Had chance to do a half an hour solo set today at a charity event for Oxfam. I worked up a fingerpicking set that featured three of my originals.
Arrived in time to see the two preceding acts - both duo's with a fellow playing the guitar and a girl singing. And both playing all well known cover versions. The act after me was a chap singing to backing tracks - also all well known popular hits. Lovely guy, and talking to him earlier on I knew what he was going to be doing in advance.
Must confess in the light of the above I was tempted to adopt a last minute change of set list and play a few more well known covers... But I resisted the urge and stuck to my guns. Aside from helping to raise some money for Oxfam my intention was to practice my solo stuff in front of an audience, and try out a few originals. So I stuck with plan A.
It went well. Quite a few folks there despite the typical June weather. A few people filming bits of it in iPads and phones and few folks keen to talk afterwards. The fellow on after me took my card as he reckons he can get me some gigs, too. We shall see. Overall, not sure it was the ideal audience for my brand of music but I played and sang as well as I have at any of my solo gigs (each time I feel like I learn a little and improve a little), wasn't nervous at all ( a world of difference to my first few solo outings), and my originals (esp. "You've Been The One") were well received. Definitely getting better at this thumb-picking, albeit slowly.
Later this month I have another solo half hour gig to do. But that one is part of Blues Festival week and I think my material will find a better aligned audience. In fact, I can't wait. I reckon that one could be a good one.
Cheers
Derek
