What do your bandmates play?
In the same spirit as 1-1 meetings, nothing is more important than Rhythmic conversations with peers and partners. It is complicated, as for most of your career, you are “competing” with them, imagining that only one of you will get the step up. There is truth in that, but also that without good relationships, you will become more and more insulated. To stay with the musical metaphor, without the band, the lead guitarist is flashy… but rarely would be recognized. So, who are your “bandmates”, and how do you sort out how to partner with them?
We might not have known about Bo again except for his constant partner, Jerome Green. He started with Bo on the street corner, and his Maracas kept the time, allowing Bo to develop his complicated syncopated Rhythm. Bo even honored him with his own track, Bring it to Jerome. With that novelty, he invented a completely new type of music, making him a rare “crossover” colored artist that Alan Freed featured in his concerts for white audiences. With that introduction, he toured the UK with the Everly Brothers, Little Richard, and an unknown local blues band fronted by a singer who played Maracas… The Rolling Stones.
Today’s track is another one that was a B side for Bo, and a minor hit, only important because it came out on his first “album” in 1958. In that era, the money was made on 45/singles, and albums were somewhat of an afterthought. Chess/Checker would release 11 albums of his music between 1958 and 1963. After that, it would be copied and re-released by The Yardbirds, The Stones, and most importantly, Eric Clapton on his Journeyman album (and a B Side), where it became a number 9 hit, capitalizing again on white audiences.
How do you share the spotlight?
As you get to “the table,” everyone there is charged with accomplishing things that are not achievable alone… and most got there by being independent and not exposing any weakness. Having been there, and now working with people who are there, they all have some things that they don’t want others to know. A good definition of a true partner is “someone who knows something difficult about you but will never disclose it.” I would add the compliment — stronger partnerships are formed when you ask for help…
… which is also not well-practiced. In the quest to look “buttoned up”, “perfect”, “has it under control”, many miss that it is easy to tell you are mostly fooling… no one. Everyone knows their faults, and by continuing to pretend you don’t, you resemble Mary Tyler Moore in Ordinary People — who, in trying to keep up the facade, literally cracks. In my conversations with partners, I found that my best question was, “What are your goals for the year?” Followed by “How can I/we help?” There are many stunned looks in my memory, followed by some real conversations that helped create bonds that last... many to this day.
Rhythm is ALWAYS about partners…
Realizing that we need each other to be successful makes you realize… together is way more fun. This may be why Rhythm players like drummers and Maracas players have started many bands. They literally can’t do it alone. Well, they can, but they look silly.
As you contemplate your steps forward this year, look for who is on the journey with you. If you are playing solo, you may want to consider what other band members you need. And ensure you have plenty of time for “band practice” — finding ways to actually work together on simple things so when the hard things come, you will have an established Rhythm of partnering. It is worth investing in your Management Hygiene… and this important perspective on partnering from Bo —- Before You Accuse Me (Take a Look at Yourself. 😉
