Busking Wannabe

I'm having that annual craving to hit the road and go busking. Busking in Italy to be exact. I've never really done much busking outside of Renaissance Festivals. And honestly, I haven't ever really *tried* to effectively busk.

I mean, we have shows and all. But to find a location, lay out a hat or better yet, develop an attention-getting routine and show that will attract people to give you money, I've not really done.

The busking I've done alone or with the Brobdingnagian Bards involves me finding a nice location, laying out a hat and playing the most-placid songs and tunes I know. No good for busking.

I'd need a routine. Loud energizing songs. Or do I need those? Christene Le Doux mentioned playing soft, melody songs. I guess that's an option as well. The trick is to make it stand out and not just disappear which is what I typically aim for. Lack of confidence on my part. But I'm getting better. I'm playing out some solo shows more which helps.

But with Andrew, we've never been successful busking. We play for vendors at faires and they'll tip us. Sometimes patrons will take notice as well. But usually. Nope. I just haven't figured out the Art of Busking.

Side: I wonder if there's a book called The Art of Busking? Good title.

Anyway, some of what I read over at Busker Central (see more busking resources and more busking links) kinda inspired me to think more about it. The autoharp attracts attention, that's for sure, because of it's strange look... IF they see it, that is. But it's the art of getting them to see it and respond. And then how to get them to tip? That's what I'm not sure of at present...

Why am I even bothering to mention all this? Because I was looking into the possibility of moving to Italy. I'm checking all the resources to find out what is necessary. If I was living with family, I think I could make a good living in Italy. I just need to know the laws and such. Especially in regards to musicians. I'm not sure if they're considered self-employed which requires one document, or not. I assume so. Makes sense, but then when does Italy make sense? *smirk*

Finding laws for busking is no easy task. It'd almost be easier just to try and book a club gig... I think. Alas, even that's prolly a helluva challenge, especially for a solo Celtic folk singer. But if I could work it out, I could make some very nice money. I think it is time to start planning next summer's gigs, that may be include a few festivals in Italy as well.

Heart and Soul Music

I started learning "Heart and Soul" on the autoharp. And since it wasn't until college that I realized there were lyrics to the tune, I've always been enamoried with the idea of learning the vocal version so I am. But as I practiced and everytime I sang it, I could hear the voice of Jimmy Durante. And my imitation wasn't too bad. So I've spent the last couple o'days trying to capture me singing like Jimmy Durante singing "Heart and Soul" on the autoharp.

The toughest part is the playing the solo on the autoharp. I have a good recording of me sounding like him, but the solo isn't quite there. So if I can get it soon, I'm gonna stick with the performance I have which sounds pretty cool. Not quite there, but pretty decent.

It's kinda funny imitating people. I'm not really good at imitating people themselves. But I'm good at imitating imitators.

For instance, Jimmy Durante. I had no idea who he was until yesterday. But I've known his voice all my life. Ralph the Mouth from Happy Days used to do his "Ha cha cha". Spike from Tom and Jerry used his voice, as did Doggie Daddie from Hanna-Barbera. And he was the narrator in the Rankin-Bass animated TV special, Frosty the Snowman.

You also may've heard his version of "Time Goes By" and "Make Someone Happy" from the movie Sleepless in Seattle. And "You Made Me Love You" from You've Got Mail. Seems like there's another Meg Ryan movie that had Jimmy Durante singing too, but I can't remember what.

Anyway, when I get a final recording, I'll play it on my Pub Songs Podcast.

Irish Music Bards on NPR

I was excited to hear my name at the end of a special feature on NPR this morning. It was a 2nd Window Production on Voice of the Troubles: 25 Years After the Irish Hunger Strike. Wow. They played quite a few songs.

They played The Dubliner's Tabby Cats recording of "Cats Chasing Butterflies". That's Cedric of the Bedlam Bards on fiddle. They also played "The Parting Glass" from Soul of a Harper.

But that's not all. The Brobdingnagian Bards were also on the show. They played a short clip"My Irish Valentine" from A Celtic Renaissance Wedding at 7:30 into the second podcast (yes, the show was podcasted). And I just noticed that melody sorta reminds me of "Featherlight" from Songs of the Muse.