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Common $ense

By Scott Healy | December, 2007

From time to time I get together a large ensemble to play some of my original music. You know what that means, right? No money, tons of work, and lots of phone calls to players I don’t know. But it’s also a chance to step out of the box and have some fun. It’s always great to meet new cats and to stick my neck out a little bit. So why does it still feel so awkward calling them — players who have been recommended to me, always by someone I trust and who knows my music — to play my gig? Is it that pesky “self-worth” thing popping up again, or does it all boil down to money? I do feel uncomfortable asking people to play for less than they deserve, but there are other rewards on these gigs: networking opportunities, practice, and experience.

Let’s turn the situation around. You’re cold-calling me: “Hey Scotty, I have this fun gig. You come highly recommended.” Now, I crave new situations and different opportunities so, on the occasion that I do get a call like that, I’m truly flattered. You’ve got a picture of the gig in your head, and I’m in that picture playing my ass off. Not to get all Sally Fields about it, but when the call comes I feel validated: “You really want me!”

Now, if the first thing out of my mouth is, “How much does it pay?” even before I say something like, “Wow, I’d love to!” how does it make me look? Let’s say that for some reason I don’t want to do the gig, or can’t. Do I say, “Aw, I don’t think so man, the money’s too light,” or, “Who’s on it? Nah, I’ve got to clean my garage that night”? Wouldn’t it be better to say, “I’m so glad you called me, but I’m already working,” or, “I’m out of town that day. I’m so bummed out I can’t make it”? I can easily diffuse your awkwardness with a simple positive comment, and guarantee you’ll call me again.

I’ve made a lot of calls like this over the years, and they never get easier. Lots of players have turned me down for a variety of reasons, though I imagine some were just being nice to let me down easily. I honestly can’t remember who was busy, who was out of town, or who had some other fabulous gig. But I do remember the two cats in 20 years who turned me down only because of the money. I still remember their names, even though I don’t know them. First of all, they totally took the wind out of my sails during the phone call, but more importantly, the image of them complaining about cash on my low-money gig has supplanted the image of them blowing some great solo on my gig, and I will never call them again. It’s too bad, too, because they might be great players.

Now for all you mercenaries out there, realize I’m not talking about major label sessions, commercials, or a Saturday night wedding, all of which need you to be savvy and get the money straight up front. I’m talking about staying in the scene, making the all-important hang, expanding your network, and gaining experience — while supporting each other. Musicians, like wolves, tend to rove in packs. And you want to be in the pack.

Session Sensei would welcome your comments on this. Please visit myspace.com/sessionsensei — or write me care of Keyboard magazine at keyboard@musicplayer.com — and tell me what you would do.