Joining a new band...

[G.I.Jim]

Well, I guess I should say new band for me. They've been together for years. I was approached by a drummer that I met many years ago from an 80's project I was trying to help put together. It never got anywhere. Anyway, he looked me up on Facebook and asked if I'd be interested in helping his band out with some gigs. Their keyboardist can't ever gig and they have to turn down shows all the time. They're booked for the 14th of July and he just backed out.

Long story short... I have to learn 35 or so cover songs in 2 1/2 weeks!!! I'm a little nervous to say the least! Lol!! I haven't been on stage in nearly 4 years and I'm a little rusty. I don't see how I'm going to pull it off, but I'm going to give it my all.

They're a cool cover band and play everything from K.C. and The Sunshine Band to Kelly Clarkson. They do TONS of variety. Eddie Money, Pat Benetar, Faith Hll, Rick James, The Motels, Janet Jackson, etc... They're a 6 piece band with both a male and female lead singer. Very different from what I've done, but they're a great band with a big following. They've been approached by East Coast Entertainment to sign as a party/wedding band for big $ but haven't yet because of their keyboardist. Might be cool!!

Well, enough of my blabbing. Back to work!

[steveo777]

Cold Hearts ?
Jim, I think you really had some great stuff coming along on your last venture. I hope all was not lost.

Sincerely, I wish you the best with this! It takes courage to get up, yet again. You just can't hold a good man or his talent down.

Steve

[Rick]

You go boyeee! I hope there is some video of you playing when it all gets under way. Keep us updated on how things are progressing. You've got too much talent not to be doing something with it, and I know you have tried and tried, but just keep at it.

[G.I.Jim]

Thanks guys! I really appreciate it. I have all but given up on Cold Heart. I've told Alex we'll work at his pace and I'm not stressing about it anymore. I'm done. When he wants to get off his ass, the album will get done. My keyboards were recorded over 4 years ago. The drums were recorded (at my expense) over 3 years ago. I've stressed about that project for long enough. I still think the world of Alex, but I'm moving on.

I don't even want to THINK about recording this first show Rick! Give me a few more weeks though and I'll post some for sure.

I've been asked by several bands over the last few years to play but none of them really interested me or seemed like a good fit. This one seems like it's going to be great, and I'm the youngest guy in the band! Lol!!

[Rick]

Thanks guys! I really appreciate it. I have all but given up on Cold Heart. I've told Alex we'll work at his pace and I'm not stressing about it anymore. I'm done. When he wants to get off his ass, the album will get done. My keyboards were recorded over 4 years ago. The drums were recorded (at my expense) over 3 years ago. I've stressed about that project for long enough. I still think the world of Alex, but I'm moving on.

I don't even want to THINK about recording this first show Rick! Give me a few more weeks though and I'll post some for sure.

I've been asked by several bands over the last few years to play but none of them really interested me or seemed like a good fit. This one seems like it's going to be great, and I'm the youngest guy in the band! Lol!!

Sounds good, mister. I'm really glad you're getting back out there.

[G.I.Jim]

Here's a couple of songs from the bands male singer's upcoming album. They're pretty damn cool! He's singing with Stardogs as a separate project. I used to play with the bass player from this project. I think these two songs sound great!


http://www.reverbnation.com/stardog/songs

[G.I.Jim]

Here's a couple of songs from the bands male singer's upcoming album. They're pretty damn cool! He's singing with Stardogs as a separate project. I used to play with the bass player from this project. I think these two songs sound great!


http://www.reverbnation.com/stardog/songs

I LOVE the chorus on Black mountain Rain!!!

[annie89509]

Good luck to you with your new project, Jim. Keep us updated.

[JRNYMAN]

Hey Brosef, if anyone can pull it off you can. Sure you're nervous, that's what keeps you humble and human. If you weren't and got up on stage with a cocky attitude, you'd probably fall on your face. But you know how it is when you get the first couple of tunes under your belt... it's like riding a bike. And the better and larger the band, the better it feels to be there and the better it sounds.
I had an almost exact situation many years ago when I lived in Reno. I auditioned for and got the gig playing boards for a band called Replica. They were an 11 piece act complete with horn section and male and female singers. They had been together for a long, long time and their hook was, every song they played sounded EXACTLY like the original performer, thus the name Replica. If that wasn't intimidating to walk into I don't know what is! You're a pro Jim - you'll do great!
Are you singing backup vox too?

[Michigan Girl]

I knew you'd find a new band soon, Steve Winwood ...you're just too great!!

Congrats, Jimbo!!

[Everett]

When all else fails bud you can join my reo tribute band with one other member.....
me

Hope this works out for you man.

