Looking back on Big Day

Some reflections on the CD release show, which happened on Saturday night.

Great/good things:

1) A huge crowd. There were over 100 people in the room and 62 people took home CDs.

2) Great energy; people were really enjoying themselves.

3) There was a really nice Calvin turnout! That was good for the heart.

4) I was privileged to be backed by special guests Sarah B. doing harmony vocals and Kyle W. doing guitar, with both switching off on percussion duty.

5) A bonus, which I did not discover until a few days after the show: thanks to SB's dilligent efforts, my gig got into the Village Voice with a little blurb! Editor Chuck Eddy did a wee little write up which showed that he had actually listened to the CD and looked over the press kit. Rockin.' Read it here.


Things I would change or be on guard for in the future:

1) There was a constant buzz of talking during the show, and I tried to compensate by oversinging. Consequently, the hard fast songs were solid - piano-wise as well - but my singing on the ballads was really incongruous, because I was forcing it/overintensifying it. You can't do that, especially on a ballad. It's just not right.

2) Part of the reason for the constant buzz of talking was I went on a half hour late, so the act that came after me already had their crowd there. Gals on keyboards can sometimes find it difficult to grab the crowd, half of which is there ready to rock out to the band that comes after them. And, I confess, gals on keyboards can sometimes make good background music. This girl isn't usually one for the background ;) - but I've licked my minor wounds. Being there at all - getting to play to a lively, people-filled room - was a great gift. DON'T GET ME STARTED! Don't even get me started.

3) In the week or two leading up to the show, I'd have done a visual/flyer type of promotion in addition to all the email promo - which, granted, was very successful. The new CD has cool cover art and I haven't made use of it outside of that. Where did all the time go, leading up to this thing? There are so many areas to cover. Something for next time.

It's exciting though, to look back on the experience, see what worked, what was lacking, and reconfigure things for the next go. Up next on the docket: possibly a Grand Rapids gig in early December. Stay tuned!