Sittin' In, 2/29/12

2/29/12

Moon Roof Bar

Rome, GA

Midnight Afternoon

Me & Paul

Desperadoes Waiting For A Train

David Bell plays on Wednesday nights, and is awesome.  After he was done, they were passing around the guitar, and I got a turn.  Good times, y'all.

Harvest Moon All-Stars, 1/28/12

Harvest Moon All-Stars

1/28/12

Moon Roof Bar

Rome, GA

The regularly scheduled entertainment cancelled four days ago, so a few of us from work decided to do it.  Jeremy Harrison brought the P.A. and played first.  Adam Sikes and Ben Harbin played drums on a few songs with him.  Levi White played a few, and Jeremy sat in on one or two of them.  I played a set:

Cover Of The Rolling Stone (Dr. Hook)
After Midnight > Travelin’ Light (J.J. Cale)
Folsom Prison Blues (Johnny Cash)
Runaway (Del Shannon)
Save The Last Dance For Me (Drifters)
Drift Away (Dobie Gray)
Can't Find My Way Home (Blind Faith)
I’m A Believer (Monkees)
Dead Flowers (Rolling Stones)
Pancho And Lefty (Townes Van Zandt)
Friend Of The Devil (Grateful Dead)
Ring Of Fire (Johnny Cash)
The Road Goes On Forever (Robert Earl Keen)
Landslide (Fleetwood Mac)
Wild Horses (Rolling Stones)
Come Monday (Jimmy Buffett)
Melissa (Allman Bros.) >
24 Hours At A Time (Marshall Tucker Band)

Jeremy and Adam wanted to play a few more so Jeremy could go home and go to bed.  I'd wondered if I would take a break since the room was packed.  Can't stop the music with a full room.  They played a few more.  Alex Alexander and Adam played some wicked freaky stuff.  I played another set:

Big River (Johnny Cash)*
Me And Paul (Willie Nelson)*
Faith (George Michael)*

Romeo And Juliet (Dire Straits)
Empty (Ray LaMontagne)
I’m Still A Guy (Brad Paisley)
Just Like Heaven (The Cure)
Dear Prudence (Beatles)
Willin' > Don‘t Bogart Me (Little Feat)
Lovesong (The Cure)
Under The Milky Way (The Church)
Just Like A Woman (Bob Dylan)
Tangled Up In Blue (Bob Dylan)
 

*Adam Sikes, drums

Two requests for "Wagon Wheel" went unfulfilled.  Just sayin'.

Open Mic, 12/20/11

12/20/11

333 on Broad

Rome, GA

A rainy night in Rome, GA.  The Harrison song is a holiday open mic tradition for me. I've performed "Amy" and "Genesis" in non-open mic situations, and finally got "Landslide" to where Stevie Nicks might actually enjoy hearing me sing it.  Now, to find a real gig...

Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) (George Harrison)

Landslide (Fleetwood Mac)

Amy (Ryan Adams)

Genesis (Hot Tuna)

Open Mic, 12/6/11

12/6/11

333 on Broad

Rome, GA

A friend and I were trying to get together to swap songs, but her keyboard wasn't working.  We thought about going to one of the chapels on the Berry campus to use their piano.  She and some other folks got distracted, so we ended up at 333 with a few other folks.  So I actually got to play in front of people I knew, who were there to listen to me play.  Yay.

Midnight Afternoon

I'm A Believer

Just Like A Woman

Harbinger

Open Mic, 11/29/11

11/29/11
333 on Broad
Rome, GA

I apparently can't get enough of playing in front of people who have no interest in hearing live music.  Not sure how the open mic has survived at this place.  Original music doesn't go over at all, so I worked up some covers, seven of which I'd never played in public.

I
Drift Away (Dobie Gray)
Me and Paul (Willie Nelson)
Still In Love With You (Thin Lizzy/Sade)
A Pirate Looks At Forty (Jimmy Buffett)

I played first, five or six more went on, then it was my turn again.

II
Romeo & Juliet (Dire Straits)
Sitting In Limbo (Jimmy Cliff)
Solitary Man (Neil Diamond/Johnny Cash)
Dead Flowers (Rolling Stones)

Chamber Concert

Blue Mountain Chamber Players
10/29/11
Ford Auditorium @ Berry College
Rome, GA

Anything At All (written by me, string arrangement by Joe)

APL - guitar, vocals; Joe Lester - violin; Samantha Lester - viola

Sam and Joe put this one together with several of their associates. There were some duos and trios. This was my contribution. We've played this song a few times with Earhorn, and it was a super thrill to play it again with them. Here's the mp3 for you to download: http://snd.sc/v0RCu4

If there was anything at all that I had left to say to you, it would probably come off as some kind of inside joke. You see, I've kept my emotions pretty close at hand the last few years; and the wall has grown quite imposing.
It's just that there's this one little matter of having it all out in the open; and it was never very easy, even when it was just the two of us. But it seemed like you were always holding court for this or that one there, and how does one holding these words come forth?
There has never been a better time than right now (well, there was that one day); just a familiar voice remembering my name. Your number is right there, I could pick up the phone at any time. Is there anything at all that you'd believe?

Open Mic, 10/25/11

333 On Broad
Rome, GA

"I wrote 63 songs this year. They're all about Joe. And I'm going to sing each and every one of them tonight."
Well, there are only four, and they're not about Joe, but the sentiment's the same. They're all relatively new, no band has played them, so I've included the lyrics.

Lions On The Lam

Here, in the jungle, lions -- there!
We could escape anywhere

Free as the north wind blowing through
I can’t believe I found you

Or that you found me -- wandering, lost
Tossed to the side -- hungry, ghost

I’ve heard the legends
I’ve had the dreamsYou, and now me
So it seems

Fire on the mountain -- home, almost
Wires strewn about -- signals crossed

Seen very clearly through the mist
It must be something like this

Dark, now the darkness -- home, safe, found
Start, it’s like this -- right here, now

So it begins
There is a way
Sleep, now awake
Into the day
 
Night's Watch (Holding Pattern)*

It's a rainy night in Georgia, and I wish you were here
One more night (like so many others) that's going nowhere
Too much excitement for one man to bear
Keeping the night's watch -- there are dragons out there

I hear the rumbling, hope that it's you
Turns out the thunder has brought no news
Bright-eyed wonder gives way to the blues
Standing in silence is the way that I choose

Fell into sleep, fell out again
So hard to keep, but what do I do with it then?
First thing this morning, a moment of Zen
Served with black coffee, a curious blend

