A year ago while I was working with Acis with vocal parts, he actually taught me a lesson that I will cherish forever. Being the man that I am, i would try my very best to have colours on the harmony parts rather than unison or a plain octave. I would not stick to the parts that was given to me instead rearranging it to make it sound better. But what I failed to understand was its not about individual talents, but individuals coming together as a unit. It is about giving your best when you re needed and not over doing it. I was asked to stick to the normal lines or octave because the Music Director had asked me too. 'It is not how good you are, it is how good you work with others'.
Same goes to the show I had at Nerofico the other day (Friday to be precised). While performing that night I realised what Acis had told me earlier was right and understand completely what he was saying. Its like im completely in Acis shoes. I had the best musician in their own world. Led By Zailan Razak, Hiran Benton and Wan Gigi, I personally admit that they are one of the best I have ever worked with. They would do improvisations right at the spot and are truly amazing. But what so ironic that night is I think that it was practically the worst show I did. My worst night is when I performed with the best musicians. Why? Because I wasnt feeling their music and everyone was so good that they forgot to stay in one unit. Everyone was trying to have their own moment that they forget the show was all about me. Dont get me wrong im not dissing them neither am I blaming them. They are great musicians. Period. But have you ever heard 'less is more' ?
Secondly, practice practice practice. I remember reading this somewhere but as a musician and a performer our work is to practice. We only have fun during our show. If you re not happy practicing you should consider doing something else. So practice your heart out and have an ample time of rehearsal. When I performed with Joe Flizow, the Music Director asked everyone to go back to the studio at 2am in the morning to tighten things up eventhough we had a long and tiring day of full dress and the actual show was the following day. Alda (MD) knows what he is doing. There is no such thing as reading your chart or just adlib or just feel without practice. That s bullshit. Musicians and bv need to know their cue, chords and even the singer too. There is no such thing as loose and see what happens during the show. You need to establish rules before trying to break em. If there is no rules how on earth you know what and where to break?
Summary: 1) work in one unit 2) practice, practice, practice
