New Year's Resolutions?

[edwardofhuncote]

Well, I got an unexpected jump on the weight-loss goal, but not in a good way. A weeks' worth of sick docked me almost 10 lbs, but also got me a ride to the doc-in-a-box, (my slang for Urgent Care) and straight on to the ER from there. 

Looks like I'm going to make it though... will know more after I balance the checkbook. (hurts too much to laugh)

I've had a lot of time to think about stuff though, and have come up with some ideas to try out with this on-stage persona reset. Not only that, but a surprise booking came in for NRB later this month, so I'll get the chance to test drive a few lines. Biggest problem right now - I haven't played a lick in 6 days. 

[growlypants]

Yikes.  Hang in, my friend.  You get your chops back pretty quickly, rest assured - and if you don't, well, then you just have to practice more!!  ER... man, that sucks.

[David Houck]

Greg; hoping your recovery is quick and full.

[mica]

Greg! Be well, buddy! Way to look on the bright side, though (re the weight loss - you're 25% there).

[edwardofhuncote]

Much better, Thanks Mica- now that I can finally breathe without coughing fits... Goal #1 is progressing slowly, but in the right direction. I did pick a couple pounds back up after re-hydrating, but for a net loss of 5 lbs so far.


On the other thing; improving stage presence-

So the first outing was last Friday night... going solely on the feedback of others and my gut feeling, I scored maybe a 5.5 out of 10. Obviously it'll be an ongoing work-in-progress, but it felt good having carefully planned, or at least outlined what I was going to say and do between songs in the set.

After some reflection, I also believe this also is a key factor: There's a rhythm to delivering monologue, just like there's a rhythm to a song... it's often a mixed meter. Timing is everything... you have to space these things out for maximum effect, just like organizing a set list so that it flows well. Another thought: If I'm not sounding comfortable telling the folks what's about to happen, how can I expect them to be comfortable when it does? All I can say is there was a confidence there that had been missing. It was easier than I thought.

I'm getting some more feedback/critique from friends of the band too. Will throw it all in the hopper and see what comes out. 

Also made plans to work with my friend, who is an actress, for some pointers. We're collaborating (musically) on an upcoming show with someone else this-coming Spring anyway. 

[cozmik_cowboy]

After some reflection, I also believe this also is a key factor: There's a rhythm to delivering monologue, just like there's a rhythm to a song... it's often a mixed meter. Timing is everything... you have to space these things out for maximum effect, just like organizing a set list so that it flows well.

I do believe you just grabbed the pebble, Grasshopper.

Peter

[edwardofhuncote]

Just had to add to the conversation this quote I read today from actor, Bill Daily. These words just flew off the page at me, and is almost word-for-word what I've been trying to verbalize. A little background first... before he was Howard Borden on "Newhart" or Major Healey on "I Dream of Jeannie", (which he says were basically the same sidekick character) Bill Daily was an accomplished jazz bassist. In this particular 1975 TV Guide interview, he was asked about his sense of comedic timing.

He replies;

"The rhythm... it's everything man. Comedy is rhythm, comedy is time. Look at the top comics... either they're musicians or they have some background in performing music. Music, man, it's the KEY!"


He then goes on to list over 20-some well-known actors and comedians who either are, or were musicians.


I knew there was a connection between the two. I suppose that's the good news... the bad news, well... I'm more aware that there's still a lotta' work to do. Fortunately, New River Bound has a few good gigs coming up this Spring. A fence to swing for. 

[peoplechipper]

The awkward CAN be part of the stage persona and can be played for laughs if you want, but you'll figure it all out; some performers never get truly comfortable being onstage, but they find a way that works...my guitar player has been onstage for 30+ years but he still needs a few drinks to go onstage; not drunk or anything, just needs a bit of liquid courage which I find kinda funny as he seems more extroverted than I am...