I was feeling somewhat below par before the gig, thanks to an asthma attack keeping me up all the previous night. I seldom suffer with asthma (those of you who do, have my sympathies!), but it certainly got me that day!
As bad luck would have it, my percussionist's car had suddenly developed a problem too. So instead of being able to stay home and spend some quality time with my inhaler and get some sleep, I rushed out to pick her up, which of course stated my asthma off again.
Admittedly, I was disappointed that certain folks who knew the situation that day – and who supposedly support our musical endeavours – wouldn't help out and give Marie a lift to my house. But C'est la vie as they say! Fortunately, when I got to Marie's, she kindly volunteered to drive, leaving me free to concentrate on my beloved asthma inhaler! ;)
By the time we got to Mouth & Music, I felt a little better – concealing my coughing and spluttering beneath the moments of applause for the other performers! The standard, incidentally, was excellent: we were entertained by poets – who made up the majority – musicians and even a short story writer.
The adopted theme of the night was 'water': a theme which was imaginatively, and sometimes comically explored by the assembled wordsmiths and musicians. I'm glad the theme was well received as it was one I'd suggested!
It would have been a great night had I just sat in the audience and watched (indeed, I recommend Mouth & Music to musicians and poets around the Kidderminster area; non performers are very welcome too, though there is a small admission charge for those not wanting to brave the stage ;). But, of course, I was also there to play!
Considering how I felt, it would have been more sensible to perform sitting down. So, naturally, I stood up! Tactically this probably wasn't sensible, as I felt lightheaded and (hopefully unnoticed?) nearly collided with a tall lamp that was behind and slightly to the left of me -lol!
Marie did a fine job of backing me up on harmonies and percussion. I amused the audience with tales of how when I first started teaching her to play, she'd only have a tambourine and shaker, but now she's learned so many instruments we need help to get them all on-stage :)
As for my song choices: I stayed mostly with the 'water' theme by playing 'Watching The Waters' and 'Light Of Promise' (which has various nautical metaphors). I strayed somewhat with my hefty blues composition: 'Give Me Some Soul' – or 'Gimme Some Soul', as Marie writes it on set lists (since I haven't released the song yet, I've not had to settle on the title!). Though, to everyone's amusement, Marie pointed out that 'Sole' is a fish ... Clutching at straws, methinks!
The audience were truly appreciative, and though I wasn't feeling my usual energetic self, I still managed a spirited performance – despite being ill. A big thank-you to everyone who attended the event: for all the amazing comments about my songs, for the compliments about our performance, and for entertaining us brilliantly all evening in the run up to my guest-spot.
On the way home we stopped off for a Mc D. Milkshake. not sure it was the wisest choice after having asthma, but it certainly hit the spot! :)
Here are links to Mouth and Music's page on Facebook and to the poster of the event I played at:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=502445383176325&set=a.300139633406902.74663.217089308378602&type=1&theatre
https://www.facebook.com/mouthandmusic
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