Posted: Sat Mar 18, 2006 4:40 pmHello everyone! Last night was our first time playing ou with a partial band. I played Congas/bongos/percussion, and simulated kick drum patterns on my tumba as well. My son played electric guitar and we used a drum machine for one song so I could act like a real conga player on that one. My buddy played acustic or electric and sang lead vocals. I sang backup, and my son sang some as well. Three part harmonies in many areas of most songs. Only three guys, as our drummer couldn't make it.
We recieved rave reviews from the place (Christian Rock House) which has a wide mix of age groups, but a college age focus. They were standing in the front of the stage and singing along/dancing! The place was hopping!
My Schalloch drums were miked and sounded fantastic...every sound you'd want or expect with the added kick drum simulation (not my favorite way to play, but it worked). I had positive comments from the sound guy, and a couple of drummers (kit type) in the audience. Our new bass Player (see below) even said "you're a really good conga player" as he accepted an offer to join our band. He's not the type to throw complements around and he is a very quiet, talented musician, so I was floored by the comment. He may not really know traditional playing, but he knows rock and pop...since that's what I played, I take it, LOL.
As a result of our 14 song set, we now have the bass player we've wanted for a while. Once he heard us he was happy to join. He's extremely talented and we never asked him to avoid any awkward situation at church if he didn't like the stuff we do, or our skill level. Once he heard us, he practically volunteered! We are very humble and critical of our own abilities, and wanted him to decide for himself. Our practice is paying big dividends. Now we are a 5 piece band and my son even plays with us. We age from 48 (me on percussion/vocals) to 42 (lead guitar/singer) early 30's (drummer) and early 20's (my son on gutar/vocals and the bass player). We are very blessed.
The girl who runs the place and is a great vocalist (american idol quality..but not led to do that) has also agreed to join us for a number or two when ever we play there again, and she asked us back at the next opening when she figures out when that is! I'm very jazzed about this, as you can tell. I totally appreciate the wisdom and encouragement on this site for guys like me who don't have many financial recources. I have learned, and will continue to learn a tremendous amount from you guys. After two years of playing in the church band, and my recent frustration with lack of dedication by many of the band members, it's a blessing to know we are doing the right thing by taking in on the road. We will still play in church, but our ministry may eventually make that impossible...we'll see. Just felt like sharing.
God bless!
-Ron
Edited By bongoron on 1142704967
We recieved rave reviews from the place (Christian Rock House) which has a wide mix of age groups, but a college age focus. They were standing in the front of the stage and singing along/dancing! The place was hopping!
My Schalloch drums were miked and sounded fantastic...every sound you'd want or expect with the added kick drum simulation (not my favorite way to play, but it worked). I had positive comments from the sound guy, and a couple of drummers (kit type) in the audience. Our new bass Player (see below) even said "you're a really good conga player" as he accepted an offer to join our band. He's not the type to throw complements around and he is a very quiet, talented musician, so I was floored by the comment. He may not really know traditional playing, but he knows rock and pop...since that's what I played, I take it, LOL.
As a result of our 14 song set, we now have the bass player we've wanted for a while. Once he heard us he was happy to join. He's extremely talented and we never asked him to avoid any awkward situation at church if he didn't like the stuff we do, or our skill level. Once he heard us, he practically volunteered! We are very humble and critical of our own abilities, and wanted him to decide for himself. Our practice is paying big dividends. Now we are a 5 piece band and my son even plays with us. We age from 48 (me on percussion/vocals) to 42 (lead guitar/singer) early 30's (drummer) and early 20's (my son on gutar/vocals and the bass player). We are very blessed.
The girl who runs the place and is a great vocalist (american idol quality..but not led to do that) has also agreed to join us for a number or two when ever we play there again, and she asked us back at the next opening when she figures out when that is! I'm very jazzed about this, as you can tell. I totally appreciate the wisdom and encouragement on this site for guys like me who don't have many financial recources. I have learned, and will continue to learn a tremendous amount from you guys. After two years of playing in the church band, and my recent frustration with lack of dedication by many of the band members, it's a blessing to know we are doing the right thing by taking in on the road. We will still play in church, but our ministry may eventually make that impossible...we'll see. Just felt like sharing.
God bless!
-Ron
Edited By bongoron on 1142704967
