Introduction:
Concerts at iconic New York City venues like Chelsea Table & Stage exude glamour and excitement. Yet, behind the scenes lies a world of expectations, preparation, and unforeseen challenges that performers face. Let's delve into the recent experience of a musician navigating the intricacies of a live performance.
The Invitation:
It all began with a message from a talented NYC accompanist and pianist via Facebook, inviting me to join a performance. After several communications, the true scope of the gig unfolded: playing country guitar and mandolin, reading from a piano score without charts. The challenge was set, and I embraced it.
The Mandolin's Moment:
Tasked with three feature songs on the mandolin, an instrument I've cherished for decades, I found its distinctive sound adding depth and texture to the performance. From chamber music with The Toledo Symphony to the lively atmosphere of a NYC club, the mandolin proved its versatility once again.
Gear and Sound:
Armed with a '52 Vintage Butterscotch Reissue Telecaster and a pedalboard boasting various effects, I crafted my sonic palette for the show. From emulating pedal steel sounds with a glass slide to navigating standard chord changes, each piece of gear played a crucial role in capturing the essence of country music.
Unleashing Sonic Magic: The Winning Pedal Combo:
Introducing the winning combo pedals that elevated my sound to new heights. First up is the Boss RV3 Digital Reverb/Delay pedal, seamlessly blending reverb and delay effects for versatile and easy-to-use ambient textures or rhythmic echoes. Complementing it is the Xotic AC boost pedal, delivering a clean and transparent signal boost that enhances tone without compromising the instrument's natural characteristics. Together, this dynamic duo formed the backbone of my sonic arsenal, ensuring an unmatched performance whenever I needed to hit the stage.
Amp Innovation:
Playing through a Fender Vibrolux amplifier was a revelation. The amp's lightweight design, thanks to innovative chip technology replacing traditional tubes, added a new dimension to the performance. It showcased Fender's dedication to pushing boundaries while maintaining their renowned sound quality.
Musical Skill Set:
Improvising through chord changes, the ability to read from a piano score while playing mandolin stemmed from years of honing my skills in music theory and ensemble playing. Years of part writing in school helped me develop the sight-reading proficiency necessary for performances like this. Moreover, incorporating the slide into my repertoire added a new dimension, reminiscent of Derek Trucks' style. It was a moment of exploration, enriching the performance with a genuine sense of connection and musicality.
The Travel Nightmare:
Amidst chaos and unforeseen events, including the discovery of a grenade in the backseat of an Uber during a protest above ground, I found myself in a travel nightmare. With trains shut down both coming to and leaving Times Square, I had to hastily seek an alternate route home before my evening performance. Seeking refuge on another train line, I faced another hurdle, prompting me to embrace the adventure and opt for a Citibike ride through the downpour. Pedaling through the wet streets, I navigated to my building, arriving just in time to freshen up before the show, the unexpected journey adding a thrilling twist to the evening.
Wrap-Up:
In the end, despite the hurdles and uncertainties, the thrill of performing live music in diverse settings remains unparalleled. It's a testament to the resilience and dedication of musicians who persevere through the highs and lows of the industry. Meeting and performing with new musicians was a treat, and we hope to collaborate again in the future. While sometimes these connections flourish, other times they fade away. Yet, each encounter enriches the musical journey, adding new perspectives and experiences along the way. So, the next time you find yourself basking in the glory of a concert, remember the unseen journey that led to that moment on stage, and the camaraderie shared with fellow musicians.
