Oak Plays "Boots" (after a fashion...)

[Oak Kitten]

Howdy,

We had our second annual talent show at work to benefit the Combined Federal Campaign, and I just got my DVD. I resolved after last year's show where I performed "My Autobiography" that I would do something this year that would really stretch my abilities. Given how limited those abilities are, it was not too hard to do. So I hired me a guitar teacher, and we spent several weeks working on "Boots Like Emmy Lou's" Then I was left on my own to practice, practice, practice. So here is the result, with a few disclaimers:

I sure don't sing like Janis

I sure don't play like Janis

The quality of the audio leaves much to be desired - aside from my own vocal limitations, the vocals were amplified through the auditorium's PA system. The guitar was amplified separately.

Here is my "glam shot" that they projected on the screen behind me for the performance.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/TalentShow08Compressed.jpg

Now if that was not enough to scare you off, here is the link to the show:

http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/?action=view&current=Boots.flv

'Tis said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so if you watch this Janis, I hope you take it that way.

Oak

[GodSistah]

Ahh...this is great, Oak!
I love it!

:)

~Andrea~

[Darlene]

Woo who! Way to go Oak, that's some fancy fingering!!!
You did Janis proud!:eek:

Darlene

[hoops]

oak great job! and that pic of you is very nice too
peace
hoops

[Bat]

That's about as cute as it gets, Oak! Congrats for a masterful performance... you had it cold!
Cute publicity projection, too...WooWoo! Wonder Woman!

[DaveM]

Pickin' 'n grinnin'....and mighty fine, too.

I know I couldn't possibly manage an imitation, so I'll just have to stick to the flattery.

[Eva]

Dr. Oak, I think that is wonderful. I am very impressed with your guitarabilities, your singing and the show you put up there. AND you didn't throw up. Wow! You are way cooler than dr. Phil :cool:

Eva

[lucille]

Wow. That was great Oak. Gee, it's going to be great at the Jan-nic II with all this talent on display. You'll bring your guitar this time won't you?

I'm hoping to be able to master the didgeridoo, but it is a hard beast to conquer. Not to mention, getting it into the country. I'll probably just be playing the fool as usual.:D

[Oak Kitten]

Well thanks, guys

Y'all are very generous with your praise. I was really pissed at myself for flubbing the solo at the end. I did the whole thing through 3 times just before the show started, and nailed it. But it is a whole different story when you get up on stage in front of 300 people, and photographers are firing off flashes in your face. I have no plans to quit my day job, that's for sure.

Next year, if I am still there, I will borrow Mr. Oak's electric guitar and do "Play Like A Girl." That should be a blast. I'll have to see if I can find a co-worker who can play drums.

Oak

[Marcia Drummergal]

Hey Oak! GREAT JOB!! I loved it. Thoroughly enjoyed it. And hey, those guitar lessons paid off big-time. If I lived closer to you, I'd be glad to play drums for you next year. Too bad!!

Marcia :)

[Roady]

From someone who doesn't even know how to hold a guitar, I'm impressed. Talk about fast fingers. And you've got your CD cover all designed for when your record comes out.

Roady

[Oak Kitten]

Okay, Roady

You need to 'splain that comment to me.

Oak

[gisli]

Nice glam shot....congratulation on your show, proud you may be I see.:)

[KarenSews2]

Kudos, Randy! I'm always impressed by guitar pickin'! Have you given any thought to doing Cosmo Girl?? :p

[Oak Kitten]

Kudos, Randy! I'm always impressed by guitar pickin'! Have you given any thought to doing Cosmo Girl?? :p

Thanks Karen,

I play Cosmo Girl, and I considered doing it for the show, but I thought it may be a wee bit too risqué for an audience of my co-workers.

One of the things I had to fudge on "Boots" was that double note that Janis plays above the walking bass line. If you watch her play it on the Club Cafe DVD, you will see that she is plucking both the 6th string and the 4th string. I could not for the life of me coordinate that, I think it requires brain surgery for us mere mortals. I resorted to hammering down on the 6th string and plucking the 4th.

Wendy, I know a great song that features a didgeridoo, we need Marcia to bring her drum, and I will bring my djembe. Get practicing!

Oak

[Kath of the Guitar]

Bravo Randy! You did a great job!
Can't wait to see what you Marcia and Wendy come up with....:p
Wendy bring your accordion.....:rolleyes: ;)
{HUGS}:D

[david uk]

Oak, I loved that!

the thing I thought was best was that the audience was laughing along in all the right places, which must mean you did a good job.

well done :)

[Eva]

Wendy, I know a great song that features a didgeridoo, we need Marcia to bring her drum, and I will bring my djembe. Get practicing!
Cool. And I'll dance seductively. This way we all do what we're good at. Okay? :D

Eva

[Dee]

You have more courage (and certainly more guitar skill) than I have, Oak!

Thanks for sharing the video.

[Oak Kitten]

Bravo Randy! You did a great job!
Can't wait to see what you Marcia and Wendy come up with....:p
Wendy bring your accordion.....:rolleyes: ;)
{HUGS}:D

Kath,

Thanks, that means a lot coming from a real guitar player. I am just a dilettante.

Eva,

Are you going to wear some special dancing shoes for this act? We will have to take up a collection for your airfare to get you over here!

Oak

[Elliott]

Wonderful.... I'm adding something like that to my "bucket" list! Bravo!

[Lin]

Priceless!!! Thanks for sharing. I was smiling the whole way through!

Lin

[leslie]

What great fun! And Wendy, I've got the accordian (with a couple of stuck keys) for you. Who knows, we might get more blackmail pics!?!?!?