JPF Home Page Forums General Messages General Message Forum Humorous Things to Say Between Songs

Saw McCartney twice this year, and he told the same things at the same spots, but it felt VERY fresh the second time too. It was practiced spontanious talk! Very Pro, short and sweet. And not a dead moment in the 2 and a half hours! Even when he was changing instruments, one of the guitar players or the drummer would say a few set words, then Paul would shoot back a sentence or two, tben on with the song. His more involved stories were far apart, (not doing them long after each song). "Flow" was the focus. Like some songs, the show had a beginning, middle, bridge, and end. Well crafted.

Besides already being a pro performer, like Paul is of course, I think SOMEHOW "being relaxed" is the first step to being able to relate a joke or short story to a crowd. Jitters sounds like Jitters! Not appealing at all, no matter the lines. It can be a letdown from the music.

Trial and error is the way for most. Some have it naturally, and others don't. You'll know soon enough which one you are. If not so good at the verbage, either seek pro help in public speaking, (there are people who teach this), and/or with some comedy pros, or just play the damn songs and smile a lot, looking at people! Use your eyes to say a lot if your brain is full of marbles!

I have tuned pianos for many pros for their concerts. And at rehearsal, some would rehearse their lines, or story, to keep them fresh in their heads, and for the "timing", so it's not forced, but flowing, just like the songs they would rehearse in sound check. Some can wing it, and that's great for those kinds of natural talents, with a great natural appeal, no matter what they say.

Again,,,,,KNOW what you can and can't do, and work hard on your weaknesses. Have honest others let you know if you're not sure because of a local friendly crowd. Don't seek back patters, but REAL honest folks with educated opinions......
Just Plain Folks!

I once tried to tell an on-the-spot joke about our song title, and the crowd looked puzzled! It was called "My Blue Moon", but I don't remember what I said. The audience looks are all I can remember. Must have been bad. I was told to "shut up and just play" after that! I did, and later got to play with people like Chuck Berry and many others, so listen to strong opinions, or the looks on people's faces! I'm funny around my wife, but not on stage. She just doesn't know it yet!

John

[This message has been edited by dhsongs (edited 11-10-2002).]