[G.I.Jim]

Thanks everyone. It feels weird to have all of my stuff set up again. My second keyboard (Roland Juno GI) hasn't been out of the top of my closet in probably a year and a half or more. Slowly getting to it...

[Rick]

Thanks everyone. It feels weird to have all of my stuff set up again. My second keyboard (Roland Juno GI) hasn't been out of the top of my closet in probably a year and a half or more. Slowly getting to it...

You better hurry the hell up! You only have two weeks.

[steveo777]

Jim, what is your typical "recharge" cycle after you, ehem, you know....... 2-3 years? Blow that fucking wad boy!!!

[G.I.Jim]

Jim, what is your typical "recharge" cycle after you, ehem, you know....... 2-3 years? Blow that fucking wad boy!!!

Lol!!! No comment. I am tired as hell tonight. I've been programming my keyboards and working on songs for 12 hours today. This is going to kick my ASS!! I've got about 45-50 songs I've got to learn in 8 days. Kinda freaking out right now They may only get 2 sets worth of songs from me for this first show. My head is going to blow UP! I have to say though... I have the sounds perfect for the songs. I'm really looking forward to getting back out there.

I sampled the entire minute long intro for "Fantasy" today which I think will go over big. Should sound awesome when the band kicks in! You guys wouldn't believe the variety we're doing...

Robert Palmer, Loverboy. Faith Hill, Rhianna, Rick James, The Fixx, Pink Floyd, Pat Benetar, Tom Petty, April Wine, GNR, Foreigner, Donna Summer, Bon Jovi, Janet Jackson, Journey, Van Morrison, Gyote, Stevie Wonder, Lady Antabellum, Motels, Ohio Players, Kool and the Gang, Bonnie Raitt, Kelly Clarkson, Eddie Money... DANG!!

[G.I.Jim]

Thanks everyone. It feels weird to have all of my stuff set up again. My second keyboard (Roland Juno GI) hasn't been out of the top of my closet in probably a year and a half or more. Slowly getting to it...

You better hurry the hell up! You only have two weeks.

Lol!! Smart ass!

[JRNYMAN]

You guys wouldn't believe the variety we're doing...
Robert Palmer, Loverboy. Faith Hill, Rhianna, Rick James, The Fixx, Pink Floyd, Pat Benetar, Tom Petty, April Wine, GNR, Foreigner, Donna Summer, Bon Jovi, Janet Jackson, Journey, Van Morrison, Gyote, Stevie Wonder, Lady Antabellum, Motels, Ohio Players, Kool and the Gang, Bonnie Raitt, Kelly Clarkson, Eddie Money... DANG!!

When the spectrum runs from Ohio Player to Floyd..., well, let's just say it's a "versatile" set list. HolyShit! But on the bright side, getting that kind of a repertoire under your belt assures the next gig after this one will be organist for whatever big sports venue is closest to you.

[G.I.Jim]

You guys wouldn't believe the variety we're doing...
Robert Palmer, Loverboy. Faith Hill, Rhianna, Rick James, The Fixx, Pink Floyd, Pat Benetar, Tom Petty, April Wine, GNR, Foreigner, Donna Summer, Bon Jovi, Janet Jackson, Journey, Van Morrison, Gyote, Stevie Wonder, Lady Antabellum, Motels, Ohio Players, Kool and the Gang, Bonnie Raitt, Kelly Clarkson, Eddie Money... DANG!!

When the spectrum runs from Ohio Player to Floyd..., well, let's just say it's a "versatile" set list. HolyShit! But on the bright side, getting that kind of a repertoire under your belt assures the next gig after this one will be organist for whatever big sports venue is closest to you.

Are you saying you want to see my organ?

[Babyblue]

Jim, that is great I am thrilled for you. Hope we get to see video of the shows???

[Rick]

Are you gettin yer songs lernt?

[JRNYMAN]

Are you saying you want to see my organ?

Nah... you can keep your big ol' Hammond in your pants.
"Hammond B3 and his Rotating Leslies"... Sounds like the title to a porn musical if I ever heard one!

[G.I.Jim]

Are you gettin yer songs lernt?

Yeah... still slowly. I've got through about half of it so far. Some of the songs are just very technical ("Can't Make You Love Me") and it's just taking a lot of time to learn them. "Higher Ground" from Stevie Wonder is a bitch to learn too! I'm getting them down though.

[G.I.Jim]

Are you saying you want to see my organ?

Nah... you can keep your big ol' Hammond in your pants.
"Hammond B3 and his Rotating Leslies"... Sounds like the title to a porn musical if I ever heard one!

[Rick]

Are you gettin yer songs lernt?

