I have to 'second' the point Mac makes about concentrating on 'entertaining' in a live musical performance of any kind! IMHO.... breaking contact with the audience by....... (obviously)....... reading charts is a 'No-NO'. It's hard enough getting their attention in the first place!
In concerts, we have to play & sing 2 hours worth of material......remembering lyrics.....keys....guitar intros & solos etc.......No charts....live backing.... With our background in stage shows over here.....headline artistes were expected to be able to perform (at least) 12 -16 completely different 20 minute spots in a Variety Show Summer Season! Hard graft at the time, rehearsing....but you can reap the benifits later, when the material has been absorbed musically & lyrically. I've just spent 3 weeks preparing 2 x50 minute spots on Banjo & Vocals, for the Edinburgh Jazz Fest. As I don't do all that many Jazz Gigs on Banjo, I'm out of my comfort zone......so in order to be able to perform to any standard....I'm memorizing the whole programme......it also means I don't have to use my 'specs' to read the charts! Like many of us, Mac has learned the hard way! He is obviously an intelligent guy & very talented musician in many, many, ways.......& always willing to share his experience.......so whenever Mac gives advice....LISTEN!....I always do! Joe G.

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