That was unexpected.

[Gravedigger Dav]

A drummer friend interrupted my Saturday afternoon nap to invite me to a Sunday afternoon jam session. I've known this drummer for several years and he is a drummer, but a fun guy to hang with. His jam sessions are always a party with self generated music, tasty snacks, and fun people. The guitar play I've jammed with a few times at the drummer's house and he is good, but I'd never met the keys guy he had lined up. So I opted in, silenced my phone, and went back to my nap.

Sunday afternoon comes and we gather at the drummer's house, partake of some tasty snacks and other goodies. We start talking about things in general and what we've been doing lately. Now, this part I swear is true, so please bear with me. The first thing the keys guy wants to talk with me about is his left hand. He said he would play a little to give me an idea of what he would like, then drop out unless we wanted to do a double bass/piano on a line. No, I wasn't hallucinating, this is what he actually did. I stood where I could see his left hand and it turned out we work well together.

We jammed on a lot of tunes for about two and a half hours. It was great. I was on my toes because these guys are exceptional and I was hoping only to keep up and not embarrass myself. I has a ton of fun.

As we were winding down, the keys guy shoves a set list into my hand and starts talking about how he liked what I did and complemented me on being able to catch on quickly. Then he begins to talk about rehearsal schedules. Turns out, it was an audition, but they chosen not to tell me until afterwards. I knew the drummer had a band that was getting started, but I didn't know they had fired the bass player.

So, this is not a gig report, but it could lead to that.

 

[two fingers]

Ha! They pulled a fast one on you in a good way! They simply got you to relax. Brilliant.

These guys sound like a good hang and good musicians to boot. If it fits in your life right now, go for it and report back!

I have to admit I'm a little pissed that we have no pics of the snacks.

I usually serve buffalo chicken dip and guac at my rehearsals unless we feel like grilling burgers or something before.

Our female singer runs a bakery out of her house. She has mastered the art of making baked treats that are sweet enough, but not TOO sweet or too rich. Most of her stuff is light and fluffy and.... well... perfect.


Keep us posted! Sounds like a great group.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

So grab a bag of Fritos, some cheddar check filled crackers, a box of cherry danish, a pot of coffee and a camera. Other refreshments will not be photographed.

 

[bholder]

Most of her stuff is light and fluffy and.... well... perfect.

Yes, well, that's nice, but what about her baked goods?

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

I was a little concerned about the "let me show you my left hand" remark. But it seems communication and organization was the point. Perhaps the keyboard player is hoping to avoid the issues they had with the previous bass player. So far, so good. Maybe you can have some fun and make some good noise with these guys. I'm looking forward to gig reports.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[bholder]

Hi,

I was a little concerned about the "let me show you my left hand" remark. But it seems communication and organization was the point. Perhaps the keyboard player is hoping to avoid the issues they had with the previous bass player. So far, so good. Maybe you can have some fun and make some good noise with these guys. I'm looking forward to gig reports.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

There's nothing quite as much fun as riffing / interlocking with a good left hand of a keyboardist that "gets it" (and none more aggravating than trying to find space with one that doesn't). Either work together, or make room. (Otherwise, get the (bleep) out of the way! hehe)

 

[mrcbass]

Well that certainly explains the KB's approach - I thought it mighty odd that there would be that level of coordination in a "jam".

Good luck - I hope the opportunity works out for you.

 

[And I]

When you started talking about the keyboard player's left hand I got a little bit anxious... but that turned out way better than any other story featuring a keyboard player's left hand!

 

[Bunk McNulty]

There's nothing quite as much fun as riffing / interlocking with a good left hand of a keyboardist that "gets it" (and none more aggravating than trying to find space with one that doesn't). Either work together, or make room. (Otherwise, get the (bleep) out of the way! hehe)

If I have to tell the keyboard player to sit on his left hand, things are probably not going to go well.

 

[Jimmy4string]

Wow!
Great Jam\Audition! What kind of music were you playing?

 

[Spidey2112]

So grab a bag of Fritos, some cheddar check filled crackers, a box of cherry danish, a pot of coffee and a camera. Other refreshments will not be photographed.

I assume the camera is for proof this is the breakfast of champions?

 

[Spent]

Congrats, sounds like to fell into something good. I’ve recently started playing with some of the best musicians in my area. Been playing for decades and it feels good to play with people who keep me sharp. The keyboard player in my band sounds like the guy you described; cognizant of his role. The best way I can describe the guys I play with is we all fill our own sonic space. Good luck and enjoy!

 

[Fluid Power]

Some times it's advised to HIRE the DRUMMER!!!

Good Luck!

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

I assume the camera is for proof this is the breakfast of champions?

Of course, why else?

 

[Oddly]

Sounds very promising!
Here's hoping it leads to some great times ahead.

 

[Juststanley]

Best audition situation I ever heard...let me know when this band gels..I'll come check it out ! A little Cowtown support group...lol

 

[Samatza]

Well that was very fortunate. That's a great story, a real positive one among all the tales of woe we tend to read.
Good luck with the new band, sounds like a winner to me.

 

[McFarlin]

Congrats
Good story

Sounds like a way to avoid the awkward conversation that often follows an unsatisfactory (known) audition. If the guest is great, surprise, it's an audition. If not, it was just a friendly jam.

 

[2112]

... and he is a drummer, but a fun guy to hang with.

 

[DJ Bebop]

So grab a bag of Fritos, some cheddar check filled crackers, a box of cherry danish, a pot of coffee and a camera. Other refreshments will not be photographed.

Nice!