"How's It Feel To Be In a Real Band?"

[shoebox22]

That's the question I got asked once everybody left the house yesterday evening.

In a word. Wow. What a difference getting most of the members together.

We had a new drummer, new bassist, another but new background singer.

Some members couldn't make it and we definitely missed them but wow, that's the first time the vocals sounded like we were coming together.

Because of the size, we moved the R&B horn band to our den. Lot's of fun, some wrecks, and a lot of work done.

This is FUN. :blbros

[Tele-Bob]

Isn't it great when the vocals all come together and the band gets tight and the vibe is in the room? I love it. I live for it. Making music with a group of skilled players is such a wonderful sensation! Better than most things you can name. And lasts longer too!

[shoebox22]

Yeah. I'm finally starting to get over the "virgin" feeling and feel like this is going to work...... and we've been working on it. All of us.

One of the vocalists and I had worked (jobs) almost all weekend and that put another layer on it. Tired as we were, instead of getting snappy, as it could have, everybody had fun, old and new friends. He and I even didn't wreck a duet that we forgot we were supposed to do. Doh.

Lucky to have the talent we have with us. Lucky that we're friends.

[thetallcoolone]

Making music with a group of skilled players is such a wonderful sensation!

Even with players that are not THAT skilled T-B.
We're a bunch of weekend hackers and play as a band and whatever is going on in each other's life, it's all forgotten for the time of the play.

Lets trade all the weapons for musical instruments.
I'd rather hear a long obnoxious irrelevant solo than the heartbraking thunder of war.
Hey! That could be a song theme! ;)

Congrats on the fun, Shoe!
Music is a wonderful balm for the soul!
(Another song theme? )

[photoweborama]

I have not been in a band since the late 70's.
I have had that feeling a few times, but not in a LONG time...

[shoebox22]

Most of us aren't all that good either, but, with an excellent bass player and a solid drummer, a lot of other things sound better.

- posted by RCinMempho

[Tele-Bob]

Right on RC. When the harmonies come together and you can feel the tickle from everyone hitting the right pitch, it's a sensation like no other. I love hearing good vocals. Every so often I hit a harmoy right on and it feels great. Sure wish I could sing.

[Franklin]

Awesome shoebox22!!

I too wish I could sing TB......

[sabby]

with an excellent bass player and a solid drummer, a lot of other things sound better.

- posted by RCinMempho

And the converse is true too. :toobad

[Annie D.]

So happy you are appreciating the joy of musical communion. It IS hard work and takes dedication, but the tenfold return on one's energies is delightful.

I think about how nice it is to play with others and, once again, dream about a group that wants to play what I prefer. Maybe it will happen again in this lifetime.

Meanwhile, I'll just do these piddly things with those who ask, no matter what they're playing. Keep thinking I'll fall on my face "flying by the seat of my pants" but so far so good.

It does bug me that I'm the one folks turn to in an emergency or for a "big deal", but few who are excellent want to play my kind of stuff fulltime. Guess I'm an obnoxious or problem child.

I should try out on "Rock Star" to be INXS lead singer.

[Tele-Bob]

Annie, when someone sings as well as you do, the field of opportunity narrows considerably. They're just intimidated to ask you for a regular a gig but seem to find their nerve when things get tight. I love the music you play. It's got substance. I too wish there was a bigger market for it. If it weren't for these 3000 miles between us, you know we'd be lightin' it up somewhere.

[shoebox22]

Most of us aren't all that good either, but, with an excellent bass player and a solid drummer, a lot of other things sound better.

- posted by RCinMempho

Gee, I didn't mean to come off sounding like we were some godalmighty great vocal talents and if I did, then

[Annie D.]

Hey, shoe!: If it's "tight" it's "right" and godbless all!!!! Rejoice!

I love the music you play. It's got substance. I too wish there was a bigger market for it. If it weren't for these 3000 miles between us, you know we'd be lightin' it up somewhere.

You so sweet, TB, contrary to popular opinion and what the law says.

I have difficulty adapting to NOT being able to accompany myself, very good, very long. Once was a time-like a year ago-I could walk into any "Joint" in North America and shine my light, make some dough, and leave 'em smiling. It was a *security* that I'd carried with me all my life. Bestowed confidence & courage. Now I must lean on others to light the wick and reflect the passages. A big change. Probably a good one and long overdue. Know what I mean?

[shoebox22]

OK, I'm hooked. I wish we had practice this weekend. Not because of practice, per se, but because it was fun!

