Dave Plummer Saxophonist

I am really getting into this busking scene, I just enjoy playing to an audience (not always a static one!) whilst also trying to improve what I do.

I went again today and used what has become my normal pitch, near Leicester Market. It was very cold but I was well wrapped up, however the tips of my fingers were exposed. The index finger of my left hand actually went numb, I couldn’t feel it at all.

Now for those of you that are saxophonists, you know that this finger is pretty important when it comes to playing. Without it nothing else works. Somehow it did its job, but I was getting worried about using the button Bb so I started to use the alternative options. This is ok if you have practised the pieces using the options, but to do it on the spot can lead to some errors.

Twice I thought about going home as things had gone quiet, but the first time I decided to go back to my original set and play those again. This did start an influx of donations again. The second time, I decided to play one more number and as I finished a lady approached me for a business card, as her son runs a restaurant and is looking for musicians for a Saturday evening once a month (and it’s paid) and she thought I sounded good enough. Just shows that it can pay to hold your ground.

I left after 2 hours as I needed to thaw my fingers out before this afternoons lessons, and after counting up the days donations it was financially worth it too.

I am now exploring the possibility of some thin cotton gloves with the fingers in place to stop this happening again, I will let you know what I discover, or if you have any ideas feel free to let me know.

For those of you that have never busked, get out there and do it. Its great fun and you meet some very interesting people and get paid to practise, what more could you want?

regards

Dave