Boho
at The Hop open-mic hosted by Rob
Sowden
"Get Up!"
So my performance felt good tonight. What factors differentiate when a performance is going to be good rather than mediocre I'm still trying to fathom. As I've said before I suspect it has something to do with the connecting with the audience and tonight Maria from Jakabo (who of course did another blistering blues / soul standard set) provided that connection when I described the time I played Get Up! and how Jakabo cheered me on from the sidelines. Cue more cheering - thanks Maria! (:-)
There was another artist whom I felt hit the nail on the head tonight (I won't embarrass him by naming him.) The past couple of times I've seen him play recently I've felt his presence on stage has become sharper. It's hard to explain what I mean - it's not as if he wasn't an enjoyable performer to watch before but there seems to be a difference now - more focused perhaps, in the same way that you move a magnifying glass to focus the sun's rays. When I mentioned it to him he suggested that it might be to do with positive developments in his personal life. I think he might have something there. I'd been thinking recently if you get on stage wanting the audience to like you you're basically on a hiding to nothing, whereas if you go on stage feeling good about yourself, not wanting anything other than to enjoy what you're doing, expressing yourself and communicating then perhaps you become more compelling to watch. Almost like an electromagnet when the power is turned on. Ironically I guess that is partly what Get Up! is about.
Two 45 mins sets from me later this week:
- The first is on Thursday with Jacob Papageorgiou and Maija at the Hook And Tackle, Reading - 8:45pm
- And the second with Tim Balmford, Phil Morrison and Chris Beales at next Sunday's Bohemian Night Showcase at Monroe's Rock Cafe. More details Sunday 10th Feb - Monroe's Rock Cafe, Reading - 7:00pm
My Set:
