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“Magic mirror won’t you tell me please
Do I find myself in anyone I see?
Magic mirror if we only could
Try to see ourselves as others would.”

Leon Russell, 1972

Our night at the Three Blind Mice was slower than usual, this past Saturday.  That’s ok, though.  It gave us time to reflect.

Reflection can be very enlightening at times.  It gives us pause to look at things we usually never see.  Sometimes it even forces us to look even deeper into ourselves.

That was what we took away from our last show.  When things are going fast and furious, at break-neck speed, it is very difficult to set aside any time to look deeper into where we are as individuals, as well as musically.

Sure, we observe and grouse about everyone else around us in our lives, daily.  But how many times do we look inward?

That is what’s really difficult.  To try and imagine ourselves as the world sees us.  Objectively.  Not real easy, I know.

That level of introspection is just what I experienced the other night, as I sat and talked with several interesting customers.

The night was quite, and that gave Carl and I time to pause and reflect on what was going on in the other people’s lives.  We talked with several people at tables near and far on the main floor of the Mice.  People that come in to share their night with us, are of particular interest.

We begin by offering them an introduction, a chance to share their feelings and eventually a suggestion that we could use to introject one of their favorites into our next set.

Usually, that is a great starting point, to let them get to know us, and eventually break down the barriers of shyness that we hold onto.

After we have played one or more of their favorites, they become even braver in their offerings. All good.  Sometimes, we will share song upon song, until the night has reached its apogee.

This is something that we have always enjoyed.  Probably the challenge of being able to reach back into our repertoire of music and find just the song that will delight the customer.

We began and ended Saturday night in just such a way.  Several conversations with wonderful couples, tables of friends sharing the night, and a big group in search of just the right place to celebrate a birthday.

Each table, each group sharing requests, smiles and cheer.  Reinforcing everything we have always know about ourselves and our customers at The Mice.  A wonderful place to play, to enjoy and simply to, be.

A mirror has the ability to show us what we already know, albeit from another angle.  We see our world as it reflects back at us; making us feel comfortable in what we know and perceive.

However, if we look again.  Look harder.  It sometimes forces us to look at ourselves in a different way.  Deeper, longer and professionally.

Sometimes musically.

It stands to reason, that if we cannot play the music that our patrons wish to hear, we either need to learn it, absorb and understand it, or find a different line of work.  Probably at this point, just be easier to learn the right music.

Well, as slow as it was this Saturday, it turns out that we did in fact know the right music.  We played what people liked; they told us so.  But something else happened beyond that.  Something unlooked for.  Something not of song or rhyme, but of humanity.

I did something that I was not comfortable with, personally.  I looked inside my self, and eventually, was rewarded for it.  Rewarded with the gift of an interesting person’s life story.

Several times over the last couple years, I had seen Summer, but didn’t understand who she was.  I made several un-enlightened assumptions as to who or what she/he was, based on simply watching her from afar.

On a usual night at the Mice, I never would have taken the time to say hello, ask for a request, or even engage in a conversation at all.  But this night was different.

Time seemed to stand still as I sat down and asked her for a request.  She asked if we knew any Beatles.  That was a great beginning; since The Beatles were pretty much why we began playing music in the first place.

That common ground seemed to say to me, that even though we are all different, we are all pretty much, the same.  We began by sharing the Beatles, and then, The Bee-Gees and Elvis.  One song led to another, as one request opened an entire lifetime of conversation.

Summer’s musical requests culminated with her offer to us, to play some songs that we thought were special, or important to us.  That was when Carl reached deep into his musical bag of must-loved songs and pulled out one of his treasured favorites. . .

The Magic Mirror, by Leon Russell.

Leon, you see released that song an an album, (Carny) the very same year that we began playing music; 1972.  Carl had it on something called an 8-Track tape.  We learned most of those songs on that album that summer, and have never really forgotten how it made us both look at a new world in ways we had never even dreamed.

And for two boys in their teens, that reflection opened up many conversations on many summer nights.  All these years later, we know more about ourselves and who we are; but there is much mystery yet in our world.

How after all we have learned about ourselves and the human condition, that we can still treat others with contempt, prejudice, hate and mistrust.  How we would rather fight or shun others, than reach out and love them.

