A NIGHT AT THE IMPROV

‘Twas a beautiful day for a nice loud rock show at Charley’s Tavern yesterday. The sun was bright and scorching hot, a nice breeze wafted through the air, and all I could think as I was setting up was…

These poor people are gonna need therapy after hearing me play.

This was the fourth show overall, and third with Supernova, and each show is getting better and better. We’re all dialed in with each other, know when to turn up the heat and then dial down the dynamics. Also know how to get the crowd dancing and singing along (alcohol seems to help). Still I tell myself, “You’re just too damn quirky for most people.” They don’t seem to mind though.

First set started off well, with the usual songs that have a nice flow to them. Second set, more of the same, even with Mike pulling up songs on the fly and we just gun it. No dead air here! Can’t have that, or else you lose people. The third set was definitely one for the books…

Tony broke a bass string, rare in these parts, and he didn’t have a spare set in his bag. So while he ran to his van to get another bass, Mike said to Chris and I, “Purple Rain”. And without any hesitation, I launched into the classic Bbadd2 chord (which is still a bitch to play!) and the crowd stood there with jaws to the ground. Tony hooked up another bass, and I yelled out the chord changes to him as we were playing. I have not played this song since my days in Mary’s Basement; last time was 2017! So I told myself “Remember how the solo goes, you prick!” and while I fumbled at times, the crowd ate it up. One of the security guards at the place told me later on, “Prince is hard to copy but you nailed it!”

Damn right I did!

It was a night at the improv with that tune for sure but isn’t that what playing live is all about. Granted, we structure things, make sure the vibes are solid. But every so often, the universe throws a curve ball. And if you don’t have your mitt or cup, well…ouch.

Supernova will be on a two-week break until July 10. But I am hoping another band might need my assistance between now and then. I truly enjoy playing with Chris, Mike and Tony, and it’s safe to say this is the first time in the history of ever where I am accepted and feel appreciated.

That crowd though…I feel bad for their ears 😉