Yeah... still slowly. I've got through about half of it so far. Some of the songs are just very technical ("Can't Make You Love Me") and it's just taking a lot of time to learn them. "Higher Ground" from Stevie Wonder is a bitch to learn too! I'm getting them down though.

My favorite Stevie Wonder song. It does sound like it would be tough to play.

[G.I.Jim]

Wow!!! Had my first rehearsal with the band tonight and it was AWESOME!!! These guys are extremely tight and professional. I think this is going to work out awesome, and everyone clicks really well. We blew through the first 30 songs tonight like a breeze and all went well. Thursday night, we're rehearsing one more time to go over the third set and getting ready for the big show this Sunday. It should be an awesome time.

After I left the rehearsal, the drummer called me and asked if I had fun. He said "I hope you make yourself at home, because you aren't going ANYWHERE!!!". Lol!!! Best time I've had in a long time and I'm glad I'm getting back into music again. I've been so frustrated with the whole Cold Heart thing over the years, and I've let it turn me against music. I hadn't really played for about 2 years until they asked me a week ago about joining this project. No more! I will have my ass out there doing what I love (and making a little money while I'm at it!).

If any of you ever get a chance to get down here, it'd be cool to see you at a show! I'll probably post a video or two after the show.

[artist4perry]

I am glad your sticking with your craft. I hope all goes well with the new band! I really appreciate that some here have the talents to sing and perform and I envy your ability to do so in front of audiences on a frequent basis. I love to sing with friends and in church but I don't get on a stage often enough to feel at ease doing that. I know it takes something very special to do that. I will stick to my singing for fun and art for my pursuits. I wish we could all get together and sing together sometime just for the fun of it, I like singing, but not the pressure of an audience. Good luck my friend please share music when you can!

[Rick]

Wow!!! Had my first rehearsal with the band tonight and it was AWESOME!!! These guys are extremely tight and professional. I think this is going to work out awesome, and everyone clicks really well. We blew through the first 30 songs tonight like a breeze and all went well. Thursday night, we're rehearsing one more time to go over the third set and getting ready for the big show this Sunday. It should be an awesome time.

After I left the rehearsal, the drummer called me and asked if I had fun. He said "I hope you make yourself at home, because you aren't going ANYWHERE!!!". Lol!!! Best time I've had in a long time and I'm glad I'm getting back into music again. I've been so frustrated with the whole Cold Heart thing over the years, and I've let it turn me against music. I hadn't really played for about 2 years until they asked me a week ago about joining this project. No more! I will have my ass out there doing what I love (and making a little money while I'm at it!).

If any of you ever get a chance to get down here, it'd be cool to see you at a show! I'll probably post a video or two after the show.

That's great news, Jim. You post a video or I'll kick your ass so hard your tailbone will leave a bruise on that back of your head.

[G.I.Jim]

Thanks Ginger! And it would be awesome for some of us to get together one of these days! Let me know if you're ever down this way and we'll try to plan something! And Rick... I think I'll post a video after the gig...

[Rick]

Thanks Ginger! And it would be awesome for some of us to get together one of these days! Let me know if you're ever down this way and we'll try to plan something! And Rick... I think I'll post a video after the gig...

God, I didn't include a wink or a laughy face or anything.

[JRNYMAN]

Wow!!! Had my first rehearsal with the band tonight and it was AWESOME!!! These guys are extremely tight and professional. I think this is going to work out awesome, and everyone clicks really well. We blew through the first 30 songs tonight like a breeze and all went well. Thursday night, we're rehearsing one more time to go over the third set and getting ready for the big show this Sunday. It should be an awesome time.

After I left the rehearsal, the drummer called me and asked if I had fun. He said "I hope you make yourself at home, because you aren't going ANYWHERE!!!". Lol!!! Best time I've had in a long time and I'm glad I'm getting back into music again. I've been so frustrated with the whole Cold Heart thing over the years, and I've let it turn me against music. I hadn't really played for about 2 years until they asked me a week ago about joining this project. No more! I will have my ass out there doing what I love (and making a little money while I'm at it!).

If any of you ever get a chance to get down here, it'd be cool to see you at a show! I'll probably post a video or two after the show.

Right on, Jim!! I literally had a smile on my face while reading your post 'cause I could feel your excitement and as a fellow (ex)- performing keyboard player, I know the personal satisfaction that exists when playing with a really tight, serious-about-what-they-do band... it's awesome! And, since I don't foresee myself playing in a group at anytime in the future, I'm going to live vicariously through you.

You may have already answered this question and if so, I missed it but, how did these guys hear about you and your abilities?

Can't wait to see some footage of you guys jamming. Do we really have to wait 'till your first gig or are you gonna maybe record some of your next rehearsal? Wink, wink... nudge, nudge...