get people dancing which SoTight does so well, we should look at that too. It is almost impossible not to WANT to dance to them. I myself am NOT a dancer, my son gets very embarrassed claiming I look like Bill Cosby on steroids(little bastard,I'll stop his pocket money) but Sticks and
stones etc, in fact before some poor soul (I think is was the lovely and very lively Renee who has body movements alien to me) who hauled me to the dance floor i think the last band I hopped up and down to was KC and The Sunshine Band or maybe Boney M in the seventies wild, wild times ,mostly wrapped up in an alcholic haze.
So what is it about this Band that has this ability to fill Rossinis to the rafters consistently(wonder how much moolah they take at the bar, perhaps they could spend some on the washrooms) fill the dance floor almost from the first note played and have everyone else clapping and tapping their feet with huge smiles on their faces?
There is no doubt that as individuals they are first class musicians ( and I include Nadine in that category, more on that in a later blog) but you can have that and not the effect this group gives you. A group of great individual athletes in no way guarantees a great team, in fact usually the opposite. The SoTight Band has such a magic togetherness as a group that sets them apart from anything I have heard live in many, many years. They play with such obvious joy and passion together it just reaches out and grabs you and when they REALLY get "in the zone" it sends shivers up and down my spine. I will never in my life forget going to the Odeon Cinema in Leeds in the early sixties and sitting in the front row (Seat AA1, cost me a pound) and being just blown away by the Count Basie Band the shear power and togetherness of that band left me breathless and even now I can remember catching the bus home in a complete daze but on cloud nine. Thats the feeling I personally get when this little local group of players gets in the groove and i come home wringing wet just from listening, heavens knows how THEY feel. At he end of three or four encores they all must be totally exhausted and yet surely thrilled with the audience reaction and participation. The only pity about Rossinis is we can't hear Kent's trumpet as well, if anyone can think of how to fit him in there, short of hanging him from the ceiling, we will all buy you a drink and carry you home. Mind you the decibel level in there must reach some incredible levels, Kent's addition might blow the roof right off. The other aspect of Rossinis is how the heck do you invite 'new" people to come and hear what all the excitement is about, there is no room to breathe in there so we need many, many new venues so the Band (and us) can stretchout more. I have a lot more to say about the Band as individual players and collectively but I want to go on record and say that in my humble opinion here is a group of people who work for a living, don't have a lot of time to add more to their repetoire except over time, a goup of superb players with no visible individual egos, in fact exactly the opposite, a group of people who play at such an intensity and at such a high level, then as an ex-drummer who has played a few gigs in his time and a lover of good music of all stripes I have nothing but admiration and
respect for everyone of them.
Hope Chantel's is full tonight (Friday 20th) I can't be there as it is "she who must be obeyed's birthday" (I keep reminding her it is also Hitler's birthday but for some reason it does not go down too well) Will be there with Karaoke Steve on Saturday and ready for a new blog on Sunday.
Keep the comments coming ( Thanks to "Kitsdancemob" good stuff) and lets bring the support for this band to an unprecedented level in the Lower Mainland, THEY deserve it and so do we.
Richard Winn
White Rock
stones etc, in fact before some poor soul (I think is was the lovely and very lively Renee who has body movements alien to me) who hauled me to the dance floor i think the last band I hopped up and down to was KC and The Sunshine Band or maybe Boney M in the seventies wild, wild times ,mostly wrapped up in an alcholic haze.
So what is it about this Band that has this ability to fill Rossinis to the rafters consistently(wonder how much moolah they take at the bar, perhaps they could spend some on the washrooms) fill the dance floor almost from the first note played and have everyone else clapping and tapping their feet with huge smiles on their faces?
