One man show... piano / keyboard, non-vocal... any thoughts?

[BrianT]

Thanks, Gary, you really have given me a lot to think about.

You're right, I'm sitting at a crossroads and I still don't know exactly which road ahead I'll take. Continuing with the crossroads analogy, there isn't any traffic behind me pushing and I don't have to decide which way I'm turning instantly. And hey, a logical and desirable choice could present itself in the next few days and entice me in a particular direction. I'm trying to keep an open mind, about the familiar, and about the not so familiar and exploring options that aren't geared so much towards a solo act as to just some basic performance. I'm starting to connect with some people in various settings that are quite diverse.

I truly "can" do a lot. And I know myself well enough to know that the best things I ever do tend to happen when I step out of my comfort zone. Just how far I want to push that at this stage in my life, not sure yet. The years are sneakin' up on me. (Won't be long before I might just hang up the idea of doin' much for money other than just the occasional gig cause I feel like it. Retirement funds aren't that far off.)

Again, thanks for the input. I do appreciate it.

 

[guscar66]

Hey guys. Have been tossing around something in my mind, not sure if it's viable or practical. Thought maybe I'd just toss the idea out and see what you guys might think.

Was in a trio for the past 2 years. Short version of the story, drummer / leader died a couple of weeks ago. No more trio. The other guy hasn't wanted to continue. So, it's just me trying to figure out what comes next.

One thing that's possible is "background" for restaurants, parties, that kind of thing. Very doable. But I have one other idea.

Anybody remember Victor Borge? I was a fan. I loved his show. He usually played a few actual tunes. He fooled around in comical fashion. He told jokes. He sometimes had other people that would play minor roles. And he put on a "show".

I'll never be a Victor Borge. But I have wondered whether I might be able to put something like that together (?) and make it work for, say, a 1 hour show. I'm really not a singer, though I potentially could do a number or two. But I'm pretty good at being on a stage. Did a tiny bit of acting and MC'ing years back. Clowning around wouldn't be that hard to do. But most of that was 40+ years ago and I'm not so sure we live in the same world anymore.

I tend towards jazz standards if just sitting down to play but can throw in some fun or more recent stuff as well. And I'm pretty good at throwing out things maybe not unexpectedly... like last week just jammin' with my nephew... playin' "Ain't Misbehavin'" and somehow ending up playing "Rubber Duckie". LOL! (I've got more.)

Another direction I could easily go, I played church music for half a century and have a lot of offertories in my brain from stuff I've done over the years. Could easily do an hour or more of that kind of thing with a few stories to go with, some perhaps amusing. Different genre, for sure, but easily under hand. (I don't think this and the more secular show would actually mix, but might be a different show.)

Seriously, what do you think? Silly idea? Or maybe something there worth exploring? Any examples come to mind of people you've seen that you could share? Dunno, maybe there just aren't many people doing things like that. I know there are not around here. Around here, there are dozens who do "classic rock", "county", "Elvis", stuff like that, and a dime a dozen. I don't have much interest going down that road. But I do know that the jazz trio was doing pretty well competing with all of that.

Anyway, glad for thoughts if you wanna share, good or bad. Have nothing invested yet so nothing lost if I finally decide it's a stupid idea. LOL!

Our drummer ----previously keyboard player in two man combo, doing pubs and clubs for nigh on twenty years came across similar. In his case the pub/club scene was pretty much decimated by COVid ---etc. and his mate (guitar) then just felt to old start again. He thought about soloing in open mic ----or backgrounding in pubs. Thing is as he said ---it was really a team game----it just didn't feel right --alone. He now just plays with our group not performing but we play sets , not just 'jamming' ----maybe one day we will have enough confidence to branch out ---BUT we all enjoy the camaraderie of just sharing the playing experience . I found similar during my Ice hockey career------could have been a referee, (good income) but referees are lonesome---its not the team game I signed up for. You are obviously a good confident performer and musician so you will do well whatever you choose.

 

[JerseyGuy]

Hey guys. Have been tossing around something in my mind, not sure if it's viable or practical. Thought maybe I'd just toss the idea out and see what you guys might think.

Was in a trio for the past 2 years. Short version of the story, drummer / leader died a couple of weeks ago. No more trio. The other guy hasn't wanted to continue. So, it's just me trying to figure out what comes next.

One thing that's possible is "background" for restaurants, parties, that kind of thing. Very doable. But I have one other idea.

