Enough about Mr. Ape Man. Sometimes, we start out with an idea but then -- almost out of nowhere -- digress. Is that a sign of getting old or the constant need for instancy in our lives? How often do you start a thought, tell some story, and end up with “what was I going to tell you”?
No wonder I am the weak link in the Lava Pups. If I cannot keep on task, how will I ever be able to play a 45-minute set without some “digression”? That thought makes me admire “real” musicians even more.
Back to Cool -- the town -- and cool -- another “regular” practice. As you know, by unanimous decision, the Lava Pups are working on becoming a “real” band. But right now we are doing so without the guidance of Paul, who is getting ready for THE BIG EVENT. After October 1st, we will be a bunch of married guys.
In Paul’s absence, the start of our practices always seems to begin with a question. That is very democratic particularly as none of us has really been through this “band stuff” before. At Don’s garage, the question was, “What songs do we want to add to our practice?” Turned out that nobody had given that much thought.
“Let’s focus on tightening up what we play already.” We plugged in, tuned, and started back through our existing set list.
We put some time in on our “Ventures Medley.” For the Fox & Goose, we added a medley of “Perfidia” and “Walk Don’t Run.” We figured out the drum bridge between the two songs the night before the performance. Don came up with chord progression for “Perfidia” less than a week earlier.
Given that we had not practiced the medley that much, playing it was a risk. We introduced the medley with a warning. “Here’s a number we haven’t played in public before. That is usually the Kiss of Death!”
We then did okay. In fact, we were semi-complimented on it. “I liked that Ventures Medley. The chord progressions were really harmonious. The structure was good. Keep it in your set. But you guys need to practice it a lot more.”
So, for our practice, we played through the “Ventures Medley” a couple of times. Each time, we were better. As a trio, we handled the two songs well. Our timing felt right. But in the back of my mind, I know that Paul wants me to improve my phrasing on “Walk Don’t Run.” But, in Don’s garage, who cares because the songs seem to be coming together?
We ended our playing with the Link Wray Medley. Best ending yet! We also hit the ending on “Midnight Run” which had been sketchy at best before. Regular practice may be working.
As we finished our beers and I packed up my guitar, we recapped the night. In couple of songs, one or another of us went brain dead. Don said, “Don't worry too much. That’s going to happen.” I crossed my fingers and thought “hopefully, not too often.”
We talked about the next “regular” practice. “Maybe we can focus on those places where we are consistently off.” What a great idea! Whoops, . . . we did not make a list or keep notes.
Memo to file: “Bring a notebook and pencil to the next regular practice. And -- oh, yeah -- keep notes.”
No wonder I am the weak link in the Lava Pups. If I cannot keep on task, how will I ever be able to play a 45-minute set without some “digression”? That thought makes me admire “real” musicians even more.
Back to Cool -- the town -- and cool -- another “regular” practice. As you know, by unanimous decision, the Lava Pups are working on becoming a “real” band. But right now we are doing so without the guidance of Paul, who is getting ready for THE BIG EVENT. After October 1st, we will be a bunch of married guys.
In Paul’s absence, the start of our practices always seems to begin with a question. That is very democratic particularly as none of us has really been through this “band stuff” before. At Don’s garage, the question was, “What songs do we want to add to our practice?” Turned out that nobody had given that much thought.
“Let’s focus on tightening up what we play already.” We plugged in, tuned, and started back through our existing set list.
We put some time in on our “Ventures Medley.” For the Fox & Goose, we added a medley of “Perfidia” and “Walk Don’t Run.” We figured out the drum bridge between the two songs the night before the performance. Don came up with chord progression for “Perfidia” less than a week earlier.
Given that we had not practiced the medley that much, playing it was a risk. We introduced the medley with a warning. “Here’s a number we haven’t played in public before. That is usually the Kiss of Death!”
We then did okay. In fact, we were semi-complimented on it. “I liked that Ventures Medley. The chord progressions were really harmonious. The structure was good. Keep it in your set. But you guys need to practice it a lot more.”
So, for our practice, we played through the “Ventures Medley” a couple of times. Each time, we were better. As a trio, we handled the two songs well. Our timing felt right. But in the back of my mind, I know that Paul wants me to improve my phrasing on “Walk Don’t Run.” But, in Don’s garage, who cares because the songs seem to be coming together?
We ended our playing with the Link Wray Medley. Best ending yet! We also hit the ending on “Midnight Run” which had been sketchy at best before. Regular practice may be working.
As we finished our beers and I packed up my guitar, we recapped the night. In couple of songs, one or another of us went brain dead. Don said, “Don't worry too much. That’s going to happen.” I crossed my fingers and thought “hopefully, not too often.”
We talked about the next “regular” practice. “Maybe we can focus on those places where we are consistently off.” What a great idea! Whoops, . . . we did not make a list or keep notes.
Memo to file: “Bring a notebook and pencil to the next regular practice. And -- oh, yeah -- keep notes.”