Matt & Mickey's Big Gig
/My friend Mickey Weber and I played our first live gig last week.
It's the first of what I'm sure will be a long and profitable musical career. I've already quit my day job as an attorney. Next week I'm going to cash in my retirement account to buy equipment and cool clothes. Considering it an smart investment - betting on myself.
No, we did not make any money. No, the offers I expected have not come streaming in. No, the record labels have not called. But we have faith.
“I always knew that we would make it to the big time. ”
Mickey is the true talent of the duo. He has a great sense of rhythm. He can remember the words to every song he's ever heard. And, he is natural showman. My contribution is a methodical, plodding work ethic that channels his natural abilities and holds him back to a level where I can actually play with him.
Our setlist and album notes:
- Getting Ready to Get Down, by Josh Ritter - a great song to get people's feet moving. But lots of lyrics. My solo sucked. Hands were still frozen.
- Hotel California, by The Eagles - we thought this was too ambitious, but it actually came across pretty well.
- Pride and Joy, by Stevie Ray Vaughn - Had to throw a blues song in there. We had only actually played this one through together once or twice. Looking forward to working on it.
- California Stars, by Wilco - Personally, I think our version is very true to the original. I contributed with slide guitar and was pleased. Our timing got a little off.
- Sedona, by Houndmouth - We've played this many times, but never with the introduction. A good song to end up strong on. Mickey's lyrics are exuberant and powerful.
I learned a few things. You have to play songs that you have some sort of emotional connection with. Your hands are going to be nervous and sweaty, especially on lead parts. When in doubt or nervous, let your voice free and use all of that tension. Breathe.
Most of all, have fun. Life is short - play music.
