"............I Do."
What a long week. We had 5 out of 6 days that included a gig, rehearsal or some other stretch of our musical muscles.We played our acoustic show and it proved to be a nice change of pace for us as a band. The Carolyn gig at Dans was a blast. Her fans enjoyed us and our people had a great time.
I want to save most of my time for Tyson's and Jessica's big day. November 28, 2009.
It started around noon for the band. Tyson was out of pocket all weekend with Wedding responsibilities but that didn't mean he wouldn't micromanage us via text. You may laugh, but it is so very necessary when a jack ass like me is running things in his absence.
I picked up Phyve at roughly 1pm and headed to the St. Regis. We set up our gear and then headed over to the courtyard at St. James. This is where the actual wedding took place. Phyve and I were part of the wedding. We were on a balcony set up to do an acoustic version of Al Green's "Lets Stay Together". (not "Lets get it On" By Marvin Gaye as my previous email was wrong. That is what I get for trying to handle things while still asleep.). This is where Phyve starting in with his own version of BrideZilla. "I think the mic should be here, I want the spot light on me, we should be up on that balcony, are you sure this is going to sound good?".
I say all of this with a laugh because he isn't a Prima Donna, as it may appear. He has one of the best senses of humor I have ever known. So, I fall in line and we become two "artists" sitting on a balcony playing a wedding, singing a cover song. All things that we have vowed never to do in the past. But, this is for Tyson and Jessica, we might as well run with it!
This quickly turned into a decision to become a wedding band, just the two of us. We will be working on a CD of Wedding Songs. Phyve also said this, "No Marc, you don't need to play acoustic at every show, I will just do them without you". Wow, thanks buddy. ha-ha.
Since we have only played a small handful of weddings our CD will have the following tracks. "Lets Stay Together."
Huh? How is this possible? We are a jam band my friends, we do it this way.
1. Lets Stay Together, A Capella
2. Lets Stay Together, Instrumental
3. Lets Stay Together, the extended version
4. Lets Stay Together, the short version
5. Lets Stay Together, the how much longer can this stupid joke continue?, version.
Needless to say, there will be no wedding CD.
We perform in the wedding and it works out wonderfully. Everyone says "You have the voice of an angel". I felt bad for Phyve because, my voice has a tendency to remind one of angels and I assumed that was meant for me. Apparently, I am the ONLY one who loves my singing.
Back to the St. Regis for soundcheck. This is at 8pm. Then its over at 8:15pm. This is when we typically get ourselves into trouble. Four hours of downtime before the gig and NOTHING to do.
I will leave that section of time to your imaginations.
By Midnight we were supposed to play. The crowd didnt show up until 1230 or so. The "open bar" was set up and as Phyve and Marty tried to get drinks, the waiters/waitresses became more and more rude to them. Apparently, they thought we were "the help" just trying to eat and drink for free. It was actually pretty funny and we started our set as soon as Tyson and Jessica arrived.
We played "Lets Stay Together" as an electric outfit while they danced to it solo. Immediately following we had a nice surprise for them.
Phyve had an idea for them to sing a song. I gave a very short speech welcoming Jessica to our family of dysfunction and handed them pieces of paper. They contained the lyrics to Sonny and Cher's "I Got You Babe" with the lines separated for each of them to sing. Funny stuff.
From there it was upbeat and dancing all night long. I got home 4am and we ended our long week of music. It was a blast.
See you all soon,
Marc Reczek
Guitar
posted by LBP Blog @ 10:20 AM
