Welcome to the first blog post on Guitartropolis. If you're new to Guitartropolis (and most likely you are) I'd suggest checking out the categories list (in the right hand column), the About page and my bio to get a feel for what Guitartropolis is about. Enough for the introductions, lets get started. I’m just going to jump right in with this first blog post.
Over the past weekend I had a thoroughly enjoyable listening and playing experience. My friends Michael Reese’s and Scotty Cash’s band, Tobacco Road, reformed and had their first gig after a five year layoff. Scotty got some crazy idea about moving to Florida and trying to live life without wearing any shoes (something like that). He finally came to his senses and moved back to Colorado to do music with his friends. I think he realized how many friends are here and how much we missed him. Scott is your consummate up front, entertainment guy… at least in a guitar, edgy blues rock band sense. Every band needs a good up front man and Scott fits the bill so well.
Tobacco Road (TR) is completed by a tight rhythm section, lead by Bob on drums and the bassist Terry. Bob’s a very talented drummer who lays down some really tight rhythms (I especially like his hat work), and Terry has a great drive in his moving bass lines. These two guys were putting it in the pocket, and beaming ear to ear all the while because they were having such a great time.
Saturday evening at Ironworks Brewery in Lakewood, CO, was part band reunion, friends reuniting, and making of new friends. Some of the crowd came out because they know band members or were fans of Tobacco Road. But many others in the place were new to TR, and it was obvious from their reaction they were immediately drawn in by the music these guys produced. Most importantly, the audience was having a good time. I think we’ll see TR playing some new venues now that they are back together.
I saw some really great things come together that evening. It’s very obvious this group of musicians are very talented, but the real joy was seeing how much they enjoy playing and making great music together. At its core, they’re good friends. The band was there to play and have fun, whether every ear and eyeball in the joint was locked on them, or everyone was distracted in conversations or the pool game. No matter, there was going to be some great music put out.
I talked with Michael (TR’s lead guitar player) a lot about this Sunday after the gig, and also how TR enjoys bringing in a few friends to sit in with the band. Guitar player and Fender rep, Jeff Bowen, sat in and laid down a lot of tasty rhythm, and classic chicken pickin’ and blues/rock riffs. Jeff’s got great chops and has a very classic Tele sound, including some sweet slide playing. I also had the pleasure of sitting in for the better part of the night, playing rhythm and jumping in with some solos here and there.
Now, not every band’s going to do that… ask friends to sit with them and play, but I think it’s part of the philosophy, maybe even the makeup of this group, because at its core they want and like to play with friends. I totally agree with that, as I’ve come to the same place in how I live my life. I want to work and play with people I enjoy being with, doing things I enjoy doing, (work, play or otherwise.) It’s great to see that same philosophy applied in a music setting. And it was infectious with the audience, drawing in everyone present.
Congratz to the members of Tobacco Road for a successful "first" gig. It was a great restart to what I hope will be an even better season for the band. And thank you for allowing me to sit in a be a part of it. It was a very special experience and I look forward to the next time we can get together.
