Performers from Martha’s Vineyard Live Music “band” together
Performers from Martha’s Vineyard Live Music “band” together
Here’s a question: if you had a choice between listening to a live music performance or a recording, which one would you choose?
It may not come as a surprise to you that at Martha’s Vineyard Live Music, we prefer – you guessed it – live music. We do realize this may sound somewhat biased and self-serving (since we are a group of musicians performing at LIVE events). However, we hasten to add that we are certainly not opposed to recordings – we are recording artists ourselves – and have been known to listen to music streamed through our laptops and iPods – and some great CDs as well. After all, good music – no matter the medium – is always a pleasure to hear.
However, if given a choice, the vibe of a live band performing in front of an enthusiastic audience is always our first pick. Do you want to know why? We are happy you asked!
Dancing in the aisles
Now, we realize that taste is not an exact science; in fact, it is highly subjective. It comes down to personal opinion – individual preference, if you will – that is not measurable. When listening to music, some people prefer the clean, “arranged,” and carefully re-mastered sound of a recording done in a studio to a raw and often unscripted energy of a live concert.
For us, a live performance by a good band or orchestra is an intense experience – in a positive way, of course. One of the reasons we like it so much is a special ambience it creates. Audiences are not merely listeners but also participants in the concert – musicians feed off the audience’s vibe, and vice-versa. That kind of interaction creates a great dynamic because it is more direct, personal, lively, and spontaneous.
And let’s not forget the entertainment component: on stage, performers are free to improvise, ad-lib, and communicate directly with the audience – adding an exciting dimension to the experience. It is one thing to hear the recording of an artist’s performance, but another experience entirely to see him or her live on stage.
Don’t just take our word for it. Look (and listen to) at how audiences react and respond to some legendary performers at live concerts:
The Beatles , first live concert in the United States, Washington D.C., 1964
Rolling Stones , 1965
Jefferson Airplane , Woodstock, 1969
Elton John
Here’s another link showing 10 Greatest Live Music Performances (yes, we know, the word “greatest” is subjective, but, really, who can argue with these picks?)
Let us rock your world!
When we speak about the pleasures of live music, we know our stuff!
At Martha’s Vineyard Live Music, we are a group of professional musicians who spend our summers on the island, performing – live, of course – at a wide variety of events and venues. And we are not limited to just one particular style – we are “fluent” in jazz, blues, swing, and rock-and-roll.
As Neil Young – who knows a thing or two about touring – famously said, “Live music is better.” We are not about to disagree with that!
