Hey Gerry, Like the list. Really like the mixture of older songs with newer ones. Makes you more diverse and able to please a wider group of people. Just just something about Play that Funky Music... I love playing it. Little surprised I didn't see Sweet Home Alabama on the list, damn near a bar band staple, but then again, it is so over done that maybe its a good thing to give it a rest.
As to Golems comment about Keys or a Horn Section, I agree that some of your list does seem to scream for a Horn Section or a keyboard player handling those parts, but with the average bar band, a horn section is generally finanically unrealistic. With the voicing keys offer, that is a very good alternative with just the addition of just one mouth to feed. And the added dimension it would add to the band, rounding out your sound, makes it well worth the consideration. But, I have found that if the band is creative, you can come up with very nice versions of songs that traditionally had horns or other instruments. I am working out a version of Brick House (Commodores) with just 2 guitars, bass and drums, and while it may not sound exactly like the original, it still sounds very hip. I have the guitars covering those classic horn parts that kind of dominate the song along with that classic bassline. Let me tell ya, its still a funkin' groove and the one time I've been able to try it out in front of a crowd, it went over well. So it can be done and sound very cool, you guys just need to be creative. You really need to listen to a song and prioritize exactly what parts are important to cover and what can be left out without losing the essence of the song.
But there is something about playing covers that can be so much fun. One, the crowd already knows and if you choose wisely, already likes the songs, so as long as you don't butcher them, over half the battle is already won. Also I find adding my own sense of style to a piece while still remaining true and paying homage to the original artist, can be quite fun. Then again, there is something to be said for taking a known song and completely re-inventing it into something totally new, but at the same time, something totally familiar. The bottom line is, cover bands can be a lot of fun, and I hope you have a freakin' blast Bro.
Good Luck!
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