Well, I DID call that to say I couldn't make it, several hours in advance, AND the banjo guy wasn't even gonna be there, & I knew they had gotten a sub for the practice. They got the messages I left late, & had been wanting to show off the 'lectric bass guy they had, & when I wasn't there it pissed them off. Being honest about having to cram for an upcoming gig with my other band didn't help my cause. So they fired me, but they still use me as a fill-in when their regular guy can't make a gig, & we're still friendly & stuff. I miss those dollars, though. That band got some quality gigs that payed pretty well.
The mandolin player tells me how much they miss my playing every time I see him. Their new guy ain't all that, but at least he plays the traditional stand up, which I don't have.
I used to go for nearly an entire set doing that "thump thump" on the one & five, until I just had to cut loose with a little run up or down the neck. Then the whole band would turn & look at me like I was an alien. It was pretty funny, like it was even rehearsed, but nobody ever knew when it was coming. (Not even me!)
I kinda miss the guys, too. They were a fun bunch.
