Had to chime in here... I always do "the Rap" when I'm performing solo. It performs the triple function of (1) adding dimension to the song, maybe enhancing its humorous qualities; (2) adding space between songs so they don't quite all sound alike; and (3) covering up the fact that I'm not really playhing that many songs.

I do try to keep the Rap short--people are there to hear the music, not me talking--and directly related to the content of the upcoming song. I will, for instance, always use the late Steve Goodman's definition of country music ("It's about Mother, trucks, trains, farms, prison, dead dogs, and Christmas") as the lead-in to "I'm Giving Mom a Dead Dog for Christmas." Before I sing "Jim the Psychic Dog," I'll explain why our county economic development agency thought it was important that I know about Jim and his Website. And so forth.

I've always thought the Rap important because it establishes (my opinion) a closer connection with the audience. I'm not just swooping onto the stage, delivering a performance and splitting; it's more like we're all sittin' around the living room talkin' 'bout stuff.

Accordingly, I will spend quite a bit of time scripting and rehearsing the Rap, so that when the time comes, I can just Act Naturally and speak just like I sing, without a single piece of paper around--just me and my guitar. The audience doesn't have to know that I spent hours in the shower rehearsing that spontaneity...

Joe

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