I think the most important component of a band is that the people need to be good people, get along and treat each other with respect. If that's the case in your new band I suggest to tough it out a little longer. Maybe your enthusiasm and passion for playing will provide a stimulus to the other guys. You make be able to get them to kick it up a notch and have a real good , fun band. Good luck to you.

Do it for the LOVE of playing.Clapping Happy2

It's hard to replace the chemistry you had with the one band. Despite the personal and ego clashes it sounds like you all played very well together. That's hard to replace and might take some time to find a good fit elsewhere. I have played with some excellent musicians that had chops galore......but the soul of a tin can. And it was a constant clash and fight to get everyone on the same page. I didn't really care what we played as long as we were all 100% in. In the end it just didin't work out. On the other side I've played with many average but very good people which together was a great mix. I'm nothing special myself and was average at best in my day. And we made some great music. My son still plays with a group of people he's been with since college days. From a full rock band to a small trio and everything in between. He recently felt he needed a change as things were getting stale. He found a new group to play in but feels a bit awkward still feeling them out. He went back to the old band. They picked right up just like they never stopped. You just know what the others are going to do and things just clicked again.

Sounds like your missing the old band. Maybe someday give them a call and see what's up? The time away might have done everyone good and things will click once again? They might be missing you just as much?

Only you can decide how much weight to give the various aspects of playing in a band. No reason not to keep your ears and eyes open for the best situation.

I'm very fortunate: The chemistry in my band is fantastic and while I'm no slouch, I'm the worst musician in the group, so I'm better now than when I joined them. Plus we play music that I love.

It's nice that your new mates are making you feel at home; you've probably improved their sound. But if you're not having fun, what's the point? Chicago's a big city—the right people are out there.

Good luck.

I've played with some very good musicians who are complete aholes and I now play with a bunch of guys who are average, but great guys. I'd take the latter anyday

I can only speak for original music, as that's all I've ever done. Every really good band with lots of talent and good material, imploded for one reason or another. Mostly ego. If ego was a problem with your former band, that's probably not going to go away whether you're there or not. I'd keep looking. If you're looking for a long-term situation, you should keep looking 'til you're satisfied. Good musicians inspire and challenge each other, and it sounds like you'd be treading water with your new group. Bow out gracefully, and pound the pavement. Just tell them you've decided you're not into oldies.

Stephen

"If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with!"

Be happy wherever you are...

John

It is quite possible that your new band could be more pleasing to an audience than the old one. I mean, sometimes accomplished players can over complicate the music without realising, even just slightly, and the ego can stand in the way of unity in the band drawing away its power to simply connect with the listener. The lesser players don't have the mumbo jumbo at their finger tips, but if they perform with much aplomb, and stick tightly together on stage (even with the occasional bum note) can raise the roof. Ok if your singer is pony then your stuffed, but a tight straight ahead band can rock.

Maybe working on the feel of the tunes will wake the others up a bit. Maybe rehearse a bit more swing or groove into the tunes. You might have more fun with this project yet.

Anyway I hope it works out for you.

I, as many other members can relate for certain. Today I am in an awesome band. I play in an original hard rock band, with two great dudes. The level and challenge is high, musically speaking.....but for me is the ultimate place. That being said I have compromised playing with lesser skill level musicians in the past who were good guys, and also many moons ago played with complete jerks because the music meant so much to me. For me playing with good people is what matters most, but I can understand the internal conflict of reaching for your ultimate place. Depends on your stage of life......simply ask yourself what's more important?;)