We added a Cajon player ... what do you think ?

GibbyPrague · #1 03-23-2013, 02:09 AM

We were looking to add some depth and texture to our sound, and as it seems my singer will never learn to play the guitar we decided to go after a Cajon player.

We finally found a good match and did our first gig together last week.

Have to say at least from our point of view it felt really good, the sound was meaty and also having the drummer really allowed me to lock in and focus on the groove.

Anyway, would be keen to get your feedback, and also any suggestions for improvement and we further explore that path.

cheers,
GB

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Hg_C30swF4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MxvqOCWRKk

Bern · #2 03-23-2013, 02:36 AM

Can he cook ?

Honestly, from your live performance it's very hard to form an opinion. Do you have any studio type recording you can post ?

GibbyPrague · #3 03-23-2013, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bern

Can he cook ?

Honestly, from your live performance it's very hard to form an opinion. Do you have any studio type recording you can post ?

Nothing from studio Im afraid, you really cant hear the Cajon, to my ears its quite clearly heard ??

Bob1131 · #4 03-23-2013, 04:56 AM

I think it's a good addition, Mark. I prefer to add a bass to our live act before adding percussion, but that's just the sound I like. However, the response of your live audience will be the ultimate indicator of improved sound and the audience in the clip seemed to like it.

GibbyPrague · #5 03-23-2013, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob1131

I think it's a good addition, Mark. I prefer to add a bass to our live act before adding percussion, but that's just the sound I like. However, the response of your live audience will be the ultimate indicator of improved sound and the audience in the clip seemed to like it.

Thanks for commenting Bob. We thought about bass as my singer can play it but we felt that I cover a lot of the bass notes with the acoustic and the solid stread beat helps the groove and to keep time.

Plus as you noted it seems to be really enjoyed by the audience and we got a lot of positive feedback afterwards from the regular bar flies.

cheers.

GibbyPrague · #6 03-23-2013, 05:17 AM

double post.

millerzj · #7 03-23-2013, 06:03 AM

I think you'll find playing with a percussionist will add a lot to your live shows. Something primal about percussion that people seem to be drawn to. I love playing acoustic stuff with a fellow musician who can add to the mix with cajon, maracas, tambourine and such. I know a guy I've jammed around with who converted an old leather over wood samsonite suitcase to a "kick" drum and plays a variety of other percussion instruments.....always a good time to jam with him and it adds a lot to the music. With the style of music you guys go after I think it'll work well.

BUDSTER · #8 03-23-2013, 09:20 AM

I think it sounds great and to me nothing better suits acoustic music than the cajon. I have a cajon player join me for most of my live gigs and to me it adds whole new dimension to the act. As you also said, it adds a great groove for you as a guitar player that picks up the whole room.

Bud

Jeremy · #9 03-23-2013, 09:27 AM

I like it, Mark. The percussion adds a nice new dynamic to the songs.

williejohnson · #10 03-23-2013, 02:03 PM

I like the addition Mark, I think the live sound is much fuller and I imagine that it allows you to dig in a bit more in certain places.

Willie

khedquist · #11 03-23-2013, 04:27 PM

We added a percussionist, congas, cajon, and lots of jangling things. He sings too. Really fills out the rhythm section with our bass player. He keeps us in better time too. You will be glad you did.

GibbyPrague · #12 03-24-2013, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by millerzj

I think you'll find playing with a percussionist will add a lot to your live shows. Something primal about percussion that people seem to be drawn to. I love playing acoustic stuff with a fellow musician who can add to the mix with cajon, maracas, tambourine and such. I know a guy I've jammed around with who converted an old leather over wood samsonite suitcase to a "kick" drum and plays a variety of other percussion instruments.....always a good time to jam with him and it adds a lot to the music. With the style of music you guys go after I think it'll work well.

Yep, the 'primal' aspect is of having voice, acoustic and percussion is killer combo and we really felt the crowd also feel it. It feels like a good direction.

GibbyPrague · #13 03-24-2013, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BUDSTER

I think it sounds great and to me nothing better suits acoustic music than the cajon. I have a cajon player join me for most of my live gigs and to me it adds whole new dimension to the act. As you also said, it adds a great groove for you as a guitar player that picks up the whole room.

Bud

Cheers Bud, and often when you strip it back, its all about the 'groove'.

GibbyPrague · #14 03-24-2013, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy

I like it, Mark. The percussion adds a nice new dynamic to the songs.

Thank you Jeremy, glad you give it a thumbs up as youre the AGF expert of tasty multilayers !

GibbyPrague · #15 03-24-2013, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by williejohnson

I like the addition Mark, I think the live sound is much fuller and I imagine that it allows you to dig in a bit more in certain places.

Willie

Defintely allows me to dig in a lot more Wilie. I really like hearing a strong beat and groove and allows me to lock in and let it rip a bit ..... plus it has the additional benefit of keeping me in time ....