Getting the right people to play music can be difficult...

I know from experience that choosing a song that is well liked by all, and can be played well by all, can be a problem. Some like hard rock, some like ballads while others like classical. One might be very familiar with a particular song, another might not be or not enthusiastic about it. Musicians who read music do not have these problems. My friends and I do not read music, and that accounts for most of our problems.

The other night we were discussing entertainment for the dinner and it was then that I realized that the saxaphonist is actually a music teacher who plays the violin as well...and probably some other instruments. He related to us about a wedding event which specified a white grand piano. A check in Ipoh found only one in the top floor of a hotel! The rental quoted was Rm1,500! Anyway, the point I am trying to make is, can an amateur drummer play something with a proper musician? He said he can play anything provided there is a music sheet or whatever is the proper term for it. Suddenly, everything has to be proper. Then we have a singer who has his pre-recorded songs minus the vocals for his singing! I was expecting something impromtu like a jam session, but with a proper musician, it is going to be difficult. Earlier, not knowing his standard, I even suggested playing simple bass to accompany him, but having heard him used to playing with a double bassist, I am not going to even try!

Earlier, I half-jokingly said I will play drums solo, but I have tried and found it really tough without a proper plan. One has to be really good to play drums solo because hitting drums and cymbals and hi-hat is just making noises and without music, it can be terrible! This reminds me of the Elvis of Malaysia who refused to sing because there was no music to accompany him in those days when karaoke was unheard of. Therefore, with this in mind, I should stay clear of drums solo!

My suggestion was some music to liven up the evening before the dinner starts. If the performers are own members, then even if there were no chance to play because of time pressure (expected long political speeches), it would be ok.

If the three of us cannot combine, then it might be 'to each his own': me playing drums with a CD, singer accompanied by his pre-recorded music, and saxaphonist playing solo!
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