A Tale of 2 gigs

So if you've read my bio you'll know that it's been quite awhile since I've played in public. 15 years. My last gig was on December 31, 1993. There is quite a contrast between that experience and my most recent one with Todd Helvig. The gig on New Year's '93 was a dance band thing at an Elks lodge in Salida, CO. I was one of the trumpet players in a one-time pickup band of 15 or so college guys. The organizer of the affair was the dad of one of the musicians. I came into it through a mutual friend after I just returned from New York City (a little burned out and in need of some fast cash).

On the morning of the 31st, we all crammed into this guy's dad's mobile home. It took about 8 hours to drive there (driving from Denver to Salida shouldn't take that long). When we got there the musicians had to load all of the stage equipment (risers, sound equip, music stands, etc.) and it took about 2 hours to setup. All the while the "dad" was barking orders at us on what to do and what not to do. After this we were treated to a modest meal in one of the town's diners (each receiving a 5 dollar stipend).

The gig started around 7 and we played until about 2 o'clock. "Dad" made it clear that there was to be no alcohol consumption (which was promptly ignored). The entire brass section got smashed on some contraband LQ that was smuggled onto the bandstand. At the end of the night we were given our keys to the hotel that was booked for us (4 guys per room). We were told that we would be paid once we got back to Denver (to make sure that we stayed to help unload all of the stuff upon our return).

I protested this directive with a friend of mine who also was in the trumpet section (and is now an internationally acclaimed opera singer). We threatened a mutiny and demanded our nightly wage. After much heated deliberation, "dad" decided to give in and give us our earnings... $20 each. My friend and I and a few others skipped the hotel room and hitched a ride back to Denver that very night. It was during this experience that I finally resolved that I didn't want to be involved in this kind of crap for the rest of my life. Music wasn't any fun anymore once it became a means of survival (and a poor one at that).

I think it's interesting to contrast this story to the gig that I just had with Todd the other night at the Gorilla Room. Todd is an amazing singer, songwriter, guitar player, and overall good guy. I've enjoyed the 4 rehearsals I've had with him and look forward to many more. With Todd I get to be part of the performance of his previous material (which is amazing) and am excited about creating new material with him real soon.

Todd and I are looking to round out the band with a few other musicians with good ears and instincts. This is going to go beyond what people might have in their conventional ideas about what acoustic rock/folk and jazz should be. We're not creating any new genre here (i.e. Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan, Sting, etc.) but we're looking to put together a unique sound that blends in well with what people want to hear when they spend their evenings with us.

I can't wait to see (and hear) what happens next.