The Gigging Musician: How to Get, Play, and Keep the Gig [Paperback]

Billy Mitchell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2001

Packed with proven solutions developed from real-life experiences, this book by Gig columnist Billy Mitchell analyzes both the business and creative challenges of successful gigging. Articles on specific issues with landing, planning and playing gigs are backed by firsthand interviews with musicians, agents, producers and others who have handled these problems on the road and in the studio. This well-rounded reference offers practical advice and inspiring insight on everything from curbing stage fright to controlling finances. "This book is a must for young musicians ... it's a great experience." - Maurice White, Founder/Leader/Producer, Earth, Wind & Fire

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Backbeat Books (January 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879306343
• ISBN-13: 978-0879306342
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,553,206 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wide range of helpful and inspiring ideas, February 2, 2009

By 

Peter Day (Hesperia, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Gigging Musician: How to Get, Play, and Keep the Gig (Paperback)

One might expect this book by jazz pianist Billy Mitchell to be strictly a "how to," but it is so much more than that. While it certainly has a list of items to remember when gigging, the heart of "The Gigging Musician" are it's interviews with musicians in the trenches and insightful and inspiring words from Mitchell himself.

There's a lot to glean from chapters featuring interviews with musicians extraordinaire Joe Sample and Karen Briggs. Seeing what they've learned from being on the road and playing numerous gigs is invaluable. But it's the chapters on the dangers of drug use during gigs, women on the road and the different types of band leaders that are unexpectedly helpful.

This little book -- "The Gigging Musician" is less than 150 pages -- is hard to put down. It's extremely interesting and inspirational.

1.0 out of 5 stars Doesn't deliver, November 25, 2011

By 

Hank Chinaski - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Gigging Musician: How to Get, Play, and Keep the Gig (Paperback)

Although speckled with some wise words "getting the gig"
doesn't deliver as far as a do it yourself companion. It is
basically a collection of interviews with established musicians
describing their personal experience. It's an interesting read
but it's out dated and out of touch. Fails as a handbook to an
up and coming musician and the current situation one faces
when chasing the gig and dealing with booking agents
and club promoters in todays night clubs, coffee houses,
festivals etc.

5.0 out of 5 stars A True Gem, December 18, 2010

By 

Elizabeth MacFarland - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Gigging Musician: How to Get, Play, and Keep the Gig (Paperback)

This is a wonderful book for any musician contemplating a life as a professional. It is filled with sound, common sense advice and cool observations on the music business. It also contains bios of working musicians to give insight as to how their careers began, and how they sustain them. I loved this book in every way and got a lot of good practical information that will help as I build on my career as a professional vocalist. Thank you Billy Mitchell!