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Administrators: TonyS (owner) , David M , Milli2 , panthersquall , Paul R

Second go...!! - David M

From David M on 4/21/2011 2:40:02 AM

Well... I had my second go at sitting in the spotlights last night and it had a mixed outcome this time..

There was about the same turnout as a fortnight ago but mostly different people apart from the core regulars. I sat next to the club organiser Graham and he asked me if I was going to play for them again this week when Julia and I turned up..I timidly agreed again..

My turn came towards the end of the first half and I'd premeditated my tunes as Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Bonaparte crossing the Rhine. Maybe not such a good idea at sitting so far back in the bar though as it seemed a long walk up..!

Off I went, but a bit more nervous already than during my first go in February...my issues appear to be shakes setting into my fretting hand that get progressively worse through a tune, but I kept a steady pace through them both with no hitches that would cause great alarm or stopping, so with kind applause I went back to Julia. My senses seemed a bit numb but it was nice to hear the odd appreciative comment to encourage me.

Well now there was a sort of order of play as the second half kicked off like it did at 8pm, so I knew when my turn was coming...!! I wasn't stewing but felt more ill at ease than before. My next attempt was going to be a lovely Katie Melua waltz When You Taught Me How To Dance (thinking slower tunes might be easier..!) and then Silver Bell to finish...

 www.youtube.com/watch

Of course, slower tunes require even more feeling but it was a good choice as I'd played it so often indoors that my shakes road it ok. Then Silver Bell...do you think I could start a tune I'd played a million times..?..! on the third bodged attempt at the first line, I just admitted defeat on that and went straight into a medley of She Wore A Yellow Ribbon and The Girl I Left Behind, a bit quick but luckily I thought of them quickly and being favourites, they went through ok.

Mixed bag this time, I think it's just having the bottle to keep putting myself through that situation until the audience have no effect on my performance. I sat back down and quietly played the first bit of Silver Bell through to Julia straight off at a steady pace and clear...!!!

It's a shame to put out all my best stuff below par during these first outings, but I feel they are the ones I'm more likely to hit cleanly under pressure. Everyone else seemed so relaxed and calm so it must get easier..!

Be lucky and may your nerves behave..!

Best wishes....David

2 Comments
	panthersquall says: 3/3/2011 7:15:01 PM That Katie Melua tune was just lovely! But I thought the youtube link was to a video of you playing that night, which would've been awesome to see! Maybe next time? I was a little more nervous on our 2nd open mic, and yet even more nervous on the 3rd one. I kept wandering when it was going to get easier! Well it did on the 4th one... So hang in there David. It's just going to take as long as it takes, I guess. But it's an interesting phenomenon, isn't it? Good for you for having another go at it! I'm very proud of you :-)
	David M says: 3/4/2011 1:20:45 AM Thanks Laurie. Still feels a bit like purgatory at the moment but I'm going to see the nerves through hopefully..!! I'd even given the old banja a thorough polish and new strings for Wednesday's performances too.! (I don't like new strings though, too twangy for me) I hope it all goes well for you on Monday, you're on the upward trend now and will knockem dead. I think that Katie M tune is soo pretty, in the film it first plays on a small antique music box and they have their first tentative dance to it as Ewan sings it softly to her. Usually girlie stuff I know but it got me all blubbed up (only slightly of course). Just as an aside, if you're interested in the KM sound, listen to her duet of A Wonderful World with Eva Cassady..!!!!! youtube.com/watch?v=cFoXcO8llN...ofilepage Best wishes Monday Laurie.. ;-)
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