: Musician Talk
Some musician talk coming up here. You non-musician types out there can eavesdrop.
So I did an outdoor show with Arthur Neilson the other week. Great show, great time. It was extra special since it’s been about two years since we last played together. Arthur does a souped up version of That’s All Right Mama. I’m doing my solo and I get an idea, but then the idea isn’t working and… Crap!!! I Iost my place in the song. That’s All Right Mama has an unusual chord pattern – it’s not a standard 12 bar blues – it’s got a 10 bar pattern (or 20 depending on how you count). So I just plunked a few rhythmic notes for almost a verse until I figured out where I was, then jumped back in and finished up my solo. It was embarrassing. However……
After the show I was talking to Arne Englund and he thought it was very cool what I had done. Arne had a very interesting take on this. The way we typically structure our performances is that “something” always has to be happening – either it’s a vocal or a line (solo). What Arne heard was that I was letting the song “breathe”. To paraphrase, you don’t always have to have a center of attention. It’s OK to let the the focus be the entire band and not one individual – let the audience hear the interplay among the rhythm elements. I like that idea. Good one Arne.
Meanwhile, Where is Eric?
Aug 3-Aug 17, VACATION!!
Aug 24, Saturday – Nancy & John’s Wedding
I am flattered that Nancy & John asked me to play for their ceremony. I’ll also be rocking out at the reception with Sharpe Edge. Sorry, no wedding crashers allowed.
See you in September…