Everything you said about Broadway in Nashville is true. I am still here after 30+ years and in the 90's I played 2 shifts for 6 years long. First band was 6:00pm to 10:00pm and best shift was 10:00pm to 2:00am. No breaks during the shift, so I relieved myself during the band change. The 90's was when things really opened up down on Broadway, so there were a few new clubs. Now there is even more. We learned the tunes on stage. Usually the song leader would name the key and we'd just wing it. Sometimes the song started and if I didn't know the key, then I had to hear it or figure it out very quickly. No rehearsals ever, but you get good and tight fairly quickly. So I played 8 hours a night, 5 nights a week. My chops have never been better and I loved it. We got a $40 per man and tips. Some nights were good money, but not always. It was a great scene and all the musicians were friendly and helpful. Anybody can do it if you've got a good ear and you are determined.
A former student of mine was a Tootsie's regular for years up until Covid finally took it's toll financially and he's had to move back "home". I can't imagine having an extensive catalog of songs like that in your brain and ready to improvise the ones you don't know. I have to practice through much repetition to get a song installed in my brain.
Yo I relate to this one, I stumbled into theatre gigs and ended up music directing/gigging at the state theater of nc for 15 years, then back to the grind lol. also young players learn to read standard notation for good paying pro gigs!
I was lucky enough to visit Nashville earlier this year for 2/3 nights, I loved visiting as many honky tonks as I could, and was blown away by the musicianship of virtually everyone there. Seemed like almost everyone had their phone/ small tablet clipped to their mike stand, guessing they were using them to call up chord charts on requests they hadn't learnt prior to the show. Also noted that is a real bonus to the band if you can sing, many of the bands I saw would rotate the lead vocalist throughout the set, and some even swapped around instruments. A great way to keep everyone fresh over a 4 hour set. I am too old now and too far away but I would have loved the opportunity to play Broadway. Your point about not being a dick in either situation applies broadly to all bands, heck, even life in general, or should do.
I'm astounded this fantastic discussion doesn't have more views. Keep it going guys all of you at Casino Guitars are greatly appreciated. Thank you for these amazing insights.
Great chat---really enjoyed hearing the stories and experiences. Yes, Broadway has already announced they will be dark into 2022, very sad. So, Baxter...thats where The Strokes memories come from!
All true about Nashville. Here's another musical town: New Orleans! (my hometown) It's much the same set up as Nashville, except that the live music bars are scattered all over the city, with a handful of clusters. (Bourbon st, Frenchmen st, Freret st, etc) A working musician in New Orleans also has a list of songs he/she MUST know, and they depend largely on tips. Caveat: That's all pre-COVID. Live music clubs in New Orleans have been shut down now for 7 months, and the musicians are really struggling. As an alternative, "Front Porch Concerts" have sprung up in the older parts of town. Private home owners arrange fora group of musicians to play on their front porch, and invite the neighborhood. The audience is encouraged to tip generously, in order to "keep the music culture alive." New Orleans is a very walkable town, and neighbors typically carry lawn chairs, coolers, kids, dogs, etc, and walk to a Front Porch Concert closest to their house. I've played several, including one yesterday. Tips vary widely; the lowest I've heard of is about $100, but we got over $500 yesterday, with probably 150 people in attendance from 3-6pm.
LOL-I was cast in a local production of "The Buddy Holly Story" as the 2nd guitarist in the Clear Lake concert scene. And, I was cast as the Harmonica Player during Eyesight to the Blind in "The Who's Tommy." A gig is a gig!
That’s a sad story and I fear we may have a repeat with the shutdown this and next year for many amazingly talented people. Thanks a bunch for watching and sharing with us all.
I play on Broadway in Nashville. And the only “wrong” statement is about the empty rooms. Unfortunately, some really good bands get stuck in shitty rooms sometimes and have to try twice as hard to fill a room. Rippys side room is a prime example. I’ve seen some great bands in there playing for no one because people assume they suck because the room was empty.
Proper comment there and thank you for sharing that thought. I will promise to scold Jonathan thoroughly:) seriously thank you and I couldn’t agree more, good correction on our idiotic rambling! Best to you and hope it keeps picking up for y’all!
I've been stuck playing Rippy's side room before. That's definitely one I don't miss. 😂 You're right, there are definitely some good bands that get stuck playing empty rooms and there are times when it's just bad luck of the draw. Thanks for watching!
that is the way the Beatles got "good" by playing 8 hr "shifts" in Hamburg to "mach show" (bring in the people to drink beer) .. and work 18,000 hours before making it ...
45 seconds of prep time, knowing 400 songs, 4 hour sets with no breaks. Amazing skill you guys have! I would like to know who came up with $27 for 4 hours....not 25....not 30.....27 lol
It was the split for a band with electric guitar, bass, drums, and a male and a female vocalist. Lol. So basically 135 split 5 ways for 4 hours. 🤷♂️ I always thought it was funny.
