How does one go about getting representation?

[jazzypaul]

I know that this is supposedly a situation like getting credit: it's easy to get once you don't need it anymore.

So, any suggestions from anyone that's either a manager or a player with an agent or manager?

[jazzypaul]

really? nothing?

[AllenLowe]

the basic rule of thumb in the jazz biz is that an agent will rep you only when you don't really need an agent - in other words, after you are already successful enough to work as much as you want -

[Jim Alfredson]

Yep. After trying to find someone for years I finally gave up and basically do everything myself except book, which my friend Greg handles because he's better at it than I am.

Even local booking agents don't want to mess with jazz; there's no money in it. It's better to just do it yourself.

[AllenLowe]

now, I've only worked one gig in 12 years here in Portland, Maine; my agent told me he was worried about over-exposure -