So, just who is this sexy sax player, Audley Reid,
from Forest Park, Illinois?
Let’s find out as he answers the 9 Questions
1. How did you come to be?…basically, your origin as a performer.
My first entrance into music came when I was in high school. I went to tryout for the choir, but after singing just one note, I was quickly sent to the band room, lol. I had absolutely no idea what instrument I wanted to play, so the band instructor promptly gave me a clarinet; and the rest, as they say, is history. I didn’t start playing sax until my junior year, but it quickly replaced the clarinet as my favorite instrument. Even though I had built a successful career over the years in both banking and telecommunications, I never stopped performing. Like many musicians, I kept up an insane schedule of working full time and playing nights and weekends. Along the way I had the good fortune of performing with musicians such as Buddy Guy, Phil Perry, Nick Colionne, Melvin Miller, Kim Fields, Howard Hewitt, Will Downing and many others. About 15 years ago, I left corporate America to become a full time musician and formed my own band.
2. How long have you been doing it?
I have been performing professionally for over 30 years. All genres of music except for hard rap and country.
3. What kind of services do you offer? I mean, I know what you do, but could you give me a range of where you perform and what kind of events hire you?
I have been lucky and fortunate to have a fantastic core of musicians that allow me to perform all types of music. We do everything from concerts and festivals to weddings and corporate events all over the country.
4. What should a client look for when hiring you?
Three things have served me well over the years:
● Professionalism – My team ensures that all details are reviewed with the client and that they are comfortable with the decision to hire the group.
● Flexibility – We provide the client with a high level of music performance and business management, however, we are always prepared to make adjustments to suit the client’s needs.
● Follow Up – We pride ourselves in getting back to clients in a timely manner with answers and/or options and ensuring all concerns are addressed prior to their event
5. What are some things you look for in a client?
A clear vision of what they see for the event, including music concepts for the various segments. Contact person who we can directly communicate with my team on all changes.
6. How do handle a situation with an unresponsive audience?
The main key as a band leader is to read the crowd or audience. The great thing with having a flexible and versatile group is we can change on a dime to make adjustment to the music. Sometime we do run into the situation with the client that wants us to stick with a prearranged song list and we stick to that list per the terms of the contract.
7. What’s the best part of your job? the worst?
The best part of my job is the client contact and performing. By far the worst is the break down of equipment, so I’ve learned to always have back-up!
8. What would you say to someone interested in doing that you’re doing?
Make sure this is what you want to do and that you love doing it. No matter how good you are continuously work at your craft. Accept criticism and adjust but don’t be afraid to do things that may go against what is popular. Be prepared for the unexpected and deal with it as the expected. Most importantly, have your own voice !
9. What’s your favorite story about an event at which you entertained?
Early on in my professional career we did a show at the VA Hospital here in the Chicago land area. One of the patients just stood up and started singing to a Stevie Wonder song we where performing. He made his way to the stage and sang a couple more songs with us. Just a nicely as he came to the stage he walked back to his seat. After the show the Dr’s came up to the stage and told us this was the first time he had spoken (verbal sound) since he was in the hospital.
Click here for the Audley Reid Band —
the Perfect band for Corporate Events, Parties and Weddings.
Contact them on GigMama.com today
to ensure that your next event will be one to remember.
