Jason Heath recently posted a video post about subbing out a steady gig for a more lucrative one.
Jason’s post, while speaking specifically about classical playing, hits the nail on the head for jazzers of all ilk. What to do when a small restaurant steady (maybe $60 a night) goes up against a $300 one-off? My inclination is that, in the jazzosphere, the scales a bit towards taking the bigger gig. Especially if it’s a chance to play with new players. Unlike an orchestral setting, almost everyone you play with at a jazz gig will have some opportunity to call on a bass player for a gig. This is unlike most orchestras, where personnel managers or contractors are the ones doing all the hiring.As Jason explains, though, there are times when taking the bigger gig can do serious damage to a sure thing for a one-time high. If you do decide to sub out a gig, then there’s the problem of finding a sub who is more than capable of playing the gig, but won’t woo the bandleader into replacing you (something I experienced with a very good friend of mine). Oh! what a tangled web we weave.
Tags: Classical, gigs, subbing out, Videos
Thanks for posting this, Matt! I can totally see how this applies to the jazz world. It’s tough, but oftentimes it seems like those acquaintances in the $50 gig scene over time become acquaintances in the more lucrative scenes as well. Being cavalier about subbing out may help folks in the short term but give them a shady reputation over the long term, and when that contractor for the $50 gig ends up hiring the run of “Wicked”, who will they turn to–the reliable and loyal player or the guy who always subs out at the last minute?
It’s such a difficult balance. It’s funny you mention Wicked – one we’re going to see again in a couple weeks – my jazz teacher is playing that gig.
There’s a ton of money to be made in the pit and a lot of times those contractors are local jazzers that sure do remember those moments on the phone at the last minute trying to replace you.
On a side note, this type of post is my favorite type from you – one that takes little time commitment (short posts or video posts that can be listened to while doing other things) yet contain very deep truths of our profession.
Good on ya!