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...and aftermath. Yeah, some of that too. The tension I was riding to keep my energy high had its catharsis last night, so now the energy is gone. I'm exhausted. Now, Sunday afternoon with Jami and Michelle asleep I tried to nap, too. Strangely, though I laid down for half an hour, it was a no go. As long as my mind insists upon staying up, I might as well record my thoughts from last night.
Last night's concert pushed me outside of my comfort zone - way outside. I perform so rarely in public, and never before on my own for something like this: an audience of strangers paying attention and admission. It mattered.
Last night was a triumph of sorts, confronting fears and putting on - as I was told later - a damn fine show. Too short in the estimation of one audience member. I have always enjoyed an easy rapport with audiences - talking into a microphone holds no fear for me.
Moving on, I will start seeking out gigs, at least one a month, which means seeking out and adding new songs to the list. At the after-show party, I had a couple of people with local connections offer to set me up. We'll give that a try, and see where it goes.
If I could find a sugar daddy, I'd get into the studio, but I think that if I am diligent and careful, producing the first CD here at home shouldn't be terrible, and may start the ball rolling enough to pay for studio time.
At the very least, a four song demo wouldn't come amiss, and that I know I can do.
Last night's concert pushed me outside of my comfort zone - way outside. I perform so rarely in public, and never before on my own for something like this: an audience of strangers paying attention and admission. It mattered.
Last night was a triumph of sorts, confronting fears and putting on - as I was told later - a damn fine show. Too short in the estimation of one audience member. I have always enjoyed an easy rapport with audiences - talking into a microphone holds no fear for me.
I started with I Will Set My Ship in Order. This is an easy tune for me, one that I can do with little thought, and makes a good warm-up.
Followed that with Tae the Beggin', and although my hands weren't quite warmed up enough for the riff - I stumbled between the first and second set of verses, no biggie - it was still fun, and the audience got a kick out of how I handled the flub.
I took a risk and sang Calendonia, a piece from Bothy Songs and Ballads, sung sean nos. Quite different from the coffeehouse crowd, let me tell you. There was some apprehension from the audience when I slung my guitar behind my back, but as soon as the words started to flow not a sound could be heard. It was a neat moment.
The one brand new song - not just dusty from disuse but brand spankin' new - was Now Westlin' Winds, a poem by Robert Burns and set to music (I believe) by Dick Gaughan. That's the one that I blew on the air Thursday night, but with a cheat sheet nearby it went smooth. I love the fingerwork on that piece.
For my closing song, Brett Gibson joined me on Jamie Raeburn. The addition of the accordion, lifting and supporting the song - Brett has become a terrific accompanyist over the years - made the experience transcendant.
The one thing I wish I could get over is having my mouth fill with sand as soon as I step up to the mic. I drank two 12oz bottles of water before going on and had another one with me on stage, but my mouth still went Sahara. I imagine it will get better as I relax. I certainly hope so.
A synopsis of comments from audience members and performers, more for my own re-inforcement than for bragging rights:
We had several people go away disappointed because you didn't have a CD for sale. (From a MVFS volunteer)
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed your performance. (From Mike Dugger, formerly of Scartiglen)
You are a breath of fresh air.
Where can we come see you again? (with variations)
When are you going to have a CD out? (with variations)
I wish your set could have been longer. (with variations)
Followed that with Tae the Beggin', and although my hands weren't quite warmed up enough for the riff - I stumbled between the first and second set of verses, no biggie - it was still fun, and the audience got a kick out of how I handled the flub.
I took a risk and sang Calendonia, a piece from Bothy Songs and Ballads, sung sean nos. Quite different from the coffeehouse crowd, let me tell you. There was some apprehension from the audience when I slung my guitar behind my back, but as soon as the words started to flow not a sound could be heard. It was a neat moment.
The one brand new song - not just dusty from disuse but brand spankin' new - was Now Westlin' Winds, a poem by Robert Burns and set to music (I believe) by Dick Gaughan. That's the one that I blew on the air Thursday night, but with a cheat sheet nearby it went smooth. I love the fingerwork on that piece.
For my closing song, Brett Gibson joined me on Jamie Raeburn. The addition of the accordion, lifting and supporting the song - Brett has become a terrific accompanyist over the years - made the experience transcendant.
The one thing I wish I could get over is having my mouth fill with sand as soon as I step up to the mic. I drank two 12oz bottles of water before going on and had another one with me on stage, but my mouth still went Sahara. I imagine it will get better as I relax. I certainly hope so.
A synopsis of comments from audience members and performers, more for my own re-inforcement than for bragging rights:
We had several people go away disappointed because you didn't have a CD for sale. (From a MVFS volunteer)
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed your performance. (From Mike Dugger, formerly of Scartiglen)
You are a breath of fresh air.
Where can we come see you again? (with variations)
When are you going to have a CD out? (with variations)
I wish your set could have been longer. (with variations)
Moving on, I will start seeking out gigs, at least one a month, which means seeking out and adding new songs to the list. At the after-show party, I had a couple of people with local connections offer to set me up. We'll give that a try, and see where it goes.
If I could find a sugar daddy, I'd get into the studio, but I think that if I am diligent and careful, producing the first CD here at home shouldn't be terrible, and may start the ball rolling enough to pay for studio time.
At the very least, a four song demo wouldn't come amiss, and that I know I can do.