..."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...

...a question of taste...

...firstly, an announcement...my son was born this past week. Everyone is happy healthy, and home safe. No real need to go into details here..
...musically speaking, the little fella has had no real opportunity to "groove" yet..mostly my warbling and good ol' CBC Radio 2. Amongst music fans, of course, the question of a child's musical future is a natural one..so here are some answers...

1. No, there will be no pictures taken in the style shown. Hopefully, there will be no "mohawks", studded wrist bands, or mini band T-shirts either. I am not one to pass judgements on others, but I do have my own opinions.
2. Have I decided what instrument(s) my child is going to play? Huh? I mostly try to decide which hand to hold the dirty diaper in during changing. If he expresses an interest later on, he will of course be encouraged. Otherwise, he has other things to do first.
3. What kind of music will we let him listen to? What? Am I his programme director? Is there a CanCon minimum here? For a while, I think he will be listening to what most other infants listen to. I'm not sure if there is an alt-kiddie scene, and I won't be looking to hard for it if it indeed exists.
4. Of course, he will grow up around music--most people these days do, in one way or another. Do I think he'll "dig" my favourite artists? Probably not. In fact, I hope he doesn't. That's the way it works. During his teens (can't even think about that right now!) I expect that he will positively hate every band his farty old Dad likes, and revel in music that I just can't understand. Perhaps, given time and experience, he may come to enjoy things other than what's "in" for he and his contemporaries, which is the best hope I can have.
5. If Dad is still in a band when he is of age to go to bars, again, I doubt he will want to see his sad old pops "rockin'" on stage, much less drive him home after the gig.
...still, there is always hope....(please form a boy band, please form a boy band, please form a boy band...Papa wants to retire!)...

...Nook O' The New Year...

*please read the "Disclaimer(s) at the very top before proceeding*



First, let me wish one and all a Happy New Year...

...of course, after every party, there comes the denouement...the long, protracted sigh. This is my sigh. I declared verbally, and digitally, that 2009 was our worst year as a band (The Responsibles) for gigs. 2010 was only slightly better, but marred by numerous instances of exponential flabbiness in regard to pushing forward. Let me be the first to say that I was as involved as anyone...all circumstances really beyond our control. I had hoped that we could have at least recorded our 3rd full-length CD, but no dice, as they say. We barely practiced, we barely wrote, and we barely played. Mind you, we are all, erm..seasoned gentlemen with busy lives, and gigs (for us anyway) are few and far between. If a marital analogy may be used, and I believe it can, this was our mid-life crisis, our "time away" from each other--the CDs were grown, out of the house, and it was just the four of us rambling around in the basement, wondering if/ could/ should we have another recording. I certainly did/ do. It would be nice to make this release our "London Calling"...a culmination of eight years of work and partnership, which I do not want to see go to waste. We have outlasted many other, perhaps initially, more exciting, musical marriages, and still pull it together quite well. I just want this to work out...stop me before I get weepy...I couldn't imagine myself with anyone else...I'm too old to go looking at band notices in music shops...
...still, who knows? This could be our year, for once. We don't ask for much, and usually get something similar in return...no point in being bitter...better to abide by our four guiding principles...
1. Write Songs
2. Record Them
3. Play Them Live
4. Don't Suck!
..how's that for a pre-nuptial agreement, huh...?

Stay In? Stay Out?

...life, it is said, is all about choices. I cannot begin to relate all of the times when I've wished I'd gone to a gig, but hadn't. The reverse is also true. Recently, I've had to miss a gig, but got to see one that I almost did not attend, and here is a brief synopsis...

Stay In?

