Remixed the EQ, re-did the vocals and reposted a few songs on YouTube.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Oops
So, yesterday I posted some links to YouTube songs of the band doing some cover tunes. Well, they sucked eggs so I reposted them with better vocals and a better mix. Sorry. Copy and paste the addresses.
White Line Fever
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv6aZC_fO0k
Keep Me In Mind
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZO8Ew7g9PxU
Make This Day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGjNO_MuUq0
Who's Your Daddy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmyShLWmND4
My Kinda Party
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl5bPijt8hc
My Next Five Beers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ4xd2_cGOI
White Line Fever
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv6aZC_fO0k
Keep Me In Mind
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZO8Ew7g9PxU
Make This Day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGjNO_MuUq0
Who's Your Daddy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmyShLWmND4
My Kinda Party
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl5bPijt8hc
My Next Five Beers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ4xd2_cGOI
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Some songs on YouTube
I've uploaded some songs to YouTube for you to get an idea of what we're doing.
Don't forget to LIKE our page on Facebook at: Cooter Creek Canyon Band.
Here are the links to the songs. Copy and Paste into the address line on your browser.
Who's Your Daddy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdzAumykaj4
Keep Me In Mind
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31hlo-Gl87s
Make This Day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziiDna7j05U
White Line Fever
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0aJjnZo6WE
My Kinda Party
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT_Fb8kWLn8
Don't forget to LIKE our page on Facebook at: Cooter Creek Canyon Band.
Here are the links to the songs. Copy and Paste into the address line on your browser.
Who's Your Daddy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdzAumykaj4
Keep Me In Mind
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31hlo-Gl87s
Make This Day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziiDna7j05U
White Line Fever
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0aJjnZo6WE
My Kinda Party
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT_Fb8kWLn8
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Harmony Baby
Great rehearsal last night. Marc, our new bass player, brought his lovely wife. She is an incredible singer. We got off script again a few times and did some songs just off the cuff. The three part harmony on an improvised version of Teach Your Children was sweet.
She did a great rendition of Stormy Monday, One More Bottle of Wine and Me and Bobby McGee. We now have the vocal harmonies I've been looking for. Life is good.
We're into two a week rehearsal mode now and Marc has two full CD's of songs to work on. That should keep him busy. Heh heh.
She did a great rendition of Stormy Monday, One More Bottle of Wine and Me and Bobby McGee. We now have the vocal harmonies I've been looking for. Life is good.
We're into two a week rehearsal mode now and Marc has two full CD's of songs to work on. That should keep him busy. Heh heh.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Get along Kid Charlemagne
Practice today was a blast. Charles and Marc (drummer and bass) get along great and are becoming a rock solid rhythm section. In between songs we got into some jams on Steely Dan, (Peg, Bodhisattva) Jimi Hendrix, Led Zepplin and a bunch of off topic songs.
I'm honored to have these guys sharing a band with me. They put the big time back in big time fun. What a rush.
I'm honored to have these guys sharing a band with me. They put the big time back in big time fun. What a rush.
Monday, July 8, 2013
FINALLY!
We auditioned a bass player today. This guy is the real deal. Very talented and professional. He has a great personality and an all around amiable guy.
He loves the set list and picks up the songs easily on the fly. Best of all he can rehearse any time and is open to doing two a week to speed up the learning curve.
It's been a long, trying process to this point, but I'm excited again for the first time in weeks about this project.
He loves the set list and picks up the songs easily on the fly. Best of all he can rehearse any time and is open to doing two a week to speed up the learning curve.
It's been a long, trying process to this point, but I'm excited again for the first time in weeks about this project.
Monday, July 1, 2013
The Search Continues
I haven’t posted in a while since our bass player moved,
because the search for a replacement has been so frustrating. I’ve continued
networking and posting on Craigs List for bass players and have had mixed
results.
After a long stretch of no responses, suddenly there have
been several bassists responding.
The first was very excited about the set list, lives up here
and wanted badly to do an audition. After a few phone calls and setting up an
audition for last Tuesday he called and said he’s going on vacation and couldn’t
make the audition. He won’t be back until July 15th.
The next guy responded with the first sentence being, “I’m
not a prima donna, but there are just some songs I hate.” Then goes on to say
he’s more of a guitar player than a bass player. Yeah, good luck with that.
