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by me in a blur. I lost my best friend to a blood disease, and allowed my instruments to sit on their stands for far too long. I did play a gig the same night as the Memorial, but I just haven't been able to get after it like I'm used to. That is, until last night. Our normal practice went awry from the moment we started playing. I couldn't keep the banjitar in tune. Our mix was off. Our timing was worse. After four tunes, we stopped for a beer. A second. Someone turned off their mic. The keyboard's power light went dark. WTF? At that moment, the banjitar finally rang clear, but half the band had walked out into the driveway. I felt defeated and wanted to go back home, but I mentioned playing outside. There was a nice breeze. A storm brewed to the south. Our keyboard player grabbed an extra guitar. Our percussionist moved his cajon to a spot by the garage door. We joked, reassembled in a loose half moon. I plucked a simple pattern. Another and another. A guitar joined me, then a second. We worked through a cluster of oddities, sang, let our instruments find their own places in the chaos. Bands are great for a lot of things, but the bustle of a working band can crowd out the reason we all play, to just have a good time. It saved me once again.
4 comments on “A month has passed.......”
beetlegeist Says:
Saturday, April 9, 2011 @11:40:45 AM
I think when we keep things simple then things work the best.
Bigg Hans Says:
Saturday, April 9, 2011 @11:48:56 AM
I think you're right.
VancePants Says:
Monday, April 11, 2011 @7:37:32 PM
You weave a reflective tale ... and learn a bit about yourself... but more about life. It was a "Zen" moment... lost blissfully for a brief time, as the inexorable unfolding of Nature carried you and your band buds along... for a gentle, "Cosmic" ride. A nice, cool breeze indeed... thanks for sharing.
Bigg Hans Says:
Tuesday, April 12, 2011 @9:26:53 AM
Thanks for reading.
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