I have seen High Cornwell, formerly of The Stranglers twice now, in very intimate, local settings. Gushed like a fan boy when chatting with this affable gentleman. Got my picture taken, book signed, etc. Tonight, Hugh plays locally, at a great new club "This Ain't Hollywood". I have nothing but admiration for the man, and will be featuring him in an upcoming installment of "Neat-o Guitarists". But, I have seen him twice, and this is a "school night" (literally), and I should be saving money...all justifications, reasonable, but excuses nonetheless. I have already seen him, I have to work tomorrow, and money is a little tight at present, but, as I type, I feel a pull, a devil on my shoulder, telling me that if I went, I would definitely enjoy myself. Of course, tomorrow would be a different story. Calling in sick, or stumbling around in a haze, moaning about money, etc. So, I won't go. I am a responsible, after all..(also, Hugh has a different bass player this time around...those in the know will know what I'm talking about...)...

Stay Out?

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of watching, at a very intimate venue, the fabulous Deadbolt "The World's Scariest Band", from San Diego California, again, locally, and for a reasonable price. After hearing the album "Voodoo Trucker" on my College radio show years ago, I was hooked. When I saw the listing a month or two in advance, I was overjoyed, and immediately contacted my former co-host. We agreed to go out (on a Wednesday, no less) to see the band. The night came, after a particularly nasty day, and I was secretly hoping that my friend would be the first to cry "Hold, enough!", and he almost did. When he picked me up, I was practically half asleep, almost nodding off on the couch (not very rock n' roll, i know...). Regardless, we soldiered on, discussing what time we would leave before even getting there. As it happens, we stayed until the end, had a great time, got to chat with the band, bought the newest CD "Voodoo Moonshiner" and a T-Shirt, "Truck Drivin' S.O.B.", and was in bed by one am. By sheer willpower, I took it easy on the beverages, and had a reasonably fine day following. So, it just goes to show, you never know. Had I not gone, I would probably be kicking myself right now--the drummer told me that they hadn't played in Canada for 10 years, and probably wouldn't for another 10, due to some, erm.."paperwork" issues..I shook his hand and didn't press the issue...

...the same can be said of being in a band myself. Very often, we have played well, both technically, and in terms of entertainment, to very few people, leaving me thinking to myself "I wish more people had come out...". Again, the reverse has happened. A crowded room, a good opening slot, and utter chaos and disorder, and certainly not in a classy way...virtually crawling from the stage to the bar, to get grumpier than I was previously...

...speaking of grumpy, deep down, really deep down, I don't want to hear how good Hugh Cornwell was last night, because I have already seen him, I had too much work to do, and, well, I need to save money. Some people hold things like this over others' heads, so if its any defense, I, along with perhaps thirty other people, saw San Francisco's fabled Avengers this past summer...so there!

...neat-o guitarists #3..Mick Jones (not from Foreigner)...

...finally, my chance to "big up" this man, who has always been in the shadow of the admittedly iconic Joe Strummer. Many people thought that Mick was the weaker of the two guitarist/ songwriters, but I beg to differ, for various reasons.

...Upon viewing the "Kosmo Vinyl" vehicle, "The Last Testament--The Making of London Calling", I was struck by the work ethic of a band I have not always been a fan of. As a young "punk rocker" The Clash were definitely a no-no. But, over the years, and combined with my love of reggae, I began to see where they were coming from, especially Mick Jones. In fact, I owned the first B.A.D album before I ever owned a Clash album. Mick Jones, in my opinion, is not only a brilliant, "tasty" guitarist, but also a musical genius, who has never been afraid to do what he feels like.

