November 2016

Question: If a song is sung in the forest, with no one  there to here it, does it really make a sound?  

Apparently it, does.

That is exactly what we put to the test on Friday night, as the Bob and Carl show kicked off at 8:00.

As we were about to assemble on the stage downstairs to begin our night at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in Mount Clemens, the last two tables finished their drinks and headed home for the night.

As a musician, nothing is tougher than to begin a set singing to an empty venue.  That being said, it is also very gratifying to notice that when we were done, the place was full and vibrant once again.

Right after having a conversation with the bartender, who asked me where all of our fans were, several tables of them came and and saved the night.

We understand all too well that on a night where people have been going none-stop for about a week, (and to top that off, were probably up at the crack of dawn to snag any saving they could this holiday season), it was understandable that the night could have been very slow.

Having fans come in to hear us means so much that it is hard to express.  I do know that both Carl and I did all we could to make certain that they knew how much their patronage was valued.  And it certainly was!

We had fun.  Pretty much when people come in with request after request, throughout the entire evening, we have fun.  We love the challenge of playing each and every song that comes our way.

If we know it or not.

If we have never played it before or not.  Sometimes when we’re in the zone; it doesn’t even matter.

So after doing our very best to entertain everyone, it was time to venture upstairs and catch the band that was playing on the second floor.

During our first set, Heather, the lead singer from the band stopped by to chat with us.  She used to play with a band called The Banshees, who played here a while back.  Her new band was now called Enjoy Now.

They had a great sound, a good beat and most of all a great attitude.  While their crowd was small, they were listening intently, and had nothing but good things to say about the sound.

Always fun to listen to other bands and see how they respond to the venue.  One of the great parts of being in this business is to be able to listen to many talented musicians.  its an honor to be a part of it, sometimes.

The rest of the night rushed past, as we met more people coming and going.  It was just that type of day.  It was a day that had everyone thinking about Christmas and trying to be one step ahead of the holiday rush.

It was our job to try and get everyone to relax.  Hopefully we connected some of the tired people with their favorite songs.  Our way of validating what we do.  Making certain that if there is someone listening, we will surly give them something to listen to.

Rb

 

 

 

 

 

enjoy now

It’s been a couple weeks since we played on the eleventh of November, at The Three Blind Mice Irish Pub.  As I pause to look back, nothing particular stands out to set that night apart from many others at The Mice.  Two weeks later, this is what I take away from that evening . . .

People came, people went.  They ate, they drank, they listened, they smiled and laughed.  They told stories and bragged with their friends.  They dreamed and spoke and sang and enjoyed.  They listened, they critiqued, they doubted and complained.

Mostly though, people came to the Three blind Mice to do what people enjoy doing: just being people.

After all, the human condition is pretty much our stock and trade.  If it weren’t for people being gregarious, there would be no reason to gather together at all.

Though I can say without a doubt, people like being alone from time to time, they also enjoy being with other people to share their thoughts feelings, hopes and dreams.

I’ve found that folks simply enjoy sharing their life experiences with other people.  Doesn’t matter where really: In movie theaters; in stadiums, or halls.  In  public places or places of worship.

I have also observed that people enjoy relaxing and unwinding just as much in a group, as they do in private.  There is something about the commonality of the shared experience, that allows them to dissipate their pent-up feelings and frustrations.

We see all of that and more on display most nights that we entertain.  You don’t have to look far, or listen too intently to realize how much music can influence the entire formula.

Carl and I can truly set the mood by simply selecting certain songs or even certain types of songs.  Music has that ability.

In looking back at that night, last November, nothing really jumps out at me.  That, more than anything is why I didn’t write it up immediately.  The night, as I recall came and went without any cataclysmic event at all.

But, I remember the people.  How they interacted with us.  How they said kind things.  How they appreciated the music.  How they thanked us for how hard we work to entertain them.

I do remember the people that night.  And, hopefully, they remember us.  I hope that we made a difference in someone’s evening.  That is the highest compliment that we can ever hope for.  That’s why we play music, really.  To add something to everyone’s life.  Something hopefully good.

We try.  We don’t always hit the mark; but, we try.  And, we will keep trying.  We will keep learning and listening, and sharing and laughing.

That night like so many others, the people made it for us.  I look at these pictures and remember the requests, the happy faces and most of all the sharing of treasured music.  Music that means so much to so many people; and the joy of making it.

We enjoy playing at the Mice.  It is by now, a living breathing organism to us.  It has a past, a present and a bright future.

I guess we must be doing something right; because when we pause to look back  . . .  we can smile with pride.

Music is the reason.
We are the instrument.

Something worth remembering.

Rb