Anybody remember Victor Borge? I was a fan. I loved his show. He usually played a few actual tunes. He fooled around in comical fashion. He told jokes. He sometimes had other people that would play minor roles. And he put on a "show".

I'll never be a Victor Borge. But I have wondered whether I might be able to put something like that together (?) and make it work for, say, a 1 hour show. I'm really not a singer, though I potentially could do a number or two. But I'm pretty good at being on a stage. Did a tiny bit of acting and MC'ing years back. Clowning around wouldn't be that hard to do. But most of that was 40+ years ago and I'm not so sure we live in the same world anymore.

I tend towards jazz standards if just sitting down to play but can throw in some fun or more recent stuff as well. And I'm pretty good at throwing out things maybe not unexpectedly... like last week just jammin' with my nephew... playin' "Ain't Misbehavin'" and somehow ending up playing "Rubber Duckie". LOL! (I've got more.)

Another direction I could easily go, I played church music for half a century and have a lot of offertories in my brain from stuff I've done over the years. Could easily do an hour or more of that kind of thing with a few stories to go with, some perhaps amusing. Different genre, for sure, but easily under hand. (I don't think this and the more secular show would actually mix, but might be a different show.)

Seriously, what do you think? Silly idea? Or maybe something there worth exploring? Any examples come to mind of people you've seen that you could share? Dunno, maybe there just aren't many people doing things like that. I know there are not around here. Around here, there are dozens who do "classic rock", "county", "Elvis", stuff like that, and a dime a dozen. I don't have much interest going down that road. But I do know that the jazz trio was doing pretty well competing with all of that.

Anyway, glad for thoughts if you wanna share, good or bad. Have nothing invested yet so nothing lost if I finally decide it's a stupid idea. LOL!

 

[JerseyGuy]

Doing a musical comedy act is a tough sell as well as a lot of pressure on you. I would see if you can get a steady piano gig and try bantering with the people between songs. Hopefully a setup where people are seated near you AKA piano bar style. Yes you need a mic so others can hear. Engage people and have fun. Singing would be a big big plus Theres a few Dueling Piano acts here and they do well. Not true dueling pianos but a comedy show with familiar songs and group participation. Good Luck

 

[BrianT]

Our drummer ----previously keyboard player in two man combo, doing pubs and clubs for nigh on twenty years came across similar. In his case the pub/club scene was pretty much decimated by COVid ---etc. and his mate (guitar) then just felt to old start again. He thought about soloing in open mic ----or backgrounding in pubs. Thing is as he said ---it was really a team game----it just didn't feel right --alone. He now just plays with our group not performing but we play sets , not just 'jamming' ----maybe one day we will have enough confidence to branch out ---BUT we all enjoy the camaraderie of just sharing the playing experience . I found similar during my Ice hockey career------could have been a referee, (good income) but referees are lonesome---its not the team game I signed up for. You are obviously a good confident performer and musician so you will do well whatever you choose.

Thanks for chiming in.

Just went to a jam session last night. It's not real close to home, there's a couple of hours driving involved to go, but I had met some of these guys last year, kinda on a whim. (And some of these guys are GOOD!) They have asked me to be a part of the house band a few times, and I have done that. Sounds important, basically you get a meal comped and a cut of the tip jar. But it's not why I started going. It was more a matter of getting out among other musicians, being challenged with music I wouldn't necessarily pick for myself, and doing a little growing personally.

Going to the jam last night was really kinda therapeutic for me. I needed to get out and play again, and the laughing and clownin' around, and all of that stuff that comes with it, I needed that, too.

Yeah, there were times when the guy (drummer/band leader) was a pain. There were times I even wanted to quit. But in the end, he became one of my best friends. "Thursdays with Jerry." No other day seemed to work. So far, the other guy, (bass & vocals) doesn't seem interested in getting back in the saddle. He already does solo work on his own and has all he wants. I guess the personal side of it kinda hit harder than I expected.

So when you use the word "camaraderie", it rings a bell.

Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated.

 

[BrianT]

Doing a musical comedy act is a tough sell as well as a lot of pressure on you. I would see if you can get a steady piano gig and try bantering with the people between songs. Hopefully a setup where people are seated near you AKA piano bar style. Yes you need a mic so others can hear. Engage people and have fun. Singing would be a big big plus Theres a few Dueling Piano acts here and they do well. Not true dueling pianos but a comedy show with familiar songs and group participation. Good Luck

Thanks, JerseyGuy,

Ya know, I'd kinda had that general thought in the back of my mind... the idea of doing something more low-key to start with, and if it's regular, perhaps adding just a bit of fun / lighthearted stuff, one tiny bit at a time, seeing where something like that might go. I have a couple of places in mind where that very idea might work well. Will be talking to them soon.