We still seek to know and understand the enigmatic mirror of people and what makes them who they are.  Many times we still feel like those young teens who knew nothing of the wide world.

So, on this night, when given the gift of quiet introspection, I had the opportunity to look deeper, past what I see of a person on the outside.  Past the reflection.

All I had to do was to share something I loved so passionately; music.

And music opened the conversation with Summer.  A very personal conversation.

How she grew up, and never really felt right about herself.  She grew up, a boy.  That, to her, was at the core of her problem.

After a troubled and tumultuous childhood and time as a young adult, Summer moved around and eventually got the courage to be the person that she had always wanted to be.  A decision that was met with cruelty, heartache and at times, euphoria.

We talked about how she was treated during her life, and how people still treat her today.  And, while her story was very interesting, yet foreign to me, it was also very compelling.  In the end, I thought still, that although we are very different, there was still much common ground we shared.

Mostly though, Summer wanted the same things that all people want: some possestions to call her own, the chance to pursue her dreams, and more than anything else, just to be treated kindly by others.  The stuff that Carl and I have been singing about, in one way or another, for more than four decades.

The common ground of our music, led us to look deeper into ourselves on a special night.  That simple introspection allowed me to see things in a way that I never would have before.

Before I looked into the magic mirror.

Rb

On a Saturday night at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub, we had the good fortune of seeing a good friend of ours and his group.  They stopped by to hear Carl and I entertain.

That fact in of itself is nothing special.  What makes it noteworthy is that our friend, has been coming to see us play, since 1975!

Rick Simon, our wonderful friend first started hearing us play back in those early days of the seventies, when we were still in our very first band: Sanctuary.  That’s a long, long time.

There are many great reasons why having friends attend your shows through the years.  Among them: They know who you are.  You can’t fool them with flash, lights or a song.  They support you, regardless of how you might sound at that time.  That says a lot.  You can’t always be, “on”.  They “measure” you.  With them, you know where you began, and how far you have progressed.  (and, in what direction).

There is also the part where you can spend some time, celebrating and sharing old stories and memories, long past.  Every once and a while, even I enjoy that.

So Rick, his family and his friends came to see us at the mice this Saturday.  And they didn’t just stop by for a moment or two: they stayed the entire night.  Even better.

It was a real joy to be able to share some of the music memories that we have made over the last forty years.  Some memories that only they know.  Some memories that will live in infamy.

It was another night that benefited from the wonderful people that allowed us to share it with them.

We canvas the audience now, to give them a chance for us to to play their favorites.  After all that is what we are there for.

The night began quickly as right form the very first song, the request started pouring in.  Something we really enjoy as well; when the audience requests songs a bit our of the mainstream.  The “B” side of certain artists, or obscure singers and songwriters that you might not of hear of.  We really enjoy that.  It’s like a challenge to Carl and I; to see if we can play a song from artists that don’t get much airplay or recognition.

Sometimes we even will do a medley of a certain artist.  Kind of like a mini concert.  Really enjoyable for us.

After addressing most if not all of the request and music heroes that needed to be heard, we played a few songs that we really enjoy.  Artists like Steve Earl and Marty Robbins. Or Cat Stevens and Bob Marley.  We probably enjoy a night like this, more than many.

Finally, our friend Rick requested song that we used to do at the end of the night, back in the seventies:  Stealin’ by Uriah Heep.

It was a marvelous evening for everyone involved.  The people were entertained, the staff was working hard and getting rewarded for it.  And, Carl and I got to play some of our obscure favorites.

Win, win for everyone.

Some things get better with time; like forgotten memories.  But, sometimes, for just an evening, we can share them again with those that matter most.

Rb

While most of us know it to be an Audrey Hepburn movie from the sixties, about a blind girl, it’s also coincidentally, the name of a local rock band that showed up to play at Bumper’s Landing on Friday night.

The irony: they too were blind to what was going on.

Interesting plot, huh?

Here’s the screen play: Two local musicians show up to play at a local restaurant/bar, (Bumper’s Landing); only to find another local band already setting up.  With hilarious consequences!