First and foremost, I say his guitar style is "tasty" as in, he knows how much, and when. Many guitarists simply wail away, albeit with talent and proficiency, but, as a hack guitarist, this means nothing to me. The placement of guitar is just as important as what is being played. Most everyone knows the song "Clampdown", but what makes the song for me is after a few of the lines "You start wearing blue and brown--working for the Clampdown", there are three notes "nee-nu-nee". This to me is indicative of style and substance, expressed simply. In the documentary, Mr. Jones refers to playing guitar as a form of personal expression, in that every note that comes out is a telling of experience, feeling, etc. This is the pinnacle of what I hope(d) to achieve. I like a smart little guitar figure more than any full-on guitar solo. Mick also manages to avoid "the ernies" by playing a simple accompaniment--a great accomplishment for the "lead guitarist" of the band. Overall, he is more of an arranger than a player. Unlike die-hard Clash fans, I like pretty much ALL of Mick Jones' work, beginning with B.A.D., and upwards to his latest project with ex-Damned/ Sigue Sigue Sputnik bassist/ guitarist Tony James, CARBON/ SILICON. I find the newest work to be a continuation of Mick Jones' musical exploration--more of a mix of The Clash and Big Audio Dynamite than anything else. I regret not seeing them in Toronto a few years ago. They were pioneers of free downloads, and champions of P2P file sharing--instead of grumbling about it, they joined up. Also, the band highlights Jones' songwriting and lyrical ability, along with his very distinctive guitar style. B.A.D. still sound good after all these years, and were, coincidentally, one of the first "rock" bands to use samples with any effectiveness. A live album, "Carbon Casino" features many standout tracks, including "The News" among others, and a finale where Mick and Tony Join Alabama 3 for "Woke up this Morning" (The Sopranos Theme)..classic...

..so, I've actually written very little about Mick Jones' guitar playing--funny. He still is one of my favourite players, again for his sense of style and placement, rather than his "shredding" ability. He has a lot of influences, and mixes them together, along with his own "voice". Plus, he often uses a Gibson Les Paul Junior, which I am quite partial to, and isn't afraid to use effects. I wonder if he gives lessons...?

P.S. Just had a full hearing test and inner ear scan last week. I was expecting the worst, but, apparently, my hearing is almost normal! So, I will carry on, as frustrating as it can be sometimes. Music is not an occupation for me, but a passion, and no one likes coitus interruptus...

...skeletons in closet # 2

Queen, yes...Queen. I can hear some of you laughing, but, despite my new/wave punk rock leanings, I do enjoy some classic rock, including this band, and I'm not ashamed to admit it, on a blog few read, at least. Heck, I might even get defensive if you push me enough. I'm not actually a fan of the "hits"--I prefer some of the "off" stuff. Albums like Jazz, and the superb double-live LP Queen--Live Killers are the stuff of musical achievement to me. Interesting arrangements, superlative musicianship, etc, combine to create a band that had/has a profound influence on me. As noted, however, I am a discerning Queen fan. "Bohemian Rhapsody" does nothing for me...

...Being a guitar player, I have a great respect for Brian May. It was the solo at the end of "We Will Rock You", heard from an eight track player on a summer's day in 1977 that inspired me to learn the instrument. Well, the ukulele actually, but close enough. I was a member of my hometown's Ukulele Ensemble for two years, and I still have mine. Through my beginnings at guitar lessons, I tried to emulate Brian May's signature sound, but with little success. It took a while, perhaps too long, to figure out that it can't really be replicated without studio/ electronic wizardry, which is hard to produce on a mid-priced acoustic guitar. Still, May has a great touch and phrasing--nice and melodic. And, he seems like a nice guy, not pompous and sneering like other "rock " guitarists. I grew to appreciate his work, with and without Queen--check out his reworking of the "Starfleet" TV cartoon theme song with Eddie Van Halen, if you can find it!

...the polar opposite in Queen was definitely Freddie Mercury. Of course, like many people, I love his voice--range, passion, energy, and his abilities as a front man. Even people who do not like Queen admit to the fact that they stole the show at 1984's Live Aid concert--no smoke, pyrotechnics--just a half microphone stand and some tight trousers. Freddie knew how to play an audience, no doubt about it. His personality was equal to his voice. In the sense that he had a great range. Freddie was so camp and over the top that he almost seemed like a fictional operatic Diva. His bon vivant is more of a personal inspiration for me. Freddie seemed to be the sort of person who wouldn't let little things get him down. In fact, back when Queen were struggling to "make it", Freddie would spend any money he made on clothes, rather than things like food or rent. Call that irresponsible if you will, but it seems to indicate a single-mindedness, that I lack as a musician. Even when he was ill, very ill, he still appeared live and gave interviews--he gave it all. Finally, the band reported that he had AIDS, and he died the next day. The posthumous album (not entirely sure about this, must check dates) has the song "The Show Must Go On", which is Freddie in a nutshell. Many people don't realize that Freddie wrote lyrics and music for almost half of Queen's catalogue! Also, although not entirely my cup of tea, Freddie did enjoy singing opera, which further displays his talents.

