Live music is, of course, first and foremost an aural experience. The chance to hear beautiful music played by fine musicians is the main reason we go to musical events. We can experience great music through recorded media, too, but we know that the excitement of a live performance holds the promise of a true transcendence.
Ok, that said, let’s also admit that a great performance usually has visual aspects, and that is definitely part of the magic. And let’s further admit that while transcendental musical talent is very rare, performers who are pretty darn good but fun to watch are much more plentiful.
I attend a LOT of live music events, and I play at a lot of them too. And there are a lot of very good musicians to enjoy, and some of them are also a joy to behold.
I’m not referring to overt theatrics. Some folks just naturally look cool when they play or sing, and I can’t take my eyes of ‘em. Does this come naturally, or do they work on this?
We have a guy who plays guitar in a band here in Martinez, name of Joe V. Rogers. If there was ever a body designed to sling a guitar over, his is it. He has long, sinewy arms, a magnificent billy goat beard, and when he’s playing that guitar, slung down low, feet spread apart, and singing, well, he just looks cooler than the other side of the pillow. He sounds great too, but that’s a different column.
Keith Little always seemed to me to have an appealing stage presence. He’s not at all flashy or assuming, but the way he carries that banjo on the other shoulder, and his ready smile, it makes every performance he’s in measurably better for everyone in the audience – even before he plays a note.
Old pal Dave Gooding is another good example. No, he doesn’t do the splits or backflips (so far as a I know), but his presence and his visual appeal make him interesting even while stuck in the “bluegrass penalty box” playing bass.
I don’t think any of these people had to work on this – I think they’re just being themselves. Me, I tell people if you’re going to take a picture of me onstage, you only need to take one, because if you take more than one, I’ll look the same in all of them. In my mind’s eye, I am trying to be expressive with my face and body, but whether it’s due to my frame, bulk or hairy face, it rarely, if ever shows up from the outside.
I guess I’ll have to leave the “looking interesting” business to those who are better at it!
