Hi Justin,
I was just curious about something. When it comes to live performance, do you ever use charts, or little "reminder" notes on your set lists if for example you're super busy and have had to learn a ton of material quickly for different artists? Or is it frowned upon in the major leagues to see crib notes taped to a players set list, and you're expected to know it cold no matter what, even if you've had a day to learn the music? Or, is it a "whatever works" kinda thing? I guess from your MD persepctive as well, what do you expect/like/hate to see?

And Happy B-Day!

Hi Justin,
I was just curious about something. When it comes to live performance, do you ever use charts, or little "reminder" notes on your set lists if for example you're super busy and have had to learn a ton of material quickly for different artists? Or is it frowned upon in the major leagues to see crib notes taped to a players set list, and you're expected to know it cold no matter what, even if you've had a day to learn the music? Or, is it a "whatever works" kinda thing? I guess from your MD persepctive as well, what do you expect/like/hate to see?

And Happy B-Day!

Thanks!

Do I use that stuff? HEELLLL yeah!! Do I care if someone sees that and/or frowns upon it? No way! Whatever works.

As an MD what do I want? I want total transparency!! I want to see no heads looking down at notes. I will bust people on that so hard. They have to be in the show...if they look at a chart for more than a second, it gets noticed and changes the dynamic of the gig. They have to be VERY on-point about it and quick and sly if it's going to be done. It happens in Beck world sometime, because he'll throw in a random song during soundcheck that has never been rehearsed. I have the luxury of knowing at least 100 songs and having a good memory, but if it's a NEW song or a cover? Sure....I'll rock a little note somewhere if needed...just need to keep it on the low...for the sake of the audience perspective, really.

JMJ