This was my first experience with sequences, computer programs that would produce virtual ‘music’. The idea was for seven humans to play/sing along with programmed ‘music’. Our jobs as humans were to add a live sound to the relentless perfection of the sequences, blending our humanness with the computer and masking the dry artificial sound of the programs. In so doing, we could play in any style from a small group to an 18-piece band with a string section, and nobody would notice there were only seven humans onstage (six if you discount the bandleader). It was kind of like karaoke…
There were good musicians in the band. Andrea and Jeff sang and handled the duties ‘out front’. The live horn section included trumpeter Tom and me, and
sometimes Jeff on his alto sax. We made good money. We played lots of wedding receptions and high end functions. I bought a new tuxedo.
For me, the idea and the experience of playing along with sequenced ‘music’ was difficult. I much preferred a totally live situation, but still I endured for seven years. Maybe it was the great food we got on our dinner breaks, the usual turkey club sandwich notwithstanding. Maybe it was the atmosphere. I looked pretty cool in a tuxedo.
There were moments when we went beyond the drummer/bandleader’s goddamn computer and had great moments of human music. Maybe that’s why I lasted seven years. Ultimately, I got fired, but I still look good in a tuxedo…