Advice On Selecting A Band For Your Reception
By JB
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Question: Some many bands are "showcased" by videotape, and I've seen some that
sound good, but you can tell that the music is overdubbed because their lip
sync is bad. Granted, they'll never make it on M-TV, but what does that
mean for the bride and groom?
Answer: First...videotapes. Yeah, most of them are studio made lip-synched
productions. Clearly there are a LOT of bad lip-synchers out there.
However, that shouldn't automatically disqualify the band. Videos are a
necessary evil in life. They offer clients an opportunity to preview bands
without driving all over trying to hear them play live, (if you don't mind
crashing someone else's wedding). Not everyone is good a lip-synching. As
a matter of fact, I might feel safer with someone who ISN'T good at
it...(they haven't had much practice).
The video should be used as a means of "weeding out" the bands that just
don't appeal to you. Watch and see if the members look at each other. Is
there any interaction? Does the interaction look rehearsed? If a band has
to practice their personality for a video, stay away from them!
Q: Is there anything we should know about watching the video?
A: Watch and see if there are any shots of the keyboard player. See if
he/she is truly trying to play along with what you hear. Many keyboard
players now are "sequencing" their keyboard parts. What this means is that
an external or internal computer is actually playing the keyboard, and the
performer may or may not be playing anything at all. While there ARE uses
for this technique, (the ability to play 5 or 6 parts at the same
time...not possible for one player), if EVERY song is like this, it tells
me that they are good programmers and not so good musicians! It really
isn't much more than a glorified Kareoke. Sequencing also takes out all
spontaneity since they have to stay with the track. Ask the band how much
of their material is sequenced when you interview them.
Q: So that means that we should still try to see the band live before
making a decision -- maybe use the tapes as the "first cut" to eliminate
bands we're not impressed by, and go see the ones we liked?
A: Yes, you MUST hear a band play live before booking them. If all of
their work are weddings, ask them if they are performing at any of the
larger hotels (Sheraton, Holiday Inn, etc). These usually have a lobby
area outside the ballroom where you can sit unobserved and listen, (and
maybe watch) the band.
Something I have found very useful is to invite prospective clients to our
rehearsal. We can play some numbers (the one's THEY want to hear) right
there in the basement. It also gives the client a chance to
get to know ALL of the members of the band, and not just one or two. This
is a great way to get a feel for the personality of the group, as well as
to discuss whether they would be able to satisfy the play list you want.
Q: OK, we saw a few bands we liked. But we're still not sure. Should we
ask for references?
A: Yes. Make sure that the band has a list of references. With any luck
it will be a long list. Watch out for groups with three names for
references. They are probably family members. Make sure you call several.
Ask if the band showed up and set up on time, did they honor requests, did
they drink
heavily, were they too loud, were they well dressed, and did the guests
have a good time because of them or in spite of them. Also ask when the
reference's wedding was. If they stumble over the date, watch out...it may
be a faker.
Q: Some bands are booked by agents. Any advice on selecting a band
through a representative?
A: If you are going through an agency, make sure you are able to speak
with the band itself rather than just the agent. Some agents are more up
front than others. Many good bands book through agents because musicians
tend not to be great business people and don't want to be bothered with
that aspect of their job.
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 | Don't Learn This The Hard Way
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Hope it helps,
JB
PS: Thanks to Steve Kimble of The Jim Bowie Band for his advice and input.
The Jim Bowie Band plays in the
Washington, DC area.