I’ve been a musician for quite some time, primarily a songwriter and bassist, occasionally a vocalist. If I am completely honest, this particular chapter of my musical journey was initially fueled by bourbon and envy. Let me explain ...

 

I’ve always enjoyed listening to singer/songwriters, and though I’d toyed with teaching myself how to play guitar on multiple occasions, in the end, I’d consistently revert back to my four-string comfort zone (feel free to call me lazy). So, while I consistently wrote songs, and played them acoustically (on bass), I never felt quite comfortable with the idea of performing as a “solo” songwriter. I mean, who’d want to listen to that? This is where the aforementioned bourbon and envy come in ...

 

I was out for an evening in support of a friend who was performing a solo acoustic set as part of a local variety show. As I listened (and drank), thoughts started flowing through my head ...”hey, I write songs” ... “I play acoustic music” ... “why haven’t I done this?" ... with the warmth of liquid courage stoking my inner fires, I finally asked the show coordinator if there were openings for future shows, and he was kind enough to give me a date. Then things got interesting ...

 

I headed off into the night with a head full of ideas for my “solo” set, and as I closed my eyes later, I was sure this would be a great experience. And then, the sun rose and realization struck. Who would want to listen to a singing solo bass player? To be honest, again, I’ll admit I was too self-conscious to call the show coordinator to cancel, and too prideful not to follow through. I just needed some help...

 

So, I reached out to another singer/guitarist I’d met that night, and he agreed to join me, providing the guitar strumming I knew audience members would be anticipating. Soon after, mentioning the gig to a drummer I was collaborating with at the time, he agreed to contribute as well. And with that, we had around two weeks to prepare for my very first (and anticipated only) “solo” performance ...

 

I combed through my back catalog of material, and as we worked through my selected playlist, I was inspired to try out some new songs I’d yet to perform. Our trio really seemed to click, and as the date of the show approached, my enthusiasm steadily grew. The day came, and we took the stage together ... the music was good, and the crowd was supportive. Afterward, I was simply relieved to have done what I'd set out to do, and happy that it had gone well. I could mark a “solo” show off of my life’s to-do list, and that might have been the end. But then, as we packed up our gear, my band-mates asked, "So, when are we doing this again?"

 

That was a few years ago. Since then, we've recorded four albums, played countless shows, performed alongside national recording artists, and are set to return to the studio in 2024 for our fifth album.

 

From that first moment the ideas began swirling in my head, to every supportive friend, audience member, and local scene member who's encouraged me, and the incredibly talented musicians who’ve been at my side, I’ve been fortunate.

 

Bourbon, envy, a bass player with a few (arguably “bad”) ideas, and the conspirators who make them a reality ... sounds like a recipe for rock n’ roll!