Ah, playing gigs—especially jazz gigs with talented musicians who also happen to be your buddies—is like hitting the trifecta of musical joy. Here’s why:
Jazz is a conversation, and when you’re on stage with musicians who “get it,” it’s like speaking a secret, unspoken language. A glance, a nod, a tiny smirk during someone’s solo—it’s pure magic. You’re creating something ephemeral, alive in that moment, and gone when the final note fades. That shared artistry binds you together, friend or stranger alike.
In jazz, the sheet music is just a suggestion. The real fun begins when you step off the map into uncharted territory. Someone throws in a reharmonization, or the drummer shifts the groove, and suddenly, you’re all navigating a thrilling musical rollercoaster. When you’re playing with friends, that trust amplifies the excitement—you can take risks knowing they’ve got your back.
Even in the smallest café or most random backyard party, the audience’s vibe can electrify a gig. When they’re with you—snapping, clapping, or just quietly soaking it in—it’s a reminder that your art has meaning. And let’s be real, the jazz cats in the front row are always ready to give you that affirming head-nod during a killing solo.
Good musicians who are also friends make the pre- and post-gig rituals just as enjoyable as the performance. There’s nothing like that post-gig hang at the 24-hour diner, swapping stories about the wild chord changes or the bass player’s ridiculous scat solo. It’s a chance to laugh, connect, and deepen those friendships that keep you grounded in this unpredictable music world.
Sure, the pay isn’t always great, but getting compensated—even a little—to create something you’d probably do for free? That’s a win. Plus, the money tastes sweeter when it’s earned doing what you’re passionate about.
Every gig has its own quirks—a power outage, a perfect improvisation, or that time the saxophonist accidentally spilled a beer on the setlist. These moments turn into stories, and stories turn into lifelong memories.
So, whether you’re swinging through “All of Me” with your favorite quartet or tearing up a spontaneous blues with your trio of ride-or-die jazzers, every gig is a treasure trove of connection, excitement, and joy. And when you’re with people who make you laugh just as hard offstage as they inspire you on it? That’s the dream. 🎷❤️
Ah, the ugly side of gig life—the flip side of the jazz coin, where reality crashes the afterglow of a killing solo. Let’s unpack it with the same honesty and affection, because it’s all part of the musician’s path.
Let’s address the elephant in the green room: the pay. Jazz gigs often come with checks so small they look like tips, not wages. You might start wondering if the venue owner thinks you run on the sheer calories of applause. And yet, you keep saying “yes” because it’s not about the money—it’s about the art. But here’s the kicker: art doesn’t pay the rent. That disconnect can weigh on your spirit and wallet alike.
The gigs aren’t always local. In fact, they’re often so far-flung you start calculating travel time in playlists rather than miles. Endless driving on a shoestring budget, fueled by gas station coffee and vague hope, can wear you down. And let’s not forget load-ins and load-outs in sketchy weather while your bass amp mocks you from the trunk.
Even the tightest bands hit sour notes offstage. Egos flare, creative differences emerge, or someone just keeps forgetting their gear. Playing with friends can soften the blow, but even your favorite drummer can test your patience after the 15th argument over tempo.
The jazz life runs on vampire hours. Gigs that end at midnight lead to 2 a.m. arrivals at home, with gear to unpack and adrenaline to shake off. The cycle repeats, leaving you sleep-deprived and socially out of sync with the day-walking world.
Your gig calendar might look full, but it’s often marked by absences in someone else’s life. Missed anniversaries, skipped dinners, and nights spent far from your partner or family can strain even the strongest relationships. The beauty of jazz feels bittersweet when it’s at the cost of someone you love waiting for you to come home.
Here’s the tough truth: while you’re chasing the highs of your musical passion, the rest of life keeps moving. Career opportunities, financial stability, and even hobbies outside of music often fall by the wayside. You’re not just investing time and money into your craft—you’re sacrificing other dreams and possibilities in the process.
It’s ironic, isn’t it? The very thing that fuels your soul—the love of music’s complexity, its challenges, its transcendent beauty—can also be your Achilles’ heel. You chase it like a moth to the flame, knowing full well it might burn you. And yet, you go willingly, because how could you not?
Acknowledging these challenges doesn’t mean giving up—it means getting real about what this life costs and deciding where to draw your boundaries. You’re not wrong for loving jazz with all your heart, but you also owe yourself a sustainable way to live that doesn’t drain your finances, energy, or relationships.
Because here’s the thing: music is worth the struggle, but so are you. 💙