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Post by digiboy on Jun 13, 2021 19:35:50 GMT -5
Bass player here, curious to hear some opinions. Auditioning in a few days for a band. Craigslist find. I like the material and the leader seems to be a nice guy. We've met before only briefly. Just found out I've played with his drummer before and the guy is terrible, slows down and runs out of gas. Bassplayer's night-mare!
I haven't played with that drummer in years. I suppose there is a small chance he's gotten better with his timing. If he hasn't, I cannot play with him.
Options to consider:
1) Just make up an excuse right now and bow out of the audition. Least painful option all around.
2) Go to the audition and see if the drummer got better. It's possible. You never know!
If the drummer still lags, make up an excuse afterwards and bow out.
3) Go to the audition. If the drummer still lags, tell the leader I can't work with this guy, so find a new drummer or look for another bass player.
Of course I operate under the assumption they will like my bass playing and will want me to join. No illusions there, it's also quite possible I'll get rejected anyway. Wouldn't be the first time and if so, problem solved.
I'm not a mean person, at least I try not to be. But I can't tolerate bad drummers. I'm always thinking "maybe it's my playing". But in some cases like this one, I know it isn't.
What would you do???
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Post by Leftee on Jun 13, 2021 21:02:05 GMT -5
I’d give it a try. If he’s still running on empty I’d gracefully bow out. Just say that you don’t feel like you’re a good fit.
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Post by digiboy on Jun 14, 2021 1:57:07 GMT -5
I’d give it a try. If he’s still running on empty I’d gracefully bow out. Just say that you don’t feel like you’re a good fit. Thanks Leftee. Hearing from an outside perspective often helps me reach a decision. Seems such an obvious choice now. |
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Post by themaestro on Jun 14, 2021 6:52:37 GMT -5
Another bass player here. I understand the "not fun" of playing with some drummers. I'd go and see what happens. If it doesn't work, use the "not a good fit for me" excuse. If they push for a more specific excuse, I would explain the issue to the leader (or the person that set up the audition) privately. That might give him a heads-up that other bass players may also have the same problem. Don't badmouth the drummer in front of him. Also, I wouldn't give an ultimatum to loose the drummer if you want me.
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Jun 14, 2021 10:10:21 GMT -5
If the drummer still lags, make up an excuse afterwards and bow out. No excuse necessary! Remember that an audition works both ways: the band is auditioning you, and you are auditioning the band. I've been asked to audition for groups where I knew after a few tunes they were not the musical situation I was looking for. It's courteous and professional to let them know you're out before they say you're in (or tell you you're out!). |
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Post by larryguitar54 on Jun 14, 2021 16:22:38 GMT -5
Yup Peegoo is spot on. No excuse required. Audition works both ways.
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Post by Blacksunshine on Jun 15, 2021 17:22:24 GMT -5
Agree with the thread, give it a shot!
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Post by Leftee on Jun 15, 2021 17:47:21 GMT -5
I look at it this way. If the drummer can’t keep time you’re not a good fit. 😉
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gdw3
Halfnote
Insert clever statement here
Posts: 81
Formerly Known As: Gordon
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Post by gdw3 on Jun 16, 2021 16:24:10 GMT -5
Who knows? Maybe he's practiced a lot. But if he's still not up to par, you can mention him and not be mean. You can ask how long he's been in the band. If the band is any good, they'll know this about the drummer, and may say something privately. If they don't notice, then the band doesn't deserve you!
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Post by digiboy on Jun 16, 2021 21:45:47 GMT -5
Post audition UPDATE: Clearly somebody clued in the drummer, or to his credit, he clued himself in. He no longer lags or loses tempo. The tradeoff is that he simplified his playing way down into basic patterns that are extremely limited. It's not great drumming but it's better than I expected and certainly more serviceable from my point of view. That plus some other unrelated issues leave me undecided. Thanks for the input, guys. Regardless of the outcome, I'm glad I gave it a shot.
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Post by langford on Jun 23, 2021 13:20:29 GMT -5
Glad to hear it was positive outcome, digi.
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Post by Auf Kiltre on Jun 23, 2021 13:58:05 GMT -5
Glad you didn't have to stand another heartache.
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