That's in spite of tearing up my den, moving furniture out of the way, moving PA equipment in, setting up, sound checking, etc., before the band gets there, and then tearing it all down and putting everything back together after they leave. Its worth it.

[TT100]

Oh sure shoe, I have to miss ONE practice and you rave about how great it was!

;)

Last I talked to RC the bass player wasn't going to make it, sorry I missed him and the new den digs.

Are we not on for this weekend?

TT

[shoebox22]

Not that I know of unless RC wants to do something w/o Tom late Sunday. Tom's out of town and all my kids are in town for wedding shopping for Tiffany. Can you spell "fiasco"?

The bass player had a sudden cancellation last Sunday and showed up late with his wife.

You were missed, TT, or didn't you see my post in the I am thread?

[shoebox22]

Hey, Tele-Tubby?

You out there?

[TT100]

Yep. Looking at the clock and not wanting to run the boss over in the parking lot.

What's up?

[shoebox22]

Geez! 'Bout time!

Any chance you could be up for a practice on Sunday if the gang got together? RC's wobbling and may be phoning this evening. Our company backed out at the last minute.

BTW - Its ok to say no.

Just a head's up.

[Offshore Angler]

You know how it feels? Let's see, it's 1:30 am, you're hauling the mains through the slush, you're feet are wet, it's 12 degrees F outside, you're tired, your ears are shot, you have an hour drive ahead of you dodging drunks, and you have to unload when you get home. And if it's a great band, it's fun and you can't wait to repeat the process.

[Tele-Bob]

LOL! That's about the size of it!

[JAM]

You know how it feels? Let's see, it's 1:30 am, you're hauling the mains through the slush, you're feet are wet, it's 12 degrees F outside, you're tired, your ears are shot, you have an hour drive ahead of you dodging drunks, and you have to unload when you get home. And if it's a great band, it's fun and you can't wait to repeat the process.

Well, at least no slush in So Calif, but you got it!

Notice how your amps always seem to double their weight after the gig?

[TT100]

You know how it feels? Let's see, it's 1:30 am, you're hauling the mains through the slush, you're feet are wet, it's 12 degrees F outside, you're tired, your ears are shot, you have an hour drive ahead of you dodging drunks, and you have to unload when you get home. And if it's a great band, it's fun and you can't wait to repeat the process.

Man that sounds a lot like vintage motocross or observed trials. Except substitute mud for slush and wrenched knees and arms to the loading and then driving six hours to get home at midnight. Add an hour to extract your rigid, cramped carcass fromthe car and then hose everything off after unloading.

Then add endless nights burning the midnight oil prepping the bikes for the next national or regional before you load up and drive all weekend to get there and back.

No wonder I gave it up. Music and kids are easier but the trophys and plaques are fewer.

Shoebox, I'm tied up with carpentry and church obligations all day today and am sure something got planned for tomorrow too. I'll know more later.

Cheers,

TT

[shoebox22]

No probs, TT. RC and I collapsed last night and ended up with the heat not calling anybody so its a wash and not fair to call now. Too freakin hot!!!

[TT100]

Ok. I'm building a lattice sunshade for the fishpond and have gone through 2 gallons of water & lemonade. Just got back from potluck at church and Leigh's out grocery shopping. Video for the kids and guitar time for me.

Tomorrow I finish the sunshade, attach it to the deck and Leigh has a double header with the church softball team. Finals time and they're undefeated. Can you imagine two softball games in this heat?

For everyone else, it's 101 in Memphis. Even my eyeballs are sweating.

TT

[shoebox22]

What's it like to have a full practice with 1 trumpet, 3 saxes, 2 guitars, bass, drums, and 4 vocalists sharing leads and harmonies galore?

[TT100]

What's it like to have a full practice with 1 trumpet, 3 saxes, 2 guitars, bass, drums, and 4 vocalists sharing leads and harmonies galore?

It was The Sland :ahem

Now that we have a real drummer we should be getting close to busting out.

What's our band's name anyway? I think its time for another name that band thread...

[shoebox22]

Let's see....

Soul What?
Soul Late
Soul Many

Just to name a few.....

If the vocalists don't get their act together (I'm including little ol' flat me in this) and have a few practices on the side, we're gonna fergit what we got. I shudder about my solo on "Private Number".

[TT100]

I've started another thread but here are a couple...

Band of Penguins
Pillbox (hat) Party
The Whitewalls
Chicken-N-Waffles
Night Train (cheap wine)
Ripple Redeye and the Moonpies (Wonder if Tom will mind being called "Ripple Redeye?)