Tom Kent came down to my house over the weekend. He’s going all around pimping his new CD to radio stations and club owners. Not so incidentally, he’s playing his music for more people than ever.
Yesterday we went to the San Gregorio General Store to see Jay Howlett and Rolfe Wyer play. Actually, Tom had an agreement with Jay to let him play a few of his own songs plus he got to sit in and play some solos with Jay and Rolfe. It all went really well. I hadn’t seen Jay for quite a while even though he lives in Pacifica. We go back to our freshman year in high school and did some catching up yesterday.
Rolfe and Jay both encouraged me to return any time and sit in. They play there the last Sunday of each month so I’ve got that in my calendar now. I would try to learn some of Jay’s songs except he has so many and he follows the Grateful Dead mode of playing what seems right at the moment. Tom did great just listening and filling in so I should be able to do something similar. He’s got self confidence where I have fears, tho’. Another thing to work on.
Saturday night, Tom played me a demo of one of his new songs and we had some good conversation working on ways to improve it.
Not really germane to the story of this weekend, but about my music, is that tonight is the Skyline jazz band rehearsal. Zack (Bruno, the director) has chosen a couple of tunes that feature guitar. There is another guitarist but his skill level is similar to mine so we both are going to have to step up and play some exposed parts. I’m trying to practice more . . .
Chris,
It was so nice to get a good chance to visit. Don’t worry about playing with, Jay. You have played many times with Loose Gravel over the years and always do a fine job. The song has evolved a lot since the first demo. With your suggestions and those of Eliot Schneider, I made some serious changes. After Tim heard the second demo, I’m already thinking through a third try. Just like guitar, you don’t always get it the way you want it the first time. But if you try sometime, you get what you need.