There are always high hopes for a Margaret Explosion performance but so much of it is in the cards, the work day, the crowd, the mood. Many factors are beyond our control and improvisation by it’s very nature is hit or miss. We try to stay open and explore the possibilities but you can’t beat a good melody to hang the song on and sometimes that don’t show up.
As a rule we sound best earlier in the evening on a night when very few people are there, we are all fresh and more receptive to each others parts, but the last three months have all been bonus nights (more money if the cash register total exceeds X amount). The crowd noise is an integral part of our sound and we’re happy to provide a soundtrack for stimulating conversations but when the place is full and the crowd noise infringes on the band (remember Ken’s stand-up bass has no amplification) we have learned a pretty cool trick. It doesn’t always work but we pull back the volume. I might leave the snare and just play hi-hat and Peggi or Bob will stop playing. The crowd immediately dials back the din knob and the music comes into focus.
Tonight is our last Little Theater show until September.
Leave a comment