T-Dawg's Holiday Hoot
Zuffy's Place
Atlanta, GA
Larry Keel and Natural Bridge were supposed to play, but Larry and Jenny got snowed in wherever they live. I heard they actually had to hike home in the snow. Somehow, their banjo player (Jason Flournoy) made it. Stick spoke w/T-Dawg the night before about putting this together, and it happened. Timmy Cruz opened, as he was originally scheduled. Stop Drop and Roll started with a couple songs, then I got up and played with them. Y'all know that's not my thing, playing songs I don't know with people I don't know, but it was mostly folky-bluegrassy stuff in or around the key of G, and I've been playing with Romin Dawson for a long time, so I know how to follow along. 'Twas much fun.
Robert, Shell, and I had already scheduled a practice session that afternoon for our Grateful Dead tribute night, so we hauled some gear to the place and played for a while with Don (SDR's drummer), the aforementioned Jason Flournoy, and Zebulon Bowles on fiddle. Again, a ton of fun.
A few other folks got up and played -- John Marsh played bass, Rory sang a few of her tunes. Good stuff. T-Dawg paid the musicians and comped our tabs. Very kind.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Party at Bella's
We've been having live music at Bella's since the end of July. Some of it's really good, some of it's really not so good (one more person plays "Wonderwall" is gonna get it, and I love that song), most of it's pretty average. The Metalsome bands have had a number of personnel problems. They could be a lot better, given that they actually get paid for what they're doing, and that they do it several times a week, but hey, that's the reality of the whole thing.
Dave put this whole thing together, wrapping it all up in a birthday celebration for a bunch of people. Muggs and I had been working up a bunch of songs to play at Bella's sometime, so it all worked out. Dave asked me to play bass with them, and it was done. Tons of rehearsal, though I could always use more. It was Griffin's first gig ever. Apparently he and Josh have been wanting to be in a band together since high school. A good time was had by all, and we all made a little money (well, I got paid out of two tip jars, so I made a lot of money). Here's the rundown:
11/7/09
Bella's Pizzeria
Smyrna, GA
Andy Lester & Muggs DeMayo
Ticket To Ride, Peaceful Easy Feeling, Space Oddity, All My Love, Prologue, Behind Blue Eyes, Beth, A Day In The Life, Magnolia, Hard Luck Woman, Time, Carousel, Too Fast For You, Love Song, Epilogue, Ziggy Stardust, Suffragette City
APL - ac. gtr., voc.
Muggs DeMayo - el. gtr., voc.
It quickly became apparent during our prep for this show that this was a true duo, that we were equal partners. Muggs sang lead on a bunch, we cracked wise with the audience, gave shout-outs and the like.
Rhino
Jenkins Lament, Tiger Milk, Resurgens, City Of Lights, Renee Oxford, Meatgazer, Octopus Arms, American Hickory, Airplanes
Josh Dunn - drums
David Ferrill - gtr.
APL - bass
Griffin Perriman - voc.
Loud, crashing, original. Dave and Josh put a lot of work into this music. Griffin overcame his nervousness and put on a great show. I was happy to be a part of it.
Dave put this whole thing together, wrapping it all up in a birthday celebration for a bunch of people. Muggs and I had been working up a bunch of songs to play at Bella's sometime, so it all worked out. Dave asked me to play bass with them, and it was done. Tons of rehearsal, though I could always use more. It was Griffin's first gig ever. Apparently he and Josh have been wanting to be in a band together since high school. A good time was had by all, and we all made a little money (well, I got paid out of two tip jars, so I made a lot of money). Here's the rundown:
11/7/09
Bella's Pizzeria
Smyrna, GA
Andy Lester & Muggs DeMayo
Ticket To Ride, Peaceful Easy Feeling, Space Oddity, All My Love, Prologue, Behind Blue Eyes, Beth, A Day In The Life, Magnolia, Hard Luck Woman, Time, Carousel, Too Fast For You, Love Song, Epilogue, Ziggy Stardust, Suffragette City
APL - ac. gtr., voc.
Muggs DeMayo - el. gtr., voc.
It quickly became apparent during our prep for this show that this was a true duo, that we were equal partners. Muggs sang lead on a bunch, we cracked wise with the audience, gave shout-outs and the like.
