eye contact

Jason Beers · #1 11-12-2001, 05:17 PM

Hi Mike, Just wonderin' what made you (or inspired you) to set up the way you do, as far as personal on stage. How did the "eye contact" playing come about? Maybe Nels? I tried this with my own band, and it really helped reel us in together more. You guys (Tom and Jerry) were tremendous in Lawrence, KS. by the way....

**watt** · #2 11-13-2001, 11:06 AM

hi,

I got it by playing w/both nels and my time helping out the porno for pyros cats. they were both really down w/making the eye link and I set my bands up - starting w/the opera ("...engine room") in 1997 - w/the drummer turned almost completely facing me and the guitarist too at an angle in my direction. I love us close up and tight together. helps us bind into one "organism," which I dig. I also like having the kick drum go right into my leg so I can feel it.

to me, music played in ensemble is all about musical conversations between the elements and the more in the moment the band is, the more interesting the resulting conversation or "spiel."

thank you for the lawrence gig comment, I dug playing that show too.

on bass, watt

Quote:

Originally posted by Jason Beers
Hi Mike, Just wonderin' what made you (or inspired you) to set up the way you do, as far as personal on stage. How did the "eye contact" playing come about? Maybe Nels? I tried this with my own band, and it really helped reel us in together more. You guys (Tom and Jerry) were tremendous in Lawrence, KS. by the way....

Jason Beers · #3 11-13-2001, 05:03 PM

I saw Nels play with the Vinny Goilia (sorry about the spelling) quintet in St. Louis and man oh man, those fellers were just about having a good old fashioned starin' contest going on up there. I'm glad you're working this way - in my humble opinion, it suits you well...

**watt** · #4 11-13-2001, 07:13 PM

jason,

thank you much!

on bass, watt

Quote:

Originally posted by Jason Beers
I saw Nels play with the Vinny Goilia (sorry about the spelling) quintet in St. Louis and man oh man, those fellers were just about having a good old fashioned starin' contest going on up there. I'm glad you're working this way - in my humble opinion, it suits you well...