Got a call Sunday from a guitarist I played with a while back. Their band had a show Tues. night for about 150 high school kids. He had a day job interview he could not miss. Could I sit in last minute, 8 songs, about 35 min. set? I said... sure thing (how bad could I stink up 8 songs right?). This really doesn't happen to me very often.
He sent me the lead sheets and mp3s as there were some arrangement and key changes. Four of the songs I had played before, four I had never even heard before, and I had never played with these other guys. This was going to be interesting. We got together at 5pm for a quick run through and sound check, with a downbeat at 7pm.
During our quickie rehearsal I stayed pretty true to the tracks and didn't venture out too far. I just tried to put some tasty bits on the good groove these guys were laying. Afterward I asked the leader if it was what he was looking for and did he want anything else. He said " I really like big electric guitar. Can you add some more heat?" I said "yes I think I can".
Even though the sound check was done there was turning up involved. When we started playing I think my guitar meshed pretty well with these guys and by the third chorus I was soaring a bit. Several of the songs were right in my element and I dug in deep and inserted some solo work to the approval of the band leader. I also noticed a group of budding young musicians had gathered near me to check out the action on my Tele. The last song was a rock anthem and I let it all hang out, ripping it up for all I was worth. Big fun!
35 minutes went by way too fast. Show over, time to load out so they could continue their meeting. Whew! I thanked all the band members for the great grooves and they were very appreciative of my playing. One of my daughters teaches high school and happened to be in the audience that night. She came over and said "Wow Dad, I haven't heard you totally rip like that live for a long time, very cool."
Cool indeed!
He sent me the lead sheets and mp3s as there were some arrangement and key changes. Four of the songs I had played before, four I had never even heard before, and I had never played with these other guys. This was going to be interesting. We got together at 5pm for a quick run through and sound check, with a downbeat at 7pm.
During our quickie rehearsal I stayed pretty true to the tracks and didn't venture out too far. I just tried to put some tasty bits on the good groove these guys were laying. Afterward I asked the leader if it was what he was looking for and did he want anything else. He said " I really like big electric guitar. Can you add some more heat?" I said "yes I think I can".
Even though the sound check was done there was turning up involved. When we started playing I think my guitar meshed pretty well with these guys and by the third chorus I was soaring a bit. Several of the songs were right in my element and I dug in deep and inserted some solo work to the approval of the band leader. I also noticed a group of budding young musicians had gathered near me to check out the action on my Tele. The last song was a rock anthem and I let it all hang out, ripping it up for all I was worth. Big fun!
35 minutes went by way too fast. Show over, time to load out so they could continue their meeting. Whew! I thanked all the band members for the great grooves and they were very appreciative of my playing. One of my daughters teaches high school and happened to be in the audience that night. She came over and said "Wow Dad, I haven't heard you totally rip like that live for a long time, very cool."
Cool indeed!
Cajundaddy
I told y'all, if a band member can't make a gig get someone to sit-in.
