It's twenty to twelve. Usually at this time I am sound asleep, for hours, but I had a big band gig with Orbi tonight and I am still coming off the adrenaline. Normally I'd be burning this off in the pub with the rest of the band but we are hoping - planning - to fly back to the mother country in just 12 short days - so PROJECT COVID AVOIDANCE is in full swing. The gig went well, I think - although I'm not much of a judge of these things. But one of the songs we played has led me down an interesting little rabbit hole which I feel compelled to share. Everyone else is sleeping. It's just you and me :)
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| backstage |
Our vocalist, Claire, sang a song called Twisted. She performed it with skill and panache, brilliantly. The original vocal is by Annie Ross, and this is Annie performing it with Count Basie (is it possible not to be at least a bit in love with Count Basie? I think not):
who based it on a sax solo by Wardell Grey:
And that's just interesting, isn't it?
Here's the song we opened with (this is not us obv!:)
I don't find performing easy. I can do it now - just about - I still get anxious, and I tense up which is not great for playing. I have been trying to view the adrenaline as excitement not nerves which works to some extent. The last few gigs I've been able to relax enough to enjoy the second set which is something I suppose. I don't think I will ever be one of life's natural performers, and that's OK I think. At least I don't throw up anymore.
Neal is the opposite. He comes alive playing on a stage - he's a different person, almost - no - he's just absolutely himself there. He doesn't get why I can't do it, although he has seen enough evidence that he certainly accepts it. I don't get it either - I would if I could. Frankly, it's annoying seeing everyone around me thrilled with the excitement of gigging, "Isn't this great?" they beam at me and I try to nod, and not look too sick.
Ah well. I'm in good company. A quick search tells me that performers who suffer from stage fright include Barbra Streisand, Katy Perry, Rod Stewart, Pavarotti, Eddie Van Halen and Adele, so I guess loving the performance is not a pre-requisite to making music!