The New One 

Went back in time to find that one old song
Saw myself as I was then, sat down to play along
Suddenly, it seemed, (somehow) it seemed the same

She comes to me after all these years
Like it was yesterday, right before I disappeared
That one is gone, this one comes to stay

tear down the walls that surround us all
praise the moon, praise the sun 
question yourself so the head is ruled by none

There was a word, it filled a space
And now the song is in its place
The strangest of gifts has been right here all this time

I come to her, and I give it my best
It's better than that, or anything else
Must have been the wind that's blowing my mind

the moonlight smiles on the palace we've built
this strange new world i've never seen
you made me your king, i made you my queen

After some time in the darkest of places
Here's a little light to read the story so far
What once was but a dream now stands before you in full bloom

I walk with her through shifting sands
And watch the sun go down again
A whisper speaks, and suddenly, the moon...

remember nights of starry skies 
the campus green, the downtown bar
it comes from me to where you are

As For Me

Everybody's always somewhere else
"Hey, whatchadoin'? I'm so damn bored."
As for me, I'll always be right here
"Come back. Stay."

Everybody here's from somewhere else
Down to the ocean, wash it all away
As for me, everything comes from right here
Please, make yourself at home

And we'll laugh at the world when they tell us to stop 
Who needs them anyway?

Everybody does what they say they won't do
The other shoe falls like rain
As for me, I'm still who you thought I would be
You can sleep, trusting the roof over your head

I still remember the dress that she wore

But I can't remember what happened before

Everybody says "I love you"
It doesn't always mean what they think it means
As for me, it's so simple -- I'll say it again...

You can't be afraid if there's nothing to fear
What is fear anyway?

*debut performance

The host summed it up perfectly when I was done. The girls wanted to hear some dance music, so they were going to take a break from the open mic format. There were only three or four of us tonight. I usually stick around to play a second set, but tonight wasn't the night for that. Oh, and all lyrics and music are written and owned by me.

Open Mic, 10/18/11

10/18/11
333 On Broad
Rome, GA

I decided to debut a couple of songs. I put the final touches on "Lions" this afternoon. "As For Me" has been finished for a while, but it's hard to play the slow ones in front of an unfamiliar crowd. But, since most of 'em weren't there to hear original music anyway, I figured it was the perfect time to debut it.
I played first, six or seven people played after me (including the "comedian" from Lindale), then I played a few more.
A note on the recording: I've not been happy with the quality of the recordings this guy makes, and I asked him if his machine would record at a higher bitrate. He did it, but found the problem lay elsewhere. Unlistenable is the word I'll use.

I
Lions On The Lam*
Midnight Afternoon
As For Me*
The New One

II
The Road Goes On Forever
Pancho & Lefty
Amanda
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
Just Like A Woman

*debut performance

Sittin' In Again

10/15/2011
Moon Roof Bar
Rome, GA

Scott Thompson invited me to play during his break. This is pretty much how I got my job. The Rome Derby girls came up and packed the place. It was nuts. Nothin' like playin' to a packed house.

The Road Goes On Forever
Pancho & Lefty
Melissa
Romeo & Juliet
Just Like A Woman
Tangled Up In Blue

Sittin' In

9/23/11
Moon Roof Bar
Rome, GA

Toodlin' 'round downtown, lookin' for the music scene (which is here, but keeps itself well-hidden). Spoke with Scott Thompson, whose gig it was tonight. He invited me to play a few. His keyboard player jumped in on the Cash songs. The booking guy found me afterwards, said he liked what I did, we exchanged numbers. Hold on to your nuts, Rome. I'm comin' for your milkshake.

Desperadoes Waiting On A Train, Pancho & Lefty, Folsom Prison Blues*, Ring Of Fire*

*w/Keith Tressell, piano

Open Mic 9/20/11

9/20/11
333 on Broad
Rome, GA

Even fewer people playing than last week. The Lindale crowd is here again, supporting their buddy who is trying to be a comedian. Unfortunately, they're not interested in music, and are outside while we are playing. They all come in for his act.
I continue to come up with songs that I haven't played here.

I
Fantastic/Existential Crisis? What Existential Crisis?, Wasn't Really, Memphis, Summer Somewhere

II
Pancho & Lefty, For The Turnstiles, Tomorrow Is A Long Time > The Boy With The Thorn In His Side, These Days

I put a lot of time into preparing this set, and they were all out on the deck until it was their friend's turn again. It turned into a roast when another friend joined him onstage and they proceeded to call each other "faggot" for fifteen minutes. There wasn't even any polite applause after the songs, so I cut it short and went home. The host recorded it again tonight, but I'm not at all happy with it, nor am I happy with last week's recording, so they'll not be shared.

Open Mic 9/13/11

9/13/11
333 on Broad
Rome, GA

Not as many players tonight, so I got to play more. Hooray. I was third, and played mostly originals again:
Isles Of Ae -- written with Joe for Earhorn; Jason McWilliams came up with the middle part.
Ritual -- I had some music and some words; pillaged some old notebooks and put it all together.
The New One -- This one first came to life while I was a Literature student at GSU, feeling oh, so poetic. I've always liked the music. Most of the words weren't relevant all these years later. Re-wrote it this past Spring. 
Desperadoes Waiting For A Train (written by Guy Clark) -- Saw Guy do this one at Live Oak a few times, I've done it a few times at open mic. One of my favorites.

After everyone had played, they started over. The host offered me the closing slot. I could have played for at least another hour. Originals and covers mixed up together:
Romeo And Juliet (Dire Straits) -- an open mic staple. I play it up a step from the record, it strums well and sits comfortably in my range.
24 Hours At A Time (Marshall Tucker Band) -- I didn't think this one was too obscure, but the host said nobody recognized it. I need a band for this one.
Surrender -- Never found its feet with the band. I'm gonna keep playing it 'til it finds its way.
Prologue -- The recorded version is all acoustic instruments. The only electricity we used was to power the microphones.
Midnight Afternoon -- This one came out last Fall. Really needs a band to let it run around in the yard.
Harbinger -- Wrote this one for the band. Always played it just the way I wanted it. The end jam was always worth the price of admission.
Henry (New Riders of the Purple Sage) -- Where's Garcia and his pedal steel when I need him?

*debut performance

Open Mic 9/6/11

9/6/11
333 on Broad
Rome, GA

My first open mic in the new town. A couple of people played, then I played some originals:
Midnight Afternoon; That Which We Are, We Are; Too Fast For You; Saturday
They wrapped up the list, then started the rotation again. I played some covers to appease the drunken rowdies:
The Road Goes On Forever; Cover Of The Rolling Stone
A woman sang "Georgia On My Mind" a capella, nailed it. One guy sounded straight out of Nashville, with some Eric Church/Jamey Johnson-style covers. Excellent. Good crowd, lots of compliments. Thanks, Rome, for makin' a guy feel welcome.

