Larry
"Uncle Larry"
Here's some thoughts on this subject. I've played in bands where the people were more or less equal onstage, swapped singing duties, and bands where there are definite leaders. I actually prefer the leader thing, it seems like a more focused show. I notice that some leaders are very picky about their time, and others who, for lack of a better term, don't think in those terms and take what you give them. And some in between. But I like the challenge of giving the leader (especially if they're really good) exactly what they had in mind. It's deep down satisfying when they tell you they like what you are doing.
Johnathan "Sugarfoot" Moffett had a great story where Michael Jackson asked to see him privately after a show and eventually got around to the question of how did Jonathan know to do some little something he did when Michael made a certain move. I forget his exact words, but Jonathan was just in tune with Michael. It just needed it I think he said. I love seeing things like that. It really sews up the "front" of the show with the "back" of the show. When a drummer can see the big picture and really help out the guys in the front....that's the goal right? Make them look good. Plus others start to get the idea too, hopefully. Of course this hinges on having a really good front man for best results
But with the leader thing, as long as that leader has a definite picture of what they want, and are good, I like that. IMO, bands benefit from having a clear leader onstage, someone who is leading the proceedings.
The 6 piece band I was in... didn't have a clear leader onstage. The actual leader of the band stood front and center, sang just a few songs, and didn't have mic chops, even though he would introduce some songs. The one keyboard player was really good with the crowd, sang some songs, but the other keyboard player did the main singing duties. Plus the harp player sang a few, and the bass player sang a few and sometimes I would get one. So it was ambiguous but not all that terribly bad or anything.
Compare that to my trio who is a clear leader and I feel it works better, even though he isn't a great front man. But his playing is amazing so it sort of makes up for it. Someone who can really play...and has good mic chops? Got yourself a grand slam there.
From an entertainment POV...I think the audience prefers to see a strong leader. Just a guess, I have no hard proof of that.
Any thoughts, experiences, cheers, jeers?
Johnathan "Sugarfoot" Moffett had a great story where Michael Jackson asked to see him privately after a show and eventually got around to the question of how did Jonathan know to do some little something he did when Michael made a certain move. I forget his exact words, but Jonathan was just in tune with Michael. It just needed it I think he said. I love seeing things like that. It really sews up the "front" of the show with the "back" of the show. When a drummer can see the big picture and really help out the guys in the front....that's the goal right? Make them look good. Plus others start to get the idea too, hopefully. Of course this hinges on having a really good front man for best results
But with the leader thing, as long as that leader has a definite picture of what they want, and are good, I like that. IMO, bands benefit from having a clear leader onstage, someone who is leading the proceedings.
The 6 piece band I was in... didn't have a clear leader onstage. The actual leader of the band stood front and center, sang just a few songs, and didn't have mic chops, even though he would introduce some songs. The one keyboard player was really good with the crowd, sang some songs, but the other keyboard player did the main singing duties. Plus the harp player sang a few, and the bass player sang a few and sometimes I would get one. So it was ambiguous but not all that terribly bad or anything.
Compare that to my trio who is a clear leader and I feel it works better, even though he isn't a great front man. But his playing is amazing so it sort of makes up for it. Someone who can really play...and has good mic chops? Got yourself a grand slam there.
From an entertainment POV...I think the audience prefers to see a strong leader. Just a guess, I have no hard proof of that.
Any thoughts, experiences, cheers, jeers?
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