Cotton Eye Joe

I've had precious little practice in the last week.  I wish I could post some cool practice notes for you, but it's mostly been work, and a little bit of practicing for the folk festival.

The band met at an open mic. last Wednesday, one I've never been to, to perform a short set (4 songs).  We got a short time to practice outside before the set.  I was pleased that my banjo wasn't mic'd.  I don't know if that was an oversight, or the band leader whispered a word to the sound guy, but it was for the best because I wasn't ready for it.  I made sure to look like I was having fun, dance around a little, smile some.  If I can't do a good job musically, at least add to the show visually.  I muddled through three tunes, but then played Cripple Creek well (I know it already).  For that one, I wish I'd have had a mic.

I had no stage fright at all.  I've been worried that my increasing ease with performing was just because I've gotten comfortable with Fiddler's Dream, where I usually play, and that performing anywhere else would make me afraid all over again.  But I was completely at ease.

During my Thursday lesson, my instructor remembered that the band leader sometimes performs Wildwood Flower, so we toyed around with that in double-D.  That's a nice tuning for it.  I usually go to an open stage after my lesson on Thursday, but I skipped it because it was such a busy week.

When I do get any practice in, it's mostly been Cotton Eyed Joe, one of the songs the band will be playing.  It's a cut-time tune with just one chord.  It's fun to improvise and mess around with because I don't  have to worry about what chord is coming next.  I think I'll do alright with that song.  I might even manage a break.  I'm trying different ways to play it to keep it interesting.

Work has been a monster.  I haven't been getting my morning practices, and after work I'm too wiped out to want to play.  I got some practice in just now because I woke up with an acid stomach.  Take some antacids, go in the garage and practice, head back to bed.

Practicing Backup

Played second set for a small crowd

Cripple Creek Backup

Treading Water. Perfectionism.

Warmup exercises. Playing with (a recording of) Clyde Davenport.

First time at fiddle speed

Teddy Bear's Picnic rescued from the dust bin

Almost fiddle speed

This Little Light of Mine. Speed.

Jamming on the fretless

Are fiddle tunes too fast for my ear?

Playing in the Now. One performance only.

Playing in the park

No peeking

Sing Low

Improvising "Just a Closer Walk". Ear training via tuning.

Tuning by ear

Ear Training and Morse Code

Picnicking with Teddy Bears Instead of Doing Homework