Kennedy-Scobbie Wedding

5/28/11
The Inn at Serenbe
Palmetto, GA

Joe, Sam, and I got this one together at the proverbial last minute, 11 days out. Apparently, the bride was having trouble getting the DJ to play what she wanted for the ceremony. Well, never send a DJ to do a musician's job, and never settle when it comes to your wedding music. She's a friend of our cousin whose wedding we played last year, so she knew what we could do. We do a contemporary take, custom arrangements of pop/folk songs, with some classical classics thrown in.

Personnel: APL - acoustic guitar, vocals; Joe Lester - violin; Samantha Lester - viola

Prelude: Here, There, And Everywhere; Morning Has Broken; Misty; I Will; Queen Of The Earth, Child Of The Skies; Crazy Love; It's Your Love; I'll Back You Up

Ceremony: In My Life (Processional); Crash Into Me (Bride); All You Need Is Love (Recessional)

Nice place for a wedding. Farm atmosphere. Walked through the woods from the wedding site to the reception pavilion. Llamas, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, dogs. And if you're looking for a different take on your wedding music, call us.

Lefty Williams' Jam

4/4/11
Bella's Pizzeria
Smyrna, GA

Lefty is on vacation, so Preston hosted. Romin and Cassidy put it together, got me involved. Fun, fun, fun.

Eyes Of The World > Thirteen Days > All Along the Watchtower

APL - bass, vocals ("Eyes"); Romin Dawson - guitar, vocals ("Thirteen Days"); Cassidy Wall - guitar, vocals ("Watchtower"); Hayden Wall - drums

Shell Stamps And Friends

3/31/11
Moonshadow Tavern
Tucker, GA

Trip sat in the whole night. David Bard sat in on a couple of songs, including "Hot Girls Covered In Drugs". Amazing.
In no particular order: They Love Each Other, Don't Do It, Cold Rain And Snow, The Maker, Sweet Angeline, Johnny Too Bad, Deep Elem Blues, Long Black Veil, Jack-a-roe, Walking Under Ladders, Loving Cup, Tidy Up, Tell It To Me, Althea, 100 Years Ago, Friend Of The Devil, Skywater, Magnolia, I Fall Off The Wagon, Blackjack Davey, Don't Let Go, Midnight Moonlight, Henry*, Hot Girls Covered In Drugs*, Here Comes Sunshine, Lay Down Sally, You Ain't Goin' Nowhere, Althea

APL-bass, vocals; Robert Nichols-keyboards, vocals; Shell Stamps-guitar, vocals; Trip-mandolin, vocals.

* with David Bard, mandolin and vocals. I hope I didn't forget anything. Thanks to all the beautiful freaks who came out.

Lefty Williams' Southern Rock Night

2/28/11
Bella's Pizzeria
Smyrna, GA

The Legend Of Wooley Swamp (CDB)
Dreams I'll Never See (Molly Hatchet)
You Got That Right (Lynyrd Skynyrd)

Freebird*

APL - bass, vocals ("Wooley"); Nathan Fink - keyboards, vocals ("You Got That Right"); Kris Gloer - guitar, vocals ("Dreams"); Preston Holcomb - drums; Benji Shanks - guitar; Jason "Lefty" Williams - guitar
*add Barry Zion, guitar; Eric Gant - vocals; no Kris

A few groups played before us. We did our thing. A few more groups played. We played "Freebird". Grand time, y'all. I was glad to be in a band with these guys. Thank you.

Shell Stamps & Friends

2/17/11
Moonshadow Tavern
Tucker, GA

I fell down on the job, and didn't keep an accurate setlist. We played most of what we played at Ibex a couple weeks ago. Our good buddy Tripp sat in on mandolin for a good bit of it. Thanks to all the fine folks who came out. We will do it again real soon.

APL - bass, voc.; Robert Nichols - Keyboards, voc.; Shell Stamps - gtr. voc.

Lefty Williams' Love Jam

2/14/11
Bella's Pizzeria
Smyrna, GA

We picked some off-the-path doozies. A whole lot of people went with it as well. Some excellent choices throughout. Hayden came on board at the last minute and made the King's X song his bitch.

Candle In The Wind (Elton John), Magnolia(J.J. Cale), It's Love (King's X)

APL - bass, voc.; Muggs DeMayo - gtr., voc.; Mark vines - gtr.; Hayden Wall - drums

Shell Stamps & Friends

2/5/11
Ibex Atlanta
Decatur, GA

What was once an Ethiopian restaurant has been transformed into a bar/restaurant/pool hall/music venue. It's a new place, so it was up to us to promote it. Thanks to the six people who made it. It's a start. Shell, Rob, and I have been playing together for a while now, so it was easy to put it together.

1st set
Deep Elem Blues, Chance It, Tangled Up In Blue, Jack-a-roe, Don't Let Go, Cold Rain & Snow, That's What Love Will Make You Do, The Maker, Blackjack Davey, Tell It To Me, They Love Each Other, Jesse James

2nd set
Midnight Moonlight, Pigs On The Wing, Skywater (Ancient Harmony), Johnny Too Bad, Tore Up Over You, Don't Do It, Lay Down Sally, Harbinger, Loving Cup, Tidy Up, Queen Bee, Come On Baby Let's go Downtown, I Fall Off the Wagon (44 Long), Walking Under Ladders

APL - bass, vocals; Robert Nichols - keyboards, vocals; Shell Stamps - guitar, vocals

1/24/11

Lefty Williams' Jam
Bella's Pizzeria
Smyrna, GA

Ziggy Stardust, Suffragette City

APL - bass, harmony voc.; Muggs DeMayo - el. gtr., voc.; Steve Saunders - drums, harmony voc.

Whimsicality, y'all. Muggs and I hang out, picking on songs, dreaming rock star dreams. Nice to have an outlet so close to home.

Lefty's Hendrix Jam

1/17/11
Bella's Pizzeria
Smyrna, GA

Are You Experienced?
Stone Free
Crosstown Traffic*

APL - bass, voc.; Muggs DeMayo - voc., el. gtr.*; Mark Vines - el. gtr.; Alan Crowe - drums

Big thanks to Preston for hooking us up with Alan. Mark, Muggs, and I worked on the songs together over the weekend. We made sure we were on the same page as Alan, hit the stage and made 'em ours. Hendrix is one of my personal all-time favorites. I picked the songs, so that made it extra fun for me.

