Dude.. That stage was awesome. We actually had guest musicians in our set as well. At one point there was 10 people on stage. We had Hawaiian Soul for a few songs, and Hawaiian Soul and Pati (pah-tee) for a couple. It was this big huge Hawaiian Reggae extravaganza kind of thing.
Howlin', the Hotel didn't allow anyone to bring their own amps. That way there's no confusion. There wasn't a sound check. The house just already knew how to run their stuff.
It was still cool though. Us guitar players (which at one point was 4 of us) were all playing through Fender Twin Reverbs, the Bass player was playing through a big, FAT Ampeg rig, and they just handed the drummer a bunch of drums and cymbals and just said "Set it up how you want it"..
In the pics, I'm playing my Squier Stagemaster. I LOVE that guitar. I'm still convinced it's the most underestimated guitar ever made (then discontinued).
Honestly guys, this is the most fun I've ever had with a band, and I've only been in it for a Month. This band LOVES to play out!! Not just practice forever, then play a gig here and there..
One thing that makes HaleAmanO a lot of funl is Ryan (the guy with the green Hawaii tank) actually conducts and directs the band on the fly. He quickly says commands in the mic, and everyone is tuned in to them.. Some of the commands go like this:
RHYDDM= Guitars and drums only.
POP= Everyone pops the chords (different rhythm style) for 2 or 4 measures.
DUB= Drums and bass only.
MIX= Everyone back with the song after RHYDDM or DUB.
TAKE IT= One more measure, song ends ( or if he want's the song to end early).
The crowd never really knows what's going on. He says the words so quickly, they just sound like the equivalent of "hey" or "whoa". You know, quick fill words that are in songs sometimes.
Then there's the new word:
SHRED= Guitar solo
That way, we have a way of being jam-band-like, but with a sense of direction so everyone's on the same page with it. And the songs can take on a different shape at the drop of a hat, and night after night.
In case you're wondering how driven this band is? Check out this page.
http://www.haleamano.com/?feed=gigpress
So far, since I've been in this band, we've played more gigs than practices. These guys keep pace with a busy schedule.
Anyway.. I know there are vids with me playing in the band. But they haven't been posted on youtube yet. When one gets posted, I'll be sure to post a link here ok.
Peace.