Rhino
Jenkins Lament, Tiger Milk, Resurgens, City Of Lights, Renee Oxford, Meatgazer, Octopus Arms, American Hickory, Airplanes
Josh Dunn - drums
David Ferrill - gtr.
APL - bass
Griffin Perriman - voc.
Loud, crashing, original. Dave and Josh put a lot of work into this music. Griffin overcame his nervousness and put on a great show. I was happy to be a part of it.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Wayside Riders, back on the horse
Wayside Riders
10/16/09
The Five Spot
Atlanta, GA
Castaway >
Dream The Night Away
Id >
Katy
Smile
Hold On >
Too Fast For You >
Big Railroad Blues >
When The Circus Comes To Town >
Can You Feel My Love* >
Merrymaker
Still Think Of You
Jesse James
We did it. Opened for Ancient Harmony (actually a double bill, but we went on first). Great crowd, great vibe. Was just as good (if not better) than it ever was before. Les is the man, man. We pulled out a new song (*). A few flubs 'n' clams throughout, but it was great. Some talk about doing another one with AH soon. Thanks to everyone who came out.
10/16/09
The Five Spot
Atlanta, GA
Castaway >
Dream The Night Away
Id >
Katy
Smile
Hold On >
Too Fast For You >
Big Railroad Blues >
When The Circus Comes To Town >
Can You Feel My Love* >
Merrymaker
Still Think Of You
Jesse James
We did it. Opened for Ancient Harmony (actually a double bill, but we went on first). Great crowd, great vibe. Was just as good (if not better) than it ever was before. Les is the man, man. We pulled out a new song (*). A few flubs 'n' clams throughout, but it was great. Some talk about doing another one with AH soon. Thanks to everyone who came out.
Friday, August 28, 2009
8/24/09
8/24/09
The 5 Spot
Little 5 Points
Atlanta, GA
Fantastic (Existential Crisis? What Existential Crisis?)*
Fine (Memphis)*
Isles of Ae
Anything At All
Ritual*
That Which We Are, We Are**
Saturday**
Too Fast For You**
Epilogue**
* debut performance
APL - ac. gtr., lead voc.
**Robert Nichols - ac. gtr., harmony voc.
Opened the show for Holly Howell and Moon Goddess Cotillion. Free music on a Monday night. Some friends came out. Good times. Getting ready to record again, needed to let some songs run around in the yard.
The 5 Spot
Little 5 Points
Atlanta, GA
Fantastic (Existential Crisis? What Existential Crisis?)*
Fine (Memphis)*
Isles of Ae
Anything At All
Ritual*
That Which We Are, We Are**
Saturday**
Too Fast For You**
Epilogue**
* debut performance
APL - ac. gtr., lead voc.
**Robert Nichols - ac. gtr., harmony voc.
Opened the show for Holly Howell and Moon Goddess Cotillion. Free music on a Monday night. Some friends came out. Good times. Getting ready to record again, needed to let some songs run around in the yard.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
3rd Time Around
Funny how things happen in my life. I've performed a couple of gigs as bandleader, am so very close to finishing my EP, and am almost done with the songs for the next one. Swirling all around these glorious proceedings are rumors and discussions of reuniting with the original members of Wayside Riders. People change, things change, you can't stay pissed off forever, and the music is so damn good.
My last go-round with the band was fun, mainly because (in my mind) there was no drama. However, the groove was not there. Lots of nice guys/good players made their way through the turnstiles, but it wasn't the same. Played some places that had no idea what we were about, resulting in us playing to the bartenders, servers, soundmen, and Stick. As a result, we got away from what (I feel) was our original mission, which was to write good songs, work up not-so-well-known covers, and just blow the doors off every room. Personnel got to be an issue, as certain players found it unnecessary (in their minds) to attend rehearsals, satisfied with showing up for the gigs, and sounding like guest musicians. Now, I'm a nice guy, and am hard-pressed to get on someone for that kind of thing, especially when we are all doing this for free, but if you say you are in the band, then be in the band. The last WR gig was such a disaster that I'm glad it didn't get recorded. The guitar player who knew the songs opted to attend another concert; the guitar player who was more of a guest musician recruited another guitar player to sit in; I was in the clutches of glossopharyngeal neuralgia (the gig was almost cancelled because I'd originally scheduled surgery, but had to reschedule), which made it nearly impossible for me to talk or sing; the soundman was filling in for the regular guy, didn't know the equipment, which was fighting him the whole time; the other bands sounded like shit; we ended up with one vocal mic and a band of substitutes. At least the food was good and the bartender was FINE. Oh, and Live Earth was on TV, so at least some good music was happening somewhere.