....so there you have it--Brian May was a musical influence (nay, impetus!) and Freddie, I consider to be a role model. Again, snicker if you like, but I should extend an open invitation to look at my Queen record collection and listen to some fabulous live recordings, my dear...and then, we can go shopping...

...the pub/bar gig...

...ah yes , very often, a band's bread and butter. Better earning, but far less glamorous than a club gig. No "balls out" explosion of musical chops and flash, but a steady, often dull night of hastily cobbled-together cover tunes and, if one is very lucky, chicken wings.

Many bands either refuse all together, or actually perform under a different name when playing a night at a bar or pub. I used to be in the former category. Rock n' Roll was supposed to be about noise, lights, ACTION! Of course, anything the band wanted doing came strictly out of pocket, usually mine. For the past few years, however, The Responsibles have been assembling our rehearsal space in public bars on paisley carpet.

THE GOOD

A great way to introduce/ practice new songs. There's no cover, so a bar is usually full of people who have little or no interest in your creations. As long as the punters hear a few tunes they recognize, they're happy. In fact, I tend to think they believe ALL of our songs to be covers--kind of a compliment actually.

These gigs can be fairly well paying. The more people who come, the more money spent. A simple formula, especially when you are getting a percentage of the night's take. Recording, pressing, T-shirts, etc, cost a lot of money, and its nice to be able to pay for all or most of it from band earnings.

Crowd approval can do wonders for band morale. Actually, if a band is anyways half decent, and has a good selection of songs, this is a fairly easy feat. As the night progresses, the audience dons "beer headphones", and suddenly, a lucky band can be transported to pub stardom.

As mentioned, there is no cover, thereby increasing the number of bodies in the place. I find this particularly satisfying for friends of the band, who faithfully come to every gig (Hiya Rich and Angie!) most of the time to watch us suck, or pay a twenty dollar cover for a headlining band they don't even like--simply to see us open.

Free beer, and often, a meal. No explanation needed. And, if you have a musician/ friend for a bartender, you are in for a good night--a party you are allowed to play at. Say no more!

THE BAD

Empty. The band plays to a bartender and a lone server, who is wearing an i-Pod. Can be very demoralizing. Worse yet, a crowd of revellers arrive, listen for thirty seconds, and then leave. The sinking feeling that in order to get paid, you have to keep playing for another two or three hours, and then load everything back home at three am. If a band plays in an empty bar, does it really matter?

Not empty, but full of music experts. Some of whom will engage you in conversation about a particular tune, or instrument you are playing--while you are playing it. I'm not particularly good at being firm in these situations, and I imagine that my meekness is taken as a sign they should should keep on talking. Who knows, one could get lucky and return from a washroom break to find one's new found friend playing your instrument! Believe me, they will want to at the very least.

Also, you will receive more advice than you have ever desired. These managers of the night will claim to have either known, played with, or handled the affairs of any number of successful artists. Also, "you're a good band", but we should change our sound and get rid of me, no offense, buddy.

Requests. Usually that no one in the band knows, or only one person. In the latter case, you will have a brief discussion about the details of the tune, which you have never heard, and proceed to play it in a text book half-arsed fashion. Also, learn "Happy Birthday", really, it's worth it. I do, however, draw the line at Christmas Carols

Of course, every band should know they are background music for drinking, so do take breaks--not too long, naturally. And I'm not surprised when a drunk is weaving in front of me, glaring and mumbling. It's much like a bear in the forest, just act cool, but be prepared.

So, it's a mix, a melange of good, well-fed fun, and monotonous, inane slogging. All in all, it's a full night, and remember to plug shows at other places, and try to sell CDs, as some of the patrons may want to remember what they thought they liked the night before...

p.s. The Responsibles are playing at the Lionshead Pub on Saturday August 28--no cover, three sets!