some folks are entertainers and some aren't

ray davies is a master -

the thing is, if i spend $20, i expect a little more than the record, 
like some interaction, stories about the songs, some kind of 
connection with the artist, even if someone is an uncharismatic 
performer, you would hope they'd have found something else to draw on 
to make up for that - some folks are really funny that you wouldn't 
normally expect humour from or really intense live (even if they 
don't necessarily do anything) or something.... that's why a lot of 
the old school guys are so good, they've had years to refine
what works for them... even the cranky guys can be great if it makes 
the show great...

Bill Withers was a guy I saw way back in the day and he just sat on a 
stool with the 103rd st rhythm section chilling behind him - it was 
really relaxed and down home and i remember it to this day... he had 
stories behind the songs and it really connected...

part of the problem is the performance bar is so low these days... 
people have no idea what a great
performance is sometimes... which, thank god for YouTube.... you can 
study all the masters in their prime
and cop old moves, stances, clothing, etc ... I believe in stage 
clothes, for example...

i am constantly blown away by old MC5 footage, for example, Wayne 
Kramer & Fred Smith were on fire... they took their old 60s bar band 
moves and amped them up to 15... and they were having FUN! I love it 
when the musicians are clearly ENJOYING what they're doing... it's 
infectious...

i saw the FINN BROTHERS a few years ago - wow! - you just felt so 
good being there....

that's when it all connects - band/songs/audience - that magic 
elevation... and if the band are hanging by the merch table on the 
way out....bingo!