Open Mic

12/6/10
Arena Tavern
Duluth, GA

Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy, Gentle On My Mind, Midnight Afternoon*, Tomorrow Is A Long Time > The Boy With The Thorn In His Side

*debut performance

Riders rehearsal got cancelled, had to spend that creative juice somewhere. I know I've said the open mics aren't my thing anymore, but this guy records your set and puts a video on his youtube channel. I don't know how well my folkiness translates to video, but it's another way to spread the word, huh? I will, however, travel across town to get a free recording.
Paul runs a good show. Good guy, good gear. The cold chased away a lot of people. Normally you need to get there early to get a good spot. I got there early to get a good spot like I always do, but 'twas unnecessary. Would have loved a crowd while I was playing, but was more interested in letting the songs run around in the yard, especially the new one.
I guess I haven't sworn off the open mics for good after all.

Open Mic

9/22/10
Rev Coffee
Smyrna, GA

That Which We Are, We Are
Third Week In the Chelsea

There's a theme. "Third Week" seems to come out whenever I go somewhere for the first time. 'Twas the first song in my open mic campaign of ought-five. And "That Which" is written in a similar vein. Not that I was going to leave the band. Not when we'd just started the band (which is when I started writing that song). There was plenty of time to leave (like the two times I did). Besides, nothing like playing an original song to people who've never heard it. I heard one, maybe two, other originals. Too loud and echoey in there, and there were plenty of people who weren't there to hear us play.
Now am home with the Braves losing to the Phillies (again), listening to the Grateful Dead (again), though this time it's the Warner vinyl box set. Just finished "Anthem" and it's still amazing.
Tough to play open mics anymore. The band is better. All of the bands are better. The bands' audiences are better. Blech.

Ashley 'n' Charlie's Wedding, 7/3/10, Sullivan House, Powder Springs, GA

Two fine folks, Bella's regulars even, got married. They asked me to play a few things for the ceremony, and about a half hour of tunes beforehand.

Prologue (APL)
Let Your Love Flow (Bellamy Brothers)
I Don't Love You Much Do I (Guy Clark)
Go My Way (Gordon Lightfoot)
Magnolia (J.J. Cale)
Too Fast for You (APL)
If I Needed You (Townes Van Zandt)
Genesis (Hot Tuna)
Something In The Way She Moves (James Taylor)

My first solo wedding gig, and first solo gig where nobody asked if I did requests. I stuck with a theme, threw in a couple of originals (at the bride's request). Somehow, I got 'em all in.
Then, for the processional: Imagine (John Lennon); for the bride: Going To California (Led Zeppelin); for the recessional: Crash Into Me (Dave Matthews Band). I ended up doing these three as instrumentals. Packed up the gear, changed out of my monkey suit, joined the reception for food, fun, and fellowship. Gave the wedding coordinator a stack of business cards. Network, baby, network.

6/5/10, Jessie 'n' Paul's Wedding, Mt. Zion UMC, Marietta, GA

Jessie Sanderson, the youngest of the Scott family cousins, got married to a great guy, Paul Kraft. Joe, Sam, Trevor (a groomsman/friend of the groom/guitarist), and I put together some music for the prelude, unity candle, and recessional. Can't remember the order, but here it is:


Joe and Sam started with some classical-type duets, then Trevor and I joined in on:
I Will, In My Life, Thank You

Trevor joined the groomsmen to prepare for the ceremony, and I played guitar on a few more classical-type pieces with Joe and Sam.

We all played an excerpt of Van Morrison's "Crazy Love" for the unity candle, then for the pièce de résistance, an arrangement of "Jessica" by the Allman Brothers Band for the recessional, with Joe and Sam doing the dual guitar line on violin and viola. Got a good rock star reception on that one.

A grand time, to be sure.

Whole Lotta Muggs (Muggs' Birthday Extravaganza)

4/10/10
Bella's Pizzeria
Smyrna, GA

Andy Lester Band
Prologue
Saturday
For The Turnstiles
Magnolia >
Carousel >
Too Fast For You
Epilogue

APL - ac. gtr., vocals; Muggs DeMayo - el. gtr.; Karl Knott - drums; Robert Nichols - bass, voc.

Whole Lotta Muggs
1st Set
I Can't Explain, Nowhere Man, Sunshine Of Your Love, Time, Substitute, Edie (Ciao Baby), Big Me, Sometimes Salvation, The Way It Is, Love Song, Runnin' Down A Dream, Comfortably Numb*
2nd Set
Tie Your Mother Down, The Ocean, Heartbreaker > Livin' Lovin' Maid (She's Just A Woman), Ziggy Stardust

Muggs DeMayo - gtr., vocals.; Preston Holcomb - drums; APL - bass, vocals; Jeff Sprayberry - gtr.
*Robert Nichols - vocals

Muggs wanted to play on his birthday, so we put it together. We weren't sure if we'd be able to put together enough music for one band, so the ALB opened. We put together a song list, recruited Jeff and Preston, and got to work. It became apparent that we wouldn't be able to have enough full rehearsals to play some of what he wanted (King's X, Queensryche), so we tweaked the set a little and kept working. Muggs and I picked at it a good bit in the living room, he and Jeff got together a few times. Preston is Preston. Some of it was a little rough, we had to re-start a couple songs, but it was a ton of fun. A lot of folks came out and hooted and hollered. Always fun to play on your birthday. Thanks to everyone who made it.

Ridin' The Wayside

In the grand tradition of this band, we've gotten another lead guitar player. Shell Stamps of Ancient Harmony has come in and brought the sound that we've been wanting to hear. He'd booked this gig as an opener for another band, but it all turned into a big ol' misunderstanding, so he needed a band. He'd been with us for a couple weeks, so we decided to do it. Practiced a bunch, made it sound good. We married some of our P.A. gear with the house gear, ran it ourselves. Sounded better onstage than most of the recent gigs that had professionals running the sound. Good crowd from start to finish, screaming for more, more, more. Thanks to everyone who came out.

