By drums (155.91.6.72) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 08:49 am:

Have any of the musicians here been in the studio with that one musician that wants to take over EVERYTHING even when they havent paid for anything??

I have a bass player friend who is absolutely badass when it comes to playing - but does not know when to sit down and let the people in charge do the talking!!!

How do the studio people here handle these types??

It seems that everyone has an opinion and I like to take SOME suggestion, but it is MY responsibility overall. I really like his playing but personality wise, he needs some help.

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks

D

By Eli (141.151.83.102) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 08:52 am:

I would immediately find someone else and not think twice about it. It is unprofessional and uncalled for.

By drums (155.91.6.72) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 08:59 am:

Thanks Bobby!!!

I am doing these crybabies a favor on the 21st and they cant get their acts together!!!


Call me at my cell number when you get a chance!!

I am looking at the humour of this because all of the other musicians have their acts together. It is always ONE in the bunch that wants to be a rock star!!

D

By Eli (141.151.83.102) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 09:03 am:

Bag it..nip it in the bud..IMMEDIATELY...if not sooner.
I have no tollerance for Prima Donnas.
Throughout the 'Philly Years" none of our band were Prima Donnas as they would have been booted out.

By Horse (159.53.238.241) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 10:05 am:

Drums,

Personality is a key point to success in the studio. Regardless of how good a player is, if he is causing tension, he has to go. The idea is to be in the utmost relaxed state to have the least amount of distraction from the creative moment. He should appreciate the fact that he is being accepted by a group of players that grants him the opportunity to be in the studio. He may find that by relinqishing the political (power trip) side of the situation and just concentrating on creating magic, he would be much more of an assest to the overall scenerio. Once he comes to the realization that he was called in to provide his talent, he might gain a respectful outlook that the producer and arranger along with others are there for the same reason. If he is a friend, I would suggest approaching him with this outlook as an enlightment to chill him out and help him grow in his career. I think this would be much better than not saying a thing and letting a talent go waste. If he gets uptight, he just have to suffer growing pains on his own and you'll know you made an effort that was meant to be positive.

Sincerely,
Dear Abbey

By drums (155.91.6.72) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 10:32 am:

Hi Horse!

Thanks for the kind words!!! I agree with you 100%. I have some pretty high level people showing up for my meet and greet, and I have to stress to people that it will not be taken over by people with their own agenda.

I have already told him that he wont be a part of it which really hurts to do. I love the guys playing and he is a good friend. He just doesnt want to accept not being the leader on something. He has had modest success, but his head is expanding and I think that throwing him off the project is the right step.

I know one thing, being the leader really sucks sometimes.

D

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 01:18 pm:

Drums:
You're doing your friend a favor by dropping him from your gig. He has to learn that when he's hired for a show, he's there to play the part that is given him and nothing more. A mark of a good team leader is having the skills to be a good team player. Once he learns how to be a good team player and work well with others, then he's ready to lead.

What you need is someone who is a great team player, not someone who is vexing to lead. This ain't about friendship - this is about getting the job done. Just business - nothing personal.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By drums (155.91.6.72) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 02:52 pm:

Hi Mr. Kev,

I now know some of the hassles bandleaders have to put up with sometimes!!! You have to be a babysitter and deal with the baggage that comes with some band members.

That part is fine, but I wont put up with people that have their own agenda. Like trying to put people in the band and trying to undercut and weasel their ideas into set arrangements.

I am dealing with it and I will still enjoy making my CD. With or without him!!

Daren

By TonyRussi (68.210.2.213) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 03:24 pm:

Wasn't Jimi Hendrix fired from the Isley Bros band in the 60's for similar action?I heard this in the 70's out in LA.

By drums (155.91.6.72) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 03:44 pm:

Hahahaha!! You are correct!!!

I just saw an old video of Jimi with Sam & Dave (!)and you had to laugh because he was back there being "Jimi" and you could see him dancing and twirling around - just doing his "own" thing!! (The look on the other band members faces!!)

You think he would start soloing with his teeth and set his guitar on fire while they were playing "Soul Man"!! (Mental Picture alert!)

Daren

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 03:51 pm:

Jimi was also fired from Little Richard's band because he refused to wear the standard band uniform.
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By TonyRussi (68.210.2.213) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 03:53 pm:

Thats' wild Daren, I had no idea he also worked for Sam & Dave...I knew he had been with Little Richard briefly cause thats how the Womack Brothers knew him.

By drums (155.91.6.72) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 03:57 pm:

Man!! Jimi got fired a lot!!!!

D

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 04:01 pm:

Hey, Jimi was an individual who needed his own platform for expression.
Kinda like the bass player friend you fired....
except Jimi knew when to cool the ego.
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By lynnbruce (68.41.107.30) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 04:04 pm:

Daren,the prima donnas of the musician world have ruined more bands that were destined for fame than any other thing I can think of.If he's like that now it's not going to get any better.It makes it worse if he's a friend.The choice you have to make isn't easy.Sometimes it's better to work with someone that isn't quite as good chops wise, than it is puting up the ego-trips of more talented musicians. One thing is for sure is that sooner or later the other musicians will be departing as soon as they can jump ship rather than put up with the ego-trippers.
Money talks,but as soon as there is another gig to jump to they'll be outta there!!!

Good Luck,Lynn

By drums (155.91.6.72) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 04:08 pm:

I hear ya docta!!!

I have always tried to carry myself in a professional matter and I stay quiet if I am in an employee capability. You guys are right - He should have been replaced a long time ago, but I was blind because he is a friend.

He also has a heck of a lot of studio experience and has played on quite a few cds for great artists - but I got caught up in that and he tried to basically take over the whole thing.

For example, if your cd is entitled "Return of the Funky Drums", would you want to put a drum machine on it??? (this had been suggested and a major argument broke out!!)

Anyway, thanks for all of the input!

(Now how do I play bass again? )

D

By STUBASS (152.163.252.68) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 04:11 pm:

HEY DAREN: SAME ADVICE I GAVE YOU ON THE TV CAMERA THREAD!!!...WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS...*MASSIVE* DOESE OF ZANAX FOR EVERYONE!!!...STU

By drums (155.91.6.72) on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 - 04:13 pm:

D