...blogging, not "cresting"...

This is my first (well, not really) blog. As such, there should be some sort of introduction. Most likely, you have come here through The Responsibles website--the band that I have played guitar in for almost eight years. If you haven't, please check out the site http://www.theresponsibles.ca/ .

The Blog

Will primarily be about music. Not that I'm a great musician--a hack really. I keep my head above water, playing wise, but generally, I just love music. I also enjoy writing, so who knows? Naturally, I will blog about The Responsible's current activities, some of my past musical endeavours, and perhaps some future *projects*.



The Name



How I got the moniker "Gentleman" Jeff I vaguely remember. Sorry, no story. Just a night playing with Riotstar in Toronto, an attractive young lady, and me being overly polite, self-effacing, and ultimately, alone. It just sort of stuck, and quite frankly, its hard to live up to, except in an ironic fashion.





The Picture



I've got loads, but chose this one as my "calling card". Playing with my first band "The Turdburglars/Fourstoreyforehead" ( stop giggling!) at Scooter's Roller Gardens in Burlington Ontario, around 1988. More to come.



Disclaimer



Of course, this is just me writing, and in no way represents any other person(s)' thoughts/ ideas/ feelings. I'm often wrong.



Special Disclaimer



Of a more timely nature, nothing I write reflects the thoughts/ ideas/ opinions/ 'musings' of any member ( past or present) of The Responsibles, PLC, or its subsidiaries.



Thank You.



PPS--Please continue to scroll down, whilst I try to figure out templates that were probably meant for chimps...there really *is* a blog here, somewhere...



















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Monday, February 21, 2011

..."You should come over and jam sometime..."

...a difficult question, indeed. As a knee jerk reaction, I would probably go with "no"...the very idea of jamming makes me think of a bunch of people with instruments making a lot of noise, and not getting anywhere. Waiting for two hours outside an apartment building because they went out for dinner, and perhaps a movie, and left their cellphones at home. Or, after a half hour's playing, a "band is born", booked into a bar next weekend for three sets. Of course, every band I've ever been in has started out with, I suppose "jamming"---from the first awkward practice, to actually writing original songs. But just to "jam" for the sake of it..?..I don't know...
My aversion probably stems from the fact that I'm not a very good player. That is, I can't just play a "pick up" "session", I need many practices before I feel comfortable with the other players, as I do with, say, The Responsibles (who after eight years together, have developed a "mind meld" that many musicians possess). That cohesion only took four or five years to cohere...
Also, having been to a few "jams", I know that there is a good percentage chance of the old standbys being dragged out, and beaten into leather.."Louie, Louie", etc, along with the inevitable, and ofttimes unendurable "Blues Jam". Sure, I guess it sounds cool to those involved, much like revving an engine does to a gearhead at 3 in the morning. So many players, guitarists, especially, when left to their own devices, fall back on the ol' 12 bar crutch. Fun, because it's easy. And if you didn't like the solo you played the first time around, chances are that you'll have your chance again. (HINT--if you don't want to be invited back, pretend you are excited for your "turn", and then when it comes, drop your hands at your sides and stare into space--it worked for me!)
...reading this over, I *sound* like a wanker...one that doesn't like music unless it's already packed and ready to go. Maybe this is a result of my New Wave upbringing? Who knows? I should try to be a little open minded, but I draw the line at adding didgeridoos...
In a practical sense, I should have done more "jamming" earlier on, as now, I really don't have the time for it (see previous post). As I pointed out, most of my disgust comes from a feeling of inferiority. So, I end this (less than outstanding--see previous post encore) entry with a vow--to try playing with more people, and to simply have fun.....or, start another band...

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