It’s funny I stumbled across this video. I spent many a nights in Paradise Park fighting my way across the stage area to get to the bar. My buddies and I stated just ordering pitchers and drinking out of the pitcher because it was awful to try and get back past the live band.
Jonathan or Baxter...did either of you come across any really cool/unique pieces of gear while playing Broadway? Pawn shop finds, gear that other players' owned, etc.
Honestly, that was one of the coolest things about Nashville. There was always cool and sometimes quirky gear that had been used by so and so, or was on a session with somebody, etc. Usually it wasn't really big names, it was behind the scenes folks, but it was cool how it made you feel connected to the scene and the history.
Thank you, months of training and prep went into that and it paid off:) seriously though thank you for the kind words, means a lot and thank you for watching!
I couldn't do it in New York. Nashville i could do it. I can't read music but I've always played by ear. The band im in now we've had one practice but we play shows every week. No need to rehearse
Everything you said about Broadway in Nashville is true. I am still here after 30+ years and in the 90's I played 2 shifts for 6 years long. First band was 6:00pm to 10:00pm and best shift was 10:00pm to 2:00am. No breaks during the shift, so I relieved myself during the band change. The 90's was when things really opened up down on Broadway, so there were a few new clubs. Now there is even more. We learned the tunes on stage. Usually the song leader would name the key and we'd just wing it. Sometimes the song started and if I didn't know the key, then I had to hear it or figure it out very quickly. No rehearsals ever, but you get good and tight fairly quickly. So I played 8 hours a night, 5 nights a week. My chops have never been better and I loved it. We got a $40 per man and tips. Some nights were good money, but not always. It was a great scene and all the musicians were friendly and helpful. Anybody can do it if you've got a good ear and you are determined.
A former student of mine was a Tootsie's regular for years up until Covid finally took it's toll financially and he's had to move back "home". I can't imagine having an extensive catalog of songs like that in your brain and ready to improvise the ones you don't know. I have to practice through much repetition to get a song installed in my brain.
Yo I relate to this one, I stumbled into theatre gigs and ended up music directing/gigging at the state theater of nc for 15 years, then back to the grind lol. also young players learn to read standard notation for good paying pro gigs!
I was lucky enough to visit Nashville earlier this year for 2/3 nights, I loved visiting as many honky tonks as I could, and was blown away by the musicianship of virtually everyone there. Seemed like almost everyone had their phone/ small tablet clipped to their mike stand, guessing they were using them to call up chord charts on requests they hadn't learnt prior to the show. Also noted that is a real bonus to the band if you can sing, many of the bands I saw would rotate the lead vocalist throughout the set, and some even swapped around instruments. A great way to keep everyone fresh over a 4 hour set. I am too old now and too far away but I would have loved the opportunity to play Broadway.
Your point about not being a dick in either situation applies broadly to all bands, heck, even life in general, or should do.
"The neon lights they shine so bright, on Broadway." Thanks for the Insight guys, interesting info.
"The Grind", in whatever form it takes, is the best thing for any musician to go through! Trial by fire.
They sure ground me up nice and good:)
I'm astounded this fantastic discussion doesn't have more views. Keep it going guys all of you at Casino Guitars are greatly appreciated. Thank you for these amazing insights.
Nothing better to wake up to! Thanks guys.
Thanks for waking up with us. 🙂
Thanks from the funny looking one as well!
Great chat---really enjoyed hearing the stories and experiences. Yes, Broadway has already announced they will be dark into 2022, very sad. So, Baxter...thats where The Strokes memories come from!
Fascinating. Thanks. I look forward to the video where you talk about why you both decided to leave NY and Nashville.
Many memories of seeing Stacy Mitchhart at Bourbon St. Blues and Biggie Bar, on Printer's Alley. The place was always packed.
All true about Nashville. Here's another musical town: New Orleans! (my hometown) It's much the same set up as Nashville, except that the live music bars are scattered all over the city, with a handful of clusters. (Bourbon st, Frenchmen st, Freret st, etc) A working musician in New Orleans also has a list of songs he/she MUST know, and they depend largely on tips. Caveat: That's all pre-COVID. Live music clubs in New Orleans have been shut down now for 7 months, and the musicians are really struggling. As an alternative, "Front Porch Concerts" have sprung up in the older parts of town. Private home owners arrange fora group of musicians to play on their front porch, and invite the neighborhood. The audience is encouraged to tip generously, in order to "keep the music culture alive." New Orleans is a very walkable town, and neighbors typically carry lawn chairs, coolers, kids, dogs, etc, and walk to a Front Porch Concert closest to their house. I've played several, including one yesterday. Tips vary widely; the lowest I've heard of is about $100, but we got over $500 yesterday, with probably 150 people in attendance from 3-6pm.
