how to do the rock band
We're playing a long list of songs for the kids in a couple of weeks as part of a huge fundraising event (I deign to call it a rock concert because there is nothing rock about a creaky swagger and a cocked hip that is showing signs of wear ever since college days. Don't laugh, okay. I am compelled play songs by SECOND HAND SERENADE. Egad! Tears are threatening to pool around some scuffed converse high-tops ).
Just the other week, Aa and I were talking about how grating it gets when people thump their singing abilities and name drop multiple 'performance' venues (when did the church trade the altar for a stage?). Granted no one here is a fantastic singer, but when it comes to this, expected outcome and actual standards often run into floatsam-in-the gutter mill. Perhaps it is really truth, that regardless of age and place - the moment Opportunity (and a few guitars) show up, people come round and proclaims that they can sing/ "I'll sing for you!". They truly believe so. There is really no other way except to smile and have a wider berth.
The only other certainty about a 'band' - ad hoc or otherwise is that you will get friends who glower at each other secretly when the other's back is turn (and later fall out), you are likely to find personalities in the form of the self-proclaimed lead guitarist who "will not play this song because I can't bring myself to play it" and of course, there will always be one one person who sincerely believes he/she should be singing this song. Usually the drummer. I have no discernable personality whatsover as the de-facto female, of course. I do as I'm told (hence Secondhand serenade).
I thought this sort of schoolhouse drama was curtained behind dingy doors of the guitar club ten years ago. Boys who hung their guitars at groin level and channelled hendrix and malmsteen, fret tapping behind their backs.
Also, there are a few different types of guys who play the guitar. The parallel is how some people... you know that they're triathletes, they play in a band, they drive a fast car within a minute of talking to them. It is their perogative to inform you as such. Some people, have subtlety on their side.
Lets just say my First Impression imprinting of certain people is about to be erased and re-written, and I thank God I'm in love with the latter sort. Ahem, modesty does become you, darlin'.