I would never dare to call myself a musician. I'm pretty well rounded, and so a lot of different things, but I don't really excel at any of them.
But I keep three guitars in my office at work, and some of the slow hours have been passed with a tune or two, and occasionally a few of my coworkers pop in for some pickin' and singing.
I also play occasionally with a former client, who was kind enough to invite me to a few Friday night jam sessions, in which four or five of us do round robins by taking turns selecting songs and showing the others the chord progressions.
So I was surprised on Friday morning last week to learn that we had the opportunity to play at a little local hangout on the west side of Newnan. Although I was a bit apprehensive about both my skill level and going into an unfamiliar place, I thought "what the heck" and agreed to go.
The tavern we played at was one of those places that you drive by a thousand times but would never dare to go in alone. It was a little hole-in-the-wall cinder block building with peeling paint a few illuminated neon beer signs and a gravel parking area just in front of the building.
I walked uo to the entrance nervously and pulled the door open, and five or six faces seated around the aged and smoke-cured plywood bar immediately turned towards me and made eye contact. The dark and deteriorating ambience was a like a 1950's movie-set, with an old Route 66 aura of surrealism.
For some reason Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Gimme Three Steps" popped into my mind as time froze for an instant as I met each gaze. But the stalemate that seemed to last for an eternity was actually broken in a few seconds with a round of hearty welcomes as each individual offered the hand of friendship accompanied by a warm smile and an introduction!
In five minutes, we were all good friends. Shortly thereafter, the rest of the "band" showed up, and we spent the next four hours picking and caterwauling and having a grand old time.
I don't know if the inexpensive beer actually made the music better, or if it just made the music SOUND better, but as the evening woreon the camaraderie escalated and it was more like a family reunion than a public gathering.
Soon, everyone was singing together, like an English Pub, and laughing and crying and having the times of their lives! I even noticed one or two dancing on occasion! As long as one person knew all the words, the others would follow!
When I finally left early on Sunday morning, these salt of the earth good people all shook my hand again, told me how much they appreciated me playing for them, and asked me to please come back.
You bet I will!
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Richard - congrats on having the courage and the gumption to get up and do it. I miss those days, it;s only been about 16 years since my last one. But it has been 10 years since I have had steel string callouses on my fingers. Your actions are convicting me, my friend. Keep it up.
Richard. This is awesome. I play the piano and had my first recital (in about 15 years) last Sunday. Music is good for the soul. I am glad your gig went well and Congrats.
Richard, it's great to know we have a budding rock star in our midst. I'm glad you took a chance and spread your wings.
Richard,
Will you still remember the "little people" on your rise to stardom? Maybe you have another post idea, "Active Rain Idol."
Rich
Having lived for a few years in Alabama and Georgia, I know exactly what you mean about those salt of the earth people and those "scary" hole in the wall taverns..some of the absolute BEST neighbors we have ever had have been exactly those folks. Rushed home late one afternoon as a tropical storm was passing through, having been alerted by a neighbor one of our boats was taking on water...by the time we got home, our neighbor had set up a winch and was pulling it out of the water for us. You don't find folks like that just anywhere.
Sounds like a fun time for you...you need to record a video for us!
Thanks for sharing. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. I used to play guitar and sing in night clubs years ago. I really enjoy how much fun it could be. My specialty was Irish music.
Mike...
The fingers were black and blue by the time I finished! Some of the other guys stayed much later than me. It was quite an experience! THX
Meg...
I wish I could learn piano, but my left hand won't cooperate. Thanks for the comment.
Gary...
But I was starting on the "ground floor!" lol
How cool is that? Some of those holes in the wall are the best places. Just don't ever let one of the locals talk you into a game of pool.
Those types of places and the people in them always bring surprise. Never judge a book by its cover is a perfect description for this particular tableau and I see it well in my minds eye. I am right there with you, enjoying the frivolity, the music and the company. It sounded like a perfect place to pass the time.
Bo
Good beer always makes the music sound better, right? Sounds like a good time!
Rich...
Now there's a contest idea ... may I use it? I'll pitch it to AR for the "Whacked!!!" group!
Susan H...
That's it ... perfect ... the kind of people that help before you ask for help! Thanks so much!
Jim...
I like Irish music, but I'm basically a sixties rocker and blues wailer! Thanks, my friend.
Richard,
When will the first album be out? The more I learn about you the more there is to your persona. What will we be learning next?
Hi Richard.
Congrats on facing and overcoming your fears!
Ken
I bought a guitar years ago and keep it in my office. I take it out and play it but I really have no idea. I almost have Mary had a Little Lamb down (somewhat).
Luckily the kids do not relize I can't play, so they think i'm a rock start when I play for them.
What great fun I wish I could have been there having a beer and enjouing the music. How about some photos of the event next time? Terry
Mel...
No pool for me ... i know my limitations! lol
Bo...
It was gritty though, which added to its appeal!
Kristi...
Indeed it does! Thanks you for jumping into the conversation!
Richard: It's always neat to break the old routine and do something really out of the ordinary. Sounds like you had a great time.
Sounds like a great time was had! Wish I had a talent like that. Thanks for sharing.
Richard,
Good for you! It's nice to get out and do something you love. My husband is a vocalist and has played in many of those types of places, that I swore I would never step foot in, but needed to be there for moral support! A line he always uses is "The more you drink, the better we sound"! ;0) What types of music do you play?
Nothing wrong with a little bar room prospecting. Sounds like it was great time.
Err...Umm... Tell JL I have made the mistake of giving out my card in one of those places. Not a good idea.
Richard, Congrats...I wish, oh how I wish I could have been there. You have so many talents. I can amost imagine being there from your description, but I just can't hear it! Way to go, man!
But hey - you got a Taylor, that's certainly worth something :)
Richard, Sounds like a wonderful time and definitely more impromptu than really planned...those are usually the very best times.
Don...
My problem is I do TOO many things! Thanks, my friend.
Ken...
Thanks, I can do a lot if I put my mind to it.
Chad...
It's nice to share music with your kids.
Terry...
I'll take my camera next time!
Chris Ann...
I really did have a great time. Thanks.
Tony...
Sometimes you just gotta do it!
Michelle...
Everything from Bach to the Beatles, but I was raised on the blues! Thanks for asking.
JL...
You know, I never mentioned what I did for a living.
Mel...
You can't be too careful!
Suzanne...
Now I'm ready to take on the world. Thanks.
Steve...
I have a fair collection of guitars, I loke to have them around. THX
BArb...
It was great! Thanks, as always.
... what a great way to break up the monotony of the daily grind !!!
Love this story Richard !
.... Gimme 3 Steps Mister, and you'll never see me no mo' !!!!!!
very very cool. I want to learn to play an instrument.
This is great, Richard! I'm with Don... when is the album coming out? wait, do they even call them albums anymore?
Richard good for you, I like the little hole in the wall places like that. P.S. cheap beer makes every sound better!
Would LOVe to see a video next time yuo jam :) Then we can all sing along!
Hi Richard! Sounds like a wonderful night! Sometimes those little hole in the wall places are the best. I liked your comment about "as long as one person knew all the words, the others would follow"..
Now you can add "Professional Musician and Singer to your resume'
Richard,
The mark of a good post is when you can relate to it or visualize what is being described. You connect on both counts. Great job. :)
Steve
24 is coming on. I will come back and catch up! xxoo
Richard! This sounds like so much fun! I would have loved to be there with you!
Brother Richard - Great story. I love the fact that you thought of "Gimme Three Steps" as you entered the bar. I've actually had that song play in my head many times. Of course now, it will play in my head all day today.