Re: [Harp-L] Drinking and performing

[Robert Paparozzi <chromboy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'm with Bonfiglio on this, IMO a drink should always be AFTER the show.
I've been playing out in public on all kinds of gigs since 1967 and my take
is this. I've worked with many types of players and some pretty famous ones
too. It does effect your demeanor and your playing, the problem I feel is
the more you drink on a gig only leads to a vicious cycle. Yes some CAN
handle it but how long will they be able to 'handle it'.

This is only my opinion, but I really believe if you have an occasional
drink with your dinner or after the show than YOU are in control. If you
bring the drink on stage the Alcohol becomes the controller. Recently, I've
watched an amazing Jazz Musician I've worked on hundreds of gigs with. The
alcohol has finally taken over, the occasional drink has become a hardcore
ritual and it now it affecting his playing. As a bandleader I have been put
in some pretty sticky situations because of a player that has taken it too
far. This player will now LOSS$$ as I can no longer use him on my gigs.

It makes US look bad as Musicians and even effects our wallets.....I love
some Vino with Dinner, I love a Beer w/ my Burger and I love a Cognac when
out to hear a band........I say do it AFTER the gig and on nights off AND in
Moderation if your makeup can handle it.

Best...ah Saluti!! Rob Paparozzi


On 1/7/10 8:08 PM, "Robert Bonfiglio" <bon@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> I am one who can not even have a small sip of alcohol before a
> Concerto.  The first thing to go is your speech, i.e., your lips and
> tongue, and feeling in your finger tips.  Playing the harmonica with
> numb lips, a numb tongue and numb finger tips is next to impossible.
> 
> 
>   Learn that sometimes when you are really nervous you play really
> well and sometimes you play like sh*t, and sometimes when you are
> totally calm you play really well and sometimes you play like sh*t.
> Once you learn it does not matter, you will be cool.  If you need a
> drink to loosen up my suggestion is to heed my advise, don't!!
> 
> I drink, but it is always after the concert and usually with dinner.
> 
> Harmonically yours,
> 
> Robert
> http://www.robertbonfiglio.com
> 
> 
> 
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All the best,
Rob Paparozzi

email: 
chromboy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

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