Wayside Riders
3/13/10
Moonshadow Tavern
Tucker, GA

Set 1
Fate
Katy
Can You Feel My Love
The Maker
Big Sky
Come Along*
Major Jones
Silver Stallion*
Harbinger
I Can See Clearly Now*

Set 2
Subterranean Homesick Blues
Hold On
Too Fast For You
Vampire
Foolish Heart*
Jesse James
Chance It
One More Shot
The Way She Is
Althea*
Id
Walking Under Ladders

Set 3
Lookout Joe
On The Farm*
Year In Hell
Long Black Veil*
Castaway
Dream The Night Away
Don't Let Go
Sweet On Me
Big RR Blues

Encore:
Merrymaker

*1st time played

Romin Dawson - gtr., voc.; Preston Holcomb - drums; APL - bass, voc.; Robert Nichols - keyboards, voc.; Shell Stamps - gtr., voc.; Rick Welsh - drums

Night Of The Dead

3/12/10
Bella's Pizzeria
Smyrna, GA

Set 1
Cold Rain & Snow, Deep Elem Blues, Sugaree, They Love Each Other, Althea, Don't Ease Me In, Friend Of The Devil, Jack-a-roe, The Maker, Midnight Moonlight, Peggy-O, Alabama Getaway, That's What Love Will Make You Do, Let It Rock^^, Mr. Charlie^^

Set 2
Jack Straw, Scarlet Begonias# > Fire On The Mountain#, Eyes Of The World#* > Cassidy#*, Iko Iko*, Loser*, Beat It On Down The Line*, Foolish Heart*, Bertha*@, Brokedown Palace*@, Tangled Up In Blue*@

APL - bass, vocals; Robert Nichols - kbd., ac. gtr. (^^), vocals; Steve Saunders - drums, vocals; Shell Stamps - ac. gtr., vocals

Steve Baird - percussion (2nd set); Tony Giordano - keyboards (#); Romin Dawson - ac. gtr. (*), vocals (Brokedown Palace); Preston Holcomb - drums (@).

Chef John's 40th Birthday Party

2/19/10
Krog Jam
Atlanta, GA

Andy Lester Band
Prologue, Saturday, For The Turnstiles, Magnolia > Carousel > Too Fast For You, Epilogue

APL - ac. gtr., vocals; Muggs DeMayo - el. gtr.; Karl Knott - drums; Robert Nichols - bass, harmony vocals

Also: Electric Codpiece, Deep Blue Sun

Night Of The Dead

1/9/10
Bella's Pizzeria
Smyrna, GA

SET I
Cold Rain & Snow, Deep Elem Blues, Loser, Don't Ease Me In, Friend Of The Devil, Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again, Beat It On Down The Line, Jack-a-roe, The Maker, Midnight Moonlight, Peggy-O, Ripple, Alabama Getaway, Let It Rock*, Mr. Charlie*, Don't Let Go*
SET II
Bertha**, Eyes of the World** > Cassidy**, Sugaree**, Tangled Up In Blue**, Althea, Man Smart Woman Smarter, They Love Each Other, Jack Straw, Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain, Viola Lee Blues***,Not Fade Away** > Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad** >And We Bid You Goodnight


APL - ac. gtr. (1st set), bass (* and 2nd set), vocals; Robert Nichols - kbd., ac. gtr. (*), vocals; Steve Saunders - drums, percussion (***), vocals; Shell Stamps - ac. gtr., vocals

Romin Dawson - ac. gtr. (** & ***); Steve Baird - percussion (2nd set), drums (***)

12/19/09

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?).

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.

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.

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

Open Mic!

12/30/08
Java Lords Coffeehouse & Bar (open mic)
Atlanta, GA

Third Week In The Chelsea
Too Fast For You
Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy

Bought an EQ pedal for my acoustic guitar. The Fishman Rare Earth pickup has no on-board controls, so I'm at the mercy of whatever I'm playing through. No bueno. I now have some control over how the thing's going to sound. Cheaper than an amp, or spending more cheese to modify my $300 guitar. Next time I'll just buy one with the nicer pickup and electronics already installed.
This is a fun place to play, and I hope to get back there soon. There are real gigs on the horizon, songs to write, ladies to woo...

12/23/08
Java Lords Coffeehouse & Bar
Atlanta, GA

Practiced hard for four days for this. My last foray into open mic was no fun, partially because I'd not prepared. This time I was ready. They have "bar" in their name because they sell alcohol, but this is a coffeehouse. I fully expected everyone to snap their fingers, but they applauded. No redneckery or jackassery, just people listening to music. And the room was full, people almost on top of each other. That's where you want to play. Too many nights of playing to empty rooms, when even the bartenders took a smoke break and the soundman was off powdering his nose. I enjoyed it, and will go back.

Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) -- in the spirit of things, though not a holiday song; more of a meditation.
"That Which We Are, We Are" -- finally got this one done, all the words in the right place, but I forget which chorus goes where when I'm singing it.
The Boy With The Thorn In His Side -- you can even turn a Smiths song into a folk song!

Lefty Jam at Charlie Mopps

12/19/08
Charlie Mopps Public House
Atlanta, GA

Castaway
I'll Make Love To You
Ain't Wastin' Time No More >
Tidy Up/Fire On The Mountain
Get Up Stand Up
Walking Under Ladders

Robert Nichols - keyboards, vocals
Jason "Lefty" Williams - guitar, vocals
Scott Phillips - drums
APL - bass, vocals
Steve Baird - percussion
Steve Saunders - percussion
Eric Gant - guitar, vocals

8/4/08

Brewster's Neighborhood Grill
Marietta, GA

The Boy With The Thorn In His Side (first time I've played this one)
That Which We Are, We Are (1st performance ever)
Third Week In the Chelsea (restarted due to redneckery)

First time performing in public in over a year. The jitters, woo! Wouldn't ya know, some redneckery tried to break out at the beginning of "Third Week". Oh yeah, that's why I don't like playing out so much anymore. Guess I'll keep trying. Working on some new songs, finishing up recording with Karl. More than enough to stay busy. Will get out again soon. Not just yet though.

What's Up

A friend of mine has recorded drum tracks for 3 songs. I hope to have 2 more done as soon as I can make it happen. Karl, you are the man, man. One other, I think, just me. Just 6 on this first one. There are that many more ready to record for the next one. And a few more that will join the fun when the time comes.

