It’s CMA week here in Nashville. The awards were last night, I didn’t go. But I did go to an after party.
It was wild downtown. I swear, countless middle-aged men had spiky hair with frosted tips DYING to be mistaken for Gary LeVox…the Rascal Flatts guy.
At these after parties, whatever record label is hosting the party, a few of their acts will play a handful of songs, and the crowd is a mix of industry people and tourists who wait in line forever to get in.
The band I went to see, The Railers, were first. They’re a new country band with lots talent from lots of years of experience. You do the math.
Everything was really great, but there was a subtle little thing they did that only pros would think about (or not think about it at all, but just do it instinctively).
Jordan sings bgv’s and plays a bunch of instruments all throughout the show. He’s lined up right on the front of the stage equal with the lead singer and bgv/percussionist. So right in the stage lights where everyone can see him.
But part way through their third song he disappeared from the front of the stage and went and hung out in the darkness with the drummer and bass player.
At first I just thought, oh right on, he’s just takin a stroll for a bit.
But as the bridge of the song approached, it made sense why we walked toward the back of the stage for a minute.
So he could walk forward.
When it was time for him to solo.
So that when it came time, he could re-insert himself into the front of the stage and make his grand entrance back into the bright lights as he started his solo. It worked. The people cheered.
Would they have cheered otherwise? Maybe. It doesn’t matter.
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In a live show, creating a temporary void, an empty space, taking something away, removing a constant, can be really powerful and a great way to call more attention to it when reasserted.
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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com