We are preparing for 2 shows. One is thrilling and the other one is like pulling teeth but will work out in the end.
First, the thrilling one...
We have worked up a few songs with a couple that have become friends as well as musical partners. Unfortunately, they are returning to the states so he can get a PhD. We are squeezing in a couple more songs before they leave and we are performing at a benefit concert next Sunday.
In preparation for this, this morning, Yella and I worked out an old Dion song in a slow boogie blues style. We got it keyed right, lyrics and cords written out, ready to go.
The rehearsal was a hoot! It is such a pleasure to work with people who can master a song in one rehearsal! We will really miss them.
Now the other one...
This evening, we rehearsed for a 40's style cabaret night with 4 female vocalists. Both nights are sold out. Great concept but a lot of work. Yours truly is playing some drums and guitar on 2 songs. The piano player is in the same league as me so the band is pedaling fast and furious just to keep up! This causes a multitude of problems and challenges, like not losing the beat, remembering the cords, etc.
Yella is a little challenged by working with vocalists and a band that are in the amateur rather than professional arena. She is accustom to one rehearsal then the show. Not this time. Many long rehearsals. Still, her experience is shining through in a big way. I am sure she will steal the show.
Earlier in the day, I watched YouTube videos of guitar techniques that were inspiring. I learned how to properly finger pick the Crosby, Still and Nash song Helplessly Hoping, one of my favorites. I am amazed at the talent and genius of these artist.
Then I learned how to play blues utilizing the A7 cord up and down the neck. This is some big stuff for me. It is a great pleasure to be able to develop new skills.
This brings me to the Internet which has revolutionized playing music.
It is easy to find at least one if not several artists that preform the song you are working up on YouTube. Being able to see and hear the song played makes it so much quicker and easier.
Then, you Google the song. The lyrics and cord chart are right there. This used to be a task that took hours. Not any more. What a joy!
Walla!!! Instant music. Well, not that easy, but such an improvement.
I am having a good time with a new life filled with music. I didn't know how retirement would look. Now I am getting a glimpse of it.
Very satisfying. I may get the hang of this retirement stuff...in this lifetime.
2 comments:
Will either of the shows be recorded so we can all see them? I'm sure they will be very good.
But think of this... what if they'd had YouTube in our old playing days? Ugh.
I doubt that the show will be video taped or recorded. And that's a good thing! Some of the singers will not hold up well under the microscope of video.
The old days...the audio recordings were brutal. I hesitate to even thing about video!
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