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| A century on ... George Gershwin and his captivating sound. The image is a screenshot from the video listed below. |
"Clapton says that when he is on stage it's all about the relationship between just himself and his guitar and he pays no attention to the audience, which he sees as a distraction."
The perspective is interesting, given the importance that many musicians, particularly singers, place on engaging with their audiences, whether this may be addressing the assembly in a forthright manner with authority and presence, or casually chatting with the people about the music.
The wrapping and the package inside
My mate believes one of the most accomplished musicians of his generation has risen to 'god-like' status through a single-minded focus that doesn't allow the wrapping to distract from what's inside the package.
Published quotations of Eric Clapton tend to support the paraphrasing. One says: "... it didn't matter to me that there were people, it didn't matter that I was shy. Just the sound was so captivating."
Another: "... it's a real discovery of your inner resources, you know. That's what my character is all about and what my playing is all about. But to get up there and just go inside and draw out something that makes you feel good first and foremost."
Getting the right balance
When one stands back and takes a dispassionate view, the concept of balance comes to mind.
Too much or inappropriate chatting and story-telling can undoubtedly interfere with the audience's enjoyment. I clearly remember a lady jazz singer's performance quite a few years ago.
She was a great singer and I looked to forward to the event, taking a mate. During the show, she launched into a lengthy comedy act based on 'anti-man' jokes, seemingly intent on making every male in the room squirm on his seat.
The discomfort edged into the zone of outright embarrassment. Afterwards, my mate and I could only shake our heads and wonder whether we would ever again work up to courage to go and hear her sing.
'Go inside and draw something out'
On the other hand, respectful and cheerful repartee can have a positive effect and my Music for Seniors sessions aim at balance. Yesterday, after I played to about a dozen residents and a few visitors seated in a semi-circle in a dementia unit lounge, a carer noted that all remained engaged for the entire performance and that the audience easily dissipates when interest wanes.
It was a sign I am doing something right as I must acknowledge I do not have Clapton-like musicianship, skill and talent :) Nevertheless, I too must also "just go inside and draw out something".
Mesmerised young and old
On this note, I recall an invitation some years ago to play for a group of rebellious high school students in a program designed to draw them back into 'the system'.
I pondered how my musical interests, seemingly far from the prevailing rap and hip hop, would go down, but chose some songs from the distant past.
Simply closing my eyes and playing I paid no attention to the young faces. Later the host told me: "When you played I've Got Rhythm and that Al Jolson number, it was quite amazing – the kids were totally absorbed and mesmerised. It just shows the effect that Gershwin's music still has on young people today."
The young and old alike can connect with the 'oldtime tunes' and I can only say, Let's have more of 'em.
Source consulted for this article:
https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/eric_clapton
Reference – George Gershwin playing his famous tune:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bKstQNsQKc
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