Seeking Justice for Musicians in Jazz Clubs

[circh bustom]

I may have misread what you meant Josiah. My apologies. At first I thought you were defending the article, but after re-reading your post and your follow-up I can see that wasnt necessarilly the case. Again, my apologies.
As far as the hobby thing, music is a hobby. We can wax poetic about how we need it to survive and all that, and I agree to a certain point. But just because you play, or even play well, doesnt mean anyone DESERVES to make a living playing music. There is a reason very many people have said over the years that it is a major major risk. Because it is. If you throw your hat into the ring and come up against adverse situations, it"s not really anybody's problem but your own. Not trying to be mean, just realistic. It's hard enough to survive with a legit job, much less one that is so subjective like music or art. It's entertainment for both sides. Those listening are entertained and the ones doing the entertainment are doing the thing they love to do the most. Being a musician is like opening a store or a restaurant, just because it's open for business doesn't guarantee that you will be successful. You have to LOVE the negative side of the business. it's easy to love the good stuff. We can talk about how it's sad that old jazz guys are poor and have no health benefits or pension and all that, but come on, they played with their instruments as their job. People who do back breaking work for years have no pension or health benefits as well. Musicians don't deserve anything that everybody else doesn't also deserve.
I really like DSOP's idea for live streaming as not only as chance for me to "see" a live show from the Baked Potato while in New Jersey, but as an extra revenue source for the musicians and club owners alike.

[Kurtis]

live streaming as not only as chance for me to "see" a live show from the Baked Potato while in New Jersey, but as an extra revenue source for the musicians and club owners alike.

Youtube. Dimeadoozy. So i have to wait a day or so until it hits the net. might not be the entire show but it's good enough.

[DSOP]

Youtube. Dimeadoozy. So i have to wait a day or so until it hits the net. might not be the entire show but it's good enough.

The idea is for musicians to make some money from the video. Not take it up the ass from YouTube or dimeadouchebag.

[circh bustom]

^^ I agree. Im not against musicians making some coin. I use youtube because its there, but the problem is the quality is hit or miss. The streaming with a fee would demand higher quality picture and sound. Dime has never really worked out for me, and the quality there isnt always great either. But, Kurtis is not alone in his thoughts. Right there is an example of how the general public feels about music. Like Gaddabout said earlier, the people have spoken.

[DSOP]

Right there is an example of how the general public feels about music. Like Gaddabout said earlier, the people have spoken.

I understand that. What I don't understand is when musicians themselves perpetuate it. We should be trying to help each other, not leech off of each other.

[circh bustom]

Good luck on that one. Just because we are all musicians, doesnt mean we are all alike in other ways. Here in Jersey musicians undercut other musicians constantly., Going rate for a 4-5 piece band playing 3-4 45-60 minute sets is down to about 400$. Used to be 750$-1000$ less than 10 years ago. As I said before, I dont mind cause I love to play. Although, my wife prefers if the gigs don"t COST me $$$$, hahaha. It's kind of adapt or die.

[Josiah]

A couple sites stream from their clubs. I don't think it's very popular though.

As an example, I know a few do, but don't really bother to watch. Also given the performances are in different time zones and usually when I'm out playing.

[circh bustom]

Ive always seen the streaming the few clubs have as an afterthought. If they made it more of a priority, it might work out better. Id gladly pay 10$ to sit at home and watch say Stern with Weckl on my big screen thru my good stereo.

[Rhythmatist]

Good luck on that one. Just because we are all musicians, doesnt mean we are all alike in other ways. Here in Jersey musicians undercut other musicians constantly.

Chicago too...As soon as it's known that a new venue has opened the vultures are out there offering to play for half...even FREE at times. Just frustrating. These clowns get in because they drag their aunts and uncles and cousins in for one night and the club owners think they have a rabid following and they continue to book these sad bands even after the family has stopped coming and the place is empty. They deny like crazy...nobody came because the big fest in the next burb; the Bulls are in the playoffs, the weather was too cold/warm/perfect yada yada. Book a decent band, give them a few shekels for their trouble and post some flyers or something. Unbelievable how many club owners who don't promote their own venue even from inside the venue itself...Jeez put up a freakin' dry erase board with the names of this week's bands. Some of these places don't even promote on their own websites!

Whew! okay, deep breath...enough venting for now.

[Kurtis]

Why stop at jazz musicians? There are thousands of ways to make a living or make some quick cash. Millions of scenarios. Sure it's nice to help out your own craft. You just have to take the punches. Deal, adapt and move on. Change is great even if it kills off a style of music. Jazz will always be there. How about the person who salts the roads when it's icy conditions out. I'm sure those cats would like a few more bucks for thier efforts. Look up that forum. They are screaming for recognition. You wanna hear people bItch go to Maine and talk to A person who has been fishing the sea for 5 decades and see how they have been fucked by supply and demand. i really got nuthin tonight.

Go Patriots!