#31
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If you're performing a concert as the headliner and they're not listening to you, that's a problem.
If you're there to provide atmosphere and folks are happily enjoying each other thanks to your contribution, that's not a problem. If you're there to provide atmosphere and folks are leaving, that's a problem. |
#32
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Nice post and lots of good advice, can't say i have anything mind blowing to offer. What other folks have been saying is pretty much the same stuff i have experienced playing celtic music on solo guitar at coffee shops and places. Most of the time its background music, occasionally there will be a handful of people who are obviously paying attention, enjoying it, etc. I learned to enjoy those moments. Then when i get to play a gig where folks are there specifically to see me its that much nicer.
Anton
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http://wwww.celticfingerstyleguitar.com Albums: The Isolation Waltz Noone Lasses Youtube Music on Spotify |
#33
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Wrong style for the venue, I'd say. Unless you're playing dance music, most bar-goers don't listen, they're not there for you, they're too busy getting loud and loaded. Just the way it is. It's tough when you're "too cool for the room" ...
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#34
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Hey, at least they arent passed out on the table like in some of the bars I've played in lol
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Hook 'em !! |
#35
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TAKAMINE TC135SC TAKAMINE EAN70C |
#36
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Over 20 years ago I went to see McCoy Tyner play in a hotel lounge in Denver. There were perhaps 2 dozen people there, over half of them at one large table in the middle of the room.
For those of you who don't know jazz, This is pretty heady music, not exactly background listening, and he is a top tier musician of historical importance as well as a great player to this day. This table just talked and ate during the whole show, I doubt anyone there knew who he was. He played a fantastic 40 minute set, politely thanked us, and left without an encore.
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-- mtnByker Eastman AC315CE, Homemade Mandolin |
#37
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Look, in a bar people are not looking for TE razzle dazzle, even if you nail it. First off, most in the audience have probably never heard of him and second, you're not him so they don't care. People in a bar want to hear what they know: Margaritaville, Brown Eyed Girl, Wonderful Tonight and 37 more of the same. They will politely go to the bathroom while you're playing your (excellent I'm sure) original about your latest breakup. Unless you're in a club noted for singer/songwriter exposure (Bluebird et al) that's the way it is. So what do you actually do when they aren't listening? Keep playing. Play as if the place was hushed and all two hundred pairs of eyes were upon you, all the women wanting you, all the men envying you. That's called being a pro. |
#38
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No,that's called being delusional. Being a pro is simply getting paid.
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#39
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Well, you still have to maintain a professional attitude during a free charity gig during which no one is listening. I think of it as method acting. It's only a delusion if you actually believe it.
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#40
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#41
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There are some vocal effects processors called vocalizers, but I wonder if the reference was to a vocal harmonizer? If so, I use one for solo and some group gigs. Great tools but they can become tiresome toys if overused. I've been using a Digitech Vocalist 2 for some time. They can be had for about $200.
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#42
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Josh Taylor Honey-burst 614c Kala Mahogany Ukulele Ovation Celebrity Deluxe |
#43
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(and I *love* 'noncomprehendable'!)
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Josh Taylor Honey-burst 614c Kala Mahogany Ukulele Ovation Celebrity Deluxe |
#44
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You could take the empirical approach and test whether or not they are actually listening: make up lyrics as you play and quietly sing them and see what happens....
"And the man and the woman at table five are having an affair. You can tell by the way she smiles and plays with her hair." "And you didn't ask me so maybe you don't really care, but your waitress told me she prefers to serve sans underwear...." "And the dude at table three should prolly pass on dessert. From here I can see the buttons about to burst on his shirt." Ad naseum. td |
#45
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All of that sums up a lot of what I've experienced. But it only takes that one person to stop for a chat to make the event for me.
I've taken the low ground and pretty much only play solo instrumental fingerstyle of popular songs. There is a small hint of artistry in the arrangement, but yeah it is more like catering to the masses. I just like to play the guitar, which was fine for the first 25 years, but now I need to be playing for an audience. I don't think it is ego or pride, I just like to see that one person who I've caught his ear - "hang on, I know that song...it's...it's - that's a Cold Chisel song!" (apologies to non-Aussies, Cold Chisel was a popular Aussie rock act in 70's 80's). I'm going to line up a cafe lunch scene gig this year, in between my day job. I accept that I am background music just up from elevator music, but I like to play the guitar, and the one person who smiles makes it for me : ) Some obviously experienced and talented players in this forum, I'm suprised I didn't bump into it years ago, thanks! |