Looking for approaches to solo GJ gigs

colorado_hick · 10:45AM

I have some opportunities to play some background music at a small hip place cocktail bar in my community. I have my share of solo gigs over the years but usually do more of a songster / swing / American songbook with vocals and such but the venue is really going for that antique Parisian vibe.

Id love some suggestions for how folks handle solo GJ gigs? Id think some of the more ballad stuff goes over better?

On a related note if there is anyone in this community that would want to come to the Paonia / Hotchkiss area of western Colorado a couple times a month and get a regular thing going let me know!

flaco · 11:10AM

I feel like this has been asked before, and people acited like the idea of using a looper or backing tracks is lame. The suggestions were mostly to either find/train someone to play backup for you, or work up solo arrangements of the music. Personally I can see situations where it would be ok to use a looper. At least then you are providing your own accompaniment.

flaco · 11:13AM

This guy used to post some cool solo arrangements, but he hasn’t been active lately. I’m not sure if this fits “antique Paris vibe”, but I like it.

https://youtu.be/MXAan1baUhM?si=tyxwsDThMHbG9cOF

Jangle_Jamie · 11:32AM

I record my own backing tracks, mostly with twin rhythm guitars and a fretless acoustic bass. I can then interpret the tunes in my own way, and I often slow things down a bit (mainly to give me a fighting chance of decent solos, but also to allow the listeners to be a little more relaxed as it's background music!). Tunes like Seul ce Soir and Out of Nowhere work nicely at their usual tempos, but some faster songs work very well slowed down a bit - Douce Ambiance is great as a slow piece. Also There Will Never Be Another You dialed back a bit, more akin to how Ella sang it. Troublant Bolero and Danse Norvegienne are also nice played a bit slower. You can always throw a few quick ones in if you find people are actually watching/listening!

I have used loopers in the past, but there's always the initial chord work which goes on a bit long, especially on some tunes. Couple that with the live looper element where little things including timing can go slightly wrong, and I prefer recording and playing my own backing tracks. I have about 25 now.

Good luck!!