Next guy tells me he’s in a band but wants to do more gigs
in better venues than they’re playing now. Nice thought, but start ups don’t
get those gigs without developing a good following and proving their worthl.
The last two responders have potential and a decent
attitude. Will be auditioning one maybe next Friday and setting up the second
for an audition the week after that.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Some bad news
Our bass player Doc has been struggling trying to make ends
meet both financially and physically with his injured arm and has decided to
move back to Missouri.
He has worked hard with me in this effort to put this band
together and has been a good friend. I really hate to see him go but I understand
completely the difficulty in fighting a battle with money and health issues.
He has family, including grand children, back in Missouri
and old friends who have offered some relief and there is nothing like being
around family to help you overcome a difficult situation.
It’s been a difficult decision on his part and after
listening to him describe the benefits of moving, I have to agree that his
decision is the right one for him.
The problems I am having putting together this band pale in
comparison to the struggles of a person trying desperately to pull his personal
life out of the abyss
I wish him well and hope he has better luck getting his life
on track..
I have discussed this situation with Charles, the drummer,
to see what his thoughts are on continuing to pursue the Cooter Creek Canyon Band
project and a replacement bass player and he has expressed interest in
continuing with the band project. The situation is further acerbated by the
fact that Doc’s house is where we rehearse, leaving us with a search for new
rehearsal space as well as a new bassist. Charles said he is willing to let us
use his garage for practice.
I received a response to my Craigslist ad from a lead
guitarist who also plays bass. I will go down to the Springs to see him play on
Saturday and ask if he is comfortable with moving to bass while we continue our
search for another bass player.
To be continued…..
Friday, May 3, 2013
Let's get this party started.
Had a good rehearsal last night. Songs are coming together nicely. We're looking at having 20 songs down pretty tight by our next practice. As soon as we get 20 songs tight I'll start booking.
By the time we enter the rotation in club schedules we should have the next 20 down pat. Looks like we'll be out and gigging sometime by the end of June.
I have a couple tricks up my sleeve to get maybe two or three club gigs by early June up here in the mountains.
Stay tuned and let's get this party started.
By the time we enter the rotation in club schedules we should have the next 20 down pat. Looks like we'll be out and gigging sometime by the end of June.
I have a couple tricks up my sleeve to get maybe two or three club gigs by early June up here in the mountains.
Stay tuned and let's get this party started.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Drummer update and possible lead guitarist
After having our latest drummer bail on us last week, spirits were running low and I ran the ad on Craigslist for a replacement.
Doc (bass) called Charles and talked to him about why he quit. Turns out he was more put off about having to play a little softer than he was concerned about the long drive to practice. After some negotiation and a pair of bamboo sticks that muffle the sound of a hard hitting drummer, Charles decided to rejoin us. He'll be able to hit em hard when we play some of the larger rooms, but we like to keep the volume down during practice.
Last nights rehearsal started off a little slow, but within a couple songs we hit a groove and got a lot of work done. We're working out the kinks on the dynamics and arrangements of some of the more complicated songs and they're sounding pretty good.
I was going to audition the other drummer that responded to the Craigslist ad this Saturday, but after a few simple questions like, "Can you come to Woodland Park to practice twice a week for a few weeks?" and getting a "Hell no!" I decided not to bother with him at all. I'm really sick of flakes and fruitcakes who respond to Craigslist ads. They should have a breakfast cereal named after them. "FLAKES AND FRUITCAKES" all air and no substance.
A lead guitarist who just moved to the Springs from Nashville responded to the ad for a lead player. Says he's a chicken picker. I like that. I emailed him back yesterday with some questions and have yet to hear back from him. We'll see.
Doc (bass) called Charles and talked to him about why he quit. Turns out he was more put off about having to play a little softer than he was concerned about the long drive to practice. After some negotiation and a pair of bamboo sticks that muffle the sound of a hard hitting drummer, Charles decided to rejoin us. He'll be able to hit em hard when we play some of the larger rooms, but we like to keep the volume down during practice.
Last nights rehearsal started off a little slow, but within a couple songs we hit a groove and got a lot of work done. We're working out the kinks on the dynamics and arrangements of some of the more complicated songs and they're sounding pretty good.
