The new piece. Shortest day. It had been going so well that I decided to put it on my set list for the gig on Sunday.
Except, browsing the book store in the interval break, I realized I couldn't remember the middle section. I refused the rum punch, opting instead to keep a clear head and hoped the melody would strike me again.
A sketch, a work that was obviously still in progress, so new, still fluid. It lay on the kitchen table humming to itself while I ummed and ahhed about the best thing to do.
So, given it was very nearly the shortest day and given that no-one in the world knew how this piece went, I went for it and introduced it, saying it was brand new, that I had forgotten part of it, but was going to let it emerge as semi-improvised. And ......
It became a piece of those moments, played to that attentive audience in a little theatre, became a new version of itself, better than before, still in progress, still fluid.
And I came home to the sketch and crossed out the middle section that doesn't need to be there.
9 comments:
Gutted! I came to this post thinking it was about whisky stills!
Good to hear that you coped in the gaps with impro! The sign of a true performer who can think on their feet.
this thrills me!! out on the edge where creativity lives and breaths and waits for the brave!! such a high xo
You and the angels finding the music...wonderful story to a perfect middle.
This is very, very Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Happy Holidays.
Hi Gordon. Who told you about my whisky stills?!!! The best thing is for you to come round and we'll just drink the whole lot. It was a lovely gig. Such a great audience. Lots of kind silence. Thanks for your kind words.
Hi Jeane. That's so great to hear. Thanks. Reckon the piece was here at home dying to know what would happen, wondering if I'd be brave enough! Ax
Hi Mary Ann. I like your turn of phrase! Thanks. A little bit of magic, that's for sure!!
Hi mansuetude. Well, thanks for reading. I'm pleased it struck you. Have a very Happy Christmas time.
What a wonderful moment - going to the edge, jumping off, and flying! It's nice to have risk-taking rewarded in such a nice way; and exciting to discover the beauty within the piece.
Hi Fiona. Thanks. Playing the gig without that piece in it seemed like such a bizarre prospect, so I'm so pleased I listened in and did the right thing!! Today is the shortest day, so I'll have to get the fiddle out in a minute and see how the piece sits.
Great! Have missed you at Safehouse! We've had some good sessions. see you in January?
Hi Alison. Thank you. Yes, it's been a while since I was there. But should be there next time. Happy new year!
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