Success Beyond The Score

No matter how experienced or learned someone is, how many resources they have, how many measures they take, accidents and mistakes are inescapable. What defines a good musician isn't the absence of hiccups or errors, but rather, how they react to them.

Take as an example this rendition of Queen's quintessential song, Bohemian Rhapsody, played during a concert in Caracas, Venezuela, back in 1981.

Even if you aren't a fervent fan of Queen, it's highly likely that you've listened to this song enough times to tell something goes wrong at the 01:40 mark. Brian May works around the issue to play the solo for that part, but by 02:04, he changes the melody completely. The image isn't that clear, but apparently he missed his cue and broke one of his strings immediately after.

Observe how he doesn't freeze, doesn't stop or reacts in a visibly panicked way. His fellow band members do look slightly confused while they understand what happened, but this doesn't prevent them from playing their...

Originally, Millicent wasn't going to perform at the Time For My Music evening showcase. However, due to a suggestion by a member of the audience, and with the enthusiastic approval of the women who starred the night, she went on stage towards the end and played some fan favourites like "Ain't Nobody (Loves Me Better)" and "Bridge Over Troubled Waters".

After the show was over, one of the women told Millicent that she was glad to have counted with her performance that night, because she could see first hand how Millicent applied everything she has taught them through the years. Seeing the theory put into practise motivated her, and she could project herself owning the stage with more confidence and ease in the future.

Performing music live is much more than just making up your mind and doing it. Everybody starts somewhere, and Millicent is no exception. She remembers that, when she first started, she stood on a single spot in front of the mic, fixed her gaze somewhere on...

Songs are a big thing for me. I guess, maybe for you too.  As a musician I spend time thinking about what to play to suit the occasion.  I spend time listening to new songs.  Learning them.  My ears are sensitive to music wherever I go. 

This week I finalising my set for my live performance with the Not Just Jazz Band. 

It's been a while. Lockdown got in the way, then it was about navigating obstacles and finally rebuilding my music business.  I'm currently inundated with work, but I could not pass up the opportunity of this invitation.  Playing at Wednesday Mic Fever meant I could get the Band together. Although everyone is working on various projects, we have not played together in, I think 4 years, so this for me will be a treat.

When are we playing? Wednesday evening 7th June.  I know it's a Wednesday, a mid-week brightener :-)  

Where are we playing? The Legacy Centre of Excellence, 144 Potters Lane, Birmingham B6 4UU,

What...