I've been in that situation before too.

Normally, it's more of a "I KNOW I can do better" sort of thing, rather than a "He could have done better" sort of thing.

That is, the folks I am playing with are very grateful and appreciative and "impressed" with my ability to learn all the material (cuz I do my homework!); while I think about how much better I wish I could have been.

I'm sure the guys are only expecting the bare minimum, so anything you give them above and beyond that will be gravy.

But hey, being Johnny-on-the-spot is what being a pro is all about!

I get those once in a while. A few times it was that night and we review the songs in the car before taking the stage. No CD, just listening to the electric guitar unplugged while tapping my sticks on my leg. Then I watch the bass player for the changes and make the best of it. Luckily, these situations involve roughly 6-10 songs. The downside is that they're the band's originals. Making notes on any changes and breaks is the best I can do.

Obviously, I charge more for a spot like that because of the low prep time. Difficulty and desperation dictate the dollars.

The majority of the time, there is a CD and a little time allowed to more accurately learn the material. I try to make certain I'm not over-doing it by not saying "yes" very quickly.

In this situations, your value goes up as your phone rings more.

Having a steady band keeps me sane.  

nice idea

its funny,

for guitar or bass, i'll get handed the music, usually just chords along a barline.  but many times, the drummer will be told to listen to the CD, and make his own charts, and recreate the beats.

not until this thread, did i suddenly realize how underratedly do non-drummers see the drum chair.  

as for Felix,

what DL says is toooo true.