[Dixielandjazz] re. Bob Newhart

[Nancy Giffin]

------ Original Message

Message: 3
Date: Thu, 17 May 2007 17:58:21 -0700 (PDT)
From: Margaret Squires <saxymargeaux at sbcglobal.net>
Subject: [Dixielandjazz] Bob Newhart

Has anyone worked with Bob Newhart?  He's performing in the area tomorrow
night, and I'm playing in the back up band.  I've heard he's a bit
difficult.  Just wondering what to expect.

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Hi Margaret,

I haven't worked with him, but I've worked (and lived) with people like him.
Any time you work with someone who is anxiety prone due to issues
surrounding control (or fear of lacking control), it's important to give
them your most calm and relaxed energy to put and keep them at ease,
trusting that all is under control. ("No worries, mate!") Many of these
people achieve greatness, as Bob has, and it's because they truly have great
ideas and can be pushy about seeing them enacted and realized. He is a pro,
a real pro with a ton of experience that deserves respect and adherence to
his wishes. Still, once anxiety prone, (almost-)always anxiety prone. So, if
anyone challenges his way of doing things, there is bound to be trouble. The
more at ease everyone around him can be, the more at ease (and pleasant and
cooperative) he is likely to be. For a show like this, I'd encourage
everyone to show up early and really have their shit together. If he's
impressed with how all is under control before the show, he won't panic and
feel compelled to start running the control freak's M.O.

You have a great smile and pleasant vibe. Beam that at him, and then have a
great time!

Love and hugs,
Nancy, who can be controlling and anxiety-prone myself,
so it takes one to know one.