The Presbybop Quintet heads to the north country to defrost all the frozen hearts. With Jeff Stockham on trumpet, Tony Marino on bass, Ron Vincent on drums, Mike Carbone on saxophone, and Bill Carter on piano
Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in our music. Here are a lot of the questions that people ask us. Please review this FAQ sheet as you explore the possibility of bringing Bill Carter and his band to your venue.
What kind of engagements does this band take?
When is the best time to book the band?
How many musicians are in the quartet?
Usually four, perhaps five or six, but always more than three! For consistency, Bill prefers to call the band “a quartet” even though it is an expandable band of indeterminate size. Most of our music is conceived as instrumental jazz chamber music for a four-piece ensemble.
Does Bill ever go out as a solo act?
Absolutely! Mostly those occasions are to speak, to preach, to teach, or to play for a solo recital. Bill speaks widely and usually plays the piano at his presentations at conferences, gatherings, and religious communities of every kind. If the budget permits, he really likes to bring other musicians with him.
In addition to the Quartet, what other musical configurations are possible?
Does the band play free for benefit causes?
No. Our musicians are generous with their time and willingness to share their skills, but making music is the way they make a living. They cannot play for free or reduced rates.
How does your office calculate the fee?
We calculate a living daily wage for each musician, multiply it by the number of musicians, and add expenses. That is how we figure out our fee. For our band members, music-making is not a part-time job. It is the way they support their families. It is their life. That’s why their music sounds so good.
What is it like to travel as a jazz band?
When driving, the band compresses into a minivan or two. Frankly it’s a tight fit. The hours are long. Conversation is sparse. Believe it or not, they prefer not to listen to much music while they travel. It is a hard day’s night, with a lot of miles, and it helps when you can offer some gas money.
When they fly, the musicians often approach from different airports. This can be quite complicated, especially given the current indignities of air travel. It is nearly impossible to carry instruments safely on a commercial plane. The bass doesn’t fold in half, the multiple saxophones are rightly mistaken as weapons, and all we can bring of percussion are sticks and cymbals. This requires renting professional quality instruments, which will be an additional cost for the venue . . . in addition to the plane tickets.
Where do you keep the piano in the minivan?
Somebody once asked us this question and we knew that gig was a mistake. We rely on our host venue to provide a well-tuned acoustic piano of concert quality. Not a spinet, not an electronic keyboard, not a piano-shaped-object – but a real piano. Please tune it no more than five days before the engagement. We reserve the right to shorten or cancel the engagement if the piano is not tuned.
Can we have jazz musicians stay at our home?
No, you wouldn’t like that. Some of them snore. They keep odd hours. They do not feel like socializing after playing their hearts out. The safest way to house them is by providing separate rooms in a nice, reasonable motel that serves breakfast and Wi-Fi (like a Hampton Inn). Please do not offer exceptions.
What do jazz musicians eat?
It depends. Bill is not much of a meat eater but has been known to swallow hamburgers in three bites. The other guys are pretty much carnivorous. Salads and pasta are always safe. It’s always great when a venue provides food before an engagement, although the band often eats lightly before it plays.
Can the local plumber sit in with the group and toot his saxophone?
Not unless he is John Coltrane. Even then, he might not fit the style of the group. Our music is well rehearsed and can be quite complicated. Plus, there’s that “quality control” thing. Since you are interested in booking the Presbybop Quartet, we want to provide the real Presbybop Quartet.
How do we begin the booking process?
The Presbybop Quintet heads to the north country to defrost all the frozen hearts. With Jeff Stockham on trumpet, Tony Marino on bass, Ron Vincent on drums, Mike Carbone on saxophone, and Bill Carter on piano
It's another Jingle Jazz concert at our upstate home. Details and tickets TBA
We are the source for the Jazz Belongs in Church DVD and the Swing a New Song to the Lord jazz hymnal. Order with one click!