Playing and singing liver over tracks

Many musicians ask me why I play over tracks as a solo entertainer. Well, for one I'm qualified to give those who as a suitable reply. First, I've been around when large bands were popular and toured with my 11-piece show band all over the country. I've witnessed the dissolving of large band to make room for DJ's. You see DJs had something to offer the club owners. One was the fat sound of a band, and they could control the volume to accommodate smaller rooms. Secondly the big benefit was the price tag for the entertainment. Huge savings in entertainment expense. Then finally the DJs could choose from hundreds of songs, not just the 50-60 songs the bands could learn. So big bands gave away to DJs.

Then Karaoke rolled around. First with prerecorded cassette tapes, then CDs, and finally computer files that could be housed and played on a computer. No more lugging around DVD players along with hundreds of CDs. I remember them all well as I had gone that route. Buter there is something to be said for multiple band members. They have an energy on stage that one person will find hard to match. So, for me the challenge was to find a happy medium. Full sound, fewer entertainers/musicians/vocalists, to reduce the cost, and a wider selection of songs that could be played. Combine that with a charismatic front person it can be a formidable alternative to a band.

So, I invested in technology and learned how to play my instruments, sing, entertain the audience, and run the computer with software that contained DJ and KJ (Karaoke) files. I got good at doing everything seamlessly. I even built in a computer station while I was playing drums in my 4-piece band.

IN CURRENT TIMES
After Covid the music scene changed drastically. Many people don't wish to be around lots of people. They are just starting to loosen up. So, restaurants are trying to make room for entertainment with even more restrictions. Acoustic guitarist solo and duo acts are filling the gap. But if one is looking for a fuller sound the acoustic act falls short. In most instances they are musicians and lack the entertainer side of the business. So, they become background dinner music. And that's good if that's what you want.

I can play the standards, and easily listening music while entertaining people and engaging with them. Remember, all about the show. This is why I have all the equipment and technology in addition to the talent to entertain people which heightens the experience. This means more work and, in many cases, better pay for one's services.

I still have the opportunity to play my instruments, sing, and entertain while I have a full sound behind my performance. Seems to be the right timing for where we are currently. And I love the integration of the technology which allows me to replicate songs from the 40's in addition to songs with instrumentation that I don't have live on stage. Country music is a perfect example.

My midi guitar does afford me the ability to color songs with other instrumentation that a regular guitarist cannot provide.

OH, HAPPY ME!! - Thanks for reading all of this.