Big Hand Dave

Last night we had a really good practice. Sadly, the secret word will not be disclosed. Those are some sickos, those bandmates of mine. But we were introduced to a possible new song that I came up with using some software and sampling and that’s what we warmed up to. Dave was obviously threatened because the computerized drummer can count. However, its hands are smaller and not nearly so clever with a turn of phrase. Rodney, however, was inspired!

(please click the picture for detail)

After the warmup, we played “Save Tonight” a few times followed by “Smokin’ in the Boys Room” a few times. Then we played “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles).” Fortunately, Wes showed up after that so we had a quorum.

We played “Layla” and it was off to the races! But we reined it in, got it down to tempo, and smoked it. Especially PJ’s new guitar treatment at the end. It was unanimous. We all loved it.

Following that was a surprising appearance of “Rock Me Like A Hurricane.” It was, however, short-lived, as nobody knew any lyrics beyond the chorus. The evening was saved by playing “Save Tonight” again, so we could have the rhythm guitar and backup vocals in it. You really have to have those to make that song work.

Next we played “Secret Agent Man.” It had been a while, but that super-ific All Spy Review intro is as good as it’s ever been and that song remains one of our favorites. At this point there was some speculation as to the technique I used in painting the portraits of everyone in the band. This was, of course, raised by Dave. I have one word you: sicko.

“Bittersweet” was next and we all like that one because we do it so well. We did “Good” after that and it sounded pretty good also.

Then there was “Wild Thing.” After a year of playing this one, there was discussion that we might be playing it wrong. Who knew? I think PJ should be in charge of drafting a formal and final chart for the song for us to use to play it that way until the end of time. We also played “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” which sounded pretty good. Next we played “What’s Up” and I really gotta’ say I was diggin’ those drums on that one. I got so caught up in listening to the drums that I missed the start of a verse! Then we played “I Wish I Had A Girl.” It had been a while, yet it went over quite well. That’s another one that is aided by background vocals.

We wound out the evening with “Walking In Memphis” and damn, I do love that song. We ended the evening by playing “Smokin’ In The Boys Room” again and getting it exactly right.

As always, there was a plethora of quotes. There may have actually been more quotes than actual newsletter content. Oh well. Sue me. I understand that the quotes are not nearly so funny to you as to we. Feel free to make up a corresponding story.

Actually, that’s not a bad idea. The winner may get a t-shirt out of the deal.

“Who’s your drummer, dammit?” ~Dave

“I can’t even say that with a straight face.” ~JD

“I’ve never seen you do that before!” ~Dave

“Well, I knew where I was going that time, and that makes all the difference.” ~Rodney

“Sadly, that won’t make the newsletter.” ~JD

“I’m still not gonna’ make any more lists!” ~PJ

“Drummer-In-A-Box. Hmmm. It could be a hit.” ~JD

“My buddy Fang” ~Dave and Rodney in unison.

“What the hell kind of face did that fucker have to have to get a nickname like that?” ~JD

“Put that one in the safe.” ~Rodney

“I’m scared of it!” ~Dave

“See, now that’s what a shuffle is.” ~PJ

“PJ is like a human metronome.” ~Rodney

“Do I have to do the triplets again?” ~PJ

“Missed it by that much.” ~JD

“Wait, I can do a ‘chicka chicka bow wow.’” ~PJ

“First of all, does it rain every fuckin’ Thursday?” ~ Wes

“And then we’ll ammmooophmmmphrrrggg.” ~Dave (It was unintelligible. Your guess is as good as mine.)

“I kinda’ like the silence.” ~Wes

“Gitcha’ some!” ~Dave

“That’s probably it, but it sounded a little fast.” ~PJ

“Hey, I’ve got one of those!” ~Rodney

“I won’t go fast again. I’ve learned my lesson.” ~Dave

“Kenny fuckin’ Rogers! Yeah!” ~Wes

“Now there’s something you don’t hear every day.” ~JD

“Is that one going in?” ~Rodney

“Oh yeah, you betcha’.” ~JD

“Oh shit! I’ve gotta’ find that piece of paper!” ~Rodney

“BINGO!” ~Wes

“That’s what makes it so great!” ~Dave

“Way to take one for the team.” ~PJ

“I just dropped out at the end.” ~Rodney

“I couldn’t get my clean sound loud enough.” ~PJ

“It was in there, he just didn’t play it.” ~Wes

“I’m not doing bald!” ~Rodney

“That’s it, Ethel.” ~PJ (to Dave)

“Good e-damn-nuff!” ~Wes

“I had it for a second there.” ~PJ

“See, there’s another one I can’t write down!” ~JD

And the quote of the night:
“This song has got ‘fucked up’ all over it!” ~Dave