We were trying to put shows together and this is one we struggled with. On paper, it was an odd match: our little indie rock trio with a Neil Young tribute band (Shakey) and an old jangle guitar pop band (Chimestone) in a dive bar that bills itself as the bar "where your dad used to drink." In reality, it seemed to work out ok, despite some techinicial issues at the jump.
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| It's Darrell's. A billiards room with one table. |
Load in was at 7 so, like a good little soldier, I showed up at 7 and loaded in. I brought my gold L1K, my Orange Terror Bass and Avatar 212. The plan was to let everyone use my rig, which would make it easy enough for everyone. Cass also was sharing his drums but the drummer for Chimestone is a little particular about wanting to use his own kit but also not allowing anyone else to use it. So there's that. Needless to say, a little weird, but what are you going to do?
Despite us showing up when we were supposed to, there was no sign of the sound guy. Around 8 or so, when we were supposed to start, Robb asked the bartender where the sound guy was. She told him, "he'll show up when he shows up. No worries," or something to that effect. Again, what are you gonna do?
People started showing up for the night. Kathy Moore was part of Shakey, as was Gary Westlake. Andy Stoller (gulp) was on bass, simply showing up with his Fender Jazz an iPad and a music stand. Shakey was there to do Neil Young covers, which I didn't think would be my thing, but after watching them, I could get into it. More on that to come.
The Chimestone boys showed up as well. Jonathan Plum from London Bridge plays guitar in that band and it's made up of a bunch of NHS graduates. Brothers Ted and Eric on bass and guitar, respectively, Jake on vocals and Paul on drums. I don't know if Paul went to NHS or not, but they've been around for many years, since high school, I think.
Anyway, the sound guy finally showed up close to 9pm and started setting up. I'm thinking he'd hurry since he was so late, but he didn't seem to care. He started by putting mics on all the drums, including an overhead. This room didn't need it, as it was not that big and wouldn't need much more than a kick drum mic. But then, I am no sound guy, so there's that.
So he took his time and finally, around 9:30 (like the old days), Shakey took the stage and I was pleasantly surprised. I already know first-hand that Kathy is an incredible musician and guitarist. I was so happy to see her and be a fan this time around. Hearing her with Gary, Andy and Luka was really great. Andy is the pro's pro, just so smooth and relaxed on his bass. He just plugged in and played. He really played some tasty lines and leaned into the low D by using his Hipshot X-tender. Was cool to see and hear. His bass sounded great on my rig and he was just the best.
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| Andy, Gary, Kathy and Luca on the drums |
We took the stage next and got to work. The stage is weird at Darrell's. It's long and narrow, so we had Cass in the corner, my bass cab to his right, me standing in front of him, with Robb and his gear to my left. Robb's amp was SUPER LOUD and I tried to compensate by also turning up. Trouble was, I am simply not used to hearing my 212 and Orange and I couldn't find a good sound for my ears on stage. I kept fiddling, but I just dealt with it.
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| Weird stage |
Luckily, I could hear my vocals pretty well and had a good time singing and playing the tunes. We had a nice turnout, but truthfully, most everyone was there to see Chimestone, or they were regulars at Darrell's. We got some really nice reactions from people there and overall played a pretty good show. Devin shot a show video and I'll take a look and assess later.
Chimestone did their thing and they are really good at it: 90s-tinged jangly guitar pop. They brought a bunch of fans and everyone there really liked them. Jonathan was great and energetic. Jake has this Liam Gallagher (Oasis) thing going on; he closed his eyes most of the time and kept his hands in his pockets. Totally on brand for 90s-tinged jangly guitar pop!
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| Chimestone boys |
Had a good time hanging with the band and some friends that showed up. We always enjoy playing out, and Darrell's is cool enough, but we're hoping to step it up with some different venues and different bands.
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| Artwork by @drawitinone on IG |
Next up: Sunset Grooves at the Bite of Broadview.
