by maxx england » Wed Sep 02, 2009 6:49 pm
You don't say what instruments you've got and what sort of level anybody's at, so I'll make the basic suggestion of looking up Jimmy Reed sort of stuff, chugs along with it's own internal rhythm if you don't have a drummer, which is useful. One of the things that is overlooked, but is essential to any music, is the presence of a good solid tempo that doesn't speed up or slow down, and it's harder to achieve than you might think.
Getting each band member to aim for a distinctive tone within the mix is a thing that is important, and allows each one to feel they're actually contributing. And it lets you pick out any details that you think might need changing.
Once or twice a week for rehearsals is OK, because each player will need time to practice the numbers before they bring them in to a session. Don't try bashing away all night at one number only, all it does is dishearten people if it isn't working. Run through a song for a few times and then move on, return later if there's time, that way you don't get stale, and you take advantage of the learning that happens subconsciously while you do the fresh material.
One thing to consider is to change the mix with different players for different songs, that lets you have a core of clever buggers for some, and the less gifted on things they can do as part of a bigger ensemble.