weekendwarriors

Another Theme Concert has come and gone; how quickly they disappear!

Bob will no doubt review the show but, as usual, I felt that a few comments would be in order. This is not a band review: If you want to know what I thought of you individually please ask me.

The evening reminded me once again how fragile a good sound can be. Rowan, the front of house mixer, did a very good job of getting the best sound for each band without chewing up too much time or upsetting anyone. He has my vote! yet one band member was not prepared to accept Rowan's request to turn down; the result was a poorer mix. Remember guys, he is where the audience is and you are not. He absolutely knows best. Just on that I gave Rowan a chart for our band showing for each song who was lead vocals, lead guitar and showing who was where on stage. This used to be standard practice, but I think mine was the only one on the night. Do we no longer think we can help FOH to do a better job? It all comes back to giving the audience what they need: the best sound available in the circumstances.

I think all the bands (including ours) could have improved their presentation/audience rapport. This is a difficult area for many people and all I can say is you can immediately recognise good audience rapport - if you don't then it is not there, and it is as important (maybe more important) for a successful show as the content. I have seen a solo performer with an acoustic guitar and harmonica hold an audience of about 1000 people, all standing, in the palm of his hand. I suggest that when your band plays next you turn the video cameras on the audience and watch their reactions during your set. All this is based on the assumption that you want to move the audience. If you just want to get up and play your stuff then you can safely ignore the above.

A couple of 'nice touches' from the night: I loved Bernie's flute playing and I was impressed that Plan Be had taken the trouble to take some bass out of the piano so it did not clash with the bass guitar. That made a real difference to their sound. I also really liked Carol's delivery of 'God Bless the Child'.

There were high and low spots for all the bands but overall I thought the show went well.

I would also like to thank Mike Shaw who stepped in with literally a few hours notice when our lead guitarist became too ill to play. He sure saved our bacon.

And finally, to all those who praised my singing... I have now heard the audio and accept your compliments as such rather than authentic evaluation. Still, I was a star for half an hour.

Cheers, and we will see you another time. Meanwhile keep playin' that rock 'n' roll!

Another fine review Al! Keep it up.