I was going to audition the other drummer that responded to the Craigslist ad this Saturday, but after a few simple questions like, "Can you come to Woodland Park to practice twice a week for a few weeks?" and getting a "Hell no!" I decided not to bother with him at all. I'm really sick of flakes and fruitcakes who respond to Craigslist ads. They should have a breakfast cereal named after them. "FLAKES AND FRUITCAKES" all air and no substance.
A lead guitarist who just moved to the Springs from Nashville responded to the ad for a lead player. Says he's a chicken picker. I like that. I emailed him back yesterday with some questions and have yet to hear back from him. We'll see.
Monday, April 22, 2013
The continuing saga of Starvalley Nut House continues to continue.
The other drummer who responded to my Craig's List ad has contacted me via email and has agreed to do an audition this Saturday.
The continuing sage of Starvalley Nut House continues to continue.
The continuing sage of Starvalley Nut House continues to continue.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Unbelievable
Unbelievable.
The drummer we auditioned last week is a hard working guy
and did his homework on the set list. His weakness for us is that he is a bit
heavy with the sticks and plays everything pretty loud. We hoped he would adjust
and play to the spirit of the songs, but he had trouble with that.
He also lives pretty far out east in Colorado
Springs, which is a long drive to come here to rehearse.
Nobody likes to be told how to play, but we can’t have a
drummer who drowns out the rest of the band.
I got this email from him this morning:
“Hey Bob& Doc,I don't think I can afford to travel up to
Woodland Park as much as we would need to be as tight as we need to
be.I'm a good country drummer and you guys a good musicians also,however I
think I'm going to lean towards a rockier and probably louder type of sound,and
you guys probably need a little more quieter style of drummer,hope that
there are no hard fellings,I'm just not comfortable with where I believe this
would be heading,Best of luck,Charles”
I’m sorry he couldn’t adjust and I understand the hardship
of having to drive so far to practice. I wish him well.
I have another guy who responded to the Craig’s List ad. He
was scheduled to audition yesterday, but since this drummer did such a good job
working the list I gave him I decided to go with him and told the other guy we
picked a drummer. I emailed him today to see if he still wants to audition.
Waiting for a response from him.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Drummer passes list of death
I gave the guy we auditioned today a list of 11 of the more complicated dynamic songs we do on Monday last week. He did his homework and hit all the changes right on. So then I sprung some songs on him he didn't know and he did a great job picking up the dynamics with just visual ques from me and the bass player.
Doc (bass player) and he hit it off too. Always a plus when the rhythm section can get along.
Long story short, this guy is good and he wants in. I think we can finally start moving along at a good fast pace with the full set list.
I'll be moving pretty quickly to start booking gigs in the next couple weeks. Still have to deal with a long lead time with clubs booked up 6-12 weeks out.
Cooter Creek Canyon Band coming soon to a watering hole near you.
Doc (bass player) and he hit it off too. Always a plus when the rhythm section can get along.
Long story short, this guy is good and he wants in. I think we can finally start moving along at a good fast pace with the full set list.
I'll be moving pretty quickly to start booking gigs in the next couple weeks. Still have to deal with a long lead time with clubs booked up 6-12 weeks out.
Cooter Creek Canyon Band coming soon to a watering hole near you.
Auditioning a new drummer
Checking out a new drummer today who responded to my Craig's List ad. The saga continues. Onward and upward, into the star valley nuthouse.
'Forward, the Light Brigade!'
Was there a man dismay'd ?
Not tho' the soldier knew
Some one had blunder'd:
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do & die,
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
'Forward, the Light Brigade!'
Was there a man dismay'd ?
Not tho' the soldier knew
Some one had blunder'd:
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do & die,
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Bye Bye Drummer
Our drummer just got put on a 10 hour day shift on Saturdays. I just put another ad on Craig's List and got an immediate hit.
Here it is: "Hi. New in town, if you have paying gigs, I'm in."
How can anybody think they can wing it when songs have arrangements, stops and dynamics that need to be rehearsed?
This guy just got back to me and I sent him a set list with 11 songs to work on. I told him to call me to set up an audition.
Here it is: "Hi. New in town, if you have paying gigs, I'm in."
How can anybody think they can wing it when songs have arrangements, stops and dynamics that need to be rehearsed?
