Entertainment offices often
book an exceptional pia-
nist who can do the work
of two for the price of one.
It should be a crime. Some-
times the player knows in
advance there won’t be
a bass player; sometimes
not. It’s hard work! The gig
bears no relation to art. To
Marty, it’s literally, manual
labor!
At the end of the gig, his
energy is low and he’s not
that never seems to appear. As
looking forward to reversing the
gig time approaches, the task
turns to hunting for a garage or three hour journey home. He
a lot that might cost $30 or $40. breaks down his gear and leaves
it stacked, waiting to be loaded,
But it’s not just the expenses of
hoping it doesn’t get stolen
the gig; it’s the stress of being
on time. Marty’s a conscientious while he’s retrieving his car, as so
often happens in NYC.
guy who gives 100%.
So he plays the gig. It’s a party. Walking long city blocks is un-
pleasant in the dead of winter
There’s no bass player. So, he
has to do the work of two musi- and in the sweltering summer.
cians, playing the bass parts with As he walks, he calculates. Five
his left hand while his right hand hours on the road, then carting,
setting up and breaking down,
plays the chords and melody.
NJ STAGE 2017 - Vol. 4 No. 8
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