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.

6/29/05

Jake's Toadhouse, Decatur, GA

Again, mellow, organic evening. Here's what I was involved in:

Fingerprint File*
I'd Rather Be Blind*
Ain't Wastin' Time No More**
A Month Of Sundays***

*APL, bass, vocals; Jason Williams, guitar, vocals; Robert Nichols, keyboards, vocals; Terry (same cat from last week), slide guitar; Scotty, drums
**add Jim on fiddle
***APL, backing vocals; Tony Scott, bass

I'm sure more could come of this. Maybe it will.

6/22/05

Awright.
Just home from La Casa del Sapo (Jake's Toadhouse). Open mic hosted by Lefty. 'Twas a good night of mellow, organic "jamming" (some free-form, and some impromptu groups workin' their way through songs). Here's what I played on:

100 Years Ago*--one of my favorite covers from my Riders days. Always loved to rip it to shreds with Rick and Preston.
Cover Of The Rolling Stone**--Sorry y'all. I know this one like the back of my hand, but wasn't enough of a bandleader to get through this one. D'oh!
This Time**--more of my slow truck-drivin' songs, not performed by the Riders in forever.
Don't Do It*--Robert just sings his ass off on this one. We even get through the transitions without falling apart.
Subterranean Homesick Blues*--I remember all the words, but flub half a line. Rippin'.
They Love Each Other*--Lefty sings his ass off this time. We all have slightly different arrangements in our heads, but get through alright.

Personnel:
*APL-bass, vocals; Jason Williams-electric guitar, vocals; Robert Nichols-pianet, vocals; Steve Saunders-drums; Terry (what's his last name?)-slide guitar.
**APL-acoustic guitar, vocals; Jason Williams-electric guitar, vocals; Robert Nichols-Pianet, vocals; Steve Saunders-drums; Tony Scott-bass.

In search of love and music
My whole life has been
Illumination
Corruption
And diving diving diving diving
Diving down to pick up on every shiny thing
Just like that black crow flying
In a blue sky

Here's the whole text of that song:
http://www.jmdl.com/lyrics/song.cfm?id=BlackCrow

Yup. Pretty cool night.
Rah-hoo!

6/15/05 (now)

Hey y'all. Just home from open mic at Jake's Toadhouse, hosted by Lefty. Robert Nichols showed up, along w/Tony (my replacement in the Riders), and Steve Saunders (a former Rider). Interesting.

Third Week In The Chelsea
Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy
Romeo & Juliet
Montana*
Too Fast For You*

*w/Lefty (mandolin [Montana], electric guitar [Too Fast For You], vocals), and Robert (electric guitar, vocals)

A real thrill playing w/those guys again. Something I've been waiting for since 3/17 (the night Lefty and I had our conversation about leaving the band). Will do more fer sure. Peace!

6/7/05

One more time at Brewsters. Turns out Darrin and Tim are packing it in after tonight. Big bummer. The crowd turned sour on 'em, and it wasn't as fun anymore (I know where they're coming from).
Tonight was a round of Open Mic Atlanta's songwriter competition. I, in my non-competitive way, entered "Too Fast For You". Got a $25 gift certificate to Brewsters out of it (a random drawing, not because of my songwriting prowess). Also did Marshall Tucker's "24 Hours At A Time", in my tradition of doing something new every week. And that song pretty much sums up where I am right now, along w/"Too Fast". Heading for Bonnaroo this weekend for a shitload of killer music. Awright. The open mic adventure will probably head to Jake's next week, as Lefty is hosting one starting tonight. Gotta get back to playing w/that guy.
See ya!

5/31/05

Brewsters Neighborhood Grille

True Love Will Find You In The End
Too Fast For You
Run For The Roses

A real thrill tonight, as Darrin and Tim celebrate their 2-year anniversary as open mic hosts at Brewsters. The joint was jumpin'. Packed before anyone started playing. The real thrill for me was that the person who inspired "Too Fast For You" was in the audience tonight. I don't know for sure if she knows (or thinks) this song is about her, but we shall see. I was definitely giddy while playing it, and clammed a few times for good measure. Hee-hee!

