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
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6 comments:
MEMO TO BAND (MTB)
Let's see if there's a democratic approach you can use to select new material. Consider the following givens:
1. All selections MUST have show band potential.
2. All selections MUST be danceable.
3. ALL BAND MEMBERS (incl. Kent) MUST contribute to all lists and MUST vote.
4. Create two separate lists:
A.) Vocals; and,
B.) Instrumentals.
5. Divide each list into two categories:
i.) Slow tempo; and,
ii.) Up tempo.
6. EACH band member MUST now write down TWO preferences for each category (a total of EIGHT selections:
~2 vocal (slow)
~2 vocal (fast)
~2 instrumental (slow)
~2 instrumental (fast)
You now have 2x7=14 selections for four different categories.
7. For each category, on a seperate piece of paper someone write down the 14 selections numbering them as you go, i.e. 1 thru 14.
8. Each band member MUST now choose (by number,) THREE selections from the list of 14. For example, maybe it's 1,5 and 13.
9. Someone write these numbers down on a tally sheet. At the end of the voting you will have 7x3=21 numbers for that category. (Some numbers will be duplicated and some numbers may not be chosen.) Tally up the count for each number. The number that gets the highest number of choises is the next piece to be added to the band's repertoire. If there is a tie you now have two you can add for that category.
10. Repeat the process for the remaining three categories. You will end up with a minimum of four selections (if there are ties for each category you could end up with a maximum of eight, i.e. two for each category.)
11. Look for ways of blending your selections together, adding your own creativity as your go. For example: Nadine could use her voice as an instrument on an instrumental selection. The band could add voice harmony backup to a vocal number. Maybe you blend a slow tempo vocal choice with a slow tempo instrumental choice thereby making one show band piece out of the two. Maybe you combine an up tempo piece with a half tempo slow tempo piece, or vice-versa. Mix and match; you get the idea.
12. Everytime you want to add to the bands repertoire, repeat the procedure. THIS IS HOW A DEMOCRACY WORKS. Majority rules but the selection process is fair to the minority. Anything less and you have anarchy where the one with the biggest club (ego) wins.
Anyone that loses out on the first go-around can always bring back their selections for the next go-around. In the meantime maybe they can do some lobbying with the other members, i.e., I'll support your choice(s) if you support mine, etc.
AND THAT'S THE NAME OF THAT TUNE. Stay tuned for the story of the two robins...
EVER SO TIGHT; SOTIGHT FOREVER
Ancient }8^Den
I have read the first comment by ancient den and find it unhelpful, unproductive, and satirically void by any standard...useful comments are most welcome and appreciated but this one by ancient den(unlike his/her other lengthy missives) falls well short of even a basic attempt at humour. Try to be either funny or useful and not plain stupid and lame.
To mrallnight6: Other than flaming me personally, wouldn't it be more productive to direct complimentary remarks and/or suggestions towards the band?
If Sotight continues to repeat the same repertoire for the next seven months they have used for the past seven months, do they not run the risk of becoming stale?
The band has asked for suggestions for new material. Suggestions have been forwarded by myself and others but there has been no feedback. There seems to be a bottleneck somewhere because they have yet to do a fan request or add selections of their own choosing.
There's so much talent in this group they could easily try out half a dozen new numbers every time they play Rossini's.
Do you want them to play the same repertoire at every performance? Or would your rather see them stretch out a bit and try out one or two new pieces every time they play Rossini's?
As a fan it doesn't mean you can't offer suggestions. That's why Richard started the blog.
All the other stuff you obviously hate was just fluff until other fans started to contribute. Sorry you took it so personally.
Surely we share a common bond in seeing the band become the No.1 band in Vancouver. If so there's no point in continuing to verbally assault me.
At least, that's the way I see it.
Truce???
EVER SO TIGHT; SOTIGHT FOREVER
Ancient }8^Den
To ancient den:
Other than the return fire, your latest effort dated April28 is clearly more helpful and productive than your "fluff". More of the former and less of the latter please.
I did not take your "fluff" "personally" as you suggest. In fact I would respond with a big YES to the question, "...wouldn't it be more productive to direct complimentary remarks and/or suggestions towards the band?"
Sorry you were offended by my earlier remarks but happy to see you on track with your own question.
To mrallnight6:
A misunderstanding all 'round then.
As you suggest, I will tone down the fluff and focus more on substance in future comments.
I do appreciate your last e-mail. Thank you for that.
Ancient }8^Den
To ancient den,
So pleased to put all that behind us and re-focus on the band!
You are AAWW-ITE.
See you at Rossini's this aft.
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