It’s tough to balance the joy of playing with these fine friends on this historic stage and still have only 25 people show up as the audience. I must concentrate on the quality of the music and the magic that does happen for me here. and not get bogged down with this fairly consistent disappointment I have in my home venue.
I was booked as a trio with Ed McKendry on guitar and Kris Kehr on bass, and looked forward to playing some new material with them. I asked Dina Hall and Mo Jerant to sit in, and that proved to be very nice, as well. I got to bring out False from True, Rosie, Nadine, These Days as new songs and gave them a maiden voyage in front of a real audience. Good experience, for sure. I’m kicking myself in that I didn’t do Lessons from Pete. Damn.
We were feeling our way through the material with relatively little rehearsal, but I enjoy the spontaneity of the creation, and I think the audience does, too. I do lean on my fellow artists to use their ears and skills to make the music new.
Dina, Ed and Kris got to play a tune of their own with the band and the energy was very good. I also get to be a backup musician on mandolin, a spot I don’t often get to enjoy. It’s tough to front every song, though I do enjoy being the point person. There were magic moments though out the evening and I was very pleased.
I did listen to the recording of the show on my way up to CT the next day and came away feeling good, but as I worked on the recording for air play on my radio show, I really thought I was not singing well. My phrasing was off on the new songs and my pitch was not up to snuff, as well. I think this is partially due to my recent flirt with a cold, but also due to my loss of hearing. There were few songs that I thought were of radio quality. I came down to earth fairly quickly and remain sober with my limited vocal skills. The performance and entertainment values are high, but my vocal values remain suspect. Food for thought.