Big Hand Dave

Last night we had what I like to refer to as an “ironing out the wrinkles” night. Some of those wrinkles can be pretty stubborn, but we also made a lot of progress. We have some more laundry to do before our next practice and PJ and Wes have decided that they are going to get together before then to work a little on the guitar parts. Dave promised to memorize how many drumsticks he is supposed to use at one time.

We started out the evening by playing “Brandy.” Twice. And there ain’t nothin’ wrong with a second helping of Brandy, in my opinion. We finally fixed the ending on that one. Next we played “These Boots Were Made For Walking” and worked out the drum part for the ending. Turns out Dave was doing it right all along.

We then took a little break and played around with Folsom Prison Blues. Then we got back to business and played “Walking In Memphis,” a song I really like. Next we played “C.C. Rider” and figured out a good ending for it.

Then it was time for a smokin’ guitar jam from PJ. I’m telling you, that boy gots some skillz in his fingers.

Next we played “Drift Away” with Wes providing some schweet vocals. Dave was concerned that we were worrying too much about problem solving and not having enough positive moments. That was an excellent point, I might add, and we may want to throw some of our tried and true numbers into the mix for a confidence booster the next time we have an “ironing out the wrinkles night.” In that vein, “867-5309/Jenny,” always a favorite, came next. Then we played “New Age Girl” where I completely sabotaged the bridge, but once we figured that out we nailed the ending, which is a little complicated.

Moving on, we played “Get It On (Bang A Gong)” and we still have to figure out how to end that one. Then we had a surprise attack of “I Wish I Had A Girl,” complete with a new chart in a range that I can sing. The ending is tricky and we still need to work on that. We then played a trimmed down version of “Lump” without a solo and we played “Gimme Some Lovin’” and figured out the secret ending. We wrapped the night up with “Play That Funky Music.”

We didn’t get through all the ones we were scheduled to work on, but like I said, we made a lot of progress on the others. There was also discussion about where to set the band up for the First Annual Big Hand Dave Party at the Lake Part III. It was narrowed down to the garage (affectionately referred to as the ‘car hole’) or the deck. Either way, in case of inclement weather, we could quickly take cover so as to avoid any unpleasantries, such as electrocution. We also talked a little more about goals for the band and decided that we are all pretty much on the same page. It was agreed that a New Year’s Eve gig would be a good inaugural event for us.

There were many quotables and much fun. I am going to hazard a guess at the “secret word.” I think it was “birdie.”

“It might be the fingers.” ~PJ

“I can hear myself better down here.” ~Rodney
(following a progression from a stool, to a cooler, to the floor)

“I could’ve said something nasty!” ~Wes

“Was that just for me?” ~Dave

“You missed it when Dave licked my battery.” ~PJ

“That’s 9 volts of good solid love.” ~JD

“If anybody can make this happen, we’ll all split it…” ~Wes
(Wes’s million dollar idea – it’s a good one, and I won’t reveal it here)

“I’ve got some crud in my sticks.” ~Dave

“I’m glad these weren’t in my mouth when you said that.” ~PJ

“Don’t look at me to fill it up!” ~Rodney

“They call that ‘barbecue’ in Gastonia.” ~PJ

“You’ve got a pink what?” ~JD

“Damn that’s a lot of smoke, even for me!” ~Dave

and the best story of the night ended with…
“…not like when I was a boy.” ~PJ