This Christmas season has put me in some unlikely places and I've been running into old musician friends. Most of them I've known for more that 20 years and played gigs with them in my younger days. It’s been great to catch up and hear their stories. In many ways I'm jealous and that I didn't continue to pursue my passion of playing music as they have. But when I was younger, I was blest to be surrounded by some incredibly talented people. Musicians that had more God given musical gift in their little finger than I had in my whole body, and it made me aware of my level of musical talent. I came to the conclusion that I would never be the same caliber of player, nor did I have the focus or drive to become a great musician. These guys always made it look so easy!
Now that I'm older and wiser I know I made the right decisions. Developing a good occupation, raising my family, and playing music part time was the better road for me. I'm still excited about every gig I play...I've never suffered from burn out, and it’s still my favorite pastime!
Last week I had a Pastor ask me what would make this Christmas season extra special for me. I think I've found the answer, it's pretty simple. Just visiting with old friends and realizing, I've been extremely blest. That the roads I've followed were the right one's for me and to find solace, knowing I'm doing just fine according to God's plan.
Was just looking over my November schedule. Two retirement home gigs, two Moonlighter's band gigs and two Timeless Melodies gigs. Wow...I'm all over the board. I've always been a firm believer in the "the more you can do, the more you work". Its been a blessing and a curse. Playing multiple instruments is a great thing, as long as you play them well. Lately I've been practicing a lot of Ukulele and upright bass - they need the most attention. Uke is easy and its more fun than anything, upright bass is a seriously challenging instrument, and it will always be a work in progress. Sure some guys fake it pretty good, but real upright players are serious dudes! Right now I'm still in the fake it mode. its fun, but it makes my fingers sore - need to build up the callouses. I worked up a pretty good blister over this past weekend. But that's a good thing.
Well I'm getting excited about playing music this fall. Lots of different musical groups to play with, I just hope they don't over lap to much.
I'm going in a different direction this year with my solo act. Seems everyone wants something different. They're tired of the same old guitar guys playing the same old tunes. I've noticed the world music, ethnic stuff is very popular. So I've put together a great set list of tropical, beach tunes and will market myself as a Jimmy Buffet wannabe. Heck who knows...I enjoy playing the music... its happy, upbeat... it could work?
Ukulele Ray and the Kokonutz are now settling into a slow simmer. We were busy coming out of the chute doing a few low pay gigs, but its quickly fading. The act is there, but this is Ray's baby. We'll see what gigs he comes up with.
Timeless Melodies could be busy this year. Dave plans on a full marketing campaign when he gets back into town, and we have 8 or so gigs already on the books. We have the variety show and the gospel show - completely different from one and other. The variety show uses primarily back up tracks and is all about entertaining and energy. The Gospel show is all live instrumentation and is focused on vocal harmony and giving glory to God. I really like working with this group. We're all mature people, played a lot of music in our lives, so there is a lot of mutual respect, and no ego's or weird personality stuff. I feel like everyone is on the same page. Rehearsals are efficient and challenging.
Here's hoping for a great season!!!