This guy just got back to me and I sent him a set list with 11 songs to work on. I told him to call me to set up an audition.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Slim pickins' for pickers around here
It’s springtime in the Rockies and it’s
still snowing and colder than a well digger’s ass. It was 6 degrees here at the
bunker this morning. Yesterday’s blizzard warning turned out to be all blow and
no snow. (only got an inch of the slippery skid stuff)
With some extra time on my hands I went through a bit of the
history of putting this band together. The project started in Sept of last year
with ads posted on Craig’s List looking for players and networking around town
for local players looking to form a group.
The Craig’s List ads and scouring the local gene pool resulted in about two dozen people I
either talked to, auditioned or took in for a short time. The breakdown of the
issues resulting in not having these players is as follows: Eighteen where
rejected for reasons of ego, not wanting to practice, lack of equipment, living
too far away, poor excuses for missing practice, and for not responding after
initial contacts. Two went on because they didn’t want to wait for the band to
gel into a tight enough group to play gigs and joined other bands and the rest
had to commit to day jobs and didn’t have the time to practice and commit to
future gigs.
As it stands right now I have a good bass player who sings
well and a drummer who is on thin ice for not showing up for practice, although
his excuses have all been legitimate up to this point.
We’re still looking for a keyboard, lead guitarist, or steel
player. The ad is up on Criag’s List but I’ve only had one response in the last
week from a guitarist I’ve already sent packing for thinking he is too good to
have to attend practice. It’s slim pickins around here for pickers.
Friday, March 22, 2013
More delays and another player dumped
I’ve been quietly awaiting further advancement of our band
project, having been frustrated by snow delays for rehearsal and personal
delays by band members.
Now I come to find our prospective guitarist is continuing
to come up with one excuse after another to not show up for practice. We’ve
waited a long time for him to come around and apply himself. It hasn’t
happened. Most of his excuses have been legitimate and understandable, but it’s
now to the point that delaying our progress will only result in the summer
passing with all venues booked solid until the middle of fall. Apparently, he
is not interested enough to commit to, or doesn’t understand the urgency of
getting tight enough to start booking gigs NOW or lose the summer music season
altogether. Since he seems to not have the time to commit to one lousy day a
week to put together a solid act, we’re moving on without him.
I put another ad on Craigs List yesterday and already got a
response from a guitar/keyboard player who lives up here in Woodland
Park and has excellent references.
Only trouble is he is in Hawaii
right now and won’t be back in town until April 4th.
I sent him a set list and he knows a lot of the songs on it
so we should be able to gel things quickly, if he decides to join us.
There is also another guitarist who is interested in
checking us out who is a friend of the bassist. He is currently playing with an
up and coming country singer out of Nashville
who just released his debut album. I’m finding it hard to believe he would give
up this gig to join a band just starting out, but we’ll give him a shot a week
from tomorrow.
Just one more delay and the clubs continue to book the
summer. I don’t know whether to be pissed or just frustrated. Either way it
sucks, but this project is important to me and I know we have a great show to
offer when we finally get to share it with people.
Friday, March 8, 2013
No Delay Like A Snow Delay
No Delay Like A Snow Delay
We are canceling tomorrow’s rehearsal due to an impending snowstorm that will be dumping anywhere between 4” to 24” on us from tonight thru Saturday night depending on the track of the storm.
The good news is our guitarist Joe has completed his move to Manitou Springs and is getting the new house in order. He also had his dental surgery yesterday and is recovering with the aid of Vicadin. He also starts his new job on Monday that will put him on a normal persons schedule, 7am-3:30pm with weekends off, freeing him up to have time to lead a normal life.
We’re looking forward to getting down to some serious rehearsals and getting ready for our promo video.
Speaking of promo, I’ve ordered some business cards and some promo post cards that I’ll start spreading around the area as soon as they arrive. (Wednesday) They look like this.
By the time we do our first gig people will already know the name, Cooter Creek Canyon Band and will be wondering who the hell are these guys. Hope this will peak their interest enough to get em out to check us out. More promo stuff to come, including black tee shirts with the Cooter Creek Canyon Band logo across the front.
It’s getting down to the wire to get bookings for the summer season club schedule so it’s time to get down to business.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
It's Official The Band Has A Name
I've decided on a name for the band.
This will be our logo
I've also set up a Cooter Creek Canyon Band Facebook page and a YouTube channel for our future vids. I'll post up the address for those later when we are ready to start using them.
