Re: Those higher notes

[Mike Curtis <wd6ehr@xxxxxxxxxx>]

> 
> At 12:51 AM 2/2/95, Mike Curtis wrote:
> >"Humility" doesn't mix well with musicianship and showmanship.
> 
> My experience has shown me that humility mixes well with all phases of
> life. Leading a humble existence and exercising humility are related but
> not the same thing. A lack of humility usually points to an insecure and
> fragile ego. Bring a self-inflated, self-serving ego to Music City and
> they'll drum you out of town. Come here as an excellent musician with
> humility and they might let ya play with 'em and you're just one of many.

Sorry - you're of course correct.  I didn't express myself well.

I'm not advocating egotism based on insecurity, etc.  Far from it.  Some 
folks have to be "right at all costs, even if I'm wrong I'm right", and 
this of course is bad.

But a musician can be "too humble", too.  A musician should be outgoing, 
personable, have a genuine love for others, and to a certain extent place 
their wants above his.  When we play a blues club, we would be out of 
line playing classical - unless the audience likes it.  when done in 
moderation (and maybe with a little twinge of "blue" coloring :-), it may 
well be appropriate.  But when done all night long, it's highly likely 
the audience will leave - and it will be your last night at the club ;-)

A good showman isn't always a "showoff".  In fact, someone who is TOO 
much of a showOFF often is a POOR showMAN.  I've seen guitarists who reel 
off bar after bar of blazingly fast licks, but just stand there doing 
nothing.  Ask them why and they reply pridefully "I'm good enough that I 
don't have to do any of that silly stuff".  (Of course, they're also 
reeling these off while you're trying to play, or the singer is trying to 
sing, etc.)

I believe it requires a certain amount of humility to try to put on a 
visual as well as a musical show.


 --  mike curtis
wd6ehr@xxxxxxxxxx