A Mel Bay Publications, Inc. Webzine
June 2007 · Bimonthly
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In this issue: From Bass to Guitar And Back Again: It Feels Like Coming Home | "Yo! He's Got Your Bass!" Bass Specialties' Glenn Marrazzo | Life on the Road: Aaron Watson and the Orphans of the Brazos | The Pentatonic Scale
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Life on the Road:Aaron Watson and the Orphans of the Brazosby Michael Garnett Well, it's been three months, and things are going well out here with the new outfit. The groove has settled in, and we're polishing up the show getting ready for the release of the new album, which is in its final stages. The transition from van and hotel room life to bus life has been interesting; there's a lot less space to stretch out in when you're sharing a 45 foot Prevost with six other human beings. But, you don't have to ask the driver to stop every time you need to use the restroom, stretch your legs or brush your teeth. I spend a lot of time surfing the net and sleeping. I'm actually typing this right now after a show. It's been real fun getting to know another set of mates. Some of the guys like to get offstage, load out and hit the sack immediately. A couple others of us are night owls and stay up real late. I like to stay up and chat with Eric, our fiddle player and bus driver. I really miss the guys from Johnny's band, but we still keep in touch. If I hadn't mentioned it before, getting along out on the road is a big factor of a long career in the music business. Another thing that crossed my mind a few days ago was that most of the good available gigs aren't even advertised openly. Networking and having a good reputation as a picker and being a good hang is what gets musicians jobs. And the music business is so small, you're rarely more than two degrees of separation from any other picker. My cousin introduced me to a documentary called "DiG," which follows the careers of two great bands, The Dandy Warhols and The Brian Jonestown Massacre. It's an amazing study of group dynamics and how the right chemistry can be the difference between a band hitting the big times and staying underground. Now don't start sending me hate mail, I've got nothing against the BJM, I think Anton's a genius and puts out some really great stuff. But after watching the movie, it's obvious why The Dandy Warhols were more successful. Go rent that movie, but be aware, it does carry an R rating for adult language and drug use. Take notes. Remember what you liked and didn't like about the characters and how they treated each other. Now that county fair and rodeo season has begun, thank goodness the air conditioner works. If any of you promoters are listening out there, we've already had enough barbeque. We don't care if you've got "the best stuff this side of the Mississippi." We've been playing some really big shows and have shared the stage with a bunch of great acts. The night we played with Craig Morgan and Gary Allan was one I won't forget for a long time. It's always a joy to watch the cream of the crop perform. If any of you Texas folks get the chance, get out and see a Kevin Fowler show, it's well worth your time and money. Sometimes as musicians we get jaded and don't want to watch other folks play. I'd encourage all of you to get out and watch a show or two in the next month. Watch the show, listen to the music, listen to the reactions of the fans. See if you can use some of their tricks in your show. I know I gave him props last time, but I've got to say it again. Scott Faris has been an instructor, a mentor, and a friend to me over the past three years. The things I learned in his Performance and Promotion classes at South Plains College help me on a daily basis onstage. The parts you play and sing should be automatic. Focus on the groove. Make eye contact with the crowd. If you mess up, ignore it. Or laugh. The crowd won't know you made a mistake unless you tell them. Even if you're not having a good time, fake it. Paul Franklin, the Nashville pedal steel session monster said it best: "Practice past the point of repetition." We're just driving the wheels off this bus, trying to save it quicker than we're spending it. Y'all stay busy out there, and remember, as always, it doesn't matter if you're any good or not, get out that axe and do some picking. Once a month, once a week, once a day, whenever you get the chance, It's good for the soul. We'll catch y'all next time, Michael Garnett About the Author You can reach Michael by e-mail: michael.garnett@gmail.com http://www.myspace.com/aaronwatson [ top ]
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