COOTER CREEK CANYON BAND
This will be our first small flyer for gigs.This will be our logo
I've also set up a Cooter Creek Canyon Band Facebook page and a YouTube channel for our future vids. I'll post up the address for those later when we are ready to start using them.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Practice Saturday
Yesterday’s practice was not the most productive. It wasn’t
bad. It’s just that there were a few things that didn’t make for a productive
atmosphere. First off this was the first time I met the new drummer. He was
pretty burnt out from personal stuff he had to take care of during the week and a lack of sleep. He’s a
good drummer and a nice guy. He’ll be fine.
Secondly, Doc played the night before, opening for Western
Underground at the Crystola Roadhouse, and he was stressed out over the benefit
concert for his dog bite that was set for today. There was a threat of a strong
snow storm and trying to pull together all the bands and logistics was taking its
toll on him.
The storm did happen today forcing the cancellation of the
concert and the closure of the bar. It’s pretty nasty out there. The benefit
has been rescheduled for next Sunday. I hope some of you who read this blog and
live in the area will show up and help support this benefit.
Friday, February 22, 2013
People have lives
It’s been two weeks since the last post. Our rehearsal last
week was canceled due to personal issues the new guitarist is dealing with.
Sadly the new drummer Tim didn’t get the message and came up
to play. Doc tried to call me, and I would have gone over, to jam with just the
three of us but my phone didn’t ring. (that’s happened before with this stupid
phone)
The new guitarist is dealing with a host of personal issues
right now. At least 3, that I know of, legal issues, none of them criminal. He’s moving to Manitou Springs and has to pack
and sell a bunch of stuff. He’s also changing jobs soon and has some logistical
issues to deal with there. His current job schedule doesn't give him much time to deal with his personal life.
As a result he has told me he won’t be able to start
rehearsals until after the 1st of March. He does want to stay with
us and I want to keep him with us as well. The current band make up is good,
really good, and Joe will be able to pick up his parts quickly. He has a CD
that he can listen to for his vocal parts and familiarize himself with the song
structures.
So as it stands now we are going to practice as a trio.
Tomorrow, barring extreme weather, we will be practicing. This project is going
to result in a very good band and is worth the initial delays and set backs.
People have lives.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Songs we're working on
Here is a list of the songs we are working on at this time. Feel free to comment on whether these are songs you like or not.
In my next 5 beers - Trailer Choir
Keep me in mind - Zac Brown
My girlfriend - Uncle Kracker
High maintenance woman - Toby Keith
Rock my world little country girl - Brooks & Dunn
Superman - Willie Nelson
Beer for my horses - Toby Keith
Stray cat strut - Stray Cats
Aint’ as good as I once was - Toby Keith
I’ll never smoke weed with Willie again - Toby Keith
Rockin the beer gut - Trailer Choir
I like girls that drink beer - Toby Keith
Getting By - Jerry Jeff Walker
My kinda party - Jason Aldean
Don’t it make you wanna dance - Jerry Jeff Walker
Some girls do - Sawyer Brown
Drive me wild - Sawyer Brown
Pickin wildflowers - Keith Anderson
Six days on the road - Don Baker version
Nobody’s sad on Saturday nite - Uncle Kracker
Trashy women - Jerry Jeff Walker version
What I didn’t do - Steve Wariner
That’s how country boys roll - Billy Currington
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Let's get this party started
Today we practiced with the guitar player I’ve bee wanting
to get for our band. His name is Joe and he smokes on the geetar. He loved the
songs we’re doing and took to the arrangements like he had been playing the
songs for ever. He says he wants in.
YES!!!
Doc called a drummer friend of his and he says he’s
interested in giving it a shot too, so that is another headache that may soon
be eliminated. Cut a CD with about 25 songs for both Joe and Tim (drummer).
Next rehearsal is next Saturday, hopefully with a new drummer.
We'll be gig ready in a month, 5 weeks max.
Let's get this party started.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Let the games begin. AGAIN.
Well, so much for being secure in the commitment of the core
members. I just got a message from Paul our drummer…er ex drummer.
Paul is at least as good on bass as he is on drums. He
auditioned on bass for another band that is already gigging and they hired him.
He mentioned he would rather play bass, since he can’t set up a drum kit and
practice in his current living situation and is anxious to get out playing as
soon as possible. Paul lost his house in the Hayman Fire last summer and has
been living in an apartment since then.
