Originally Posted By: Robh
I believe that people go out to hear memories of time past, and old songs from favored artist of our youth, or times we look back on fondly, these touch our hearts in special ways.

I have seen the joy in people eyes when you start a song that "takes them back". One that reminds them of something very special in their lives.


Well said Rob! All of it, even the stuff I snipped. I kept a partial quote because I want to expand on it.

I probably told this story before, but my son plays bass. He was sitting in with a pretty good jazz group, and the club was almost completely populated by baby boomers. They were very appreciative of the jazz, but nobody danced. We had heard this was a "listening room" club, and that seemed to be the case. But at some point in the evening the band played an old Motown cover and people POURED out onto the dance floor! The entire mood of the club changed!

That night turned on a light in my mind. It was exactly as you say above, Rob... the audience responds with applause and money if you make it about THEM and their memories. They'll show up and nod approvingly if you can play impressive jazz songs or originals... but turn into a time machine that takes them back to age 18, and you instantly make a room full of friends!

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ey71h8ep047758h/AAC12jNM0Hz9Q8zsh5iDeqNHa?dl=0