Yep, that was exactly what happened last Friday evening.  Ah, the life of a rock star . . .

So, what did we do? you might ask . . .

Well we contacted the person who does the booking for the venue and told them that a band was already set up and ready to play.  We, on the other hand were looking forward to having a well deserved night off.  We would just have a couple, (yeah, right), brews and enjoy just sitting and listening to some great local, musical talent.

That’s what we wanted to do.  That’s not, however, what the owner wanted.  The owner wanted us to play, and them to pack up and leave.  So, as you might imagine, that is exactly what happened.

After Nicole, the manager gave them the news, we just sat, watched and waited.

Eventually, they got the message and departed.  Mostly.  So after they left, we set up to begin the night.   . . . about 30 minutes late.  Well, we more than made up for it over the next few hours.

Funny how our outlook always changes when we are scheduled to play at Bumper’s.  In the van on the way to a Bumper’s gig, we usually imagine how the evening will be simple, nice and quiet.  They will sit politely and listen to our music.  We won’t bother them, and they won’t bother us.

And then reality hits us.

                      Bumper’s is crazaaay!

 

We have no idea what’s going to happen there on any given night; but, it’s always something crazy.  Every night that we have played this summer has been insane.  Always a different vibe, different energy; and lots of it.

Beginnning a little late, we pretty much launched into our first set, that normally, we take a little easier.  Not tonight.

Friends came calling during our first break, and explanations ensued as to what was happening, and what just happened.  (Sometimes you see things and still are blind as to what has just transpired).

Not even having the chance to catch our breath, we vaulted right back into the music for our second set.  It got busier and busier, (a good thing), without even a moment for us to rest.

That’s fine.  We can rest when we’re dead.

The crowd was, as always fun.  The night had fewer bugs than we have waded through the last few times.  All in all it was another great night at Bumper’s Landing.

With shouts of encore! still ringing in our heads, we began the grueling task of packing up another show.  Darkness entered in all around us.  We can’t keep the lights on to gather our equipment, so we do it blind.

But, not totally.  We still can see a fun future at Bumper’s.  We have no idea what that means, but we see it . . .

Rb

Sounds like the next great horror movie, doesn’t it?

Well, in reality, the night was not horrible, just very, very strange.

On a rare Saturday night at The Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in Mount Clemens, Michigan, Carl and I found ourselves part of an unusual evening.  Unusual, because it was different than most nights we have been a part of, since the beginning.

Something was in the air, all right.  Something strange.

Now, granted we were in an Irish pub in downtown Mt. Clemens, so  . . .   pretty much, anything is possible; but this night was just a bit quirky.

The very first inkling that things would be a little askew was the knowledge that over the last few weeks, Mount Clemens has become a hot spot for seeking, battling and capturing Pokemon of all shapes and sizes.

That fact in of itself is enough to illustrate that there are hoards of people out and about in the downtown area that my never have ventured there previously.

Believe it or not, Mt. Clemens has a long and storied history.  An important, vital place in Michigan’s development and longevity.  At one time, it was one of the hottest places in the entire world, as word got out of the restorative and rejuvenating properties of certain minerals in the ground.

Many fine hotels sprang up, each hawking their “Mineral Baths”, and the promise of living forever.  Some still remain, to this day.

That’s old history, really.  What’s new to the city, is the sudden onslaught of these new Pokemon pursuers.  People from all walks of life, and all ages have descended on our”Bath City”, with a sudden and unrelenting Samurai-like fury.

The streets and sidewalks are literally teeming with  kids, animals and adults, all on the the hunt for these precious Pokees.

Since the outside on this Saturday night was so unusual, why would we believe that the inside would be anything less?  Although It began as usual, a few tables of people dining peacefully while we set up and got our feet underneath us.

Then, as the first set unfolded in earnest, half of the people went home, and a few got up and went out to the patio, so they could hear better.  Also, quite typical, so far.

Then the odd things began to happen.  People walked in from the outside to use the restrooms.  Still not weird, really.  We spend every set, directing men and women to the right toilet.  However, on this night, they wouldn’t go.

Huh?