I’m sorry to see him go and wish him the best with his new
band.
And now for a little reality check of what it takes to put a
band together from scratch.
1) You
have to sift through a shit sack of wannabees and flakes before you find good
people.
2) When
you find good people they have to be willing to stick it out long enough to put
together 4 sets of music. (at least 40 songs minimum)
3) Most
good players who are not playing either have baggage (drug/drinking issues, bad
attitude or control/ego freaks are the top three) or they will quit you if they
find another band that is already gigging rather than stick it out. Starting
from scratch will take a minimum of 6-8 weeks of rehearsing once a week to get
4 sets gig ready.
So when you are a start up band you’re up against a serious
list of issues on the road to your first gig. Perseverance and a thick skin
are the only way you can survive this journey and a total commitment to putting
together a sound that will have the rest of the local musicians knocking on
your door to get into your band once you’re established.
On the up side, the guitarist I’ve been trying to get in the band called
and said he is taking a new day job that will give him more free time and a
more flexible rehearsal schedule. He’s coming by tomorrow for an audition. He
is a top notch player so I have no doubt he’ll fill the bill if he is willing
to join us.
I ran a new ad on Craig’s List for a drummer today. Let the
games begin. AGAIN.
Friday, February 1, 2013
The whims of fate
Remember in my last post the words, “Now that I’m as secure
as one can be in the commitment of the core members.”? While I still have no
doubt as to the commitment of the core members, the security of this band can
still fall victim to the whims of fate.
Doc has canceled the surgery on his arm for the time being.
He has been getting massage therapy that is producing amazing results for him. Unfortunately,
he hasn’t been getting the necessary day work he needs to support his rent.
There is a strong possibility that he may have to move out of his house. He has
some tough decisions to make in the next few days. We are going to a musician’s
swap meet tomorrow morning where he hopes to be able to sell a few things to
get enough for another month’s rent.
The guitar player we have been anxiously waiting to audition is coming to practice tomorrow after he finishes doing a
brake job on his wife’s car. Yay!!! I hope this goes well.
Paul won’t make practice since he is in Durango
shooting a balloon event. Our next full band practice will be a week from
tomorrow.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
A slight change of plans
Now that I’m as secure as one can be in the commitment of
the core members of this yet to be named band I’ll start using their first
names in this and future entries.
Introducing the band:
On drums/vocals, Paul
On bass/vocals, Dave, AKA "Doc"
And of course Bob, AKA Me on vocals and rhythm guitar
And of course Bob, AKA Me on vocals and rhythm guitar
Our practice Thursday started with a meeting to discuss the
issues that came up during the week. Doc said he may push his surgery back to
March, but it still may be as early as Feb 5th.
I ran my idea about moving Paul to bass and bringing in
my drummer friend to fill in while Doc is recovering. He reluctantly agreed,
but would later recant saying it was not that productive a move and would place
a burden on him to have to learn the bass for the songs only to be moving back
to drums later. I agreed and we decided to just practice with me on guitar/vocals,
Doc singing his parts and Paul staying on drums.
The next order of business was to discuss changing our
practice day from Thursday to Saturday to allow for us to bring in a great
guitarist, Joe, who expressed an interest in joining our group. Joe works a
night shift job weekdays and only has Friday night or Saturday to practice
since Sunday is his family day.
Paul teaches photography class at a community college on
Monday and Wednesday nights, and has to travel sometimes from Thursday through
the weekends to photograph hot air balloon events occasionally.
We agreed on moving practice to Saturday afternoons although
this will mean Paul will be missing some practices.
Our first session with the new guitarist was supposed to be
today but yesterday his wife had a health issue that needed emergency care and Joe
needed to attend to her needs through today so we postponed until next
Saturday.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
The bass player needs surgery
Monday night the bass player told me he has to have surgery
on his left arm on Feb 5th.
He’ll be starting physical therapy just days after the
operation and will be unable to play bass for about 4 weeks.
I love this guy’s playing and vocals, as well as, the
original songs he has written and his energy and personality and I want to keep
him in the band.
So, yet another obstacle presents itself.
The solution I’ve come up with will depend on the flexibility
and cooperation of the drummer, who is also a very good bass player. If the
drummer can cover on bass during rehearsals for the time the regular bass man
is recovering, I know a drummer who can sit in on our practices for that
period. Meanwhile, the bass guy can still sing the songs he is soloing on and
do his harmony parts.