I consider the original lineup thusly: Romin, Preston, me, Robert, and Rick. We have recruited Les Scarborough on lead guitar. Anyone who knows the history of this band will remember that the lead guitar chair has been in a constant state of flux. Those who have occupied it are Danny Simmons, Kris Gloer, Lefty Williams, Scott Pett, Richie Mays, and John Jordan. Ted Norton, Sam Holt, Adam Cain, and Keith something have all taken a spin as special guests. Actually, Rick wasn't involved in the absolute first sessions, but he was there when we played in the Clements' living room for the first time, and was there when we recorded the record, so he's definitely original.
It's been a couple months now, and we've finally gotten everyone together for full band rehearsals. Steve Baird has graciously offered us his basement room (where we recorded most of Grey) for rehearsal (we're payin' him, but it's still really fuckin' cool). There is newly-achieved sobriety, domestic stability, and wider perspective among us. No, we're all not sober, and some of us will always be leaves in the wind, but this feels really good, like we're supposed to be here. Les has grabbed hold of it, made it his own, even sings a couple songs. What was missing during my 2nd term was Romin's guitar and the drummers. Scott Philips is a fine drummer, but Preston and Rick are the shit. They play like one drummer with 8 appendages, and I, as the bass player, have a lot of room to do my thing (which is what I do).
What is gonna happen now is anybody's guess. I learned that song when I quit the band the first time, and was mad as hell at Romin (and myself), but here we all are again, and it feels good (did I say that already?).
My last go-round with the band was fun, mainly because (in my mind) there was no drama. However, the groove was not there. Lots of nice guys/good players made their way through the turnstiles, but it wasn't the same. Played some places that had no idea what we were about, resulting in us playing to the bartenders, servers, soundmen, and Stick. As a result, we got away from what (I feel) was our original mission, which was to write good songs, work up not-so-well-known covers, and just blow the doors off every room. Personnel got to be an issue, as certain players found it unnecessary (in their minds) to attend rehearsals, satisfied with showing up for the gigs, and sounding like guest musicians. Now, I'm a nice guy, and am hard-pressed to get on someone for that kind of thing, especially when we are all doing this for free, but if you say you are in the band, then be in the band. The last WR gig was such a disaster that I'm glad it didn't get recorded. The guitar player who knew the songs opted to attend another concert; the guitar player who was more of a guest musician recruited another guitar player to sit in; I was in the clutches of glossopharyngeal neuralgia (the gig was almost cancelled because I'd originally scheduled surgery, but had to reschedule), which made it nearly impossible for me to talk or sing; the soundman was filling in for the regular guy, didn't know the equipment, which was fighting him the whole time; the other bands sounded like shit; we ended up with one vocal mic and a band of substitutes. At least the food was good and the bartender was FINE. Oh, and Live Earth was on TV, so at least some good music was happening somewhere.
I consider the original lineup thusly: Romin, Preston, me, Robert, and Rick. We have recruited Les Scarborough on lead guitar. Anyone who knows the history of this band will remember that the lead guitar chair has been in a constant state of flux. Those who have occupied it are Danny Simmons, Kris Gloer, Lefty Williams, Scott Pett, Richie Mays, and John Jordan. Ted Norton, Sam Holt, Adam Cain, and Keith something have all taken a spin as special guests. Actually, Rick wasn't involved in the absolute first sessions, but he was there when we played in the Clements' living room for the first time, and was there when we recorded the record, so he's definitely original.
It's been a couple months now, and we've finally gotten everyone together for full band rehearsals. Steve Baird has graciously offered us his basement room (where we recorded most of Grey) for rehearsal (we're payin' him, but it's still really fuckin' cool). There is newly-achieved sobriety, domestic stability, and wider perspective among us. No, we're all not sober, and some of us will always be leaves in the wind, but this feels really good, like we're supposed to be here. Les has grabbed hold of it, made it his own, even sings a couple songs. What was missing during my 2nd term was Romin's guitar and the drummers. Scott Philips is a fine drummer, but Preston and Rick are the shit. They play like one drummer with 8 appendages, and I, as the bass player, have a lot of room to do my thing (which is what I do).
