benhall.1 wrote:
You do sometimes get the broad light of recognition closely followed by, "Oh, like Black Velvet Band, Fields of Athenry 'n' stuff!"
You know that's going to be most people. It's the cross we bear.
But it seems to me that most audience-y types gravitate toward the songs rather than the dance music; songs are probably easier for them to get a grip on, plus if they know them, they can sing along. And I've seen some pretty bad acts that succeeded because they were song-heavy and the lead vox knew how to work a crowd. Quality doesn't win hearts every time. I remember one bar gig where a patron said he wanted songs; unfortunately for him, we were only equipped to play dance tune sets. Ah, well. Can't please everyone. If we could inspire any punters to twirl and dance, or even just clap along, I counted that as a triumph, because it meant we weren't just wallpaper any more, but actually got enough of their attention for them to register approval. Once I started playing with a band that did more songs, the audience was exponentially more engaged. In bars, that's just how it is.
One of the funniest song requests I ever got was from a drunk lady who wanted "Danny Boy". She helpfully tried to jog our memories by singing it - conductor's hands and all - but she used the melody to "O Holy Night". Naturally she got stuck, and became crestfallen. In typical good form, the lead man said, "We don't have that one, but we've got one for you that's just as good," and proceeded to saw away at yet another dance tune.
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