North Bay Live Jazz FAQs

North Bay Live Jazz FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why do you need to take a break every hour?

We are expending a tremendous amount of physical and mental energy while performing.
45 minutes to 1 hour is about the maximum length of time of being engaged in this strenuous activity before a rest is required (consider it an aerobic workout while trying to balance your bank account).
The listener needs a break from the information they are absorbing aurally during the performance time.

Why is there no piano player in the group?

Playing without piano (or guitar) frees the improvising soloist from the harmonic restrictions of an accompanist.
An accompanist can often unintentionally "lead" a soloist rather than follow.
There are fewer occasions for artistic "differences of opinion" with additional musicians.
The overall group can be conceptually "tighter" and more unified artistically when fewer musicians are involved.
The style of music we play requires an extensive amount of stylistic study.
We have not encountered many accompanists that posses the appropriate level of technical and aural development that we feel is needed to render the style we play effectively.
Many venues do not provide piano.
Many venues do not have the space for a piano.
Many venues to not provide power for an electric piano.
Many musicians do not want to haul an electric piano.
Many venues are concerned about the volume produced by a full Quintet or amplified instruments (such as the electric piano).
Finally, many venues are limited by financial considerations.

Why don't you play your own tunes?

We will be slowly incorporating our own original tunes into the performance repertoire over the next few years.
The artistic concept of this group is to play within the guidelines of the "Blue Note" era.
We want to be as stylistically authentic to that music as possible.
This group exists to present that music, not satisfy egos.
If one tries to sound unique, he may find that he sounds contrived.
By trying to sound like the masters (and falling short), one finds his voice.

Why do you dress so formally?

We believe the standards of visual presentation for musicians, particularly in the San Francisco North Bay Area, have dropped far below we feel is professionally acceptable.
We want to raise the standard by presenting ourselves as professionally (in appearance) as possible.

Why do you require a contract?

There have been too many occasions in our past group history and the history of every band and musician's life where misunderstandings have lead to difficulties, ill feelings, and financial problems or disagreements.
A contract helps both employer and employee avoid such misunderstandings and difficulties.
If everything is spelled out in print, there can be no dispute of previously discussed details.
With the use of a contract, this band has a legal recourse if a dispute arises.
(Despite the use of contracts, nearly every employer neglects to read or adhere to details as outlined.)

Why do you need to be paid on location before the completion of the performance?

This group has a policy of paying sidemen (in cash) at the time of the gig.
This is a courtesy to them for their service rendered.
The bandleader is not disposed to "float a loan" on behalf of the establishment by prepaying sideman.
Payment on location prior to performance covers cash outlay for that day.
The payment on location prior to performance helps relieve mental tension among bandmembers concerning details and allows for a "freer" performance.
It also serves to insure the fact that the leader's bank account will not be overdrawn as a result of the employer's accounting oversight.
When service is rendered by any professional (Dentist, Doctor, Plumber, etc. ) payment is customarily made at the time of the service (on location).

"One of the Bay Area's Top Acts"-Sonoma County Fair Voice