I’m figuring we will be ready to do a four set gig in about
6-8 weeks if we continue to get songs worked up at the rate we are doing now. That should be time enough for the bass guy’s recovery and time to get his
chops up on the whole set list.
This, plus the rearranging of our rehearsal schedule to
bring in the new guitarist is asking a lot of our drummer. I sure hope he can
make the adjustments we need to keep this group of people together and I’m open
completely to other ideas from the rest of the guys on this.
Two more rehearsals and I’ll start booking gigs. The clubs I
have in mind are taking bookings anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks into the future so
this should put us in the rotation right about the time we are ready to go.
Our next practice is Thursday night so we’ll see how this
goes over with the rest of the group then.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
It never ends and I love it
Just got off the phone with the bass player. He talked to the guitarist that I talked to last night at the Crystola. The guitarist really wants to get together and give it a shot with us. I called him after I got off the phone with the bass guy and he is interested and likes the material I told him we are doing.
Looks like we are going to have to juggle some rehearsal times and days a little to fit him in. He's a real asset so I hope this can be figured out.
Have to get together with the drummer and work out the details. If we can get an amiable solution for the near future this could work out to be one of the best bands I've ever been with. Solid playing and four part harmonies.
Looks like we are going to have to juggle some rehearsal times and days a little to fit him in. He's a real asset so I hope this can be figured out.
Have to get together with the drummer and work out the details. If we can get an amiable solution for the near future this could work out to be one of the best bands I've ever been with. Solid playing and four part harmonies.
Thursday practice
We had practice Thursday
night with just the three of us. We worked on the 10 song list we made up
last time and worked on vocal harmonies, arrangements and dynamics. These guys
are pros and don’t mind working on songs to get them just right, without a lot of distractions during the rehearsal. It's a pleasure working with guys who have dedication and ambition. We made
progress on all the songs and put together another list of 7 songs to work on
for next Thursday.
The bass guy knows a guitarist who is wanting to get back into playing with a band. I know and have heard him play too and he's great. He was sitting in with a group at the Crystola Roadhouse Friday night, so I went down and talked to him. Unfortunately, his day job won't allow him to practice Thursdays. Too bad. He would have fit in well.
I ran the ad on Craig’s List
again for a fourth and got one response from a guy who responded once before. I’m
skeptical about him after talking with him on the phone for about half and
hour. I don’t know. Just got a feeling he won’t fit in, but I asked him to come
up next Thursday for a tryout. We’ll see how he plays and how the other guys
like him.
I need to get a longer rope.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Another One Bites The Dust
No one ever said that musicians are flakey people, right?
The keyboard/guitar guy just called me. He has
had the 10 song homework list for two weeks. He said he didn’t have time to
LISTEN to any of the songs because he had to work on his cars. ??? You don’t
have a CD player or Ipod?
He actually called to ask directions to the bass players
house where we rehearse and mentioned the not listening thing. I didn’t say
anything to him about not even listening to the songs but was going to tell him
at practice that that attitude will not fly with me and he used up his one “pass.”
About half an hour after the first call, I get another call
from the guy. This time he say’s he’s quitting because he’s a rocker and doesn’t
want to play country music.
Now let me get this straight. You answer an ad that says ,”Contemporary
Country Trio Seeking Fourth” and you don’t want to play country music?
A few musicians I know who have had experience with this guy
warned me that he was not dependable, but I’ll always give a guy enough rope to
hang himself.
That sound you hear is the trap door swinging.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Thursday, January 10, 2013
What's a little more drama when I've come this far?
The guy I've got playing keys and lead guitar plays on Thursday nights at a non-paying jam night. He doesn't want to rehearse on Thursdays because of this gig.
The drummer teaches classes on Monday and Wednesday nights. The bass player's other band rehearses on Tuesday nights. That leaves Thursdays, and weekends.
Weekends are out for a host of reasons from family to working gigs.
So the question is. Is playing for free more important to you than rehearsing for future paying gigs?
Choose wisely. I won't wait long for an answer. This train is moving on with or without you.
The guy I've got playing keys and lead guitar plays on Thursday nights at a non-paying jam night. He doesn't want to rehearse on Thursdays because of this gig.
The drummer teaches classes on Monday and Wednesday nights. The bass player's other band rehearses on Tuesday nights. That leaves Thursdays, and weekends.
