[russellxenia]

I was at a festival this weekend and saw a guy playing in a gazebo. He had some computer hook up, but didn't get to see his setup. Anyway, to make a long story short, he was either playing with background tracks, like a play along cd or to midi files. Anyone tried this? I was trying to see his set up, but couldn't tell and the group I was with wasn't interested in what he was doing.

 

[Bill Mecca]

check these threads

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?t=30319&highlight=solo+gigs

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?t=37960&highlight=solo+gigs

there are various setups, some use CD, some used Mini disc, others use midi, some use BIAB (band ina box) because the playing is slightly different each time you hit play. others use Ipods or mp3 players into Amps, small PA systems etc.

good reading to be had.

I sat in with a duo once (guitar and drums) that used an old DOS version of Cakewalk Live, because it was the only one that would let him change the set list while a tune was playing.

 

[Al Stevens]

http://www.playalongstudio.com

 

[Bernards20040]

Thanks AL

 

[Dave Collins]

I use tracks whenever I don't have a band available. It's different playing with a track. It's rough not being able to "feed" off of the band, but it is one exercise that can make you a better musician. After hours of playing with the same tracks, you'll be forced to find more/more creative ways to play the same stuff. It's allowed me to stretch out creatively.

I don't recommend tracks as a substitute for a band, but it's not going to hurt you to have it as a tool in your arsenal.

Dave

 

[gary]

I was at a festival this weekend and saw a guy playing in a gazebo. He had some computer hook up, but didn't get to see his setup. Anyway, to make a long story short, he was either playing with background tracks, like a play along cd or to midi files. Anyone tried this? I was trying to see his set up, but couldn't tell and the group I was with wasn't interested in what he was doing.

Dude - Mother Nature says "It's not nice to double post". (and it's contrary to forum policy - clutters up the forum and doesn't consolidate the responses). I suggest those wishing to respond go to:
http://www.saxontheweb.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=58656

 

[SAXISMYAXE]

Thanks Gary, and right you are.
I've merged both threads into this one, so post all responses here.

For the record, it is against SOTW rules to post the same inquiry/subject in multiple forums.

 

[russellxenia]

I apologize! I thought I deleted the other when I figured it would be better in the working saxes section. Thanks for the info!

Ed

 

[SAXISMYAXE]

No harm done my friend. My comment was for the benefit of those who might not be savvy to this posting rule, and not directed toward you specifically.

Thanks.

 

[russellxenia]

Mike,

It wasn't taken personally. I just didn't want to offend anyone.

Cheers!

Ed

 

[paulbrodt]

I would stay away from play along tracks or backgrounds. I'm not saying that you can't get something useful from it at all, but in my experience I have seen it do more harm than good. I have heard several Sax players from the Abersold generation and while they might be proficient in theory and technique their musicality is at a very low level. I would proctice or play unaccampanied before I would play with a track. Actually this is the way that I practice any new tune. Playing with out chords or rhythm behind you forces you to play the right harmony and with good time.

 

[Bill Mecca]

I use backings all the time when I practice or play, just used some outside at lunch today. makes the whole deal a heckuva lot more fun,. YMMV.

I believe I posted this comment a while back in another thread, probably one of the two I linked to earlier, but according to my friends who play there, many of the Casinos in Atlantic city are booking smaller groups, trio, maybe a quartet if you're lucky, and most of the bands wind up using tracks to one degree or another.

 

[Guest]

Dude - Mother Nature says "It's not nice to double post". (and it's contrary to forum policy - clutters up the forum and doesn't consolidate the responses). I suggest those wishing to respond go to:
http://www.saxontheweb.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=58656

gary: Your link leads nowhere. :?

 

[Guest]

russellxenia:
If the guy you saw playing was using a laptop, he was probably using some kind of program like Band-in-a-Box. BIAB's main advantage over CD tracks it that you can control tempo, you can select playing styles (Jazz, rock, classical, etc.), you can transpose keys automatically.

You can also find hundreds of BIAB music files here.

I started using BIAB (version 2007) a few months ago and am very pleased with it.

 

[gary]

gary: Your link leads nowhere. :?

Thanks Gary, and right you are.
I've merged both threads into this one, so post all responses here.

 

[Al Stevens]

BIAB's main advantage over CD tracks it that you can control tempo, you can select playing styles (Jazz, rock, classical, etc.), you can transpose keys automatically.

Its main disadvantage is that it doesn't really know how to play the piano.

 

[EZ]

Dave Collins -

Please email me.

[email protected]