Ticked Off Musicians

For those of you who have played a lot of shows (supper clubs) and have come across temperamental and difficult artists (read singers) you might enjoy this story. The situation happened in Montreal at the Skyline Hotel. Well, this male singer was booked for a week at that Montreal club. It was apparent from the beginning he was going to give the band a difficult time. His mistakes or miscues were the band's fault. He found something to complain about at every turn. He rode the group ( about an eight piece band ) pretty hard at the rehearsal without much resolution. Needless to say, the musicians had it up to "here" with the guy. Apparently this singers reputation preceded him.

It was at the rehearsal that they collectively decided to get even with him and possibly teach him a lesson. The singer's opening number was "From This Moment On." It was an up-tempo Jazz chart, a real swingin' arrangement and was appropriate as an opener. Well the guys in the band got together and added two beats at the bar that had the word "on." (a sustained note) 

However they did rehearse the opener correctly at the rehearsal. Well, let me tell you the singer was having a "bird" after the first show. For the entire week he was beside himself. One night that spot had two beats added.. and on another night it had four beats added. The conspirators added beats to other words that were sustained.

He said, "I don't understand it. I've sung this tune for over ten years but can't seem to find the "feel" anymore." "I just can't understand it." "I don't seem to know where I am on this tune and it's my opener.  It's really got me upset and I dread singing it."

Since the entire band played the chart with the added beats exactly, it sounded normal and correct. Little did the singer know that the band was altering the chart. Not having any formal musical training he wasn't able to pin-point the problem.

I guess it pays to be respectful to the band, especially musicians in Montreal that can be quite mischievous when they get ticked off.