Okay, my impressions on this weekend.
Yes, OD, they did do Bamatized and it is getting better. The crowds are getting more attuned to it. One of the problems in a loud rock type dance club is that lyrics are always going to be a difficulty. James, the singer, is still learning the lyrics and honing in on them. but the band is getting more comfortable with it, and making it more their own. I think when they get it on their CD, people can buy it and know the lyrics, it is going to be a cool thing. They are coming together in many ways, and I think this year will see a lot of advancement in what they are doing and their fan base.
The club, TP'S BAR AND GRILL is a cool place. Just like a million clubs I've played in my life, PATTY MILLER,the owner is a great woman, takes no stuff from anybody and is onto every detail of the room. Constantly moving, (the last time she even ran sound), she is a whirlind. At one point she was outside directing traffic. One of the fun things about this weekend is I got to play the song we wrote for the club. It's called "TP's BAR and GRILL and is one of the songs we are recording for their next CD. It turned out very cool and Patty was really happy. Of course, she couldn't really listen that much do to having to work. But that again, is going to be cool.
OD, overall, it worked well. But a lot of what my set was, was somewhat like what JIMI HENDRIX experienced when he opened for the MONKEES in 1966. Mickey Dolenz, had been hearing Hendrix and was really into the Hippie thing. So when the Monkees did their really huge tour, he got Hendrix to open. For six shows. Hendrix was nearly booed off the stage and would quit about half way through and walk off in Discust.
It wasn't that bad for me. People were polite, and for the most part tolerated me. My own fan base of the crowd, 20-25 people that I went to high school with or that grew up in my neighborhood, all were really cool. I actually got to meet a guy who I had known for 35 years but never met face to face. He was one of my Dad's business associates, who ended up marrying our secratary, who was also there. Was an interesting time as I talked about my Dad, played a couple of songs, including THAT'S WHERE IT HURTS, that was our first cut on Shelby Lynne.
The part that all songwriters have to keep in mind is that sometimes you are only going to do what you can do. A loud, younger crowd, ready for their favorite band, are only going to be so friendly or interested. And the types of venues often are not conducive to songwriting. I write about as contemporary songs out there, very aggressive, very wide variety of style and subjects, but there is only so much even I can do, even as strong a performer as I am. It's "HOME FIELD" ADVANTAGE. And while the band and their fans are polite, hey, lets be real. They want the big guitars, drums, grooves of their heroes.
All in all was a great night. Got to see some long missed friends. A couple of my high school crushes and my neighbors. Really fun night.
The worst thing about it all was I have completely forgotten about playing anywhere where ALMOST THE ENTIRE AUDIENCES SMOKES!!! That was KILLING ME!!!! It was like a complete fog of citarette (and that new vaping crap) smoke. It was literally making me short of breath and my voice start going hoarse halfway into the set. And even trying to talk to people was a chore. I was really feeling very uneasy, like I was about to get sick. I had to go outside several times just to breathe and finally had to get out of the club earlier than I would have liked to. I have never understood how people can live doing that. My Father and Grandfather were chain smokers so I grew up with it. And I have played bars my entire life, so I know all about it. But boy, playing in NON-SMOKING environments is such a HUGE change from the smoke filled rooms. i can see why so many artists, musicians, etc. have cancer from second hand smoke and how the road can take such a toll on you.
Today, I am still feel the effects of the THREE HUNDRED PERSON SMOKE DRAGON MONSTER. I am no wimp and can power through pretty much anything, but that one realy kicked my butt. The sad part is I don't know that I can do that show again. I love those folks but I just can't do excessive cigarette smoke any more. Too damn old now!
Oh well, this week is going to be good. A few days of writing then head to GATLINBURG FOR THE SMOKEY MOUNTAIN SONGWRITER'S FESTIVAL!!!! going to be a great time and my first "official" festival. My new FRANK BROWN festival. Really looking forward to that one. About 50 really hot Nashville writers and artists going to the mountains, one of my favorite places in the world.
Let me hear from all of you this week!
MAB