Audiences around the world

[wideload]

Bryant-
I had a Bob James experience at a James Taylor concert last year. Great seats (3rd row just off center at Shoreline). The couple behind us talked and talked and talked. Finally, as they started gabbing during the third song, I tapped the lady and asked Are these musicians bothering you, because I can ask them to turn down if you want. Her escort looked at me, but I present a fairly imposing figure, so they shut up. I got thanks from strangers up and down the row. They ended up leaving after the intermission. I am amazed at selfishness and lack of respect like this. If they did that to my band, I could be more understanding (although it would have been a fairly loud conversation!) because we're nobody. James Taylor has earned our attention at his shows. By the way, the only dancing was a little by the backup singers and Grey Lou (he's no longer blue) Marini!

[alemboid]

...are those musicians bothering you... Absolutely beautiful!  
 
Regardless of the band, famous or not, when they are performing, they are revealing their soul, and that deserves utmost respect.  
 
I agree, imported entertainment, whether from overseas or from across the country seems to get the benefit of the doubt of being interesting, save for local favorites.  
 
In the end, with exceptions, the U.S. audience is a tougher crowd- not because they expect so much more talent, but because in this on demand society where we get what we want instantly with the push of a button, if the art performed is lacking somehow, people turn it off in their heads and talk, not considering how others feel. Think of it like Attention Deficit Disorder, induced by commercialism, greed and the industry.  
It seems patience, courtesy and respect are hard to come by these days.
 
For what its worth, I think things are starting to change for the better- the pendulum has swung past its apex and the masses are waking. Thus the resurgence of 70's bands like Heart, Fleetwood Mac, Jackson Browne, Donna Summers, Chicago, Kansas and others. Their demographic has been long ignored, and things are changing.  
 
I really appreciate all that has been written in this thread.
 
Alembicians are deep people!
 
Bryant

[thebass]

Living and born in Germany I just want to chime in to (belgian) brother Paul: the european audience is somewhat diverse. You'll find the party chicks getting mad on the music no matter what it is as long as the musicians wear the cool stuff, the singer looks cute has a nice a**. On the same venue you'll see the never smiling guys with black shirts, standing next to the soundman: beware, this is the musicians art police. After the gig they mount themselves on the stage to tell you where you were missing a note and what you should improve. In between these two extremes you'll find any variation depending on the location were you play.

[alemboid]

Any chance the Musician's Art Police are:
 
A) Musician wannabes that can't play and are jealous, or-
 
B) Jealous musicians that will never make it to the stage but posses the ability to see what's wrong with everyone else's performance/technique?
 
Critics- can't live with them, can't live without them!
 
As a male musician, I admit I never felt at odds with female audience members that aren't to afraid to express themselves. It's cool too when guys, especially other bass players react to the sound of my MK5 and show up to talk shop about equipment.
 
We're opening for Alicia Keys this week, and the management really got a kick out of how big my bass is. (35 inch scale balance point body). They got a bigger kick out of the sound.  
 
Relating to the topic, I hope the audience is kind enough to listen! We'll see.
 
Bryant
Bryant

[palembic]

Of course you got the no-audience-at-all situation. Yesterday we played for 12 drunken people in a huge bar ...well ...huh ...we played nicely and in the end 1 drunk started dancing on a small table of doubtfull stability ...
well ....
its IS an audience
 
 
Paul TBO

[mattheus]

'Are those musicians bothering you'     BRILJANT!!!!
I must keep that line in mind.....

[alemboid]

When it comes to audiences, one thing I appreciate is that the bass owls are usually fellow bassists, and there generally is no sense of competition- just interest and support. Its hard for me to say if this is the experience of guitarists, drummers and keyboard players.  
 
More dramatic changes have happened to the electric bass in the last 20 years than to guitars. With greater choices, there is likely going to be a variety of equiment used on various gigs. Ever show up and see a bassist playing something you haven't seen? How do you feel when a bassist takes the stage playing an Alembic?
 
Talking to John Patitucci, he commented that no matter what, when he sees a bassist playing live, he will stop, watch and listen. They may have some technique or groove I've never seen, so I gotta check it out.  
 
Now, If I saw John watching me, my hands would sweat, and I'd get really nervous- not wanting to make any mistakes!
 
Enrique Iglesias was in the audience at a local jam session a couple of years ago. A friend of mine was playing, and when he was done, Enrique approached him about playing bass for him in his band, being that there was a vacancy. Of course he said yes, and the rest is history (lucky dog!)
 
You never know who is in the audience.  
 
Bryant

[effclef]

Bryant - does your friend play Alembics, too? Some months back I saw an ad on a spanish TV channel for Enrique, and there appeared to be some Alembics on stage. The ad flashed by in channelsurfing so fast I didn't get a good look.  
 
EffClef

[alemboid]

Hello Effclef,
 
Unfortunately, he doesn't play an Alembic for now- as I am always trying to convince him to try one. He has been playing a couple of Fenders and a 5 string Sadowsky that I built for him when I worked at Sadowsky.  
 
Don't give up- one day he will come around :-)
 
Bryant

[effclef]

Bryant - hmm, that's interesting. I KNOW the ad was for Enrique and I am PRETTY SURE my eyes did not deceive me. Thought I saw someone playing a Standard Point bass and there was another instrument on a stand nearby with oval fingerboard inlays. Wonder who that is? No, I haven't browsed Enrique Iglesias fan sites to check, but that may answer for sure.  
 
Alembic-spotting, gotta love it.
 
EffClef
 
PS back to the audiences subject, I think part of it is venue. Is the venue primarily a place to drink and socialize, or is it a music hall?  
 
I try to be polite toward whoever is playing and whatever their skill level. My brother and I were in a little Mexican restaurant out in the sticks and there were a couple of guys setting up. We knew the place had blues bands and looked forward to the music. Well there was one guitarist/vocalist, his drum machine, and a bassist. My brother and I paid attention, and even clapped. They were doing OK! Afterwards, the bassist came over to thank us and wondered if we were record agents!
 
It's too bad that applause can give that impression. If a band is BAD, I'll walk out, but hey, if they're trying hard, they deserve applause.

[alemboid]

I really appreciate that!
 
I wish all audiences were as sensible and courteous as you and your brother. No doubt many of these audience members would throw a fit if they were treated the way they treat performing acts.  
 
When it comes to paying $300 to see acts like Britney Spears, I'm sure people sit and listen to get their moneys worth. I'm sure anyone talking would get decked by someone trying to listen!
 
As far as I am concerned, any effort is worth consideration and respect. Like you,  better to leave than disrespect.
 
As far as Enrique's bassist, he may be using someone else with a love for the Alembic. My friend was with him from 2001 through at least mid 2003. He's been away, and he may or may be not still be playing for Enrique. His schedule had the band away almost constantly...nothing like worldwide fame! I'll see what I can find out about who is playing bass.
 
Its sad that when someone finally claps, a band has to feel that some FINALLY listened.
 
I have a show tonight, and I hope the audience at least doesn't throw tomatoes :~)
 
I'll be dishing out thick-n-juicy Alembic tone, and we'll see what the reaction will be.
 
Bryant