9/13/07

Dixieland Title Association Conference
Emerald Pointe Hotel & Conference Center
Lake Lanier Islands, GA

Signed on to do this back in the spring, before the neuralgia ruined my life. This conference was Kathy's baby, and I was looking forward to hanging with her and Glen for the weekend and having a good ol' time, as well as performing for the first time on my own since leaving the band. Should have found someone else to do the gig, but had every intention of having my voice back, so I didn't. Ended up bringing my iPod and playing it through Glen's P.A. Actually, I attempted a few songs just to say I tried, and Glen sat in on one of them:

After Midnight
Magnolia
Melissa (w/Glen Stewart, guitar)

Hadn't planned on the two J.J. Cale songs, it just happened that way. I can't believe it's been this long, and my voice is still fucked up. Will continue to take care of it. The doc sez I'm doing the right thing by talking and exercising it. Whatever. The shit needs to come back now so I can embark on the next chapter in my musical journey.
The fucking band has a gig this weekend, trying out a new bass player. Turns out the guitar player we decided to fire (but never did) left the band anyway. So once again, my timing is all fucked up. Might have hung around a little longer had he not been in the group. But maybe not.
Must focus this time, and get something done. Find musicians, rehearse the songs, record the songs, perform the songs, see what happens. That's it. Sure would like to play out a lot, but people who actually appreciate original music are few and far between, and I'm about sick and fucking tired of the fuckers who come up after the third fucking song and ask if you take fucking requests. You know what that means? That means they don't like what you're doing, and that they want to hear something they know. Yeah, that's exactly what that means. And that's the story of my musical career over the last five or so years. So maybe I did do the right thing by leaving the band. Going to play exactly what I want to play, when I want to play it.
I still love those guys, but the scene is fucking dead as disco. Those people who come out and think they're so hip and so in-the-know really want something more familiar, whether they want to admit it to themselves or not. They ain't gonna get it when I and whomever my musical cohorts are take the stage the next time. You can bet your goddamn ass on that. Might even make sure the first performance consists of songs that have never been performed at all, and finish off the new ones that are brewing and perform them too. "Here's some shit y'all have never heard. Enjoy."

Still Here

Just retired from Wayside Riders. This time for good, I'm sure. Had surgery to correct glossopharyngeal neuralgia at the beginning of August, and had a few days in the hospital to think about what was really important. While the band was still very important to me, there are other songs that I wanted to do even more. It was all a matter of what was more important. As much as I'd like to think I could carry on with a number of different projects, I know myself, and know that none of it would be as good.
I love those guys, and learned a shitload during my time in the band. I have an album's worth of songs that will be recorded soon. Guess I'll get back on the open mic circuit and work some up, and come up with some new shit while I'm at it.

6/10/2006
Churchill's Pub
Marietta, GA

Cover of the Rolling Stone
Subterranean Homesick Blues
Romeo & Juliet
For The Turnstiles
Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy

6/5/06

Firehouse/Woodstock Live
Woodstock, GA

Cover Of The Rolling Stone
Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy
Too Fast For You
Third Week In The Chelsea

5/30/06

Brewsters Neighborhood Grille
Marietta, GA

Boots Of Spanish Leather
For The Turnstiles
Prince Of Darkness > Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)
Wasn't Really

One day I'll be able to get through an entire performance without blowing a verse or dropping my pick. Then maybe I'll have a roadie and a teleprompter.

3/11/06

Spondivits
Cumming, GA

I
Let The Good Times Roll
Peaceful Easy Feeling
Stand By Me
Like A Rolling Stone
Simple Man
Solitary Man
24 Hours At A Time
Desperadoes Waiting On A Train
America
Have You Ever Seen The Rain
There Goes Another Love Song
Subterranean Homesick Blues
Heard It In A Love Song
All Along The Watchtower
Travelin' Light
Already Gone

II
After Midnight
Dead Flowers
Straight To Hell

I was cut off here, as they wanted to hear faster songs, and I just couldn't oblige. Got paid, and got out.

2/14/06

Brewsters Neighborhood Grille
Marietta, GA

Boots of Spanish Leather
Romeo & Juliet
Something In The Way She Moves
Magnolia (a request)
Tangled Up In Blue

Darren, Tim, and Lauren are back running the show. Nice to see them again.

1/9/06

If anyone's keeping up w/this blog:
I've rejoined Wayside Riders after a 10-month hiatus. 'Twas actually a full-on resignation (running for my life), but now turns out to be a "break". I was replaced by Tony Scott (a friend of Robert's, and a great guy); Preston (drums) left last summer, replaced by Scotty Philips; Romin (guitar) took a hiatus of his own, only playing a few gigs through the end of summer and fall, and was finally relieved of his position in October. I'd told Lefty and Robert that I wanted to come back if Romin was gone, but had to wait and see what Tony was doing. He took a restaurant manager job in Phoenix, and I got the call to return.
Open mic performances will be fewer and farther between, but I hope to add some solo gigs, and back out of the restaurant biz. I found out that music is the only thing I'm any good at, and the only thing I'm passionate about. I guess I knew it all along, but my break from the band and the subsequent selling of my soul to the restaurant really drove it home.
Most blog-type entries will be posted at myspace.com/andylester, but I'll continue to post solo setlists here.
Holla!

12/22/05

Loafing Leprechaun
Duluth, GA

Again, a crosstown round trip for my 15 minutes of fame. Craver, the coordinator of Open Mic Atlanta, is hosting this one, and burns a CD of the performances. I'll drive for a recording, fer sure.

Subterranean Homesick Blues
Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)
Something In The Way She Moves
Wasn't Really

12/13/05

Good Ol' Days
Cumming, GA

I Used To Love Her* > Dead Flowers* > I Used To Love Her*--another one of Lefty's medleys of songs that have the same changes. The GNR song was by request.
Subterranean Homesick Blues*
This Time*--as will happen, we lost 'em with the slow one (chatter, chatter, chatter)
Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy (I broke my G string, plowed through, then used Lefty's Taylor)
Romeo & Juliet

*w/Lefty

12/5/05

Marlow's Tavern
Vinings, GA

Subterranean Homesick Blues
Something In The Way She Moves
Waste
Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)

Not much going on here. Doesn't seem like the place for it. The host was already talking about how they've given him a couple more weeks to get it going. It's outside, though they've closed in their porch, and have heaters running. But you'll never get the Vinings crowd to sit out there and listen. John and I collide w/two VERY drunk women who tried to pay their tab twice, and asked for a cab after they were told one was on the way. Learned "Give Me Love" the night before, and played it 53 times throughout the day. I think I got it, but need a slide player to really make it right.

11/22/05

Nemoe's Steak & Seafood
Norcross, GA

w/Adam Howell, bass, voc.

Cover Of The Rolling Stone
Margaritaville -- No apologies here. A serendipitous barstool decision. An older crowd, getting soused, so we killed 'em with the classics.
Pancho & Lefty
Subterranean Homesick Blues
Summer Somewhere

11/15/05

Brewster's Neighborhood Grille
Marietta, GA

Prologue (first performance!)
Romeo & Juliet
Henry

11/1/05

Brewsters Neighborhood Grill
Marietta, GA

New crew running this one these days. Not affiliated with Open Mic Atlanta. Hosted by a house band with two women singing (The Atlanta Area All-Stars (AAA)). I'm the first one following their set.

