First time I played in front of strangers I was 39, cold sober and solo, at a college open mic. I played Leavin' on a Jet Plane and Long Black Veil. Between the 2nd and 3rd verses of LoaJP, I "woke up" and said, "what am I doing?". The audience (all 15 of 'em, who had been singing along) yelled "Keep Going!!!!". So I did.

Playing solo was always terrifying--shaky knees, dry mouth, heart pounding. The only way to get through it was to compare it to equestrian cross-country, where I felt *exactly* the same way, but that was sheer exhilaration and excitement and an incredible high.

First paid gig was about a year later, with Reynaud (and his quarter-century of gigging experience) keeping me steady. It's SOOOO much easier being half a duo!!!

Thanks for refreshing the memories!

V