Here is a old friend of mine who has started a small web site. He's the first person who I ever played music with back all them years ago. He played the music for my wedding ceremony, too.

"If you could read my mind" you would know that I just went and downloaded one of his songs. I like it.

now I have them all

Some of our origianal songs are on open reel. Another reason to try to get it working again!

Here's a gal who used to live near by. She used to sing with us when she was in the area on a few songs. Always had a great voice but she used to be so unsure of herself. We gave her pointers and taught her a little about band dynamics and projection. She's a lot better now! They launched her website not too long ago.

she's real perty, don't let Deb see her.

what a looker and sings too she should go far in the music
industry as she has both going for her !!!!

I think she's all married now. I used to know her as Gretchen Maltar (SP?). And my wife found her site first!

Her first video will premere on CMT this Saturday the 20th on "Most Wanted Live." It features the all night restaraunt that we've all been at more times than I can count, the Powhatan restaurant in Pocahontas Il.

I guess that I'll have to include a guy named Omar in my musical buddies even though he's not a musician.

Years ago he did something that was (and is) a big no no at concerts. And I reep the rewards of that this evening.

When we did the Alton Expo opening for Charlie Daniels he snuck a camcorder in and recorded us. How I don't know. I guess he looked enough like press to fool them.

Anyhow I have this bootleg in my possession now! It's unreal. After all these years. I'd heard that he had a recording but I never thought it would pop up. The tape is in somewhat rough shape but I'll restore it and get a safety copy made.

Very good, I hope you can share it with us someday.

I have some mp3's of the audio (I don't have any way to record the video on the computer). I can email a few if you're willing.

I guess I need a email address that can handle larger files is all. That goes for anyone. Let me know. You can PM me a link.

(The following is all true, and paid for by the "Elect TheOneRod to the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame Committee" of Beavercreek )

(( think of a VH1 "Behind the Music" episode, some guy *me* with sort of long hair and a leather jacket sitting in some oddly lit room, and it's filmed in the fuzzy black and white/color and odd edit cuts that they use in those things, hehee))

"A musical buddy? Yeah, Rod's definately that. I was trying to form a band in the middle of nowhere. We had all the members, a bassist, a lead guitarist, a drummer. I played rhythm guitar and sang. Problem was * takes a puff on his cigarette * the drummer was a real * censored *."

NARRATOR WITH THE INTIMIDATING VOICE: But dark times were on their way. (a cut scene to the drummer's picture) Izzy had no idea that the drummer for Omega Myth was on the verge of a mental collapse. At a band practice, the drummer known as Moon became moody, and stormed out during the session. Izzy knew the band would need a replacement.

(cut scene back to the smokey room, me sitting in a big overstuffed chair now for no apparent reason, and my hair seems longer) "Yeah, that was rough. I talked to the guys in the band and they agreed that we needed a new drummer. So I told them I worked with this really cool guy named Rod and we decided to call him. He came out the following practice. He was between bands at the time, and we thought he may want to join up with us."

NARRATOR WITH THE REALLY DARK IRRITATING TONE: And so, Izzy called Rod, who was an established drummer in the area. (flash photo of Rod and pan it across the screen several times with some music in the background) He agreed to come out and try to help the struggling young band.

(flash back to smokey room, me now sitting in a stupid looking leather back chair, my hair somehow shorter again) "Rod was cool, he got behind the practice drumkit I had in my dining room and asked what songs we did, so we told him and he nodded and said he was familiar with most of them. I had total confidence in him. So we started playing and we kept f*censored*ing - up, no matter how hard we tried, but Rod was right on time. He was real patient and everything. He did look a bit bummed out though at the whole thing. *takes a sip of beer and lights a cigarette* Anyways, the other guys go in the other room to look over music and goof around a bit, take a break, and me and Rod are standing there in the dining room. I looked at him and said 'What the hell, Walk This Way'. So he grins and nods and I rip the first few riffs and he jumps in right on time with the drums."

NARRATOR WITH THE STUPID CLUNKY IRRITATING INTERRUPTING VOICE: What was to follow was musical magic. The two played the Aerosmith classic "Walk This Way" almost note for note, and the other band members and a few people that had gathered at the house came in to watch and listen. Before the song was over, Izzy and Rod were both laughing so hard they couldn't play any longer, and a round of applause came from the onlookers. More on this when "Behind the Music: Omega Myth" continues...

(sounds of a fight in the Narrator booth suddenly, and a picture of me punching out the narrator, saying something about how much I hate when he cuts in when someone is trying to tell as story and then the big "Behind the Music" logo screen comes up)

hehehehe, true story

|zzY

Haha! Is this Behind the Music That Sucks?

hehehe, we actually were pretty good for a new metal/classic rock/psudo-punk band, not bad. We lost chemistry somewhere, it was just there and then gone. I think our bassist had a lot to do with it, he got a new girlfriend and suddenly stopped practicing the songs we told him we were going to play...
One day he just showed up and said he wasn't going to play anything, we talked him into playing and he just sat on a G note the whole time, didn't even try. Three nights later he called my house griping at me, and then slammed the phone down.
Needless to say I hopped in the car with my wife and we drove to his house and dumped his bass and guitar out in his front yard in the pouring rain and I pounded on the door and told him that I was through with him.
Ain't music fun?
I swore that day I'd never try to get another band going... now I just play for something to do.

So no, it's not "Behind the Music That Sucks"... it's more like "Behind the Music That Was Never Meant To Be Heard By Human Ears"... hehehe

|zzY

(enter the cheap promo shot from one of our first glossies that never got circulated to prove my point, )

Oh, so that's what happen. I always wondered...

Well, if you do ever need a fill-in guy give me a call!

I cannot read music nor can I play an instrument.
But I can clap real loud and holler, And if I'm watched real close they will let me hold an unlit bic if that will help any.

It's looking like I'm going to have to find more musical buddies. Our bass player is off to another group soon and the band's lead isn't putting much effort in finding a replacement. I know how he feels. We are just along in too many years now to teach someone not only the songs but how to play as well. But on the other side our current bass player is one of six that have passed through since I joined the band. We have done it before. Only no one is trying and my ideas get brushed aside. The band may finish itself off at the end of next month.

We're sceduled to host the Colgate Talent Show for the local radio station this Friday. I might know more then. I'm dropping off the set tomorrow so we'll see who says what.

I can play the whistle like it's nobody's business. I heard that Amy can play a mean skin flute!

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!