Sticks and Stone

Jazz Advice

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 04:53:00 GMT

I recently asked some very accomplished musician friends of mine if they would kindly share with the readers their insight involving "how to get gigs and maintain them" along with other nuggets of pure wisdom. Some were quite serious, others were not. I enjoyed them all. Here are some �

Pay To Play in LA? (Take My Wallet, Please!)

Sat, 02 Dec 2006 03:20:00 GMT

For a few weeks now I have struggled with the need to say something about a pay-to-play policy that certain Jazz club owners adhere to.

In my constant quest for booking the elusive "jazz gig" here in Los Angeles, I recently had a frighteningly disturbing conversation with the manager of a very well known Jazz club.

I had spoken with this person about bringing my quartet to his club and all of what this would entail. He graciously offered me the opportunity to play at his notably fine establishment with the agreement that I give him a down payment of $500.

The State of Jazz in Southern California

Wed, 18 Oct 2006 21:01:00 GMT

Not only can you catch my quartet at your local restaurant-jazz club, but you can watch the news or catch the football game on one of their many televisions sets playing during our performances. In fact, when we stop playing (in the normally reflective period of silence between songs designated to give the listeners a chance to clear their auditory palates) you can, if you listen carefully, get your fill of the house music still pumping out somebody's ultra-hip, smooth jazz rendition of "Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ol' Oak Tree."