My Americana group has a current set list of about 40 tunes.
They're all pretty much I-IV-V, give or take a chord or two.
I've got a decent ear for changes, etc. however, sometimes I have to transpose mentally, from capoed guitar to mando.....that's cos sometimes the old key gets changed. typically its not a big deal, but on one or two tunes, theyre odd, and, sometimes fresh one time through, I might not get one chord fist go through....lapse of memory.
The others in the group have added and continue to add, more than a few last minute changes to many of the tunes, arrangments, ie full stop here, acapella outro there, new instrumental outro, different key, repeat chorus , repeat chorus twice, repeat chorus twice with tag, ad nauseum etc.
I find charts to be a distraction when playing. They are , imho an interruption to flow and musicianship. especially vocals.
You either know the song and let it rip, or, youre busy reading the damn chart like a road map, fluid vocal phrasing goes to sh&t.
But, sometimes I blank on lyrics, depending on distractions, sleep, etc. especially when I feel on the spot.
confidence? maybe, hyper, and slightly stressed pre and during performance, more likely.
While I tend to just play, and listen, listen listen, make the song go,
I'm thinking of using a chart book for an upcoming gig. small café downtown.
I hate music stands on stage, but im just wondering with all the last minute tweaking, I might just miss the boat.
I think I might know, and can listen to be sure, but, might ....forget.
I'm tempted to use my ipad on the mic stand for comfort and compactness, but I find that tech isn't always quick at times, ie, searching for the next chart, lighting, type size.
I don't like to have one more pricey thing to worry about on stage.
I put together a three ring, which is always easier to glance and see.
thoughts?
Are music stands becoming acceptable? Sometimes I see them, most pros, never.
I feel this is unprofessional to not have the tunes memorized. I do, but these last minute changes sometimes don't sink in, on stage and in the moment, with only 1 or 2 rehearsals pre gig.
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