jbone
1768 posts
Sep 24, 2014
6:34 PM
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Catfish- harpdude61- posted about being a "fair" player and still having a great time and giving the audience a great time as well.
After my reply, Honkin On Bobo let me know my youtube link was out. Thanks Honkin!
Last night Jo and I played a 2 hour gig at a little place just out of town. It was her first night to rely solely on the hot rodded Strat she got a few months back, and we had to keep the volume way down. So low that I didn't even use my harp mic and amp for most of that set. The patrons ranged in age from toddlers to octogenarians, and all in between. Some tips found their way to the tip jar and there was plenty of applause between songs. After a break we took the stage again and the music fans had stuck and stayed. We turned up just a skosh, and something overtook us. She fired up with that Strat, and laid into some vocals like she was on fire. She turned me loose on harp and vocals and I got the infection. From us it spread to the patrons. It was a flat killer second set. One of those times I wish we had someone filming us.
But video or not we tore the roof off, not half bad for a duo past midlife. There are times if you are honest with yourself where you have self doubt and wonder how to go on. But the next note gets struck a certain way and you sort of lose your conscious mind and enter the ZONE. Right? You get it? And no matter your skill level THAT is the PLACE. We surely were there last evening and 25 hours later I still feel it.
A crucial part of the ZONE for me and I think for Jo as well, is the sharing of the music in that free kind of state;the place that hard work and joy brings to a mic and an amp or a guitar and harp in an acoustic setting.
So last night was one of those times. We dug it, the audience dug it, the management dug it. Things were just right with the world in that place at that time.
THAT'S why we do this.
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1847
2220 posts
Sep 24, 2014
6:55 PM
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But the next note gets struck a certain way and you sort of lose your conscious mind and enter the ZONE
what a great post!
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nanothermite
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jbone
1769 posts
Sep 24, 2014
7:25 PM
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'47, it's just the truth I see.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbTwvU-EN1Q
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Sarge
430 posts
Sep 24, 2014
8:28 PM
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Hey jbone, I sure wish I could've been there. I would sure have enjoyed that.
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Wisdom does not always come with old age. Sometimes old age arrives alone.
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jbone
1770 posts
Sep 24, 2014
8:55 PM
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Me too Sarge. Would love to see you out there!
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http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbTwvU-EN1Q
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kudzurunner
4983 posts
Sep 25, 2014
4:26 AM
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Great post, jbone. I've had exactly the same experience in the second set. I think it has something to do with the drinking I do between sets--especially when the first set doesn't quite click. 80% of the time the big drink works. But there's always more than that going on; the drink may be the catalyst, but it can't begin to explain the texture of what actually happens. You're right: it's an energetic thing that flows within you, between you and your partner, and between the stage and the room, the musicians and the audience. It's definitely a Zone thing. Thanks for articulating as perfectly as you do.
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harpdude61
2162 posts
Sep 25, 2014
5:07 AM
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AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!
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www.facebook.com/catfishfryeband
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florida-trader
523 posts
Sep 25, 2014
6:17 AM
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The same thing happens on the golf course. I’ve been playing the harp for over 40 years but I’ve been playing golf for over 50! (I will be 60 in January). You start out and for the first few holes you’re just muddling along, trying to find your tempo, trying to get in the groove. Then you pure a shot and its “Eureka! That’s what I’m looking for! Game on!” It inspires confidence. It relaxes you. It empowers you. It unlocks your potential and lets you be the “real you”. You lose fear. You eliminate doubt. You can do no wrong. It is downright euphoric and the rapture lingers long after the round of golf has ended.
I’m not a gigging musician and I don’t perform on stage as frequently as many of you, but I am happy to say that I have had this same experience on stage – but only a few times in my life. It is one of the reasons I practice and study – so that when the opportunity arises, I’ll be ready. And that might be coming soon as I have been talking with a friend about joining his band.
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Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
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Rubes
896 posts
Sep 25, 2014
6:22 AM
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Go Jbone! And go Tom! Often after the gig we will.........'debrief'.......where euphoria is the name of the game.. ;~}
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Old Man Rubes at Reverbnation
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jbone
1771 posts
Sep 25, 2014
4:46 PM
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Fact is guys, for me, the little helpers went by the wayside long before I began the true musical journey. No slight intended, what floats your boat is right for you. That may be part of why I feel as deeply as I do about this, my real passion.
Jolene and I got into this as a duo only 10 years ago. I had struggled for years prior to that with harmonica and vocals, and made good progress. When Jo brought a guitar home at age 50 something, with a very basic understanding of chords- and having taken about 40 years off to boot- I saw not just a challenge but a real possibility. I think we both took some big risk with each other but it has paid off. I doubt that I personally could ask for a better partner. The music is part of a much deeper sharing between us.
When we get those moments in the ZONE, everything is right. We played Tuesday evening, yet even today I had a better calmer outlook on life's ups and downs. There is a true and good power we can access, and by "we" I mean any and all of us who strive to play.
A guy like Tom here, at age 60 considering the big challenge of playing in a band......wow. WOW.
Adam, thank you for the kind words. That goes for all of you who have spoken, this means a lot to me. I am hoping to meet some of you on up the road a bit.
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http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
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wolfkristiansen
328 posts
Sep 25, 2014
7:24 PM
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Great post, jbone. And yeah, getting into the ZONE is the reason I play. I've said it often enough in earlier posts, so won't repeat myself.
I hope everybody gets to experience it. For me, it doesn't happen at home, doesn't happen at rehearsal. It happens on stage. Might have to do with feedback from the audience. But you never forget it once you have experienced it.
Lastly-- I am one of those players who have a beer or three before they play; if nothing else because, even after 40 years of playing on stage, I still get stage fright sober.
Cheers, and thanks for the post.
wolf k.
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Greg Heumann
2839 posts
Sep 25, 2014
8:43 PM
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Lucky guy. I LOVE it when that happens!
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***************************************************
/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
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Goldbrick
698 posts
Sep 25, 2014
9:41 PM
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Interesting how people approach their stage prep.
I am no saint off stage when it comes to non performance enhancing substances as the NFL would call it.
When I play live - I am loaded with cafe cubano, ginseng and mate tea.
I need the " push"-Its probably why the first 2 sets are the best for me. I can coast thru set 3 - but if its a four or even 5 set gig - I need to reload
In the studio -its more mellow- a little cafe con leche and a bit of a cigar to settle the hands and thats it.
If it sounds good- a little Crown Royal to celebrate-
Last Edited by Goldbrick on Sep 25, 2014 9:44 PM
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Barley Nectar
524 posts
Sep 26, 2014
2:57 PM
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Things have not been good around here for a while. Have not been playing out much as a result. When I did get out nothing was working, thought I was loosing the groove. When to a jam last night. Old friends there. Several quality players. As some left, others arrived. A 72 yr old fellow walked in at 12:45. Jazz guitar and new Yamaha mini amp in hand. Wow, what a night. The Zone was defiantly found and it happened several times with different players. You could feel it in the room. Players mentioned how good everything sounded last night. Yes, today was a good day at work even though I only got 4 hrs sleep. The Zone has power!
Great post JBone.....
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jbone
1774 posts
Sep 26, 2014
6:02 PM
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That what I'm talkin about Barley!
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http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
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