aka Operation Turn Jess Back Into Zeke's Sugar Mama
I made it through the first round, with three to go (in Bamberg, that is). We're looking at competitions every two weeks, and for the remaining rounds, I will be able to play the guitar for backup. SUPER EXCITED about this opportunity -- Operation Rising Star is the only practical way someone in our lifestyle can have access to such a venture. I feel good after last night, but it's a long road ahead and I'm going to bust my patootie and see where this experience takes us.
Here's a video of my performance. Feel free to tell me your thoughts, both positive and critical -- the biggest room in the world is the room for improvement and goodness knows I am sitting my butt on a stool smack-dab in the middle of that room right now.
I already have some recommendations for myself to start off the list:
1. Push past the weird plexiglass throat-crushing device that tends to grab at me when I start singing in such circumstances. It's not real. So just get over it.
2. Make sure I take time to let the phrases settle on everyone's ears. I don't know where the fire was last night, but I seemed to be running from it vocally. I don't want to turn it into a funeral dirge, but I shouldn't take for granted the time needed for the audience to care.
Now it's your turn. Be my Simon Cowells. And Simon, if you happen upon my blog, be my Simon. Give me your worst.
(Sidebar: Who here thinks Simon Cowell might Google his name? Don't we all? And if, in fact, he does, what are the chances his Googling quest will lead him here? If all those fabulous little events transpire, how excellent would that be? A productive and inspiring insult critique from him would be like manna for this songbird's soul.)
oh Jess! WOW!! Fabulous! Just fabulous!! I don't know how you do it, but I totally support you and every way. Wish I could be there in the audience, but know that I am taking those suggested deep breaths with you xo What were the 2 songs you mentioned? All I could make out was "Johnny Cash".
ReplyDeleteI WISH you could be here too! But hey, if I make it far enough, I think you get to cheer me on and vote somewhere down the line (here's your warning for my shameless plug!)
DeleteThe two songs: Cash's "Ragged Old Flag" (one time it actually brought me to tears when I was doing yardwork) and "Hallelujah" (my fave versions being Cohen's and then Buckley's). I just might be posting a video of myself performing the latter soon...
Yes! Jessica- you did a wonderful job - and I agree with all of the judges - you did a fine job - singing voice was great, attitude-great, stage presence - quiet yes, but perfect for this song-glad they noticed that you performed it like "telling the story" and again that was the perfect way to do this song ;-) The last judges constructive comment about pushing through the note - that was very good! He seems to know his stuff ! BTW - it sounded like me in the audience when someone did a loon hoot in the first set of clapping when you finished singing :-) So- hey - I was there - yeah !! love ya - mom
ReplyDeleteI just finished watching the link you shared with us for "Operation Rising Star" - that was very cool to see! Last year looked like a fun year - but I really think this year will be the best! hehe 2 more things - When you said 2 of your favorite songs are Ragged Old Flag and Hallelujah that was great - showed them just who you are! Also, in case others didn't notice when listening to the judges comments - the third judge said, "the thing that will help you out in later rounds".... hehe - he's calling it like it is a/o can be! great job! love, mom
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