[Dixielandjazz] FW: Old, but new!

[Jim Kashishian]

Marek wrote:
>Large repertoire?  Wasn't that what I suggested? 

Yes, you did, and I said I agreed with you.  I have seen that "bored" look
when going to see really good bands at a long running gig before myself.  I
won't mention any names, as they will be well-known on this list!  I thought
it was such a shame.

I've also seen the bored musician come alive when a friend drops by, or when
a pretty lady seems interested.  I really hate that! If he can play that
well, why wasn't he doing it already.  He at least owes it to the other guys
in the band. 

If you play a lot, you have to remind yourself at each gig that the most
important person ever is there that night to hear you.  At least make
believe that is the case.

I remember a radio interview with Catalan pianist Tete Montoliu.  When asked
how, if when he had had a bad day, did it affect his playing at night.  His
answer was that the people who came/paid to hear him didn't care about his
day or his mood, they expected to hear him at his best, and that is what he
gave them.  

He was famous world-wide.  Not Dixie, more in the modern vein, although he
always had a nice word to say to us.  We played the same clubs he did in the
1960's. To hear Tete, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGK3cmVD9CU 

Being on stage is like any other job...you have to be at your best all the
time if you wish to continue working.

Jim