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eye contact

Discussion in 'Ask Mike Watt [Archived]' started by Jason Beers, Nov 12, 2001.

  1. Nov 12, 2001 #1
    Jason Beers

    Jason Beers

    Nov 12, 2001
    Kansas City, Mo USA
    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....
     
  2. Nov 13, 2001 #2
    watt

    watt the man in the van w/a bass in his hand Supporting Member

    Aug 24, 2001
    san pedro, california
    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









     
  3. Nov 13, 2001 #3
    Jason Beers

    Jason Beers

    Nov 12, 2001
    Kansas City, Mo USA
    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...
     
  4. Nov 13, 2001 #4
    watt

    watt the man in the van w/a bass in his hand Supporting Member

    Aug 24, 2001
    san pedro, california
    jason,

    thank you much!









    on bass, watt