BobC
Silver Member
A couple of weeks ago, I got an email from a young blues/rock band, two juniors and a senior from Drew University, who had a Feb. 2 gig booked and needed a drummer. I told them straight up that I was available, but was quite a bit older than them. They didn't care. OK, so they sent me their setlist, which was three originals, and covers by Jimi, Creedence, Freddie King, Beatles, Clapton, etc. They also sent me MP3s of the original tunes, and I was surprised that they sounded as good as they did, so I agreed to rehearse once with them. The rehearsal was OK; I had to use an awful Alesis electronic set, but got through it. They sounded totally synthetic and the cymbal pads were awful, which further strengthened my feelings of dislike toward electronic drums.
We did the gig last night. Some of their parents, family and friends attended and it was filmed. I found out it was their second gig! Both guitarists had excellent chops, and one of them did all the singing. They don't own a PA, so they borrowed a big amp from someone and ran the one vocal mic' through it (just like we did in high school). They gave me strong signals, and we pulled it off, so well, that the owner wants the band back. After just one rehearsal, the band sounded good, and occasionally better than good. They respectfully treated me like the wise, old experienced musician I guess I am. The money wasn't great, but in the end, it was musically satisfying, and I was glad I could help three nice kids play music I grew up with. How often do you find college kids interested in blues?
We did the gig last night. Some of their parents, family and friends attended and it was filmed. I found out it was their second gig! Both guitarists had excellent chops, and one of them did all the singing. They don't own a PA, so they borrowed a big amp from someone and ran the one vocal mic' through it (just like we did in high school). They gave me strong signals, and we pulled it off, so well, that the owner wants the band back. After just one rehearsal, the band sounded good, and occasionally better than good. They respectfully treated me like the wise, old experienced musician I guess I am. The money wasn't great, but in the end, it was musically satisfying, and I was glad I could help three nice kids play music I grew up with. How often do you find college kids interested in blues?
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