I'm sure anyone who knows me is quite aware that I've got a gig coming up with the Winery Dogs in June at the Saban Theater. If you don't know who they are - do yourself a favor and look them up. The band is a power trio comprised of living legends. Not the least of which is Mr. Billy Sheehan.
As a bass player, Sheehan greatly influenced me. When I was a young kid, I heard Eat 'Em and Smile by David Lee Roth and thought; holy crap! who is that bass player!??!?! That was Mr. Sheehan.
Turns out, the DLR gig was Sheehan's first big break. Since then, he's gone on to become a powerhouse in his own right and has caused generations of bass players to throw down their instrument in frustration and wish they were accountants instead.
On the other hand, I've always considered the prowess of Sheehan and players like him to be not only a challenge - but a reminder of what is POSSIBLE. Thru hard work and dedication, Sheehan became a living legend in rock. I count that to be inspiration.
At this late stage in the game, as a musician, I consider myself to be lucky to be sharing the stage with one of my idols of youth. Not only that, but being in a band that has phenomenal players who also consider the future to be wide open. Indeed, our vision is of what is POSSIBLE. Anything can be done with hard work and dedication, and in a few short weeks, I'll be able to (in person) thank one of my musical idols for the inspiration that he has given me.
Reply
I think a recent post I made to FB sums it up:
Layin' the groove. People dancing. Running out of margaritas. Hands in the air. Bodies thrown in the pool. Birthday girl, with tears in her eyes, telling us we made this her best birthday ever. This is why we put up with all the shit.
Reply
As a gigging musician, you become accustomed to being a part of the wallpaper. We don't mind it, really. We are paid to be a part of the experience and ambiance of a venue, just as the lights, the bartender and tables. However, I've noticed another trend of human in-interaction. At last nite's gig, a good percentage of the patrons were glued to their smartphone screens. Oblivious to us (that's okay) but also oblivious to their friends sitting at the same table with them - also staring at a screen. Let's make an effort to not have our human experience filtered thru a touch screen.
Reply
This past weekend, Different Drum had a 'audition' gig at Mahe in Dana Point. Mahe is a very upscale seafood & sushi restaurant. The poor folks in this neighborhood have BMW 355i's. Case in point; while I was loading in, a gentleman in his new Lamborghini convertible was pulling into a parking spot in front of the restaurant. He appeared quite nervous attempting to park the car. The car roared it's disapproval at having to drive so slow maneuvering into the parking spot. I was under the impression that they gave you driving lessons prior to driving off with your new 500k Lamborghini. Perhaps not. The gentleman's cautious diligence in parking only cost him one scuff on his spoiler. That scratch probably cost more than my years wages.
This evening was the first time I gigged with Gina Kessler on vocals. Dave (guitarist) had warned me of the force of nature she would prove to be. She lived up to - and by far exceeded - Dave's hype. She tore thru sets of Janis Joplin, Grace Slick and Melissa Ethridge. No stage is big enough for her and she had the crowd eating out of the palm of her hand like a puppy. Quite the performer.
During the nite, we got a request for - erm..- Living on a Prayer from some young lads. Apparently it's quite popular among the younger crowd :/. Dave got the lyric chart on his Ipad and away we went, on the steel horse we rode - playing Bon Jovi songs we've never played before. The lads dropped a nice bit of green in the tip jar for our efforts - thanks gents! The venue was happy and you'll be seeing us in regular rotation at Mahe. Try the sushi and stay for the grooves!
Reply
Scott Jehlik / Blog
Four strings and bucket lists.
I'm sure anyone who knows me is quite aware that I've got a gig coming up with the Winery Dogs in June at the Saban Theater. If you don't know who they are - do yourself a favor and look them up. The band is a power trio comprised of living legends. Not the least of which is Mr. Billy Sheehan.
As a bass player, Sheehan greatly influenced me. When I was a young kid, I heard Eat 'Em and Smile by David Lee Roth and thought; holy crap! who is that bass player!??!?! That was Mr. Sheehan.
Turns out, the DLR gig was Sheehan's first big break. Since then, he's gone on to become a powerhouse in his own right and has caused generations of bass players to throw down their instrument in frustration and wish they were accountants instead.
On the other hand, I've always considered the prowess of Sheehan and players like him to be not only a challenge - but a reminder of what is POSSIBLE. Thru hard work and dedication, Sheehan became a living legend in rock. I count that to be inspiration.
At this late stage in the game, as a musician, I consider myself to be lucky to be sharing the stage with one of my idols of youth. Not only that, but being in a band that has phenomenal players who also consider the future to be wide open. Indeed, our vision is of what is POSSIBLE. Anything can be done with hard work and dedication, and in a few short weeks, I'll be able to (in person) thank one of my musical idols for the inspiration that he has given me.
Reply
Why we do it
I think a recent post I made to FB sums it up: Layin' the groove. People dancing. Running out of margaritas. Hands in the air. Bodies thrown in the pool. Birthday girl, with tears in her eyes, telling us we made this her best birthday ever. This is why we put up with all the shit.
Reply
Flatscreen goggles
As a gigging musician, you become accustomed to being a part of the wallpaper. We don't mind it, really. We are paid to be a part of the experience and ambiance of a venue, just as the lights, the bartender and tables. However, I've noticed another trend of human in-interaction. At last nite's gig, a good percentage of the patrons were glued to their smartphone screens. Oblivious to us (that's okay) but also oblivious to their friends sitting at the same table with them - also staring at a screen. Let's make an effort to not have our human experience filtered thru a touch screen.
Reply
Of grilled fish and Ipads.
This past weekend, Different Drum had a 'audition' gig at Mahe in Dana Point. Mahe is a very upscale seafood & sushi restaurant. The poor folks in this neighborhood have BMW 355i's. Case in point; while I was loading in, a gentleman in his new Lamborghini convertible was pulling into a parking spot in front of the restaurant. He appeared quite nervous attempting to park the car. The car roared it's disapproval at having to drive so slow maneuvering into the parking spot. I was under the impression that they gave you driving lessons prior to driving off with your new 500k Lamborghini. Perhaps not. The gentleman's cautious diligence in parking only cost him one scuff on his spoiler. That scratch probably cost more than my years wages. This evening was the first time I gigged with Gina Kessler on vocals. Dave (guitarist) had warned me of the force of nature she would prove to be. She lived up to - and by far exceeded - Dave's hype. She tore thru sets of Janis Joplin, Grace Slick and Melissa Ethridge. No stage is big enough for her and she had the crowd eating out of the palm of her hand like a puppy. Quite the performer. During the nite, we got a request for - erm..- Living on a Prayer from some young lads. Apparently it's quite popular among the younger crowd :/. Dave got the lyric chart on his Ipad and away we went, on the steel horse we rode - playing Bon Jovi songs we've never played before. The lads dropped a nice bit of green in the tip jar for our efforts - thanks gents! The venue was happy and you'll be seeing us in regular rotation at Mahe. Try the sushi and stay for the grooves!
Reply