Leavin' it on the rehearsal room floor

[JDUB]

I've been gigging since LBJ was President of the USA. Like most troopers, I have my conscious and unconscious rituals and superstitions. After countless shows, I still get stage-fright so bad that I usually lock my knees until I've played the first bar and then I relax into a comfortable, trance-like state and everything is fine. If I'm not feeling that fright, right before the show starts,which has only happened a handful of times in 46 years, I imagine something to bring it on. The other thing that has been a constant is that rehearsal is where to make mistakes (or discover great arrangements.)dreadful rehearsal, great show. I've been on a brief lay-off, caring for an ailing family member, but had a recording session last week. I rehearsed with the singer and arranger the night before and was brilliant. I was hoping I hadn't left all the "spark" in the rehearsal hall. The session went fine. Tonight, I'm backing her up in a showcase for a producer. I am melancholy over the loss of BB. Exhausted from 26 hour days as a nurse and wondering if I can muster up enough energy to shower and shave, I can already feel the nervous energy coming on. There's no business like show business....
;>)/

[ch willie]

After 35 years of gigs, I still get stage fright at times, so you're not alone.

I've noticed that I get it when conditions aren't right or when there's a certain type of audience.

Anyway, just remember that it's your nerves and not your talent talking.

[jeru]

Well Mr. Dub, here's how it is: I don't know you. I don't know your
habits or rituals to get you out of your stage-fright, real or imagined.

What I do know, and can tell you, is this -- you wouldn't have been
making music and playing shows all these years, rocking sessions and
showcases, if you didn't BRING IT. That is, if you didn't consistently
and dependably put your sheit and fright aside and BRING IT.

So -- go do what you do, friend. Have fun.

[S. Cane]

Have a good night on stage, partner!

I think stage fright is part of what I call the Rock and Roll life. After we've played a few gigs, most of us find out that it doesn't go away... And it's kinda good.

Good gig and tell us later how it we t.

BTW what style are you playing these days?

[phantomman]

No sweat, you'll be fine.

I always have those same emotions right before a live performance. It's the same feeling I got right before every parachute jump.

But at least if I crash and burn on a stage, nobody will be sending a telegram to my next-of-kin.



RAWK ON!

[JDUB]

All went fine, some covers of 60's psychedelia, about 15 minutes and I was done. I sat in with the regular house band for a couple of tributes to BB, later. It turns out I knew the drummer from years ago. I have come to enjoy being "hired help." It allows me to just play and occasionally demonstrate my particular take on a song. Last night, the old
Jefferson Airplane hit "Somebody to Love" was the featured tune, but we also played "She has Funny Cars." and "Wedding Bell Blues". I believe it was the last one that grabbed the producer's attention, because it was the one least rehearsed and the singer was more natural in her delivery. Her manager and I worked out the arrangement and ran her through it on the way to show. Most fun I've had in awhile. Another thought that struck me is how "prepared" some of the young talent is. Voice coaches, stylists, dance lessons. I hope she's having fun, she's working more than hard enough to deserve that.
;>)/

[phantomman]

I love the early Airplane material, especially stuff from the "Takes Off" album.

Congrats on an enjoyable evening and some great tunes!

[S. Cane]

Congrats!!