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?).
