僕は元来、人付き合いが苦手で、これまでいろいろとマズい状況に出くわしたり、自分自身それで損をして来た。
Being introverted, I have never felt comfortable with meeting new people. This aspect of my character caused many awkward moments and contributed to losing opportunities in the past.
だからシカゴに引っ越して、当地のミュージシャンと新しくネットワークを築いていくなどとは、とうてい無理に思えた。
Therefore, it seemed nearly impossible for me to build new networks in the blues community in Chicago before I moved there.
しかしそれをやるしか無い状況に自分を追い込むことで、この数ヶ月の間にかなりの数のミュージシャンや幾つかのクラブのオーナーと知り合いになれた。
However, by pushing myself into the corner that I have no choice but to force myself to do it, I was able to meet quite a few musicians and some club owners in Chicago in the last few months.
先日は、シカゴに来て知り合ったプレーヤー達とこの街の郊外で初めて自己名義のバンドでライブをやったばかりだ。幸い、同じ店から再出演の依頼が来たのは嬉しい。
I have already done a gig in the area with my own band consisting of the local members. It was gratifying to be called back to perform at the same venue again soon.
シカゴのブルースミュージシャンのレベルは高いしその数も多い。一方、ライブ演奏できる場はひと昔前からは減っているから、その競争は激しい。
The quality and quantity of Chicago’s blues musicians are high. On the other hand, there are only a limited number of venues where they can perform. The competition becomes cut throat accordingly.
果たしてここで生き残れるかどうか。今は事が起こる前の潜伏期間に居ることを願っている。自分を信じて前に進むしか無いのだ。
There is no way of knowing whether I can survive in this new environment or not. I hope I am in an incubation period before a breakout. I have to believe in myself and keep moving forward.