Hiring musicians for a jam session

kevin65

I haven't played in a band for a good while now, and was thinking of organising a jam session.

However, I don't want the hassle of dealing with potential gobsh*tes, so was thinking of hiring a bass player and drummer for a jam session.

Has anyone here done this, how did it work out?

raindog.promo

Haven't done it. Sounds expensive.
Would you be expecting the hired musicians to come up with stuff themselves or to play according to your specifications (playing what you tell them to)?

Herb Powell

I honestly don't see how this would be any better than just jamming with some people. In fact it just sounds horribly awkward.
Just meet up with some people, and if it doesn't go well, be adults about it.

kevin65

The plan would be to give them a set list. I know it sounds a bit clinical, but just don't have the patience in dealing with egos, no-shows, etc.

Malice

Herb Powell wrote: »

I honestly don't see how this would be any better than just jamming with some people.

When there's money involved I'd hope that the people being paid would be more inclined to turn up and do the necessary work.

Herb Powell

kevin65 wrote: »

The plan would be to give them a set list. I know it sounds a bit clinical, but just don't have the patience in dealing with egos, no-shows, etc.

I suppose, if you have your stuff together already then they're llike session musicians.

Rigsby

If you can afford it, then it seems like a good idea. Unless you have your own place to jam, then that would be an extra cost. Usually the cost of a rehearsal room is shared by the players, because they all want to play or jam. The hired players may not necessarily want to jam for the sake of it, but are doing it for the money. They may not want to give a portion (or all, depending on the agreed price) of it towards a rehearsal room that they dont particularly want to be in. It may not work out this way, but is worth considering.

kevin65

The plan would be that I arrange and pay for rehearsal space and pay the musicians for their time.

Rigsby

kevin65 wrote: »

The plan would be that I arrange and pay for rehearsal space and pay the musicians for their time.

You must have really got messed around by time wasters previously, to go to this expense for a jam.

Hope it works out for you.

kevin65

Thanks. In fairness, I have been lucky in the past to have played in bands with people who were both great musicians and great friends. However, at the moment, free time is limited, so I don't wish to waste it

paligulus1

This is interesting. Is the goal to practice your playing in a live band setting? Or do you intend to gig?

kevin65

No intentions to gig, just for jam session, bit wouldn't rule it out depending on how things went if I decide to go ahead with it.

MagicMarker

kevin65 wrote: »

Thanks. In fairness, I have been lucky in the past to have played in bands with people who were both great musicians and great friends. However, at the moment, free time is limited, so I don't wish to waste it

So you'd rather waste money instead?

Just put on a CD and play along, it's much cheaper.

Rigsby

MagicMarker wrote: »

So you'd rather waste money instead?

Just put on a CD and play along, it's much cheaper.

C'mon !! Everyone knows (or should do) that playing with other musicians is light years different to playing along to a CD.

As for your first comment, yes it is expensive, but if the OP wants to do it (which he obviously does), enjoys it, and avoids time wasters, then it's hardly a waste of money.

Brinimartini

kevin65 wrote: »

I haven't played in a band for a good while now, and was thinking of organising a jam session.

However, I don't want the hassle of dealing with potential gobsh*tes, so was thinking of hiring a bass player and drummer for a jam session.

Has anyone here done this, how did it work out?

Where are you based?
I might jam just for the fun of it
I'm a bass player

kevin65

Brinimartini wrote: »

kevin65 wrote: »

I haven't played in a band for a good while now, and was thinking of organising a jam session.

However, I don't want the hassle of dealing with potential gobsh*tes, so was thinking of hiring a bass player and drummer for a jam session.

Has anyone here done this, how did it work out?

Where are you based?
I might jam just for the fun of it
I'm a bass player

Based in Galway, sorry for not replying before now.

drummer76

I'm a drummer might be interested too, what would the setlist be? I wouldn't charge especially if you were covering the cost of the rehearsal room. Where are you based? Wheres the studio you would use?

sorry just noticed your last reply I'm in dublin so its a bit too far for a jam session, sorry