Awesome insight from different perspectives! Buddy Holly was an awesome performance, saw it twice!
LOL-I was cast in a local production of "The Buddy Holly Story" as the 2nd guitarist in the Clear Lake concert scene. And, I was cast as the Harmonica Player during Eyesight to the Blind in "The Who's Tommy." A gig is a gig!
My uncle was an excellent piano player who did Broadway and off-Broadway shows for years. Sadly, he died essentially penniless.
That’s a sad story and I fear we may have a repeat with the shutdown this and next year for many amazingly talented people.
Thanks a bunch for watching and sharing with us all.
I play on Broadway in Nashville. And the only “wrong” statement is about the empty rooms. Unfortunately, some really good bands get stuck in shitty rooms sometimes and have to try twice as hard to fill a room. Rippys side room is a prime example. I’ve seen some great bands in there playing for no one because people assume they suck because the room was empty.
Proper comment there and thank you for sharing that thought. I will promise to scold Jonathan thoroughly:) seriously thank you and I couldn’t agree more, good correction on our idiotic rambling! Best to you and hope it keeps picking up for y’all!
I've been stuck playing Rippy's side room before. That's definitely one I don't miss. 😂 You're right, there are definitely some good bands that get stuck playing empty rooms and there are times when it's just bad luck of the draw. Thanks for watching!
Love this guys ,Thanks , I So like the gig stories ...
Fascinating anecdotes, to say the least, and told very well, but this video gave me the ‘fourth A’-Anxiety!
I really enjoy listening to you guys! Hope to visit someday.
Thanks! Hope to see you!
Very good show. And absolutely what I needed this morning after a fire in our kitchen last night. Light & personal.
that is the way the Beatles got "good" by playing 8 hr "shifts" in Hamburg to "mach show" (bring in the people to drink beer) .. and work 18,000 hours before making it ...
Definitely!
The odd looking one couldn’t agree more!
@@CasinoGuitars which one's the odd looking one? 🤷♂️😂
8 days a week!
@@CasinoGuitars hmm. since we all look odd, it's hard to tell ...
I dream to play the Bluebird in Nashville!
This is definitely one of my favorite Casino episodes
45 seconds of prep time, knowing 400 songs, 4 hour sets with no breaks. Amazing skill you guys have! I would like to know who came up with $27 for 4 hours....not 25....not 30.....27 lol
It was the split for a band with electric guitar, bass, drums, and a male and a female vocalist. Lol. So basically 135 split 5 ways for 4 hours. 🤷♂️ I always thought it was funny.
Ye no joke for you there Jonathan...:) $27 champ we call him!
@@CasinoGuitars I know, I know, they were overpaying me.
@@guitarjonathan couldn’t agree more!
It’s funny I stumbled across this video. I spent many a nights in Paradise Park fighting my way across the stage area to get to the bar. My buddies and I stated just ordering pitchers and drinking out of the pitcher because it was awful to try and get back past the live band.
Request to see you two Jam!!! All of you guys actually! Bet it'd be really fun. Id watch it man!!!
Jonathan or Baxter...did either of you come across any really cool/unique pieces of gear while playing Broadway? Pawn shop finds, gear that other players' owned, etc.
Honestly, that was one of the coolest things about Nashville. There was always cool and sometimes quirky gear that had been used by so and so, or was on a session with somebody, etc. Usually it wasn't really big names, it was behind the scenes folks, but it was cool how it made you feel connected to the scene and the history.
This was cool. Thanks!
Thanks for watching and thinking so!
Thank you!!
Awesome video guys!!
Great stuff!
I love Broadway in Nashville. It’s my favorite place in the world to be and play. But not a fan of Cole Swindell lol
23:51 I just wanted to take a moment to tell y'all how Casino Guitars has changed my life! 😅❤️🏁🍾
Baxter, have you ever played on Broadway with the drummer Carter McLean?..he is now the drummer for the Lion King? Love your channel!
I am ashamed to admit how much time I spent in Brass Stables in my early 20’s. I cracked up at the mention
Lol phenomenal intro to the video.
Thank you, months of training and prep went into that and it paid off:) seriously though thank you for the kind words, means a lot and thank you for watching!
🤔😂😂😂
Would the Baxter Bobble Head fit on on a Belt Buckle
I couldn't do it in New York. Nashville i could do it. I can't read music but I've always played by ear. The band im in now we've had one practice but we play shows every week. No need to rehearse
Three "A's" and B,C (Be cool)
Great one! I am going to use that:)
@@CasinoGuitars do it.
Lol
Hi is it okay if you give me a guitar
Hi my name is Jaden
You dudes are the anti-Anderton's thank god
How do 2 guys who didnt make it, make a video about making it? Looks like both work in a guitar store in NC. HMMMMM