Thanks for chiming in! Appreciate it.

 

[happyrat1]

 

[crackerjack]

Hey guys. Have been tossing around something in my mind, not sure if it's viable or practical. Thought maybe I'd just toss the idea out and see what you guys might think.

Was in a trio for the past 2 years. Short version of the story, drummer / leader died a couple of weeks ago. No more trio. The other guy hasn't wanted to continue. So, it's just me trying to figure out what comes next.

One thing that's possible is "background" for restaurants, parties, that kind of thing. Very doable. But I have one other idea.

Anybody remember Victor Borge? I was a fan. I loved his show. He usually played a few actual tunes. He fooled around in comical fashion. He told jokes. He sometimes had other people that would play minor roles. And he put on a "show".

I'll never be a Victor Borge. But I have wondered whether I might be able to put something like that together (?) and make it work for, say, a 1 hour show. I'm really not a singer, though I potentially could do a number or two. But I'm pretty good at being on a stage. Did a tiny bit of acting and MC'ing years back. Clowning around wouldn't be that hard to do. But most of that was 40+ years ago and I'm not so sure we live in the same world anymore.

I tend towards jazz standards if just sitting down to play but can throw in some fun or more recent stuff as well. And I'm pretty good at throwing out things maybe not unexpectedly... like last week just jammin' with my nephew... playin' "Ain't Misbehavin'" and somehow ending up playing "Rubber Duckie". LOL! (I've got more.)

Another direction I could easily go, I played church music for half a century and have a lot of offertories in my brain from stuff I've done over the years. Could easily do an hour or more of that kind of thing with a few stories to go with, some perhaps amusing. Different genre, for sure, but easily under hand. (I don't think this and the more secular show would actually mix, but might be a different show.)

Seriously, what do you think? Silly idea? Or maybe something there worth exploring? Any examples come to mind of people you've seen that you could share? Dunno, maybe there just aren't many people doing things like that. I know there are not around here. Around here, there are dozens who do "classic rock", "county", "Elvis", stuff like that, and a dime a dozen. I don't have much interest going down that road. But I do know that the jazz trio was doing pretty well competing with all of that.

Anyway, glad for thoughts if you wanna share, good or bad. Have nothing invested yet so nothing lost if I finally decide it's a stupid idea. LOL!

I am a pianist, and have over 300 jazz standard rhythm track available for purchasing (bass, drums, Latin perc), to allow you to continue sounding like a trio.. I have been using them for 35 years, constantly updating. All sections marked, (A, B, A' Solo 1 etc.....) sequenced from my fake books. Write to (e-mail address removed) for list,demo and prices. Live demo at www.cjjazz.com

 

[crackerjack]

Hey guys. Have been tossing around something in my mind, not sure if it's viable or practical. Thought maybe I'd just toss the idea out and see what you guys might think.

Was in a trio for the past 2 years. Short version of the story, drummer / leader died a couple of weeks ago. No more trio. The other guy hasn't wanted to continue. So, it's just me trying to figure out what comes next.

One thing that's possible is "background" for restaurants, parties, that kind of thing. Very doable. But I have one other idea.

Anybody remember Victor Borge? I was a fan. I loved his show. He usually played a few actual tunes. He fooled around in comical fashion. He told jokes. He sometimes had other people that would play minor roles. And he put on a "show".

I'll never be a Victor Borge. But I have wondered whether I might be able to put something like that together (?) and make it work for, say, a 1 hour show. I'm really not a singer, though I potentially could do a number or two. But I'm pretty good at being on a stage. Did a tiny bit of acting and MC'ing years back. Clowning around wouldn't be that hard to do. But most of that was 40+ years ago and I'm not so sure we live in the same world anymore.

I tend towards jazz standards if just sitting down to play but can throw in some fun or more recent stuff as well. And I'm pretty good at throwing out things maybe not unexpectedly... like last week just jammin' with my nephew... playin' "Ain't Misbehavin'" and somehow ending up playing "Rubber Duckie". LOL! (I've got more.)

Another direction I could easily go, I played church music for half a century and have a lot of offertories in my brain from stuff I've done over the years. Could easily do an hour or more of that kind of thing with a few stories to go with, some perhaps amusing. Different genre, for sure, but easily under hand. (I don't think this and the more secular show would actually mix, but might be a different show.)

