14 Below

Wednesday Aug 18, 2004

Though it twas my best performance since the launching of this website I still know there lies a long road ahead. Let us first assess the evening and then I will go ahead to discuss what is next for the Jayro (yes I just called myself the Jayro...when you get a website you can do that too). Moving on...

14 Below as a venue is great!! Its a two room bar, one that is the stage and seating to watch the acts and the other that is a typical bar equipped with multiple TV's and a Jutebox. The stage is a decent size even for a full band with fully functional monitors (thats a music term for a speaker that allows the players to hear themselves), good lights, great acoustics, and a caring staff. You probably find this hard to believe but it is rare when a sound guy actually sits through your whole set and tries their best throughout. Also rare to get feedback from other people on staff congratulating you on your show and lending a word or two of constructive criticism. With a cheap cover, lots of parking, decent Westside location, and being such a performer/music friendly venue, I've no choice but to give 14 Below awesome marks!

Fans! It was an early show and on a Tuesday night and my friends/family came out in strong numbers to support the cause. I also learned from them that I need to start playing for more strangers. I'm not going to find loyal fans from within my friendbase. My friends will of course always be there to support but they won't buy their 4th or 5th copy of The Goodbye Project, nor will they sing every word to every song as they throw their underwear on stage...Point being I just have to keep playing.

Me...To be honest I've never sang this well performing with a guitar. I've had moments in Kareoke and in my musical days, but this really was the crowning vocal moment in my short career. Due to my ability to really rest up for the show I found the sweet part of my vocal range to be larger than normal and I was able to ace a few tunes such as Allie's Song and Runaround Sue. There were moments when I just let my voice go and it soared. I'm still thrilled with this aspect of my performance.

Energy-wise my goal for this show was to be more of a performer, less of a coffeeshop-guy-with-guitar-singer-songwriter type. With the lights blinding away any stage fright I could muster my nerves were quickly calmed and I was able to have fun on stage, talk a bit, and really get more into the mood. Where I failed here was I did a few inside jokes making the show less accessible to people new to the music. Also, as a few commented, my set was a little too cover oriented and I needed to do a little more of my music to show my more soulful side so that the fun crazy numbers would have a stronger contrast.

Guitar playing was above average for me as far as on stage playing is concerned. I still had trouble nailing little riffs that I had down in practice. Something about sweat and adrenelin makes me overplay a bit. My tempos were pretty under control but I definitely missed a few of the finer guitar moments. I only dropped my pick once and I had more at the ready with my new mic stand pic holder. Wahoo!

Overall I am thrilled with last nights performance. I really gave myself a nice accomplishment before I hit the road for two weeks and I have a lot to look forward to with three gigs now on the horizon (9/11, 9/23 soon to be posted, and a TBA Songwriters night). Just for reference my set was:

Faith - G. Michael
Soft and Tender - Round
Cat's in the Cradle - Chapin
Projectionist - Round
Allie's Song - Round
Run Around Sue - Dion
Must Be the Weather - Round
The Great Cover Song- Various Artists
Goodbye - Round

Thanks to all those who came out to support and look forward to more originals in the upcoming shows including new never heard before materials! Also look forward to photos from the gig and my upcoming two weeks of travel as they come in.

Lates.

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14 Below

Wednesday Aug 18, 2004