Concert goers who attend events at Scotiabank Place or the NAC often stroll by the telltale signs of musicians on the road … the big tour busses and tractor trailers full of gear.  Inside we see crews of people running around doing final preparations after equipment has been loaded in, set up, lines and wires run, etc. etc.  Some concert DVDs show a complete set up, through time lapse photography, from empty site to concert start.  It’s incredible to see the teamwork, coordination and communication that need to go on just so we can sit and enjoy a large show.  Quite the production.  Just watch the credits following a concert video and you’ll see all those listed, from publicity, legal, catering, transport, design, sound and lighting crews who work behind the scenes.  That’s what it’s like for those musicians who achieve “star power” by selling mega quantities of their cd’s, earning their record label scads of money hence winning the financial backing to pay for their high production shows.  For the “stars” it becomes a way of life for as long as they can muster enough support through their sales.  It’s competitive, big business.  Musicians come and go from this crazy, glamorous life, from one hit wonders to a select few multiple decade icons like Willie Nelson, Bruce Springsteen or Steve Earle, each with their own scary stories of just how crazy life on the road can be. What we hear little about are the back up musicians who come and go.  Some go from tour to tour, backing the A level entertainers while trying to fit in development of their own careers.  I remember watching guitarist Buddy Miller back Steve Earle and Emmylou Harris on tours for years, all the while developing his own reputation as a producer, singer / songwriter until he could go on his own full time and make a living.  It’s a huge step to go out on your own.  In the bigger scheme of things though, there are very few musicians at that glamorous level, making decedent sums of money.  By far, most are struggling, trying to make ends meet, always dreaming of that new angle to bring the gravy train their way, all the while working their craft for the sheer love of it.  It takes years to pay their dues.  Prior to joining Stacey Earle, guitarist Mark Stuart backed many stars in his teens and early 20’s. This quote from Mark show’s just how things change when you step out on your own.  Regarding playing with Steve Earle’s back up band, The Dukes … "I had someone tuning my guitar, strapping on my guitar," he said. "Now we carry our stuff three flights up in the Red Roof Inn."

I speak of all this because I watched the Hootenanny Revue set up at McDonald’s Corners and couldn’t help think of all the times I’ve watched an arena show do the same.  Here was a stage full of gifted singer / songwriters like Jenny and Dan Whiteley, Luther Wright, Jim Bryson, Carolyn Mark, Joey Wright all working their tails off to set up their equipment, all to create their own magic together.  Jenny amazed me, putting props in place, tuning her guitar, providing directions to bandmates and sound tech, arranging the cd sales area with her mother, all cuz that’s what you do to make a buck in the music business.  No big busses or transports here.  They had already played several shows throughout the Valley night after night, the Black Sheep in Wakefield the day before, with one day off to get to the next night’s gig in Toronto to play several shows there… quite the energy level and commitment, all for the love of their craft. The smiles on their faces showed they loved what they were doing.

Meanwhile Jenny has to be a juggling master to handle her roles as mother, partner, songwriter, booking agent, travel conniver, not to mention somehow scheduling in time from their constant travels across the country to have the child she’s now carrying.  Maybe some of it is innate, having been born into such a musical family for she seems to be mastering the process. 

Talk to any struggling musician and you’ll begin to realize just how challenging it is to gain some recognition for your talents.  Hours are spent not just on their craft but developing contacts.  Computers, the world wide web and it’s fast growing facilitating programs like email has completely revolutionized one’s ability to “get oneself out there”.  Where once you’d put together a cd and send copies to all the radio stations and record labels, now these music business folk are using programs like myspace.com and youtube.com  to gain exposure all around the globe.  They are one dedicated lot and deserve all the support we can give.  They are brave souls who aren’t afraid of the daunting challenge.  Bless ‘em all.

Christine Graves is busy these days.  She’s been performing her jazz styling’s with Clay Young at the Goodwood Oven on Thursday’s and will be playing at the Factory Grind on May 24th backed by a wonderful band. She’s promoting her latest stunning cd “Wreckless Daughter”.  The concert will feature special guests from Malaika singing harmony vocals and Fred Guignion on electric and acoustic guitars. In concert, Graves uses vocal improvisation to play with her outside-the-box sense of melody.  It’ll be an enjoyable show.  Contact Factory Grind for tickets.  Thank you, Factory Grind for bringing so much live music to our faire shire.  An enjoyable atmosphere.

Music on McLean is hosting Brock Zeman with Dan Walsh, Corin Raymond and Andrew Neville on Friday May 25th.  Call Sue at 267-7902 to reserve tickets.

 

 

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