Since the gas prices have put
such a big damper on international travel with hotels going sky high, there won't
be as many of your small groups visiting many countries as they use to be. Airfares
and hotels cost more than what groups get paid. That's unfortunate because there
is nothing more exciting than listening, watching, and experiencing a live show.
My first live experience was the Buddy Johnson Band.
You see, big bands with a
singer were the headliners in my day, and we had to walk about two miles to see
them. The halls packed about 1000 people in a place that held at the most 650, and
there were no seats. Everyone waited for the band to hit that first note and,
when they did, all 1000 people swayed and danced the same way. As the band plays,
you can feel your blood pressure starting to rise from your feet all the way up,
and before you know it your head is bobbing, hands are clapping with the beat, and
your body make moves you never made before. All you can remember is, "I've just
been caught up in the music for four long hours." I still think about when music was a part of our
lives and the feeling you had after a live show. The next day that was all you
talked about with your friends; the ones who missed the show, the hype from a
live show.
I still get that way, after
all these many years. You can't get this
kind experience at a disco; it's not like watching it live. Now you have a lot great DJ's out there, and when
say great, I mean really good. But when someone goes to a dance and they have live
entertainment they can always tell you about the experience they had. Those of
you who know what I'm talking about will have stories to pass down to the next
generation, the ones who didn't have the chance to experience a dying trend. The global economy is hurting the indie
promoters, and small venues. Only a few
will be able to pay the price to see live shows.
Soon, the only way you be able
to see one is second hand, on DVD's or videos, or the way you get boxing
(Pay-Per-View). You're not going to get the same experience you would if you were
there, caught up in the moment. That rush, that hype, that carefree feeling,
that natural high you can only get from live music, and we losing this slowly. What
we are losing is the exchange of artists from one country to another. The loss of Jazz clubs, and the 1500 seater is
on their way out. I hate to say it, but
only the rich will be able to go to live shows. Now don't get me wrong thinking
I'm painting a bad picture for music as a whole. No, music business is in good
shape. It's live music that's feeling the brunt.
It's the musicians that
depend on music for his livelihood who can't even do the same gigs he used to
do, at the same price anymore. Don't think things are going back where it used
to be. You can forget that. Those of us who have had that experience are rare
breed. I know what they have out there, the high tech ipods, iphones and computers. It's just not the same, but if you never have
experienced it, you don't know what you missing anyway, so what the Hell.
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The music world lost a giant last month; a man that made three pieces
sound like an ensemble. A man who help legitimizeg the Guitar, Bo Diddley. When I was coming along, we didn't allow a Guitar player on the bandstand. Believe it or Not.
Here is an interesting piece about Bo Diddly brought to my attention by Bob Davis from soul-patrol.com
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Hey,
I'm outta here. Don't keep it for
yourself. Spread it. The Music.
Bill Curtis
Fatback Band
Fatbackband.com Myspace.com/billcurtismusic
Facebook- http://band.to/fatbackband/ |