Yep.  When they approached us, (as they usually do), to try and figure out which bathroom to use, many of them didn’t listen.  Carl and I observed several people ask us for directions to the correct, gender specific restroom, only to watch in disbelieve as they disregarded what we said.

Several men wen into the adjacent utility closet to do their business, and one or two women, opened the door to the street outside.  That would have been interesting to watch.  (even for an avid Pokemon hunter, like me).

So, there’s that.  And then, people just started acting squirrelly in general.

“How so?” you might offer . . .  Well, more and more people came in, walked around, walked by, walking through, walked up and down and then just as quickly, disappeared.

A mother and daughter came over, asked Carl if he was with the band.  When he said, “No.” they approached me.  Caught off guard by the entire night, I told them, “Why, yes, I was.”  At that point they both sat down and offered to share the story of their evening and lifetime with me.  After a drink, they just as quickly vanished into the night.

Still not strange enough for you?

Ok, how about this.  At one point during our third or fourth set, there was a big commotion and fuss behind us.  (near the bathroom).  And the bouncer emerged from the ladies side, holding my guitar case.  Yes, g u i t a r case.

Seems as though three of the young lovelies had taken it ransom for a while they . . .

Ok, I’m still not sure what they were going to do with it.  Anyway, we averted that particular train wreck.

Lost in all the unique comings and goings of people, cases and fictitious Japanese animated characters, was meeting a wonderful family who had just recently moved back to our area from out of state.

They were actually looking for a place where they could listen to live music.  As luck would have it, they called and injured about us.  After exploring our website, they thought that they would share their evening with us.  Carl and I are very glad that they did.

The stayed for a great portion of our show, all the while prompting us with request list after request list.  Very enjoyable, when people make requests that we can share with them.  They truly made the night fun.

Sometimes you set out to search for things, but end up finding something quite un-looked for all together.  This night was all about that.

The bouncer said it best . . . “Them Pokemon’s are up in people’s heads!”.  “That’s why they actin’ so weird.”

A sage is a sage, no matter how much they make per hour.

Rb

 

It even sounds like fun, doesn’t it?

Well, it was.  From our vantage point, (The stage), it sure looked like a great day.  Although we didn’t see it begin, only end; it sounded like everything that led up to our part in the day was just as perfect.  The Wertz Warriors, a group that raises funds to help those less fortunate than they, began the day long before we arrived.  With stops at Brownies, and the Channel Marker, to name a few.  We are glad that the winds blew them our way.

We say that, not just because they are a great group who do something about helping our community, but because, they know how to have a good time.

For our part, we did our best to make the dregs of their day just as memorable as it was, with wave upon wave of island music and more.

We played Buffett, we played Cash, we played Morrison.  Hell we even trotted out a few songs that we never do.  How about “A Boy Named Sue“?  When was the last time you heard a band play that one?  Or what about, The Battle Of New Orleans, by Johnny Horton?  Yep, I thought so.  Not in a very long time, if ever.

I will say this, and it bares repeating . . . boater know how to party.

If mere mortals attempted to go out and do what these people do, they would soon be down for the count.  If you’re not a boater, please, do not try it.  Save yourself!

They drink, they dance, they drink, they laugh, they drink, they eat, they drink, the chat, smile, shout, swim, sing . ..

All the while, they smile and have a good time.  No fighting, no fussing and no complaining.  That is how its done.

Carl and I thoroughly enjoyed our rare Wednesday evening appearance at Bumper’s Landing, in Harrison twp.  The people, the staff and even Paul the owner, treats us so well that we can’t wait to return.  I’m sure that is the sentiment of any band that gets the honor of entertaining there.

As the sun went down, the music turned up.  (we have to, to compete with those huge power boats).

Just as the night was coming to a close, two amazing dancers took the stage, and everyone’s attention s well.  It was like some broadway choreographed show that we snuck in to.  Wow!

Paul, the owner was working hard to keep everyone happy, but took a moment out to tell us how happy he was that we were playing there.  He even offered us our own night next summer.

That means good things are still on the horizon.

Rb

. . . at Bumper’s Landing in Harrison twp. Michigan is anything but ordinary.  In fact, even though Carl and I are enjoying our second season on the river, we have not come close to getting a handle on this crazy place.

