Generally when I leave home to go play a gig, my wife gives me a kiss and says. "Play pretty". It's a ritual that I look forward to. I think she has only missed saying it twice and I played poorly both times. "Play pretty." It's a hope and a prayer. It's also a challenge and an aspiration.
I practice a lot in preparation for my gigs. In part because I have a sense of professional pride and commitment, and also because of those two little words. I don't want to disappoint my clients, of course, but I don't want to disappoint my wife either.
"Play pretty" also encapsulates for me a more mature approach to my art. I find as I get older that I prefer that which moves me to that which amazes me. I admit that when I was younger I was attracted to classical guitar because of the high energy, razzle-dazzle pieces. These are the pieces that most audiences love. I wanted to be a performer then and to do it successfully I would need to play songs that were technically flashy. But if I'm playing at someone's wedding, I need to be more in the background and the music needs to be in keeping with the event. Slow, stately and loving.
The great Twentieth century Spanish guitarist Andres Segovia could play a single note and that note would hold within itself everything that ever mattered. Anyone can play fast and loud. But to move people with a single note is true art. It took me a long time to understand the importance of that.
That's the challenge of "Play pretty". To replicate the love these people have for each other. Not to impress them with my abilities.
Some musicians play music so others may dance. Some play so others may pray. Some have statements to make. Others play for a variety of reasons, from educational to socializing around a campfire. To all I say "Play pretty".