Sorry so long to reply... been working like crazy and had to build a storage building in the backyard...

Strange you mention that the Chap's bass player is leaving, Rod... I met a guy a week ago that I work with (he works maintenance though, running floor scrubbers and buffers) from over near Van, he's a bass player. Big fella, probably weighs in easily at 250 or so. Stands about 6'4. He's got sleeve tattoes and shaves his head, but he's probably the most softspoken guy I've met in years. His name is Dan. He overheard me telling a guy I work with that I was reworking a guitar for a friend and he immediately asked me, (and it really freaked me out how polite he was!) "Pardon me, you play guitar?"
Of course, I grinned and just said, "Yeah, a bit, nothing big" and he went right into telling me about his bass and equipment and how much he'd like to find a real band around here to play with. Apparently he's played in a few bands that were popular around Effingham and up towards Pana. He's got a good chunk of money invested in his gear and he's a super nice guy. Every now and then I see him around the store and he's always willing to stop and chat a few minutes.

Want me to tell him you guys need a bass? I can drop the message with him. If I was even remotely interested in getting a band going again I'd ask him to join up, but that's not in the cards right now...

Let me know, bro!

|zzY the NightRocker

I know about the busy thing, bud.

Let's see... It's about 7:20 so Jeff's closing the music store right now. I'll email him and tell him what you said. Although quite honestly I don't know if he's that interested about keeping the band rolling or letting it go. I can't read him on this one. I think he want's the band but can't devote the time to the learning and teaching phaze.

In the meantime I passed my name around to a few people at the memorial last night. I have a 50/50 shot at a fill in gig this Saturday. If I can be a sub all summer that will do.

By the way, I received this last night at the memorial. It's one of my old bands called Trav'lin' Shoes. Counter clockwise is Rodger and Kit in front followed by myself, D.J., and the man we lost Dave on the left. This picture was from about five or six years ago. Dave's family and friends gave the original to me last night.

That is so cool. Nice touch.It's not often you come across a real treasure.

Iz, Jeff sounds like he's interested in knowing more about Dan. He said:

Quote:

---

get some more info on this guy, such as work schedule, music taste, how much work he wants(if he's interested @ all)
just keep me updated.

---

So it could be a start. I'll send you this in a email as well.

Got the email bro. They've been working him over at the other old store while we set up the new one. May take me a day or so to catch him. I'll be sure to let you know as soon as I can find him.

Izzy the Overnight Rocker

I'll pass the news along. Thanks!

Rod,

I talked to Dan last night (finally!) and sadly, he's already in a band. However, he knows of the Chap's and said that it would have been great to join up. He said to tell you all thank you for the offer, and if he wasn't already signed on to another group from around Effingham, he would have tried out.

Sorry it didn't pan out, bro, but I tried. You know how it is with bass players around this area. All the good ones are already taken.

Talk at ya soon!

|zzY

Thanks, bud. I guess it's a tough market, hence the reason we lost ours.

Jeff sent me a message tonight. He want's me to stop by the music store so he can run a idea by me. I don't know if I'm excited or worried!

i wish i could help , but all i can do is pick my nose and butt so i guess thats no help .....LOL
I cant even pick my banjo any more as carple is setting in my hands from holding and pulling the trigger on the paint gun for 30 years.

Yikes!

Possible good news.

I had a long talk with my band's leader, Jeff. He said that our band is kind of in limbo but he's working on another project. A true blues band designed to play closer to the St. Louis river front. It could be a lot of work to get going but the payoff could be bigger than anything we've done before.

It'll be slicked down equipment wise and a little better dress. Longer drives but maybe better money without the lightman and soundman to pay as well. And I know the true blues audience from playing places like Buddy Guy's in Chicago. More attentive and appreciative.

Our first rehearsal is Sunday. Somehow I wasn't Jeff's first choice. That kind of set me back a bit. The root of the problem is my current snare drum, it seems. It's a bit loud. He asked me about the piccolo (see Musical Instruments thread) but I told him it's not done.

So...

When you feel better, Spraytech, send me a PM so I can follow through and send you the drum's shell. I've been slacking. Sorry about that. Apparently that drum is what Jeff wants so I oblige. And thanks again for the offer to fix that thing up. Both me and my wife appreciate it. You is da man!

I wish I could see you guys live

Sounds great! I use to goto alot of local bands and belonged in a couple of local jazz bands myself playing sax. But here in TN the only local bands there are is country music, ghetto rap or angry white-punk music. Not my taste.

If I could I'd tour where you guys are at and say hi!

Rehearsal went well. We blew through about 12 songs in two hours. Our goal was 10. That was a productive practice.

Two new guys, Ryan and Cory (AKA Crunchy). Ryan used to play fill-in guitar for my old band when Jerry blew us off. He's playing bass now and he's much better at that, believe it or not. Cory comes from one of the bigger blues bands around here. They have 3 CD's out right now. There's a little "spat" between that band's founder and Cory so he's a free agent right now. I had my doubts but playing that night flowed well and we were tight even on our first go.

This is spooky. Most times these things are a struggle to do.

Anyhow, Jeff has some leads to gigs already. There's a club chain owner in Springfield (Il.) that wants us to see if we want to play at his place! This whole thing (so far) is not normal.

Jeff has gone crazy.

He left a note yesterday and wanted me to stop in at the store. He had in mind a shopping trip for a band wardrobe. All of us met up and went.

I tell 'ya, this was insane! A mix between "What Not To Wear" and "The Blues Brothers!" We all got new suits with shirts and ties, casual wear, and they got me a hat. Deb nearly fell over laughing. It's so not me, but that's what he wanted us to have. He took the day and scouted all this stuff out before we went.

He is dedicated to this blues thing. Or he's gone deep sea fishing without a pole. Or a boat.

We had rehearsal last night. Not the best go we've had. We only added two songs to the list. I imagine we have about 15 solid songs plus a few we can flub together.

The old band will do a gig tomorrow. Some kind of street festival. We'll see when we get there. All I know is it's outside and the weathermen are saying rain, possibly.

I ended up in the Soulard District Tuesday night sitting in with some old/new friends of the Billy Barnett Band . We're trying to get the Smoker's name out and Billy is trying to help... As well as leading one of the biggest local monster band around!