Learning from the Greats (R3R APR15)

This week, Room3 is preparing for upcoming performances at VOLSTEADS on APRIL 16th (Tickets), as well as ATWOOD MUSIC HALL on APRIL 24th (Tickets). As we gear up to play more this summer, we find the best way to get our chops chopping once again is to learn covers from our favorite players.

One of the greatest tools that Room3 has used to build our chemistry and sound is learning challenging covers. Covering old and modern tunes has proven to be a great way to appreciate the history of our art form. Whether we’re going by the book and playing the tune just like the record, or completely turning it upside down, I like to feel that both celebrate the players that came before us.

Room3 operates democratically when picking covers —we all get the opportunity to pick songs to add to the set list. This often results in the percussionists picking the hardest tunes imaginable, and the poor harmony players suffering. The joke is really on the percussionists; this is only making us stronger. They think they are sooooo cool not having to play any real notes... Soon we will rise up and surpass the oppressive percussionist regime. Until then, we'll be in the shed trying to learn these damn tunes.

Here's a glimpse at the “Room3 Real Book“ table of contents, or in other words, a list of some covers that we‘ve added to the live show repertoire over the last three years: