Guitarology #12

GUITAROLOGY #12

Batting .367

I was staring at this screen trying to figure out what I can write about this month. I’m drawing blanks. I had a check through the archive to see what I’ve done in the past so I don’t repeat myself, and was struck that some of the articles are better than others - S.P., specialized subject The Obvious. This reminds me of how performances can vary from one to the other and so a topic for this month.

You know, I think the phenomenon of great or garbage performance is a combination of factors. First of all, it is a Cosmic Law that it will always be that way. No one can put it out of the park every time at the plate. Even Babe Ruth couldn’t do it every time. Only on the days he wanted to, but then he was a god and the gods don’t count in this discussion. So with homers and strikeouts a given, the question is, "How high is your average?"

There are, I believe, certain common conditions which make it more likely to get to that Place. You know the one I mean. That one Place where you very occasionally arrive and you really don’t want to leave. If one, as much as possible, creates these conditions consistently the chances for arriving at the Place are increased and one's average will invariably be raised to a very high level indeed.

One thing is being played in and match fit. Match fitness is accomplished in front of an audience. Rehearsing is great. One can spend endless hours polishing this and that. But ultimately you just get real good at rehearsing. Drop a clanger with your mates in a garage and it’s a laugh. Drop a clanger in front of a club full of people who know your name and where you live and see how dramatically the learning curve changes. Also playing in front of people a lot brings a certain security. You know your gears going to work and you know your fellow players, if there are any, will all be on the same track...or at least you should know.

Arriving early to have the time to do a decent sound check is another factor. It allows for the solving of real and potential problems with the minimum of stress. It is very difficult to lock into the music if one is fighting the gear or the sound.

Physical condition is vital. Although it is possible to extract genius from the depths of exhaustion, it is by definition impossible to do so consistently or to sustain. Going over the top on drink and/or drugs doesn't help either. You only think you sound great. Try recording a rehearsal wacked and then listen to it sober. Be sure to have a large hole nearby to crawl in to.

Last, but most importantly, mental condition. All God's children have suffering. The stage is a great place for exorcizing evil but a lousy place for wallowing in a morass of self-despair, unless of course you're Lou Reed or Leonard Cohen. For my self, it is the only place I feel in control. For the time I'm there, arena stage or corner of a bar, it is the Universe and I own it. Trials, troubles, and tribulations are forbidden.

I was recently speaking to a good friend of mine who was very concerned about a gig his band was going to do later that night. It was to be their last ever show. Their record deal had fallen through and to add injury to insult, two of the guys had their wives walk out on them in the previous few days. I said to my friend that maybe it was an opportunity for magic. They had nothing left to lose. Although, he is not exactly a leader type, I suggested that perhaps he have a quiet word before they went on. Like, "Hey, now is the time we can leave the rubbish behind and have some fun, just for us."

I don't know what was said in the end, but when I spoke with my friend later he told me they had a truly fantastic gig. One of those nights when communication just flowed across the stage like waters in flood. The upshot was they subsequently decided to have a pause to sort out some of the personal issues but to leave open the real possibility of carrying on. Didn't surprise me really. I know these guys. It was always going to work out. They're musicians and once you've been to the Place, neither hell nor high water will keep you from going back.

Courage

©2006 Steve Power

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