5/24&26/05 (after the fact)

5/24/05
Brewsters
Marietta, GA

Cover Of The Rolling Stone
Poncho and Lefty
Tangled Up In Blue

Determined to repeat as few songs as possible. These guys are great, and create a mellow vibe. Heard some singing along during "Cover". Love that response.
Huzzah!

5/26/05--More with Adam Howell. This guy is great. Picks up on songs, and adds his vibe to 'em. Definitely kept me from flying off with the tempo. Thusly, with the tempo more solid, I can stretch the vocal phrases out like I like to. Excelsior!

5/19/05

Worked with Adam Howell again. Looks like we're narrowing down a few songs to do at open mic in a few weeks. Will see if I can draft anyone else. A cool mellow vibe fer sure.

5/17/05

Brewsters again. Cool place, cool people. Their limits are tested tonight. "King David" (noisy guitar-bass/drums duo) pushes the volume envelope even after being asked to abide by it, and is cut off. He throws his guitar down (ooooo!) and proclaims that "[he] will never play here again". I don't think anyone cared. I recognized two of the three songs from last week anyway.
My setlist:
Romeo & Juliet--got it right after last week's brutal reading. No cheat sheets at all this week.
Untitled ("Blue Diamonds")--keeping this one under my fingers in case I can find a band to do it how I want it done. Now I have a recording!
Mad Mission-a Patty Griffin song that I play w/no capo (she capos at the 7th fret). No way I'll ever be able to do it like she does, but she'll never be able to do it in my range either.
Bigger crowd tonight. Only got 15 minutes. But it's 10:30, and I've been home for 45 minutes. Get me out of the friggin' bar.
Awright. Stay tuned!

5/10/05

Brewsters Neighborhood Grille, Marietta, GA

I get to go first again, just the way I like it. They have brought drums this time (a couple guys after me use 'em). It's pretty low key, but I think I'm just early, because more folks show up after I'm done playing.
The setlist:
Magnolia--a J.J. Cale song I've been doing for a while. J.J. does it even more laid-back than I do, which makes me wonder how he remains upright.
Romeo & Juliet--my apologies to Mark Knopfler for tonight's "performance". Butchered the chorus everytime. I've practiced it several times already since. Must get it w/out cheat sheet.
Montana--went for the recording tonight. Not much to this one, but now have a recording to pass around to collaborators.
Triad--wasn't going to do it tonight, but what the hell. Actually turned out better than any of the other songs tonight. There is hope. Now if I could only sing it more like David Crosby or Grace Slick...
Sloppy performance tonight, but less practice leading up to it (coincidence? I think not). Mainly to stay in shape, and keep those guys familiar with my face. Going back next week. Will try to draft an audience. Stay tuned!

5/4&5/05 (after the fact)

A few days late, but here goes:
Wed. 5/4/05--jammed with Muggs (a Bella's bartender) on guitar and Rob on drums, at Sav's place in Smyrna. A dumpy outbuilding behind Sav's house. Smelled like a band's room fer sure (nag champa, etc.). Muggs and I got there first, and jammed on some Zeppelin tunes. He really has a great voice. My first contact with the bass since Remerton in March. Once Rob got there, we ran through the Zep tunes again, and did some bluesy, psychedelic freakout stuff. Good clean fun.
Thurs. 5/5/05--"observed" cinco de mayo by taking the Gibson over to Adam Howell's house (Adam was the original bassist in Drive-by Truckers, and is a cook at Bella's) for some wooden music. Adam played electric bass this day, but plans on getting his upright repaired. Ran through about ten songs in my repertoire, and killed a few PBR's as well.
A great week for me and music. Full and satisfying. I am on the path again.

5/3/05--awright, awright, awright...

Brewster's Neighborhood Grill, Marietta, GA
Finally, a bar! If not for the somewhat modern shopping center, this could be any ol' local watering hole. Got a big pile of meat loaf w/smashed taters and mac 'n' cheese (my traditional pre-show meal), and got my groove on. Got to be first tonight. I like that, so I won't have to sit around and wait to play and get horribly drunk and play like ass on a stick.
The set:
Third Week In The Chelsea
Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy
Too Fast For You
Box Of Rain
Nothing new tonight, other than the locale. They record you, and give you a CD on the spot (awright!). And it's close. A few more times, and I'll have the whole repertoire recorded (for better or worse!).
Peace!

The Tour...

