Sessions Versus Live Performance.... Choice of repertoire
Sessions Versus Live Performance.... Choice of repertoire
What follows is not a complaint or gripe but an observation.....
On a few occasions recently, I've seen some very talented young bands do concert sets where they tend to play "the hits", i.e either well known standards and/or the "fashionable" tunes of the day.
While this can be very entertaining, I feel that they could be a little more imaginative in their choice of material. However, when the same musicians get together in a session situation I notice that their repertoire is much wider and although they might play one or two popular tunes the bulk of the music is lesser known material...presumably what they really prefer!
On the other side of the coin, I also find that more established outfits and more experienced...(if not older)... musicians tend to feature lesser known material during live performances (Of course, this might become more popular through time). It's not necessarily original material or deliberately "dug up" out of books or old recordings etc but, generally, it tends to be a little less obvious and predictable.
Yet, in a session situation, I find that the older more experienced players are much more likely to fall back on some of the old standards and more popular tunes. Could it be that they are just more relaxed, feel they have less to prove, and see a session as a more inclusive experience? i.e. "We've done our bit. Now, you have a go" so to speak.
Of course, the above is very much a generalisation.....
eg it's not always a case of Old V Young, Old V New, Experience V Inexperience and it's not always a strict dichotomy between the repertoires of a live performance or session.
However, I'm just wondering if any of you have noticed this sort of scenario. Of course, there are all varieties of session and so there should be. However, is you own preference for a more inclusive set up with better known material (Not advocating a LCD here,by the way) or a "more specialist" arrangement which really suits just yourself and a few chosen "musical pals"? Or something in between?
As with many topics here, there'll be differing points of view and, I suspect, several responses along the lines of "It depends" and "Does it really matter?" but I'm just curious.
Re: Sessions Versus Live Performance.... Choice of repertoire
Ok then!
I don't know about sessions versus performances but I would agree that some of the older or more established musicians have less to prove when it comes to sessions. This is certainly not universal and some youngsters are not out to prove anything whilst some grizzled old hacks seem determined to continue to prove themselves better than the rest (I am sure they exist).
I do find though that in terms of sessions being welcoming, for example, it is the really established artists as well as the more beginnery musicians who tend to be the most welcoming to newcomers. On the other hand the often fairly young but highly competent musicians tend to be over-protective or unfriendly/unsociable as they are striving more than anyone to achieve that upper level.
Of course the above could be all tosh but one word answers might seem a bit cheeky.
Re: Sessions Versus Live Performance.... Choice of repertoire
Well thank you John. I wasn't necessarily just referring to difficulties I might face but was meaning more generally.
As far as coming along and performing I would love to. Thank you again. I just need to figure out when and if I can rope others in or not. I will be in touch soon.
Sessions Versus Live Performance.... Choice of repertoire
Sessions Versus Live Performance.... Choice of repertoire
What follows is not a complaint or gripe but an observation.....
On a few occasions recently, I've seen some very talented young bands do concert sets where they tend to play "the hits", i.e either well known standards and/or the "fashionable" tunes of the day.
While this can be very entertaining, I feel that they could be a little more imaginative in their choice of material. However, when the same musicians get together in a session situation I notice that their repertoire is much wider and although they might play one or two popular tunes the bulk of the music is lesser known material...presumably what they really prefer!
On the other side of the coin, I also find that more established outfits and more experienced...(if not older)... musicians tend to feature lesser known material during live performances (Of course, this might become more popular through time). It's not necessarily original material or deliberately "dug up" out of books or old recordings etc but, generally, it tends to be a little less obvious and predictable.
Yet, in a session situation, I find that the older more experienced players are much more likely to fall back on some of the old standards and more popular tunes. Could it be that they are just more relaxed, feel they have less to prove, and see a session as a more inclusive experience? i.e. "We've done our bit. Now, you have a go" so to speak.
Of course, the above is very much a generalisation.....
eg it's not always a case of Old V Young, Old V New, Experience V Inexperience and it's not always a strict dichotomy between the repertoires of a live performance or session.
However, I'm just wondering if any of you have noticed this sort of scenario. Of course, there are all varieties of session and so there should be. However, is you own preference for a more inclusive set up with better known material (Not advocating a LCD here,by the way) or a "more specialist" arrangement which really suits just yourself and a few chosen "musical pals"? Or something in between?
As with many topics here, there'll be differing points of view and, I suspect, several responses along the lines of "It depends" and "Does it really matter?" but I'm just curious.
# Posted on June 29th 2008 by Johannes J
Re: Sessions Versus Live Performance.... Choice of repertoire
Yes
# Posted on June 29th 2008 by No Cause For Alarm
Re: Sessions Versus Live Performance.... Choice of repertoire
"Yes"
Yes, you have noticed this
or
Yes, there'll be differing points of view?
I'll not press you any further.
# Posted on June 29th 2008 by Johannes J
Re: Sessions Versus Live Performance.... Choice of repertoire
No
# Posted on June 29th 2008 by No Cause For Alarm
Re: Sessions Versus Live Performance.... Choice of repertoire
Quite!
# Posted on June 29th 2008 by Mark Harmer
Re: Sessions Versus Live Performance.... Choice of repertoire
Ok then!
I don't know about sessions versus performances but I would agree that some of the older or more established musicians have less to prove when it comes to sessions. This is certainly not universal and some youngsters are not out to prove anything whilst some grizzled old hacks seem determined to continue to prove themselves better than the rest (I am sure they exist).
I do find though that in terms of sessions being welcoming, for example, it is the really established artists as well as the more beginnery musicians who tend to be the most welcoming to newcomers. On the other hand the often fairly young but highly competent musicians tend to be over-protective or unfriendly/unsociable as they are striving more than anyone to achieve that upper level.
Of course the above could be all tosh but one word answers might seem a bit cheeky.
# Posted on June 29th 2008 by No Cause For Alarm
Re: Sessions Versus Live Performance.... Choice of repertoire
Thanks, NCFA..
By the way, you're still welcome to come along some night and "perform" your well known material or otherwise as we once discussed.
As for sessions, I do know that you happily "fit in" anywhere.
# Posted on June 29th 2008 by Johannes J
Re: Sessions Versus Live Performance.... Choice of repertoire
I shouldn't be surprised!
# Posted on June 29th 2008 by lazyhound
Re: Sessions Versus Live Performance.... Choice of repertoire
Well thank you John. I wasn't necessarily just referring to difficulties I might face but was meaning more generally.
As far as coming along and performing I would love to. Thank you again. I just need to figure out when and if I can rope others in or not. I will be in touch soon.
# Posted on June 29th 2008 by No Cause For Alarm