Seriously, what do you think? Silly idea? Or maybe something there worth exploring? Any examples come to mind of people you've seen that you could share? Dunno, maybe there just aren't many people doing things like that. I know there are not around here. Around here, there are dozens who do "classic rock", "county", "Elvis", stuff like that, and a dime a dozen. I don't have much interest going down that road. But I do know that the jazz trio was doing pretty well competing with all of that.

Anyway, glad for thoughts if you wanna share, good or bad. Have nothing invested yet so nothing lost if I finally decide it's a stupid idea. LOL!

 

[crackerjack]

Hey guys. Have been tossing around something in my mind, not sure if it's viable or practical. Thought maybe I'd just toss the idea out and see what you guys might think.

Was in a trio for the past 2 years. Short version of the story, drummer / leader died a couple of weeks ago. No more trio. The other guy hasn't wanted to continue. So, it's just me trying to figure out what comes next.

One thing that's possible is "background" for restaurants, parties, that kind of thing. Very doable. But I have one other idea.

Anybody remember Victor Borge? I was a fan. I loved his show. He usually played a few actual tunes. He fooled around in comical fashion. He told jokes. He sometimes had other people that would play minor roles. And he put on a "show".

I'll never be a Victor Borge. But I have wondered whether I might be able to put something like that together (?) and make it work for, say, a 1 hour show. I'm really not a singer, though I potentially could do a number or two. But I'm pretty good at being on a stage. Did a tiny bit of acting and MC'ing years back. Clowning around wouldn't be that hard to do. But most of that was 40+ years ago and I'm not so sure we live in the same world anymore.

I tend towards jazz standards if just sitting down to play but can throw in some fun or more recent stuff as well. And I'm pretty good at throwing out things maybe not unexpectedly... like last week just jammin' with my nephew... playin' "Ain't Misbehavin'" and somehow ending up playing "Rubber Duckie". LOL! (I've got more.)

Another direction I could easily go, I played church music for half a century and have a lot of offertories in my brain from stuff I've done over the years. Could easily do an hour or more of that kind of thing with a few stories to go with, some perhaps amusing. Different genre, for sure, but easily under hand. (I don't think this and the more secular show would actually mix, but might be a different show.)

Seriously, what do you think? Silly idea? Or maybe something there worth exploring? Any examples come to mind of people you've seen that you could share? Dunno, maybe there just aren't many people doing things like that. I know there are not around here. Around here, there are dozens who do "classic rock", "county", "Elvis", stuff like that, and a dime a dozen. I don't have much interest going down that road. But I do know that the jazz trio was doing pretty well competing with all of that.

Anyway, glad for thoughts if you wanna share, good or bad. Have nothing invested yet so nothing lost if I finally decide it's a stupid idea. LOL!

I am a pianist, and have over 300 jazz standard rhythm track available for purchasing (bass, drums, Latin perc), to allow you to continue sounding like a trio.. I have been using them for 35 years, constantly updating. All sections marked, (A, B, A' Solo 1 etc.....) sequenced from my fake books. Write to (e-mail address removed) for list,demo and prices. Live demo at www.cjjazz.com

 

[BrianT]

I am a pianist, and have over 300 jazz standard rhythm track available for purchasing (bass, drums, Latin perc), to allow you to continue sounding like a trio.. I have been using them for 35 years, constantly updating. All sections marked, (A, B, A' Solo 1 etc.....) sequenced from my fake books. Write to (e-mail address removed) for list,demo and prices. Live demo at www.cjjazz.com

Impressive! Thanks for sharing! You have a good thing goin'.

 

[mwtzzz]

Hey guys. Have been tossing around something in my mind, not sure if it's viable or practical.
...

Anyway, glad for thoughts if you wanna share, good or bad.

If you find a venue where it's an intimate type setting where you can pull it off, why not? I would think it'd have to be a quieter place like a restaurant or something.

I've got a guitarist friend whose band is doing an audience participation type thing where they encourage the audience to sing along and they've got a "wheel" that a member of the audience will get invited to spin which randomly lands on a song that they then have to play. They're having a lot of success with this, drawing big crowds and getting booked a lot.

 

[PianoVST]

Many routes to go, starting with stand up, Weird Al Yankovic, or Mr Bean playing air drums!
Equip yourself with crazy and funny effects.