There is no doubt that as individuals they are first class musicians ( and I include Nadine in that category, more on that in a later blog) but you can have that and not the effect this group gives you. A group of great individual athletes in no way guarantees a great team, in fact usually the opposite. The SoTight Band has such a magic togetherness as a group that sets them apart from anything I have heard live in many, many years. They play with such obvious joy and passion together it just reaches out and grabs you and when they REALLY get "in the zone" it sends shivers up and down my spine. I will never in my life forget going to the Odeon Cinema in Leeds in the early sixties and sitting in the front row (Seat AA1, cost me a pound) and being just blown away by the Count Basie Band the shear power and togetherness of that band left me breathless and even now I can remember catching the bus home in a complete daze but on cloud nine. Thats the feeling I personally get when this little local group of players gets in the groove and i come home wringing wet just from listening, heavens knows how THEY feel. At he end of three or four encores they all must be totally exhausted and yet surely thrilled with the audience reaction and participation. The only pity about Rossinis is we can't hear Kent's trumpet as well, if anyone can think of how to fit him in there, short of hanging him from the ceiling, we will all buy you a drink and carry you home. Mind you the decibel level in there must reach some incredible levels, Kent's addition might blow the roof right off. The other aspect of Rossinis is how the heck do you invite 'new" people to come and hear what all the excitement is about, there is no room to breathe in there so we need many, many new venues so the Band (and us) can stretchout more. I have a lot more to say about the Band as individual players and collectively but I want to go on record and say that in my humble opinion here is a group of people who work for a living, don't have a lot of time to add more to their repetoire except over time, a goup of superb players with no visible individual egos, in fact exactly the opposite, a group of people who play at such an intensity and at such a high level, then as an ex-drummer who has played a few gigs in his time and a lover of good music of all stripes I have nothing but admiration and
respect for everyone of them.
Hope Chantel's is full tonight (Friday 20th) I can't be there as it is "she who must be obeyed's birthday" (I keep reminding her it is also Hitler's birthday but for some reason it does not go down too well) Will be there with Karaoke Steve on Saturday and ready for a new blog on Sunday.
Keep the comments coming ( Thanks to "Kitsdancemob" good stuff) and lets bring the support for this band to an unprecedented level in the Lower Mainland, THEY deserve it and so do we.
Richard Winn
White Rock
Thursday, April 12, 2007
THE SOTIGHT BAND
Hi all.
This is the first blog in support of The SoTight Band so bear with me here, it can only get better. The whole idea is to involve all those people who already follow the band and spread the word to those who WILL be following them over the next weeks, months and hopefully years. The blog is intended for all those who wish to add there own views on the band itself, individual members of the band, new tunes,ideas for new venues etc etc. this is going to be a fun thing, we will be adding photos,interviews with band members,suggestions on how we think we can help them with promotion,free advertising, t-shirts (JT has a great idea for the wording on both mens and womens T-shirts-more later on that). We will also be looking at holding contests for different things like maybe "how best to describe the band" to others, I.ve heard "Showband' NAH, Happiness Band NAH (sounds like something out of a Chinese whorehouse,NOT that there is anything wrong with that) I've heard references to parts of the Anatomy of the fairer sex and so on. I quite like "Hot n" Funky or Hot n Dirty anyway lets have some input here, what do YOU think? What about a Band signature tune and who agrees(or disagrees) with me that they should write their own.
Anyway this was just a very first effort, lots more to come but before signing off I just want to add that I have been very fortunate in my life to have heard some the worlds best musicians in club settings no bigger than Rossinis from Louis and Ella to Miles and Coltrane and while this band is not a "Jazz" band the standard of musicianship is absolutely awesome and i can only hope we all understand just how lucky we are to be witnessing a growing phenomenon that is " The SoTight Band " long may they be around.
Richard
White Rock BC
This is the first blog in support of The SoTight Band so bear with me here, it can only get better. The whole idea is to involve all those people who already follow the band and spread the word to those who WILL be following them over the next weeks, months and hopefully years. The blog is intended for all those who wish to add there own views on the band itself, individual members of the band, new tunes,ideas for new venues etc etc. this is going to be a fun thing, we will be adding photos,interviews with band members,suggestions on how we think we can help them with promotion,free advertising, t-shirts (JT has a great idea for the wording on both mens and womens T-shirts-more later on that). We will also be looking at holding contests for different things like maybe "how best to describe the band" to others, I.ve heard "Showband' NAH, Happiness Band NAH (sounds like something out of a Chinese whorehouse,NOT that there is anything wrong with that) I've heard references to parts of the Anatomy of the fairer sex and so on. I quite like "Hot n" Funky or Hot n Dirty anyway lets have some input here, what do YOU think? What about a Band signature tune and who agrees(or disagrees) with me that they should write their own.
Anyway this was just a very first effort, lots more to come but before signing off I just want to add that I have been very fortunate in my life to have heard some the worlds best musicians in club settings no bigger than Rossinis from Louis and Ella to Miles and Coltrane and while this band is not a "Jazz" band the standard of musicianship is absolutely awesome and i can only hope we all understand just how lucky we are to be witnessing a growing phenomenon that is " The SoTight Band " long may they be around.
Richard
White Rock BC
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