GOING INTO HIBERNATION

This may not be a big deal to some of you, but to me it is. When you’re a quirky guitar player, you tend to be marginalized. I was never the best, not the most original player (but certainly not the most derivative either). All I ever did was simply kick ass, bring my A-game, and that’s that. Having the confidence to play strange notes in places where others would play it safe is a curse and a blessing.

But bands wanted me this year!

When bands such as Supernova, Evolution, and Rock Hard want me around, I heed the call. My own music went flat, and it was a sign to just apply the brakes. I know when to call it quits. Will I ever go back to my own music? That’s hard to say. Not like people are clamoring to hear anything new from me (or anything at all), so my gut instinct is to walk away.

I played more gigs this year than in the last few years combined. Again, you might be thinking “So what?” Lots of bands gig constantly, and I tip my imaginary hat to them. Somehow this year, I did four shows with Evolution in the summer, five with Supernova between October and November, and now this gig with Rock Hard last night.

Oh and there was this gig in NYC with Living Colour…that’s the highest peak I could hit. So after that, there’s nothing for me to accomplish. I can relax now. Am I getting complacent? Maybe. I certainly don’t feel this pressing need to impress anyone anymore, and it’s very liberating. Even the gig with Rock Hard, I played my best, the band sounded great, we all get along well. The crowd dug it, we received nice compliments. Got a lot of free soda too.

Driving home last night at 1:30am, it hit me that I can go into hibernation now. I’m grateful for the bands who asked me to pitch in. They never had to stress with me, never worry about “Is Bello going to show up? Is he going to play the songs the right way?” Again, the biggest ace up my sleeve is that I throw down, end of story. Not everyone likes the way I play guitar, and after Vernon Reid’s praise, I simply don’t care anymore. But not one person can deny that when I perform, they see results. Period. I’m not gifted or was ever a prodigy. I worked hard at my craft. Period. I’ve become the professional musician who stopped caring about being a professional musician. I enjoy playing the guitar more than ever.

Took me a long time to get to this point though.