Weekends are out for a host of reasons from family to working gigs.
So the question is. Is playing for free more important to you than rehearsing for future paying gigs?
Choose wisely. I won't wait long for an answer. This train is moving on with or without you.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Since we decided to work up songs that we know collectively, or aren't difficult to work up, to minimize the learning curve and get a 40 song set list as soon as possible, here is a list of the 10 songs we have for homework to do for our next session.
1. CCR medley: Born on the Bayou, Suzi Q, Green River. I'll be singing Green River and the bass man will be singing the other two.
2. Hero by Enrique Iglesias. A beautiful slow song. The keyboardist will be singing this one.
3. Keep Your Hands to Yourself by Georgia Satellites. The drummer will be singing this one.
4. Rockin The Beer Gut by Trailer Choir. I'll be singing this.
5. My Next 5 Beers by Trailer Choir. I'll be singing this.
6. Medley of Dwight Yoakam's Long White Cadillac and Springstein's Pink Cadillac. The keyboardist will be singing this one.
7. Superman by Willy Nelson. I'll be sing this one.
We can work on harmonies and arrangements on these songs next session.
1. CCR medley: Born on the Bayou, Suzi Q, Green River. I'll be singing Green River and the bass man will be singing the other two.
2. Hero by Enrique Iglesias. A beautiful slow song. The keyboardist will be singing this one.
3. Keep Your Hands to Yourself by Georgia Satellites. The drummer will be singing this one.
4. Rockin The Beer Gut by Trailer Choir. I'll be singing this.
5. My Next 5 Beers by Trailer Choir. I'll be singing this.
6. Medley of Dwight Yoakam's Long White Cadillac and Springstein's Pink Cadillac. The keyboardist will be singing this one.
7. Superman by Willy Nelson. I'll be sing this one.
We can work on harmonies and arrangements on these songs next session.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
1/2/13- Last night was the first time since this journey began that I had a room full of truly professional quality musicians. The keyboard/guitarist turned out to be a guy I have played with before who is a very good guitarist. He didn't bring his keys with him for this session, but I don't think his ability on that will be an issue.
The bass player is an amazing song writer and excellent on bass.
The bass/drummer guy moved over to drums seamlessly and plays with taste and finesse.
It looks and sounds like the makings of a fine 4 piece. All four of us sing well and can put on some fine harmonies as well.
We had a meeting after the session to discuss our direction and decided on a 75% cover songs 25% original repertoire to start out and work toward doing all originals as time goes on.
The bass man is working on a new album too, so we'll be working on doing some back up tracks for that as well. His studio is roomy and full of the very best equipment.
All the pieces are now in place and we made a 10 song list for each of us to do some homework on for our next session.
The bass player is an amazing song writer and excellent on bass.
The bass/drummer guy moved over to drums seamlessly and plays with taste and finesse.
It looks and sounds like the makings of a fine 4 piece. All four of us sing well and can put on some fine harmonies as well.
We had a meeting after the session to discuss our direction and decided on a 75% cover songs 25% original repertoire to start out and work toward doing all originals as time goes on.
The bass man is working on a new album too, so we'll be working on doing some back up tracks for that as well. His studio is roomy and full of the very best equipment.
All the pieces are now in place and we made a 10 song list for each of us to do some homework on for our next session.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
1/1/13 Gotta get used to using this new year date.
After a great party ringing in the New Year last night listening to a great local band and watching the midnight fireworks fired off on the summit of Pikes Peak, I spent most of today riding the couch with the remote.
Had another bass man answer my ad. He lives up here. Spoke to him and set up an audition for tomorrow night. The keyboard/guitarist who answered the last ad will also be coming in as well as the drummer.
Hoping this configuration works out. This process has been long and trying.
Wish you all a safe, prosperous and musical New Year.
Play on.
After a great party ringing in the New Year last night listening to a great local band and watching the midnight fireworks fired off on the summit of Pikes Peak, I spent most of today riding the couch with the remote.
Had another bass man answer my ad. He lives up here. Spoke to him and set up an audition for tomorrow night. The keyboard/guitarist who answered the last ad will also be coming in as well as the drummer.
Hoping this configuration works out. This process has been long and trying.
Wish you all a safe, prosperous and musical New Year.
Play on.
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