datamusicata

So last Wednesday night I saw Cheryl Bentyne (www.cherylbentyne.net / www.manhattantransfer.net ) and Mark Winkler (www.markwinklermusic.com ) at Catalina’s in Hollywood.    And what a time it was.

As a musician/performer/composer or music lover, you owe it to yourself to see professionals such as these two work.   It reminds you of what is supposd to happen up there on the stage in the spotlight.

First of all, these two were utterly prepared, so they could relax in that knowledge and just be themselves, know full well that they were going to deliver the goods.

Be prepared.  It’s a big deal.   And it makes your shows so much fun…for you.

The other night, I went to a little gathering here in the valley.   I was told to bring my instrument and I thought we would be sitting around playing with each other, so I didn’t warm up, didn’t prepare in any way, and, if the truth be known, I’ve been in the studio recording the All Wood and Doors project for months and just haven’t kept up my practicing routine.

Well, they had a stage set up on the tennis court and a simple sound system and one light that was just to the right of the performers area.   When I went to perform, that light reflected into my glasses from the side and made them essentially opaque.    And because I hadn’t practiced, I needed to see the neck for the intricate stuff I was doing (probably another bad choice) and I flubbed some crucial guitar lines.  I was mortified.  I know that I play better than that, but I had let my routine slip and it showed.   Practice, dammit. 

Every day.    But I digress.  Back to Cheryl, Mark and the band.

Secondly, they had a stellar band, the Eli Bruggermann Quartet,and tho I didn’t get to talk to the piano player or the bass player, I did speak with the drummer, Steve Barnes, and the sax player, Kim Richmond (www.kimrichmond.com ), who could probably tell you the names of the bass player that I embarrassingly am omitting here.

But they played with such finesse, joy and chops that I knew that I had to go home and practice.  

The thing about great playing, great performing, great anything I suspect, is how easy it looks when it’s done by a pro.   It doesn’t seem like they are struggling on any level, just playing, not TRYING to play, but just playing.

All intent and execution seasoned with spontaneity and surprise.

You must go and see people perform.  It is as important as practicing; as important as performing yourself.  When you see and hear great artists, they inspire you to get better.  You suddenly aspire to do THAT yourself.

Go see live music.  Go to art galleries.   Expose yourself to art.  The rewards never stop coming.