Often I wonder if there is a way to predict and bring about- through preparation- a successful performance. But the older I get the more I feel it’s not possible. Why? Well, tell me truthfully whether you have had one of these experiences:
1. You were well rehearsed but played worse than you usually do
2. You were well rehearsed but not spontaneous
3. You didn’t practice at all and played great
4. You did a lot of practicing and played very well and felt practicing paid off.
5. You were not prepared at all and played like shit
6. You were really looking forward to playing but then it was a disaster
7. You were really not looking forward to playing and it turned out really well
Can all of these things be true objectively speaking? I’m sure many people will try to find explanations to support “preparing for success”. But at best I would think that even detailed opinions would be at best, speculative. And also people like to take credit for things in hindsight that may have been just a fortunate convergence of positive factors.
And what about listening back to recordings? Has this happened to you:
1. You thought you played really well and you didn’t
2. You thought you played really bad but it turned out to be really happening.
3. You heard something that you thought wasn’t happening then later changed your mind
4. You heard something you really liked but found after a while-nothing in it.
For the most part, I used to follow the idea that immersion into the music was the best guarantee. But a recent experience where I felt immersed in the music and comfortable only to be disappointed in the result brought me back to square one.
I guess I will have to grow to accept that there is no formula and the the results speak to whatever the certain and peculiar interaction of moments and intentions dictate; also that it is also possible to perceive something differently as time goes on. The only truth seems to be complete variability and perhaps freeing yourself from dependence on “good results” or perceived good results is the only thing you can attempt to do.
Discover more from The Raney Legacy
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
5 Comments
Anonymous
I agree, there is no formula, one practises or rehearses to elevate one’s “musicality” and acquaintance with material, and that surely will improve your chances at a performance but is there a direct correlation , no.
The other issue though is that in general a recording is not a performance. When you go to the show you get to hear a tune once. A recording is under a much more intense level of scrutiny. You can play it over and over until you go insane. That is why most music recorded at a studio is edited. If you want to record a live performance then go out with a band and tour for a year and after you know a tune in your sleep and know exactly what your bass player and drummer do as second nature, then record. The greatest musicians edit session recordings. There are many examples and even in areas where you would not think like for example classical piano music.
-Charles
Jon Raney
Jazz recording is a little different than other studio recording. It’s really capturing the best live performance with some minor punching and editing based on feasibility and that usually occurs on the heads. It is less feasible for jazz solos. I have re-recorded solos once or twice over an existing track. But the quality of solos are not predictable, either live or on recordings or on retries. They are peformances. It’s not possible to cobble together solos like they do on pop music. You have to let the tape roll, have your chops up and stay focused and confident from start to finish.
Anonymous
This is one of the only things I have ever seen on the internet that describes what it is like to be a musician – really hilariuos and so true.
I just got a vinyl copy of Stan Getz and jimmy Raney on Prestige. Great guitar playing.
Thank You
Anonymous
This is one of the only things I have ever seen on the internet that describes what it is like to be a musician – really hilarious and so true.
I just got a vinyl copy of Stan Getz and jimmy Raney on Prestige. Great guitar playing.
Good luck with the Eliot Zigmund record, he is such an interesting drummer.
Thank You
Jon Raney
Thanks for your comments. What is your name?
re: vinyl. Really? What’s that 🙂
Re: Zigmund.
Yeah. The album tracks are still in the can unfortunately. I have to get past a recent physical problem before resuming. He wants to finish it and so do I:)