Wammer-jammer
Last week we had a guitar player sit in with us named Jimmy. He knew a bunch of songs that we've never played and after a couple of tunes most of the regulars had taken a seat. But I hung in there, just enjoying the challenge and trying to keep up.
Afterward, I overheard him telling Fred (another guitar player) that he'd been the bass player for Papa Clutch and the Shifters for about 17 years and that he'd quit so that he could play guitar (the 6-string variety). What a ringer! This guy's a professional, gigging musician and he came by to play with us!!!
Well, this week Jimmy brought the drummer from his new band with him. Blue was his name. We also had Dave drop in, who is also a professional, gigging drummer and Richard, a third pro-level drummer that plays with us in the Dave's Garage Band.
Needless to say, after our regular crew did the usual 4-5 songs I invited the new guys up on stage. We did several tunes, including the Moody Blues song Lucky Man. I've always loved them, but listening to their music and all the orchestration was just so intimidating that I never considered trying to play it. Then along comes this young kid (also named Jimmy) that had taught himself to play guitar and said that he just "figured it out"! OMG!
But, the topping of the night was at the end. Usually, we wrap it up by 9:00 so that most of us can get home and watch Heroes. Not tonight! When I finally noticed what time it was the clock said it was after 9:30. Sadly, I told the guys that we had to wrap it up so that Mike and Dolores could go home. Well, Mike heard that and said that they weren't in a hurry!
So Blue said, "Just play anything" and thus began the best free-for-all jam I've ever played in! The drums started a simple beat and I started a nice little blues figure in G. Then Jimmy followed with some tasty licks and we were off. After a couple of rounds and some nice solos by Jimmy, Blue picked up the speed a bit. I came right in behind him with Jimmy by my side. A verse or two and Blue bumped it a few more clicks... and then a few more... and then before long we were haulin' ass! I was playin' triplets and just daring him to go faster! Which he did!!! By the time he dropped a stick we must have been doing 240! Oh. My. God! That was the most fun I've every had with my clothes on! Hahaha...
Afterward, I overheard him telling Fred (another guitar player) that he'd been the bass player for Papa Clutch and the Shifters for about 17 years and that he'd quit so that he could play guitar (the 6-string variety). What a ringer! This guy's a professional, gigging musician and he came by to play with us!!!
Well, this week Jimmy brought the drummer from his new band with him. Blue was his name. We also had Dave drop in, who is also a professional, gigging drummer and Richard, a third pro-level drummer that plays with us in the Dave's Garage Band.
Needless to say, after our regular crew did the usual 4-5 songs I invited the new guys up on stage. We did several tunes, including the Moody Blues song Lucky Man. I've always loved them, but listening to their music and all the orchestration was just so intimidating that I never considered trying to play it. Then along comes this young kid (also named Jimmy) that had taught himself to play guitar and said that he just "figured it out"! OMG!
But, the topping of the night was at the end. Usually, we wrap it up by 9:00 so that most of us can get home and watch Heroes. Not tonight! When I finally noticed what time it was the clock said it was after 9:30. Sadly, I told the guys that we had to wrap it up so that Mike and Dolores could go home. Well, Mike heard that and said that they weren't in a hurry!
So Blue said, "Just play anything" and thus began the best free-for-all jam I've ever played in! The drums started a simple beat and I started a nice little blues figure in G. Then Jimmy followed with some tasty licks and we were off. After a couple of rounds and some nice solos by Jimmy, Blue picked up the speed a bit. I came right in behind him with Jimmy by my side. A verse or two and Blue bumped it a few more clicks... and then a few more... and then before long we were haulin' ass! I was playin' triplets and just daring him to go faster! Which he did!!! By the time he dropped a stick we must have been doing 240! Oh. My. God! That was the most fun I've every had with my clothes on! Hahaha...
posted by Mondo | 12:24 AM
