Oh, Fer Cryin' Our Loud - It's the Sunday Thread for Aug. 17, 2025

That's right boys and girls, once again Sunday has rolled around and it's time to check in. My news for the week was the completion of the "showcase" set at the club. It was a lot of fun. Far from perfect, but it almost feels like I passed an initiation of some sort, and became a "regular" member. One woman with whom I've probably not had more than two words between us over the past two years surprised me by complementing my singing. Especially the higher notes. I think that was high praise, since the "song comes first" is a lesson I've learned. Now, I have to wait a full 12 months before I can do it again, which is a club rule. That's fine with me, as I'll take what I learned and work on it.

So, that done, today is just a normal Sunday for me. Church, lunch, baseball, guitar practice, and keep an eye on Hurricane Erin, which is still way south, but appears to be a large Cat 5 monster, and will ultimately have some affect when it reaches the East Coast.

Time to check in, folks: What have you been up to this week, and what's on your plate? Or playlist?

My wife and I went out last night and caught a show put on by a local theater group that proved to be very entertaining and well done. It's surprising how much local theatrical talent there is in the area.

Next month I'll start playing a weekly Sunday afternoon gig so I thought I'd like to learn some different material to sing. For kicks I've been rehearsing some old Ricky Nelson stuff like "Hello MAryLou" and "Travelin' Man", and I think I'll toss a couple of blusier tunes in. I've been singing the same stuff for many years and figured my time before I'm planted in the pine box moves ever closer so if I'm going to change the act a bit now is the time to do it.

Hope all have a great day!.

Been fairly busy so far. Got offered another continuing bass gig yesterday. While paying well, I had to say no. With work what it is and my current gigs, I can?t justify the time away from my wife. It was quite nice as I was recommended by the owner of the music store I consult who is also the singer for the largest local band (give you an idea, they get 10k a gig).

Had a bass gig Thursday. 2 today with 1 already in the book as of now. Playing the Ric. I wish this bass weighed about 1 lb less as it plays and sounds fantastic. It would be my fav save for the 9.5 lbs.

Got some errands to run later then a nap before another gig on guitar. The new Gibby LP STD Double Trouble in Honey Burst is getting its stage debut. Practiced the setlists yesterday with it which was the most play time I?ve had with it. WOW, it?s even better that I thought. One of the songs in the list is one I have to pay attention to the lead in normally. Played it yesterday and it came off so easily.

Congrats OS on your performance.

Laker, I've come to enjoy Ricky Nelson a lot this past year. I guess the teen idol stuff put me off. Of course I love Garden Party, but I've come to appreciate his height-of-fame hits as well. I can imagine that his stuff goes over well with the right crowd.

Congratulations on the successful gig, Old Strummer. Good on ye.

My girlie and I went to see Chris Isaacs at the Ryman on Thursday evening. It was one of the most entertaining shows I've ever seen. The band were incredible. It was all very humorous at times, and that made for a lot of fun. I'm now a big fan of the bassist Rowland Salley--he's a melodic player who rocks the bass too. The guitarist was JD Simo, who stuck too a Tele for the most part, but pulled out a Strat for the whammy bits.

And the sound was perfect--their sound crew knew what they were doing. I've heard folks mess up sound in the Ryman. Whoever ran sound knew the Ryman's acoustics well.

Today, temps will reach almost 100. That's inside weather for me.

I'll have a date with the soon-to-be missus, get chores done, and play a bit.

had an epic night last night. At the last minute, I found out a buddy of mine was playing an early show downtown with his band. Outside on the sidewalk, beautiful night. 630-930. Then down the street a bit, another restaurant had an open mic at 10 o'clock. I had been to a couple and been quite impressed. Ended up closing the place while waiting for Uber surge pricing to fall. Just before I had to step outside, the price dropped 10 dollars. sweet.

taking it real chill today, it's hot outside and we're due for some possible thunderstorms late this afternoon/early evening. I'm going to get motivated to hit the gym soon. Bro is away until wednesday possibly thursday, left today. Going to get some playing done, it's been a while. Trying to remember if any mic booms are accessible without having to move too much stuff. It won't be long before I'll finally be able to unbox stuff, some of which has been packed since 2019. Hoping I don't find any pedals that have had batteries left in them. Labor Day is two weeks from tomorrow. I'm doubtful that the construction will be 100% done but I kind of need to have some idea of when so I can hire some movers for the heavy furniture. Amongst all us old people we do not need to hurt ourselves any worse than we already are, LOL.

Finally reached the point where I can play 38 of the 40 songs I just learned without my notebook.
Hard to believe. Took 5 weeks but, seeing as how this is my first ever bass gig, I'm happy about that. It's been a lot of work learning to take a bass player approach for the first time in my 50 years of playing guitar!

Up in Northern Vermont right now. 42? this morning. Chilly for August! We're riding 30 miles of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail so my partner can complete the 94 mile length of this Trans-Vermont trail. I did it last year and it's quite beautiful!

Bought a used Sterling Bass that is twice the instrument my Squier Mustang could ever imagine being.
It balances well on a strap and has a wide variety of very usable sounds. Really enjoying it!

Nice to see others here enjoying good times and a drama-less week. I know this old guy here is truly enjoying this stage of living so much less bullshit that earlier years.
Be well everybody, and live it large!