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Bits and Bytes
On the bandstand, in the middle of a tune, is it okay to move your lips while you're counting?
—Patient Percussionist
Dear PP:
Of course—if you don't, you'll sound really strange.
Dear Mr. P.C.:
I saw someone post on Facebook, just before a gig: "Hurry down—we're selling out!"
My question is, are they selling out of seats, or selling out musically?
—Donnie
Dear Donnie:
There's no difference. Think about it: How do you sell out a room? By selling out musically! This isn't news to purist jazz musicians, who secretly envy the sellouts' sellouts.
Dear Mr. P.C.:
So with the ever-present question of "selling out," my question for you is this:
Is it better to alienate your audience by playing complicated original music, or to lift their spirits playing standards you can't stand?
—Dave the Dichotomist
Dear Dave:
If the only thing that lifts their spirits is seeing you miserable, what kind of people are they? Go ahead and play your original music—they deserve it.
Dear Mr. P.C.:
What's the best way to go about firing someone, a long-time band mate who just isn't playing that well anymore?
—Mercy Killer
Dear MK:
Can he hear? Can he see? Does he have full bowel and bladder function? Without this information I can't answer your question, but I do know that if the answer to all three is "yes," there's really no reason to fire him.
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