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Mainkaukau
Lokahi
USA
245 Posts |
 Posted - 08/06/2005 : 07:41:01 AM
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Aloha everyone, although I play better sitting down I was taught to always stand while performing in front of an audience. Standing enhances the visual part of the performance. Would you compromise the "Stand up and play" visual value of a show for a better "Sit down and play" sound. I believe it's very important to be able to "Pan" the audience allowing them to see you from different angles. Sitting while playing is more relaxing yet restricts movement. Have a "Shaka" day!
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Konabob
`Olu`olu
USA
928 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2005 : 08:31:33 AM
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I have seen Led, George K, and Dennis K all perform sitting down, and it doesn't seem to cramp their style. Of course when the music is really uptempo, I have seen all of these guys standing up and playing. Especially if the crowd is noisy and moving around (as in an outdoor venue, or a restaurant.) You kind of have to match the venue and the music and then decide if you are going to stand or sit. More important than moving around the stage is cultivating the ability to connect with the people you are playing for - a calm and cheerful speaking voice is a great thing to cultivate. Keola Beamer is a master at this. He is almost always sitting down when he plays, and the audience just loves him.
Aloha,
-Konabob |
Konabob's Walkingbass - http://www.konawalkingbass.com
Taropatch Steel - http://www.konaweb.com/konabob/
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=Konabob2+Walkingbass |
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RJS
Ha`aha`a
1635 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2005 : 11:44:33 AM
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I always play sitting down - my classical style guitar is not fitting for a strap. I've connected with the audience, and I've blown it. At indor and outdoor venues. Both sitting down. I don't think the position has made any difference.
PLaying uptempo does seem to make a difference. Having good verbal connection does. A god sound system helps. Playing interesting arrangements helps.
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hapakid
Luna Ho`omalu
USA
1533 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2005 : 11:58:34 AM
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I think we've all enjoyed slack key concerts where the artist is sitting down, but that's usually because the artist finds a way to connect with the audience early on. Sometimes watching someone walk around and play slack key is distracting. I've seen Led walk and play, but he's a high-energy player, as is Cindy Combs, who also stands.
When George Kahumoku walks on stage and settles into a chair and fusses around with his guitar rest and music stand, I kind of relax with him into a mood of hearing something quiet and simple. It's like he's getting ready to convey something special, so I want to get ready to receive it, too. And I know the stories will be good.
Jesse Tinsley |
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`Ilio Nui
`Olu`olu
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2005 : 2:27:55 PM
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I always like a "god" sound system too. A nice PA works well also.
If I'm working alone or with one other person, I like to sit. I too think it draws the audience to you better. Plus, there's the fact that the guitar is more stable and so is mic usage. If it's a band, I think standing is appropriate because of the dynamics on stage. With pa`ani and different instruments, the music center is always moving.
I couldn't even picture Keola, John, Kevin, etc., standing. Either way, just get out there and play.
Me ke aloha,
Dave |
Edited by - `Ilio Nui on 08/06/2005 2:29:01 PM |
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marzullo
`Olu`olu
USA
923 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2005 : 2:38:18 PM
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what big dog sez... when i play with jack and gerry, they make me stand, and it works out just fine. by myself, i sit.
aloha,
keith |
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slkho
`Olu`olu
740 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2005 : 1:45:37 PM
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Sitting is best I think, the mechanics of playing can be executed best.
Makana plays standing, (by-product of rock n roll days) Other sometime stand-up slack key players: Keoki Kahamoku, Keali from the old Hapa, Ozzie, Glenn Smith, Mike Kaawa to name a few.
(I'm waiting for the first Lazy-Boy recliner players).
Visual stage presence I think is commanded by any good player, regardless of sitting/standing. Seems like all the performers I've seen interact with the crowd anyway.
-slkho |
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Mika ele
Ha`aha`a
USA
1493 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2005 : 4:32:12 PM
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sitting
harder to fall over that way
the older you get, the more you look at things that way |
E nana, e ho'olohe. E pa'a ka waha, e hana ka lima. |
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Lawrence
Ha`aha`a
USA
1597 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2005 : 5:40:50 PM
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Yeah, but if you're sitting you have to lean over to...
(you know what)
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Mahope Kākou...
...El Lorenzo de Ondas Sonoras |
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Karl Monetti
`Olu`olu
USA
756 Posts |
Posted - 08/25/2005 : 9:15:41 PM
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I always sit playing at home, so, at our recent outdoor gig in the Gazebo i was rather surprised not to find chairs or stools provided. The three of us were wandering about before the show, looking for stuff to use as chairs when someone came along and asked, "You guys still standin'?" Well, we were, and we also were in a quandary as to what to call ourselves; that guy's comment saved the day for us . We introduced ourselves as the Still Standin' Band, and we stood thru the whole gig. To be honest, it felt really good. Our playing was no worse than ever, and Fred, on stand-up bass, of course had to stand anyway....nothing new for him. But, then, there are not too many solo bass players around, wondering whether they should invest in a really high chair.
I think the venue sort of dictates the position you play in. At the small coffee house i occassionally play in, sitting is almost a must. These folks are just taking mid-day breaks, and don't want to be put upon by some guy towering over them as they sip their lattes. Of course, Dusty wouldn't have that problem. :) |
Karl
Frozen North |
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slkho
`Olu`olu
740 Posts |
Posted - 08/26/2005 : 06:18:44 AM
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...poor Dusty. hee hee
-slkho |
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Mika ele
Ha`aha`a
USA
1493 Posts |
Posted - 08/26/2005 : 07:19:38 AM
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Don't you go hitting on the "vertically challenged"
The menehune will exact revenge. |
E nana, e ho'olohe. E pa'a ka waha, e hana ka lima. |
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Pua Kai
Ha`aha`a
USA
1007 Posts |
Posted - 08/26/2005 : 07:52:32 AM
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Perfect -
I'd like to see/hear that performance w/ Dusty and Karl..... |
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wdf
Ha`aha`a
USA
1153 Posts |
Posted - 08/26/2005 : 08:33:03 AM
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quote:
as is Cindy Combs, who also stands.
Cindy sits at her gig at the Hanapepe Cafe.
quote:
Dusty wouldn't have that problem
What problem?
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Dusty |
Edited by - wdf on 08/26/2005 12:55:33 PM |
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Karl Monetti
`Olu`olu
USA
756 Posts |
Posted - 08/26/2005 : 09:27:47 AM
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| Dusty, you take the cake, man! |
Karl
Frozen North |
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Lawrence
Ha`aha`a
USA
1597 Posts |
Posted - 08/26/2005 : 09:36:43 AM
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All I can say is...
the humor here is hitting a real LOW point!
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Mahope Kākou...
...El Lorenzo de Ondas Sonoras |
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