Subterranean Homesick Blues
Cover Of The Rolling Stone
Wasn't Really
Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy

Nice to have it closer to home again.

10/29/05
Moon Shadow Gardens
Sautee-Nacoochee, GA

My first paying solo gig! Easiest money ever. I only played for an hour or so, broke for the costume contest, and was done. A little campfire pickin' afterward, but that was it. The time change saved my ass, as the clock said 4:30 when I left, but 'twas then "only" 3:30. Woo! Here's the full detailed setlist:

Let The Good Times Roll (Grateful Dead)
After Midnight (J.J. Cale)
Like A Rolling Stone (Bob Dylan)
Cover Of The Rolling Stone (Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show)
Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy (Elton John)
Third Week In The Chelsea (Jefferson Airplane)
Box Of Rain (Grateful Dead)
America (Simon & Garfunkel)
Boots Of Spanish Leather (Bob Dylan)
I'll Back You Up (Dave Matthews Band)
Love Song For No One (John Mayer)
Restless (Alison Krauss & Union Station)
Lay Lady Lay (Bob Dylan)
Magnolia (J.J. Cale)
Come Monday (Jimmy Buffett)
What I Really Mean (Robert Earl Keen)
Tougher Than The Rest (Bruce Springsteen)
Waste (Phish)

Guess I'm on my way, huh?

10/19/05

Poor Richard's Pub
Norcross, GA

Cover Of The Rolling Stone
Third Week In The Chelsea
Wasn't Really
Box Of Rain
Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy

Again, I am the first contestant on the first night of this one. The kid who was turned away from Spondivits last week (he's only 11) got to play tonight. Don't know what the letter of the law would have to say about that, but they weren't there to fret over it. He was really good too.

10/12/05

Spondivits Bar & Grill
Cumming, GA

Cover Of The Rolling Stone
Wasn't Really
Romeo & Juliet
Something In The Way She Moves

Drove 100 miles round trip for my 20 minutes of fame. John Gardner is hosting this one, so I knew it would be cool. Played to more folks this night than in the last few weeks combined. Woo!

10/11/05

Locos Deli & Pub
Atlanta, GA

I
Boots of Spanish Leather*
Like A Rolling Stone
This Time

II
Althea
I Know You Rider

III
Down (Widespread Panic)
Chilly Water
I'm Fine
Dead Flowers
They Love Each Other

APL-guitar, vocals
Jason Williams-guitar, loop station, vocals (except*)

In all likelihood, the last one at Locos for a while. Recent weeks have had poor showings (of patrons and performers), but tonight set a new record. A few cats came and played, but nobody was hanging out in our room. A few folks came in and sat at the bar to smoke, but they paid us little attention.

10/4/05

Locos Deli & Pub
Atlanta, GA

I
Cover Of The Rolling Stone
Little Boxes
America
Box Of Rain

II (w/Lefty)
Montana
Wish You Were Here
Subterranean Homesick Blues
I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
Dead Flowers
Fearless
Chilly Water

Looks like this open mic is doomed. They gave 'em the 2 week notice, as there just aren't many folks coming out to play. The place was full of drinkers and smokers, but only a few players. Two more first-timers. If we could get everyone who's ever done it here to show up on the same night, it would be rockin'.

9/30/05

Bigg Daddy's American Tavern and Music Club
Helen, GA

Lefty's gig. I didn't think I'd play as much as I did, but there I go thinking. Lefty played one long set, and I was in and out, along w/a couple others.

I
Improv Song (Lefty set a loop, I played along, and he made up words)
Fearless
One More Cup of Coffee (someone requested a song from Desire, Lefty handed it over to me)
Chilly Water
Talk Dirty To Me
Simple Man (Skynyrd)
I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
Learning To Fly
Tequila Sunrise (someone requested an Eagles song, Lefty didn't have any, but I did)
Dogs (Keller Williams) > The Land Down Under > Dogs (Lefty realized last week that these two songs have the same changes, so a medley seemed the way to go)
Sweet Angeline (Fortin's request)

II
No Expectations*
Wish You Were Here*
Walking Under Ladders*

III
The Joker**

Jason Williams-vocals, guitar, bass, loop station
APL-guitar, vocals, bass on **
*w/Michael Blair- guitar
**w/Bob Fortin-vocals, guitar

9/27/05

Locos Deli & Pub
Atlanta, GA

I
Lawyers Guns and Money
Don't Bogart Me
These Days
Restless
Tangled Up In Blue
Henry (w/Lefty)

II
Too Fast For You (w/Robert Nichols)

I have a paying gig Oct. 29th! Used tonight to play some that I've never played out in preparation. Again, only a few folks hanging out (in the smoking section), and even fewer playing. Lefty did some, I did my 1st set, another group played, then Lefty again. Robert showed up, he and Lefty did a few, then Robert and I did "Too Fast".

9/21/05

Brandyhouse
Atlanta, GA

Muffin Man
Subterranean Homesick Blues

APL-bass, vocals
Jason Williams, guitar
Adam Cain, guitar
Scotty Philips, drums
Andy Hauge, conga

Finally, some folks showed up to play! Lots of good players, even some rappers who were backed up by Lefty and the house band. I brought "The Slab" in off the bench.

9/20/05

Loco's Deli & Pub
Atlanta, GA

Run For The Roses
Rocky Mountain High
Montana*
Something In The Way She Moves
Triad

*w/Jason Williams, ac. gtr., voc.

Still not much going on here. Just a few of us playing for each other. They even closed the bar down on our side. A few folks drifted in and out, as we're in the smoking section.

9/13/05

Locos Deli & Pub
Atlanta, GA

I
Subterranean Homesick Blues
I Know You Rider
All The Roads
Use Me
And She Was
Your Time Is Gonna Come
Midnight Rider*
Give Me One Reason

APL-guitar, vocals
Jason Williams-guitar, loop station, vocals
*w/Lance, vocals

II
100 Years Ago
Southern Cross

APL-harmony
Jason Williams-guitar, loop station, vocals

III
Romeo and Juliet
Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy

9/6/05

Loco's Deli and Pub
Atlanta, GA

No Expectations

APL-voc., ac. gtr.
Jason Williams-voc., ac. gtr.

Cover Of The Rolling Stone
Too Fast For You*
Wasn't Really

APL-voc., ac. gtr.
Adam Howell-bass, voc.
*w/Jason Williams-ac. gtr.

Third Week In The Chelsea

Just us and the bartenders and servers tonight. A couple other guys got up and played, but that was it. No good for the ego, but fun all the same.

