Notes And Feeling 6533

Gowans was packed from front to back, and side to side, which made it a tight fit, but we managed. Dale brought in a classy upright that we positioned securely on the makeshift stage, but also allowed for Glen’s drums, and Rory’s upright bass. I peered out from the back entrance, and saw several members of the press looking frantically around for us; undoubtedly pissed that I didn’t make their jobs easier by playing the gig in New York, but I couldn’t care less about making things convenient for the vultures.

Wilmington isn’t a hotbed for jazz, which is why I thought it would be a perfect place to play. Playing New York, Chicago, New Orleans; or L.A., would have created a bigger stir, but playing in a college town by the beach with Yankees and affluence all around makes for a more interesting crowd; one that may or may not like jazz, but that’s the point; to play a crowd not filled with aficionados.

And Wilmington is convenient for us.

Rory, Glen, and I played every song off the album, plus several cover tunes that weren’t standards. We rehearsed for this moment, nothing could have prepared us for the experience, which can only be described as supernatural. The music flowed seamlessly out of us, which in turn captivated the crowd; many of whom had no idea what to expect.

When you’re locked into the music, amazing things happen.

After the show, the press interviewed us while still trying to wrap their heads around the performance. “We felt this music because we love this music, I said while sipping bottled water. “I learned early on that playing without feeling makes music cold and sterile, regardless of how expertly it is played. You can hear the difference between someone playing with feeling, and someone going through the motions. That’s why I always mix up my shows to keep the band sharp. If you’re just playing for the money, you’ll eventually be found out.”

Music takes technical skill and feeling to master, and it’s the latter that many musicians struggle with. I’ve read many reviews about bands who don’t miss a note, but play uninspired because they’ve played their set so many times, which reduces the music to notes, and little else. It’s always about keeping the notes fresh and alive, and that takes work.

But if you’re a musician, that’s your job.