What is gonna happen now is anybody's guess. I learned that song when I quit the band the first time, and was mad as hell at Romin (and myself), but here we all are again, and it feels good (did I say that already?).
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Frizzle Fest
4/25/09
Frizzle Fest
New Orleans Connection (parking lot)
Smyrna, GA
Romeo & Juliet
Can't Find My Way Home*
That Which We Are, We Are
Amy*
Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)
Tomorrow Is A Long Time* > The Boy With The Thorn In His Side
Easy To Slip*
Too Fast For You
Third Week In The Chelsea (P.A. cut out, so I was done)
James, a co-worker, co-organized this thing with a friend, originally as a benefit for Campbell High School. The school nixed it the day before, so they got it worked out to have it in the parking lot of this New Orleans-style restaurant (which had killer beignets). A good opportunity for some first-time performances (*). As always, I was uncomfortable among strangers (although John was there for support, as always). I knew I wouldn't last long, so we bailed as soon as I was done. Fun to play outside, fer sure. Just had to scratch the ol' itch.
Frizzle Fest
New Orleans Connection (parking lot)
Smyrna, GA
Romeo & Juliet
Can't Find My Way Home*
That Which We Are, We Are
Amy*
Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)
Tomorrow Is A Long Time* > The Boy With The Thorn In His Side
Easy To Slip*
Too Fast For You
Third Week In The Chelsea (P.A. cut out, so I was done)
James, a co-worker, co-organized this thing with a friend, originally as a benefit for Campbell High School. The school nixed it the day before, so they got it worked out to have it in the parking lot of this New Orleans-style restaurant (which had killer beignets). A good opportunity for some first-time performances (*). As always, I was uncomfortable among strangers (although John was there for support, as always). I knew I wouldn't last long, so we bailed as soon as I was done. Fun to play outside, fer sure. Just had to scratch the ol' itch.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Andy Lester Band
3/22/09
Red Light Cafe
Atlanta, GA
Prologue
Saturday
Magnolia >
Carousel >
Too Fast For You
Epilogue
APL - ac. gtr., lead voc.
Muggs De Mayo - el. gtr.
Robert Nichols - bass, harmony voc.
Karl Knott - drums
We were the top ticket seller this night, and therefore got the good slot. Full room from the start, and Muggs' fan club was out (listen to the recording). Everyone was great, I remembered all the words (woo!). Everyone was loud between songs, and John woo-hooed like I knew he would when we busted out "Carousel" for the first time in 15 years.
I am happy now, and can continue in my musical pursuits knowing that things can be done this way (low-key, FUN). I can be the bandleader/songwriter here, and a band member elsewhere. Much more fun this way, I think. Yeah. My creativity's ego won't bump into anyone else's. Something like that.
3/22/09
Red Light Cafe
Atlanta, GA
Prologue
Saturday
Magnolia >
Carousel >
Too Fast For You
Epilogue
APL - ac. gtr., lead voc.
Muggs De Mayo - el. gtr.
Robert Nichols - bass, harmony voc.
Karl Knott - drums
We were the top ticket seller this night, and therefore got the good slot. Full room from the start, and Muggs' fan club was out (listen to the recording). Everyone was great, I remembered all the words (woo!). Everyone was loud between songs, and John woo-hooed like I knew he would when we busted out "Carousel" for the first time in 15 years.
I am happy now, and can continue in my musical pursuits knowing that things can be done this way (low-key, FUN). I can be the bandleader/songwriter here, and a band member elsewhere. Much more fun this way, I think. Yeah. My creativity's ego won't bump into anyone else's. Something like that.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Played A Gig!
1/18/09
Red Light Cafe
Atlanta, GA
Saturday (debut performance)
That Which We Are, We Are
Too Fast For You
Epilogue (debut performance)
For The Turnstiles
APL - ac. gtr., lead vocals
Robert Nichols - el. gtr., harmony vocals
Red Light Cafe
Atlanta, GA
Saturday (debut performance)
That Which We Are, We Are
Too Fast For You
Epilogue (debut performance)
For The Turnstiles
APL - ac. gtr., lead vocals
Robert Nichols - el. gtr., harmony vocals
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