It’s Friday before the first holiday weekend that officially kicks off the summer season here on Cape Cod. It’s also the beginning of the summer concert season around New England, where we’re blessed with a multitude of live music options. I’m hoping to catch some shows at the Cape Cod Melody Tent, which is a great venue with reasonable prices and no bad seats. One of my favorite artists, singer/songwriter Lyle Lovett is returning with his Large Band. I haven’t seen Lyle and the Large Band in a few years and their shows are always great. Also thinking about getting up to the Pavilion on Boston Harbor to hear Allison Kraus & Union Station (I’ve never heard them live) who is touring this year with legendary Willie Nelson.
On a much smaller scale, Yours Truly has a fair amount of gigs on tap, including my usual every Saturday morning gig at the Daily Brew on Route 28A in Cataumet, three Friday evening shows at the buffet at Coonamessett Farm, three wedding ceremonies to play, plus a couple of private parties. I don’t go after the bar work anymore – I’ll leave that to the young guys and girls who have a much later bed time than I do! I played the bar scene around here for decades with various groups and had a lot of good times but as I’m doing a single these days and do mostly instrumental stuff I doubt I could find work in that format anyway. Besides, I guess I just don’t have the energy anymore to deal with drunks and the occasional sleazy bar owner. Goes with the territory, as they say. Been there. Done that.
Music lovers in the area are very pleased that WMVY on Martha’s Vineyard has returned to broadcasting on FM at 88.7. Although I didn’t care for everything they played before their old broadcast location of 92.7 was sold (and they went to web-only), I respect them for being one of the very few individual, privately owned and non-format driven radio stations in the country. They play a very nice mix of contemporary indie rock, acoustic, Americana and singer/songwriter music, both old and new. They also have a weeknight feature called Blues at Eight, which features an hour of contemporary and classic blues. I don’t know how strong their signal is (they are even asking people to contact them about this – how’s that for being an independent radio station?!) and my hope is that they won’t get bogged down in a somewhat repetitive play list as they did back in their 92.7 days. But together with WUMB in Boston (Public Radio) I’m hopeful that between the two stations I’ll hear some new and interesting acoustic music.
But getting back to my own live music, I am semi-actively searching for a vocalist to work with. I used to do a lot of singing while performing but for the last few years I’ve concentrated on instrumental arrangements. I do realize however that the vast majority of audiences relate much more to vocals. Unfortunately, I’m going to be very particular about the person I’m hoping to find, which severely limits the options. What I’m looking for is someone with a good knowledge of singer/songwriter material (recent and older), jazz and perhaps bossa nova, reasonably good vocal range, and the ability to sing both lead and harmony. Male or female, doesn’t matter, although it’s most likely that a female singer would be best. Must have a very open mind about various types of music. Also must be willing to spend a fair amount of time rehearsing. Someone who can play hand percussion or even bass or back-up guitar would be great too. If anyone reading thinks they fit the bill, please drop me a line. Or pass this on to someone they might know who might be interested. Professional experience isn’t nearly as important as a positive attitude and enthusiasm!
Peace & good music,
Gene
On a much smaller scale, Yours Truly has a fair amount of gigs on tap, including my usual every Saturday morning gig at the Daily Brew on Route 28A in Cataumet, three Friday evening shows at the buffet at Coonamessett Farm, three wedding ceremonies to play, plus a couple of private parties. I don’t go after the bar work anymore – I’ll leave that to the young guys and girls who have a much later bed time than I do! I played the bar scene around here for decades with various groups and had a lot of good times but as I’m doing a single these days and do mostly instrumental stuff I doubt I could find work in that format anyway. Besides, I guess I just don’t have the energy anymore to deal with drunks and the occasional sleazy bar owner. Goes with the territory, as they say. Been there. Done that.
Music lovers in the area are very pleased that WMVY on Martha’s Vineyard has returned to broadcasting on FM at 88.7. Although I didn’t care for everything they played before their old broadcast location of 92.7 was sold (and they went to web-only), I respect them for being one of the very few individual, privately owned and non-format driven radio stations in the country. They play a very nice mix of contemporary indie rock, acoustic, Americana and singer/songwriter music, both old and new. They also have a weeknight feature called Blues at Eight, which features an hour of contemporary and classic blues. I don’t know how strong their signal is (they are even asking people to contact them about this – how’s that for being an independent radio station?!) and my hope is that they won’t get bogged down in a somewhat repetitive play list as they did back in their 92.7 days. But together with WUMB in Boston (Public Radio) I’m hopeful that between the two stations I’ll hear some new and interesting acoustic music.
But getting back to my own live music, I am semi-actively searching for a vocalist to work with. I used to do a lot of singing while performing but for the last few years I’ve concentrated on instrumental arrangements. I do realize however that the vast majority of audiences relate much more to vocals. Unfortunately, I’m going to be very particular about the person I’m hoping to find, which severely limits the options. What I’m looking for is someone with a good knowledge of singer/songwriter material (recent and older), jazz and perhaps bossa nova, reasonably good vocal range, and the ability to sing both lead and harmony. Male or female, doesn’t matter, although it’s most likely that a female singer would be best. Must have a very open mind about various types of music. Also must be willing to spend a fair amount of time rehearsing. Someone who can play hand percussion or even bass or back-up guitar would be great too. If anyone reading thinks they fit the bill, please drop me a line. Or pass this on to someone they might know who might be interested. Professional experience isn’t nearly as important as a positive attitude and enthusiasm!
Peace & good music,
Gene
RSS Feed