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Boring Guitarist

#42
I actually was serious about the spotlight comment. There is more than one kind of stage presence - jumping around is one, and a valid one. But being still can have its own intensity, AS LONG AS you draw the audience into that intensity. Letting him play, feet planted and pouring all his energy into his axe could be VERY intense - as long as you stage things to highlight that intensity for the audience. But it depends on what kind of music it is and what kind of vibe you're going for. You could play Pink Floyd that way, but not Fishbone.
 
#43
fmoore200 said:
And you're lucky you don't live in the twenties.. Jazz has lost it's sense of performance/showmanship, but back in the day when it was pop music, big bands used to put on a show (by their standard of course)
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True that. In my defense i am actually pretty animated when playing. Funny/emotional faces a plenty, and sudden strange movements when i solo. Think Pat Metheny :)
 
#44
Let him do his own thing on stage! As it is, it's too easy to come off as inauthentic. You can easily turn off an audience by trying to act like someone you're not. I like the idea of spotlighting him- something that doesn't force him to change his performance.
 
#45
Nev375 said:
Well SaucyJack, it looks like you are pretty convinced in your opinion. Here's mine.

I love music and I love bands who bring the music. The Cars were never a terrible live act and neither is the London Philharmonic Orchestra. If your musical mentor is The Voice or American Idol or whatever, then plan on conforming to the same burnt out recipe that every one else uses. All those shows do, is take original acts and try to make them all the same based on marketing formulas which are based on the general american ADD spoonfed public who don't even realise that every different hit song they love is just the same 3 or 4 chord recycled pop music with different words.

If that is what you want your band to be, then go ahead. You certainly don't want the advice of the musicians who love originality who lurk around on TB to dissuade you.
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I agree with this. Music is about the music and the emotions it evokes in people. It's not about what you look like. This doesn't apply to American Idol or The Voice which aren't about music.
 
#47
phox said:
I agree with this. Music is about the music and the emotions it evokes in people. It's not about what you look like. This doesn't apply to American Idol or The Voice which aren't about music.
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The Voice was a bad example but I was trying to use one live performance that we all have seen. The truth is, live shows are not just about the music. Live shows are about the connection. If you can't connect to your audience, you are just a juke-box and don't feel bad when people don't pay any attention to your show. Live music is about the experience and about that connection with the entire room.

I never said jump around, I never said, act like a phony. I said show some animation. Smile, make eye contact, show you are part of the show. Move enough so people know you aren't bored silly waiting for the show to end.

And I love the "if it's popular it must suck" or "be easy" attitude out here.
 
#53
fmoore200 said:
Jazz has lost it's sense of performance/showmanship, but back in the day when it was pop music, big bands used to put on a show (by their standard of course)
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For example, check out one of the masters at this, Louis Jordan here from 1946. Just in the first 50 secs of the clip, notice how *everyone* in the shot is contributing some visual energy to the performance, even the cats in silhouette. Granted, that's a choreographed performance, but Jordan made his career by putting the show in "live show."

That's not a path for everyone; but when we decide to "just play music" at live shows, we refuse to connect with the people who need some sort of energy to draw them in.
 
#54
The best lead guitarist I know would play behind a curtain if he could. And everyone in the area would love to have him, including us.

I think each person should do what they do. I'm pretty stoic on stage.

In the end, I think being a beast of a player outweighs everything else, especially if there are a couple others who can interact well with the crowd.
 
#56
I guess to me this would depend on the music you're playing. If it's 3 chord punk and the guitar player never looks up or moves then that could be weird.
For me I think it just comes down to personally what you're comfortable with. I would never force it.
 
#59
Well, OP, sounds like you made your mind up to confront this guy so go for it. Don't be surprised if you get some criticism of your performance in return. Or he may just quit your band (or fire you depending on his power in the group). At the least you'll damage your own reputation. My sister used to critique her band mates. Now, no one will play with her. She hasn't had a gig in over a decade now!

Since you can't be content to live and let live, then say what you will to him and accept the consequences.

I wonder if John Mayer has told Pino Paladino to stop bobbing like a feeding chicken on stage. I kinda doubt it.
 

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