Ah, the rare Tuesday night gig. It's been a minute since I've played an early week gig, but we went in hoping for the best. This show marked my 4th time playing with Kathy and it's been a nice little run. Though I've written about her in the past, I haven't really said anything about her.
Kathy is quite the local legend, playing in seemingly every band in town and also knowing all the musicians as well. She gigs several nights a week and teaches guitar during the day. She's a multi-instrumentalist and is always creating. I was super stoked when I got the call a few months ago. My phone rang, we chatted, and then I was like, "of all the bassists, she picked me?"
There are some hot shots in town that would certainly pick up the phone for Kathy and play, and maybe they were busy or maybe they cost too much, or, maybe she wanted to throw me a bone. Whatever the case may be, it really is a privilege to play with and for her and I am excited anytime she reaches out.
I was planning on showing up around 5:30pm for load-in, but traffic was kind of busy so I showed up around 5:50 instead. I heard Raoul (drums) and Kathy soundchecking so I hustled my stuff in, set up, and was able to get a quick soundcheck as well. I hate showing up late!
With my newly acquired Avatar 212 on stage, I was really stunned at the thick and growly sound I got. Normally, via my 212/115 setup, it's good sounding, but the 212 was a different animal. I did try to dial the volume back as we weren't expecting a ton of people, but I really liked how it sounded.
After the soundcheck, Kathy and I headed out to check out the vintage clothing shop next door. Though I couldn't tell if it was really vintage or not. Tons of "vintage" (reprinted) band t-shirts (VH, Billy Idol, Ozzy, PF, the Doors, Motley Crue, etc) but for eyewatering prices (>$50). Very stylish, too expensive, IMO.
Kathy is so dang stylish!
Walked up the block and I had a greasy burger at Great State. No picture, but it tasted dang good. Got to know Kathy a bit more as we've never really gotten a chance to chat outside of a band setting.
Back at the club, the first band, the Paula Boggs Band (only a trio this time), started 30 minutes early. It was Paula on vocals and ukelele/acoustic guitar, Darren on acoustic guitar, and Alex on upright bass. That bass sounded spectacular and Alex was a genius playing it. So beautiful.
Paula Boggs Band
PBB had a fun set, punctuated with her wry lyrics and easy going style. The gents on guitar and bass were no slouches either and I had a smile on my face the whole time.
Next up was Michelle Malone, a singer-songwriter from Atlanta. Evidently she makes her way around the country playing gigs and doing in-home private shows. Her sideman was Doug Kees and they were both excellent. Michelle was a little hoarse, having just spent a few days in the desert, which apparently really messed with her throat. Nevertheless, she put on a beautiful, emotional and funny show. She played some slide and harmonica and she was a true professional, a road warrior. Really loved how she performed.
Doug and Michelle
We were up last and there were maybe 10 or so people when we took the stage. As per usual, me, Kathy and Raoul had one rehearsal the day before so we could dust off the cobwebs. No real curveballs for this gig, other than a quick little 3 chord "gospel march" to start a little quieter. We did that, then did our rock thing.
Before my rehearsal the day before, I had found someone selling an Avatar 212 cab for the stupid low price of $100. I raced over there before practice, tested it and bought it. I dinked around with it at home in my basement and it sounded like a cab in my basement. But when I got it on stage at the club for soundcheck and then performance, well, wow. Lots of bottom, more growl than I'm accustomed to, and just thickness and a sound that is new to me. Really excited about this cabinet and can't wait to try it with my other gigs.
We played about 7-8 songs, kept it shorter since there weren't a bunch of people at the show. I shot a video but my phone was full and only got about 4 songs.
Next up: Sunset Grooves for Nordstrom's fund raiser on 9/16. 33 yacht rock songs or bust!
