by abstamaria » 12 Mar 2012, 08:50
In Manila in the early 60s, the Ventures were far more popular than the Shadows. In part, that was probably due to our strong ties with the US (we had US television and radio) and because the Ventures pieces were danceable and preferred at parties and "shindigs."
I don't think we ever saw the Shadows play in those early days, except in the movies.
The problem is that the Ventures hardly moved on stage. They just stood impassively, swaying sometimes, and mostly just stared at a distant audience. Nokie seemed to do that even in later years, standing bolt upright with no expression, only his fingers moving. So that was the norm here as well. It seems, from some videos on this forum, cover bands elsewhere follow that same stage formula too and hardly move. Certainly no displays of exuberance and no jumping around!
So, even now, "performing" musicians are not common here for all-instrumental, 60s-style retro bands. Anna comes from a younger generation where of course the rules are different. They move! That is why Anna apologizes for moving about on "Raggy Tramline." etc. I don't mind; it certainly makes the pieces more lively and interesting.
Just a historical, cultural note.
Andy