Hey y'all.
Just got in from open mic #3 in the current campaign.
Again, at Buffalo Wild Wings in Kennesaw.
They had a special on big-ass Sam Adams, so I had two (one before playing, one after). Jeez!
Awright, the set:
Box Of Rain--been reading Phil Lesh's book. It came w/a CD of GD "rarities" (mainly "Cardboard Cowboy" from '66). The others are readily available via trade or download. Each song is preceded by comment from Phil. The last track is "Box of Rain" from Soldier Field '95 (the last song of the encore of the final show). Jerry had done "Black Muddy River" (a sad, sad song), and Phil wanted to bring some hope to end of the "tour from hell". I've been doing this song off and on for a while, and am bringing it back for the band I haven't put together yet.
Anything At All--An Earhorn song, not performed since '03 sometime. It really needs the strings, but it's in my key for good singin', so...
Montana--1st public performance of this one. Tried to bring it into the Riders, but the group had yet to get to the stage where we could pull off slow ones (which is why "This Time" took a back seat), so it rode the pine till tonight.
Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy--I love it when piano guys write a song in a guitar key. This is an Elton John/Bernie Taupin song (another about the perils and pratfalls of the music business--"weak-winged young sparrows that starve in the winter...broken young children on the wheels of the winners"), and I decided to go for it tonight.
Am congested like a mad bastard from the pollen, so I sound like Dylan from "Nashville Skyline", but had to get out and play some more. Am close to putting a band together for a show of folky stuff. Bringing it all back home for a while. Awright, awright, awright.

Omphaloskepsis

Note! There is nudity (gasp!) if you follow this link. No porn, just flesh. You have been warned!
Omphaloskepsis

Came across "omphaloskepsis" while reading Phil Lesh's book. I think we've all engaged in it from time to time.

4/21/05--The Grand Open Mic Tour!

2nd open mic in two nights. Buffalo Wild Wings in Kennesaw. Had to get a couple under my belt. Haven't been behind a P.A. in a month, so 'twas time.
An 11-year old girl got up w/the host and sang "Whiskey Lullaby" by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss. Gutsy. A family place, not a "bar", and her folks were there, so it was cool.
The setlist:
Third Week In The Chelsea--a guy who knows Rick Welsh from a message board came up to me after I played. He does "Genesis". Nice to know people are out there who know these songs.
Too Fast For You
True Love Will Find You In The End
Untitled ("Blue Diamonds") ("Summer Somewhere" --ed.6/15/08)--Found myself w/time for one more, so here goes.
Nice comments from a few people.
More to come!

The spoils of rock stardom! Always liked this picture. Backstage at Smith's Olde Bar, Atlanta, GA. Not nearly as squalid as it appears here, and definitely nicer than many around the Southeast. I just love the crap on the floor all around me. Opposite this angle is the "Wall of Poop", where band names are altered by using the word "poop" ("Poop Jam", "Gladys Knight and the Poops", etc.). Excelsior!

4/20/05--1st "real" post...

A friend brought up that 420 is a term of "the man". How revolutionary is that? Guess I'll think on that a bit.
10:15 p.m.--Just got in from playing my first post-Riders open mic. Bogey's in Duluth. Open Mic Atlanta lists it as Bogey's Neighborhood Grill and Bar, but their sign says Bogey's Sports Bar and Grill. Probably wouldn't have gone if I'd known that. The host was playing when I got there. I was the only other music person there. Otherwise, there were about 20 folks at the bar, bathing in the light of about 5000 TV's. Almost all of them had a different baseball game (almost heaven). But a sports bar just the same. Nobody paying attention to the music. Worth a shot. At least got the first one under my belt.
The setlist:
Third Week In The Chelsea--planned this one for weeks as the opener. How much of a badass is Jorma Kaukonen, getting the band to record his letter of resignation?
True Love Will Find You In The End--bought the Beck recording from iTunes. Simple tune. Look up Daniel Johnston, and learn more about this guy. Great songs.
Too Fast For You--I reclaim my original arrangement. Still must find another person to do this with me. More to this song than that one guitar part.
So I did it. Hooray for me.

Day One: Is This Thing On?

provando, provando...

Howdy y'all.
Nothing here yet, just falling in line w/the blog thing, so's I can post some adventures.
Huzzah!
Peace,
Andy