While not only missing tonight's NASCAR on TV, and after laying low for awhile as I adjust to my new/old surroundings since I moved... I went to a performance Jam Session tonight for charity, what else, of course, what else? :roll: I've been to a few concerts here and totally dug them, and being in the audience was no sweat, all Summer. But here, at this venue, I was afraid I'd get asked to play, and didn't relax much. :shock:
There were ten men and a woman in rotation, performing, it was a pass-the-wireless mike-on-wheels, whatever that is - I don't know how to describe it.
At the break, some went home, and I'd say the most prolific (and multi-instrument) player whom I wanted to compliment, yet wanted to avoid came straight at me, as I'm minding my own business in my chair, "cowering", and asked what instrument do I play?
I reminded him that we played together in this city, twice, a year ago. He said "I know, but what did you play? Guitar, banjo, bass or mandolin?" Well, son of gun, he just named the entire 4 that I have done or do so poorly at. :lol:
So, here we go, I'm up for the next hour or more with 7 guys and the lady, played with 'em all on someone's acoustic, and sang 3 songs. Nerves!!! Did it ever get to me. I'm not a kid trying anymore, I know I'm just a hacker.
Yep, a hacker, and that rhymes with what another of the guys called me, somebody new, big tall fella with a D-28, and his wife on the F-5, and a ten gallon hat. He called me a slacker, for hiding. Then a "performer". (Probably because I ripped up the barre chords all the way to the twelth while he capoed his guitar for a different key, and I didn't get a capo.) I was the loudest anyway, always am. :P
One of the guys thought I was murdering the medium pick and asked if I wanted a harder one, especially for the fills. Naah, I just turn the pick around, or reverse it. And that lets me get some of my favorite fat thumb flesh on the string, for whatever effects I don't know about, since it was self-taught and non-descript. :?:
Oh well, it was good. I'll have to practice, but I've never owned a single music stand in my life, and have no guitar stand here, yet. I also need to get some of my lyrics memory back, then "I'll be back!" Ummm, they gave me 1 week? :wink: :D
Like a bird on the wire,
like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free.
sounds like you were riding the wave edge between excellence and chaos.
when the adrenalin lowered did you notice your fly was open?
Heheh....great story!
In Space, no one can hear me sing!
Yeah! Cool history! :D
Good job! 8)
"The only way I know that guarantees no mistakes is not to play and that's simply not an option". David Hodge
sounds like you were riding the wave edge between excellence and chaos.
when the adrenalin lowered did you notice your fly was open?
I hate it when that happens
It's the rock that gives the stream its music . . . and the stream that gives the rock its roll.
Excellent news! Keep at it Blue Jay. :D
Oh man, you've stepped it now. They'll be pulling you up every time you show, now. I'll bet you're already looking forward to it. Just remember that performing is addictive, and once you get the hook firmly set, you won't be able to, or want to, stop for the rest of your life :D
The best jam sessions aren't about how good you are, but about how much fun you have. Sounds like you found a great one!
Playing guitar and never playing for others is like studying medicine and never working in a clinic.
Good one! :D
Nothing like a good bit of music to put a smile on your face. Sounds like a great way to get settled in after moving.
Oh well, it was good. I'll have to practice, but I've never owned a single music stand in my life, and have no guitar stand here, yet. I also need to get some of my lyrics memory back, then "I'll be back!" Ummm, they gave me 1 week? :wink: :D
Music stands are a great investment. Definitely easier than trying to get your lyric memory back..... :wink: Of course it depends on which has drifted furthest - the eyesight or the memory, but a good strong pair of glasses and a sheaf of cheats sheets goes a long way these days . Chords, lyrics, melodies, notes about where the car is parked, reminders about own address, name and phone number, etc... all useful to have in front of you...
When things get a little blurry a good sized music stand can also provide reasonable cover from the audience while you just pluck a few root notes and try and recall what song you're playing too... Plus the obvious advantages for fending off the odd stray hurled beer can.... Essential kit really.
The best jam sessions aren't about how good you are, but about how much fun you have. Sounds like you found a great one!
+1
Fun is the main goal. You don't want the bar set too high by having some super brilliant show off hogging the spotlight and making everybody else feel uptight about their own playing. I seem to have a knack of relaxing all the others by allowing them to think "well, I'm better than HIM, so how hard can this be...." :)
Enjoy the next one. :note1: :note2:
Cheers,
Chris
Thank you all for your comments and encouragement. It goes a long way, especially with those two factors in play - I was rusty without doing it for a year, and never was that good in the first place. :lol: So yeah it should be fun, not about worry or being self-conscious.
My fingers are very sore today, just the skin, nothing else, and I'm still doing all the dishes and pots and pans the old way, with scouring pads. Ouch. :roll:
Next time I'll be practiced, and will have my own guitar, but will need some of that memory back, and yes I do need glasses in order to read now. :wink:
And BTW, I found a little website on the event, just a humble hall and an effort to keep support going for swimming and recreation, gym and fitness for all ages, at the "Volunteer Pool".
http://www.musicplace.ca/country-jam.html
Like a bird on the wire,
like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free.
Hi Blue Jay
Really excellent story, glad you had a good time, and actually played rather than sitting in the crowd all night!
Keep it up
:note1:
Sounds like you had a great time.
I wish I would have known about this sort of thing when I used to travel to "the lakehead" for work.
Over about 5 years, I spent about 6 weeks a year out there. Once in a rare while there was a rock band at a bar on Arthur St, but most of the evenings I didn't find any live entertainment, and just hung out at the Valhalla.
Unfortunately, I don't get out there any more. I think the last time I was there they were planning toe grand opening of the casino.
I wrapped a newspaper ’round my head
So I looked like I was deep
Sounds like you had a great time.
I wish I would have known about this sort of thing when I used to travel to "the lakehead" for work.
Over about 5 years, I spent about 6 weeks a year out there. Once in a rare while there was a rock band at a bar on Arthur St, but most of the evenings I didn't find any live entertainment, and just hung out at the Valhalla.
Unfortunately, I don't get out there any more. I think the last time I was there they were planning toe grand opening of the casino.
And thanks again, to both new posts above.
Yes, while you were at the Valhalla beside the Airport, the band playing further down the road was the Sensational Hot Rods, my friends, and favorite local band. Each Wednesday at Scuttlebutt's. I bought my used Ibanez from their lead guitarist, and have known former sax player Tommy Horricks (of the Bonnevilles, later Jarvis St. Revue) forever, just after he was playing with Neil Young, who hung out and sort of stayed at his house before leaving for the US. That was 2 blocks from here, my current residence, in that basement. The song Helpless is based on this place.
Regarding that Casino, yep it got built, I don't go inside, but attend the Hot Rod's (same band again!!!!) frequently in the parking lot to rock the joint, while there are fabulous classic & muscle car shows outside.
:D
Like a bird on the wire,
like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free.
Sorry to be behind the times, but congrats on your fun evening. Sounds cool. 8)
Roy
"I wonder if a composer ever intentionally composed a piece that was physically impossible to play and stuck it away to be found years later after his death, knowing it would forever drive perfectionist musicians crazy." - George Carlin
Sorry to be behind the times, but congrats on your fun evening. Sounds cool. 8)
Thanks Roy. All the best!
Like a bird on the wire,
like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free.
