It started Thursday afternoon. I met Dave Tanner and Troy Van Horn at Penn Station in New York. They had gotten up at a time that can only be described as unfair to get to New York to have a rehearsal before three shows three days in a row in Boston, Manhattan and Brooklyn. And when I say "a" rehearsal, that is exactly what I mean... one. Singular. Keep in mind, we hadn't even seen each other in about five months, so none of us knew whether we could even still play the songs. There was also the fact that we didn't have a familiar person to play drums with us. Now, we have had several drummers. All very good, and all very accomplished. This time, none of them were available. All three of us knew how ugly it could get, and how quickly it could get there. We decided on a local New York drummer Rob Mitzner who had played on the same bill as us about a year earlier. We had met and made acquaintance then, so I hit him up on Facebook, and after a few calendar checks he said he was available. The only think left was to see how we all played together, and how quickly we could get used to each other.
Rob was generous enough to allow us to come to his rehearsal space in Brooklyn. So, Dave, Troy and I hopped on the F train and headed to Gowanus, Brooklyn. We set up, and plugged in. None of us knew what to expect, I think we were all a little worried about it feeling right. Sometimes it takes some time to feel each other out. But, almost instantly, we were in that good place. It certainly didn't seem like there had been 5 months space. And in no way did it seem like the first time we were playing the songs with Rob. He had them down. Of course he did. At one point, I think Troy even said, "Can we play the show...NOW!"
Music is just one of those things in which chemistry is important. It just feels better or "more right" with certain people. At least that is my experience.
At this point, I could probably delve into every little detail of each show, but the truth is that is really secondary to what the weekend meant to me. Boston for the most part was good. Arlene's had transcendent moments, and could have very well been our best show as a band, my scratchy sickly voice not withstanding. Really. Sunday was just about three guys playing music.
But the best part... the best part was hanging out with Dave. What a great guy he is. Diplomatic and patient. He is a lot of things I am not. Maybe that's why things work well. He is just one of the best people I know. He deserves more than he gets, and if there is a way to get him those things, I am going to find it. I have played music with Troy for about 3 years now. In that time, we really hadn't gotten to spend a lot of time together. But, after a few days and a few changed flights back home. I am honored to count him as a friend. He is one of the smartest people I have the pleasure to know. And his musical knowledge is off the charts. I can learn a lot from him, and I plan to. I had only met Rob in passing a few times. But, after seeing him jump in with our friends with both feet, no stand offishness that you could expect, I look forward to getting to know him better and hope he joins us for future shows or outings.
I love music. I love singing and playing guitar. I love writing songs and melodies. I love saying just what I want to say in side that musical wrapper. But, honestly, the best part of this past weekend were the human beings standing next to me while I did all those things. I hope we do it again. And I hope it's really soon.
It's only the beginning... and there are no wrong answers... music is life.
Albert
No comments:
Post a Comment