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February 14, 2004-Madrid.OK,kids ,we're back with a vengeance and lots o'stories to tell...First, we played in a really nice club called "LaSal" two nights ago (yes, I know we played "El Sol" in 2001, but there is no comparison!) and we had a great time, debuting with a new drummer, Pierre; well, he plays the Zendrums (Midi touchpads) and he had been rehearsing with us for 5 days(!!!). Why, Germancito? Well, after the ex-drummer episode, I decided to keep cool until we had a gig and THEN get a drummmer. I made a few calls and booked this gig in January, so I called this guy who plays in a metal band( but actually prefers brazilian singer Tania Maria, go figure) and he was going to come back from touring the 2nd of February and start rehearsing with us ASAP. Well, February 2nd to 5th came and went and still no sign of him, which made this kittykat VERY nervous. Weighing in my options, I decided to give Pierre, whom I've known since last year because he also plays the Stick and is a really nice guy, asked him if he was interested in joining the group. We started rehearsing last saturday and we played on thursday- a record.
We made a digital recording of the gig, shot photos(gracias, Martin) and even have a video of it, so we'll post some photos soon. The music has a different edge to it, obviously, and not having to carry a drumset is GREAT! Especially since I have to put together the gear and carry most of it. Pierre played great and we got some excellent reviews. I especially trated the audience to a cover of Jimi's "Purple Haze" for which I got lots of kudos and a quite extended applause(probably the alcohol in their systems). The people in the club were very nice-the best experience so far with club people- and we had about 40 people attendance , not bad for a thursday in February-exams, work the next day, etc. I even had some really cool dudes who came because of the posting in the stickcenter.com which Stickist extraordinaire Guillermo Cides kindly gave me(thanks Guillermo!), they thought I was Guillermo, but, alas...Also in the audience was Luis A. whom I had played bass with in 1994 and hadn't seen since, it was great seeing him. Unfortunately, I had a headache during the gig which made me MORE antisocial than what I usually am- so, when the gig was over, Lis and Pierre went to mingle and I didn't, I usually don't like mingling, maybe because of the putting away of the equipment and having to talk to the management I prefer to have the people come to me if they want to, but I usually don't go talk to them, sorry- Lis was great as always and did some very deft synth and flute playing. Next gig will probably be next week...I'll let you know.
July 28, 2003- Well, the Friday's gig came and went. We played for 4 weeks until the ignoramus who runs the bar(has no idea of music) told us they'd hire a group that plays for free!(AND bring at least 50 people, must be some spoilt kids who've never gotten onstage).So, adieu, nice gig. They were OK; I think I played fine , and Lis was struggling with the Paula Cole cover, but, otherwise OK. After this fiasco(well, at least they paid us, gave us free beer AND food, can't complain about that...) I made a change in the group, I was not happy with the drummer's lack of improvement( I'm waaaaayy too demanding, I know, but there are some basic ground rules, which I won't delve into right now) and "fired" him from the group. Not an easy job, but somebody's gotta do it. I had a VERY rough time coming to terms with it since Jay is/was my friend from 11 years ago. I do thank him for playing with us(he got paid too)and for leaving his drumset at home so I could actually learn to play them ;). Now the group is a duo again and changing its sound, maybe more of a "chill out" style. Also , the plans for the ever elusive 2nd album are for me to play/program the drums, so having Jay in the group would not have been too honest.
Also, this month I went to 2 concerts one has changed my life and playing and one that I have been waiting to see for at least for 23 years now; King Crimson and Yes(with the 70s Wakeman lineup). KC was more intense that the 2K gig and Trey Gunn really showed me where the "Standard" to playing Stick is-WAY OVER MY HEAD. Bless him, he doesn't even look at the Warr Gtr when he plays...sigh.The only thing- he looks bored! Pat Mastelotto was a Beast as always. And I do understand Fripp when he says he hates Flash Photography, it's incredibly distracting!. Yes was magical- I had tears in my eyes at the end of "Awaken"...phew! I was talking to my "brother" Pepe yesterday and he told me I had probably been a good boy lately , since for both concerts I was in FIRST ROW (I'll also add to that the PGabriel gig in BCN on the 1st of june-messianic!)-ALRIGHT!
May 13, 2003-OK, So we're back again after a couple of YEARS break, I think we've rested and rehearsed enough. We took this break because I lost a couple of VERY IMPORTANT persons in my life, on the upline side, but we have NOT rested on our butts. We've recorded new songs, several quite hard (Bliss, Blue Sky, Cactus...), and now I can play some decent drums.
GIG ALERT!!! We now have the possible gig of being the house band in Friday's café in Madrid's Barquillo street; we'd play every thursday(!) Gotta confirm this today or tommorrow... Keep you posted.
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