by yoni » Wed Apr 30, 2003 6:46 am
Hi all,
Johnny, I only once passed thru Seattle, but I imagine there's no one there even close to where you're at on congas, so I guess everyone got a good "scare" hearing you, and went back to their regulars like you said. They don't want to be "up-staged", and the regular conga guys want to keep their gigs. Doing your own group sounds like the best thing in that kind of scene, good to hear you're doing it! I bet the NW US has enough cash and venues around to host a hot percussion ensemble, but starting out in a new place always takes time.
The "clique" thing - tell me about it! In some locales and nations they call it the "musical mafia" and it's often more "mafia" than "music". I also eventually began a perc. group here. We're getting more work, but I still must freelance with other groups and teach, though I much rather just play. This year I may be able to visit my folks in NYC in the summer (the only time of year I like the weather there). If so, I'm definitely checking out Willie's, the steakhouse you mentioned. That would be fun. Nothing like a shot of electricity from the old homefront.
All the best,
Yoni