Relaxing, concentrating and smiling.

[Isosceles T]

Janek,

Thanks for all the inspiration. You truly are on another planet with your bass playing.

So, I watched the BassPlayerTV clinic. The performances and Q & A were great. The one thing that really stood out was how relaxed you seemed. You danced, smiled, and were totally locked in to the music. It made watching you play that much more fun and I realized how important all that is during a performance. Here's my question. How do you maintain that level of concentration, stay relaxed and smile while playing (especially at that level)? Of course when playing live I'm concentrated on the music and totally into it but when I see video or pictures of the performances of myself I look angry as hell and as stiff as a board. I also tend to phase out at times for no specific reason. I can be totally locked in and then start thinking of random things such as what to eat after the show. When I snap out of it I have to think of where I am. This has nothing to do with the music I'm playing because I love playing it. Anyway, I really want to be able loosen up, smile and maintain a high level of concentration during perfomances. Watching your BP clinic really made me think about all this. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks!
Ed

[janekbass]

I think being relaxed when you're on a gig can come from just being relaxed in general when you're shedding at home. When you're home and working on something you have the time and space to be aware of everything you're doing. You could practice in front of a mirror, and after just a few minutes of looking at yourself be all tense when you play you'll find ways to relax and be more in tune with the music.

As for zoning out when you're playing...... it just depends on what the music is for me. I can't remember the last time I zoned out on a gig as I tend to try and take whatever I'm playing as seriously as possible. But parts of your personal life creep in while you're playing and may lead you to think about things other than the music. If I'm having a bad day, or something at home isn't going right I may space out on a gig. it happens. Not the end of the world. You just need to be conscious of getting into the zone before you play, and not being distracted by things around you to the point where you lose control of the music.

Good luck.

Easy,

Janek