8/30/05

Loco's Deli and Pub
Atlanta, GA

Pancho & Lefty
This Time*
Summer Somewhere (the song formerly known as "Blue Diamonds" now has a name! I kicked this title around for a while, and it finally fell into place)

w/Adam Howell, electric bass, vocals
*w/Jason "Lefty" Williams, acoustic slide guitar

8/24/05

Brandyhouse
Atlanta, GA

All Along The Watchtower >
Cortez The Killer >
All Along The Watchtower

APL-bass, vocals
Jason Williams-guitar
Adam Cain-guitar
Scotty Philips-drums

8/23/05

Loco's Deli & Pub
Atlanta, GA

Cover Of The Rolling Stone
Wasn't Really
Box Of Rain

What I Believe*
Montana**
Too Fast For You**
Travellin' Light***
*Jason Williams, vocals, guitar; APL, harmony (sort of!)
**APL, vocals, guitar; Jason Williams, guitar, harmony
***Jason Williams, vocals, guitar; APL, guitar

8/17/05

Brandyhouse
Atlanta, GA

Mixed Up & Confused* >
Farmer John >
Working Class Hero >
Cowboy >
Mixed Up & Confused*

APL-bass
Romin Dawson-gtr, voc
Jason Williams-gtr, voc
Scotty Phillips-drums
*Robert Nichols-gtr, voc (he and Lefty switched off during the song)

Yes, Romin and I played together. First time we'd seen each other since I left the band. Strange, yes.

Merrymaker
No Expectations

same as above, w/out Romin, plus Tripp on tabla, and Ryan on drums (no Scotty)

8/10/05

Howdy y'all.
It's now my birthday (25 again, if you're wondering).
Home from the Brandyhouse, where Lefty is now hosting a Wed. night jam.
Here's what I played on:

I'd Rather Be Blind
Katy
This Time
No Expectations

APL--bass, vocals
Lefty--gtr., vocals
Adam Cain--gtr
Scotty--drums
Trip--tabla

Weird playing a Romin song w/out Romin, but a cool song is a cool song. Lefty knows all the words (I know most of 'em). "This Time" comes home again, tho' Libby is no longer there.

8/9/05

Loco's Deli & Pub
Buckhead, Atlanta, GA

Tangled Up In Blue
Henry
Third Week In The Chelsea

Lefty's debut as Open Mic Atlanta host. I had to be there. And I went first. Not really an open mic crowd (noisy Buckhead types), but a cool place.

8/3/05

Little River Grill
Canton, GA

Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy
Desperadoes Waiting For A Train
Ripple
Wasn't Really
Romeo & Juliet

8/2/05

Brewster's Neighborhood Grill
Marietta, GA

w/Adam Howell, electric bass, vocals

Cover Of The Rolling Stone
Pancho & Lefty
Montana
Wasn't Really
True Love Will Find You In The End
Too Fast For You

7/27/05

Little River Grill
Canton, GA

Hotter than hell tonight. They had it outside for the first time (it's been crappy weather since they started it here), and wouldn't ya know, it was just gross.
Just me and Kristen again. Mike showed up as K was finishing her 2nd set, and I'd already decided to go. Actually, some kids got up and sang "Happy Birthday" to their grandfather. Cool!

The setlist:
Pancho & Lefty
Too Fast For You
The One--blew the dust off this one to see how it stood the test of time. I was a wide-eyed, precocious Lit major at GSU when I wrote this one. Am now doing it w/out the middle part. Need a band to play it for that long.
Wasn't Really--the 1st performance! Just finished this one last week. Rehearsed it w/Adam yesterday. Gonna be a good one.
Something In The Way She Moves--went w/no lyric sheet tonight. Flawless until I realized it, then clammed a beat.
Third Week In The Chelsea--was going to do "Henry", but the folks w/the kids were there, and I decided that a song about a pot smuggler just wouldn't have been right.

Wasn’t Really (A.P. Lester)

Looking back on Vicksburg
Mississippi, say goodbye
Oxford’s just a dream I had
Everybody wants to fly

Somewhere on a windy highway
You blow through my mind
Nowhere is a long, long way
I know we’re right on time

Old as the river
A steady rolling scene
Wasn’t really nothing
Wasn’t just a dream

All along this dark path
Signal fires to lead me home
Among the raving thousand
One man, but not alone

Your kiss is strong and certain
I live for just one more
Your hands are made of music
A song, waiting to be born

What now, inspiration?
Hazy as it seems
Wasn’t really nothing
Wasn’t just a dream

The road goes on forever. Excelsior!

7/19/05

At long last! Adam Howell and I got our act together, and got to play out. Back to Brewster's. John Gardner is now the host. Where this guy finds time to do anything else but host open mics is beyond me. Here's what we did:

True Love Will Find You In The End
Magnolia
Too Fast For You
Pancho & Lefty

A drummer named Stefan joined us. He sat in w/everyone tonight. Brought a great vibe to the whole thing.
Not that the vibe needed any help. Adam is a great guy, and a great bass player. We ran through the stuff in my living room prior to heading to the bar, and he'd actually practiced the songs. A true pro. More to come from our partnership. Guess this was my first real performance as a bandleader. Pretty cool.
Peace y'all!

7/18/2005

M'Vorneen's Irish Pub
Cartersville, GA

Cover Of The Rolling Stone
Third Week In The Chelsea
Romeo and Juliet
Capt. Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy
Too Fast For You
Box Of Rain

Got to play all I wanted, as it was just me and the host. Cool place, a bunch of locals. More folks came in after I was done (ain't that how it goes?). The bar is in the basement level of the same building that used to house Shakedown Street, where Earhorn played a couple of times. More to come this week! Slainte!

7/13/05

Little River Grill, Canton, GA

24 Hours At A Time
"Blue Diamonds" (Summer Somewhere) --still waiting for the title to show itself. Will keep playing till it does.
Tangled Up In Blue--the servers made a couple of requests during Kristen's opening set; I requested "Just Like A Woman" for her next set; did this one for conceptual continuity.
Something In The Way She Moves--almost got it right. Been workin' on it for a week or so. Lyric sheets are a distraction. Will have it from memory soonly.
Box of Rain--always with a message of peace, love, and hope.

Only a few of us tonight. Still a new thing. Some of the Brewster's folks have found this place.

7/6/05

Little River Grill
Canton, GA

Third Week In The Chelsea
Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy
Cover of the Rolling Stone
Romeo & Juliet

Nothing new tonight, other than the locale. The first night for this place. Kristen is a great host, who sounds like Stevie Nicks (she knows this, and does some Mac tunes).
The train keeps a-rollin' y'all.