[Frank D]

Did a sub job last night on the recommendation of a sax player who I'm loosely acquatinted with. This morning I got an email offering me 7 dates with the band. Mostly "junk" gigs, low pay weeknights. I enjoyed playing with them and would like to take the gigs, but what's my position relative to the guy who recommended me as a sub for the first gig? Do I call him and ask if he minds? I don't think he cares, he's a busy guy and has plenty of other gigs that pay a lot more. I don't want to appear like I subbed once and stole his gig, I want to keep the contact on a good level.

 

[Pete Thomas]

I would ring him.

 

[JL]

Do I call him and ask if he minds? I don't think he cares, he's a busy guy and has plenty of other gigs that pay a lot more. I don't want to appear like I subbed once and stole his gig, I want to keep the contact on a good level.

I'd definitely give him a call, be right up front and see if you can verify that he doesn't care. It's hard to say on limited data, but from what you describe, it kind of sounds like your friend might not have time for this band, and he and they are looking to replace him. But you need to find out exactly what's going on, both in an ethical sense, and for your own purposes, especially since you enjoyed playing with the band.

 

[saxphil]

Give him a call Frank, clear your head.

 

[martinm5862]

How would you be stealing the gig? The band obviously wants you. He's not a good friend(you said you were loosely acquainted with him). Also, this is the band's first gig so it's not like stealing a position the guy was settled in. No matter what you do, he's not going to be happy but whenever someone sends a sub theres is always the risk of losing the gig. If you turn down the gig there is also the possibility that the first guy wouldn't get the gig anyway.

 

[martinm5862]

I'd definitely give him a call, be right up front and see if you can verify that he doesn't care. It's hard to say on limited data, but from what you describe, it kind of sounds like your friend might not have time for this band, and he and they are looking to replace him. But you need to find out exactly what's going on, both in an ethical sense, and for your own purposes, especially since you enjoyed playing with the band.

He said he was loosely acquainted.

 

[Swampcabbage]

Sounds like the band needs a "sub" for the "junk" gigs. And if he is a busy pro. Chances are it is all cool.

HOWEVER, call him out of respect to him. It will pay back in a good reputation. If this other guy is a busy pro and you "snake" the gigs. Don't expect to do anymore sub work for him on any of his good paying work. Just saying. That's how it roles sometimes.

 

[hgiles]

Yeah, I am guessing he's ok with it, assuming the band offered him the 'junk' gigs first. But call him just to be sure and keep things out in the open.

 

[hgiles]

One more thing...you can't 'steal' someone's gig anymore than someone could 'steal' your gig.

 

[elguapo]

Sounds like the band needs a "sub" for the "junk" gigs. And if he is a busy pro. Chances are it is all cool.

HOWEVER, call him out of respect to him. It will pay back in a good reputation. If this other guy is a busy pro and you "snake" the gigs. Don't expect to do anymore sub work for him on any of his good paying work. Just saying. That's how it roles sometimes.

+1 I would call the guy out of professional courtesy.

 

[Jazzed]

Definitely call him-- he'll respect you for being honest. You'll possibly avoid an uncomfortable confrontation later on- well worth a 2 minute phone call.

 

[whaler]

Call the guy. You don't want to be marked as the character that runs after people taking their work. I have people around here that do that and they get placed on the "lame list" pretty quick with me. But then, if you play better and they want you, the band should make that call.

 

[JL]

He said he was loosely acquainted.

That doesn't matter. Friend or 'loose aquaintance", it's the same situation.

But I do agree, the ultimate decision is up to the band or band leader.

 

[DTExpress]

Minchfister!!

 

[wheels410]

It will pay back in a good reputation.

+1.

 

[JL]

Minchfister!!

Say what?????????

 

[sonnymobleytrane]

Gotta Call. You wouldn't have played the gig you did without the guy calling you as a sub. You owe him the call.

 

[Jazz House]

I would ring him. He shouldn't really mind. He's probably got other gigs.

 

[AmandasDad]

Sounds like you already know the situation.....the band has more gigs than this guys can attend (or won't play for under a minimum amount).
So he gets the high paying nights & you get the "junk gigs".

Call him to verify, you don't want bad blood between the two of you, even if it is a "loose acquaintance". Or even worse, bad blood in the band if members have to take sides because of a riff that may arise from not talking to the "acquaintance".

 

[bstrom]

I guess first I would e-mail them back saying "I want the gigs but what about the other guy that called me as a sub?" Then you might find out some information. When you have that information then you may or may not decide to call the guy to talk to him.