Just when we get all set for what we believe to be ahead, Bumper’s throws us a watery curve-ball.  Upon arrival, it is never what we expect.  Never bad, just not what is expected.

We have almost learned that when we are scheduled to be at Bumper’s, we merely try and hold on through the night; to let fate, destiny and the elements take their toll on the evening.  That way, we really can’t be blamed in court.

It was kind of like that on Saturday.  Our arrival had us setting up in the usual place, with the usual view on the usual river; but that was about where the similarities ended.

Right away we noticed that the people who were there earlier in the day, were primed and ready to launch.  All that they needed was for us to light the fuse.

And . . . light the fuse . . .  we did.

Our first set, that is usually a little more laid-back, by design, was much more aggressive, up-beat and passionate, right out of the gate.

That worked well, as the crowd responded without thinking.  There were the tell-tale signs of a great party brewing everywhere you looked.  The talking that had been the main course soon turned to the desert, as the infectious music filled the dance floor with happy revelers.

To say the beat and the melodies were unrelenting would be quite an understatement, since we barley even took a break, the entire night.   This party needs music, and that is just what we do.  Kinda.

The crowd was amazing.  The night was filled with, laughter, food, music and drink.  I can think of much worse ways to spend a night.  There were a crowd of fifty something’s celebrating, an summer of reunion, as well.  Oh no!

They seemed to enjoy themselves, even though they have all gotten older.

Our night was truly, one to remember.  Music, good friends and ale, on the water.  Not a bad way to celebrate a milestone, a lifetime or an evening.

. . . but, a long way from, just another Saturday night.

Rb

Great Oaks.

Great Rain.

Great Party!

Ok, you might be detecting a theme here, and that’s ok.  Carl and I are enjoying this summer so much that it is truly impossible to damper our spirits, even a bit.

It seems like each and every show we play has something special about it, to make it truly memorable.  This show was no exception.

We arrived at The Great Oaks Country Club about an hour before we played.  (our typical time), that is.  However, the time was wrong, and we were there two hours before the show.

Not a problem.  Unless, we would be caught in an torrential downpour, that would unleash a tidal wave of water on our equipment.

Ok, check that box.

Luckily, it happened an hour before the show, and not during the show.  That is never fun.

We had time to dry things off, re-arrainge and re-setup everything and get it ready in time to play.  And, play, we did!

It was a quiet, subdued crowd of golf tournament participants.  Couples whom had played all day, and are ready to have a sumptuous meal-by-the-pool and unwind.

Our job was to make it all tropical, all smooth and all nice.  We can do that.  After all, now that the rain subsided, we could do almost anything.

And, so we did.  We played four hours of warm breezes and ocean surf.  The sun set on the wonderful evening, but not before we lit the torches with our hot, summer sounds.

Another amazing memory.  Another great evening.  Another rainy day, conquered.

Rb

It must be summertime, because Carl and I are playing music in Eastpointe.

In fact, we have been playing in Eastpointe, long before it was Eastpointe.  Back in the early days, of course, it was East Detroit, and in a park called Kennedy.  That is where the whole thing began.  Back in the seventies!

We played many years in Kennedy park, and then the whole event moved to Spindler park.  We played there for many, many years and may, many songs.  Then a few years ago, maybe four, we moved to the current site that we enjoy now.

Well, some of the music has changed. (not all of it), and the smiles and applause certainly hasn’t.

What strikes me about this annual concert, other than the longevity, is how the music transcends the years.

I have mentioned before about the timeless nature of the songs that we play; a real tribute to those legendary performers and songwriters, who crafted music that has truly stood the test of time.

Those songs have entertained and enriched so many people through the years, that it would be nearly impossible to imagine a lifetime without them.

Neal Diamond, Johnny Cash, Glenn Frey, Brian Wilson, Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly. Just some of the legendary voices that have created the perpetual soundtrack of our lives.

We walk in their shadows as we attempt, each show, to bring their musical vision alive if only for a brief moment.  We use their music as a way to convey like thoughts and communicate with our audiences.  It is our artistry and their music that makes our performances possible.

We know that, and offer the proper reverence, here.

We truly could not do what we have done for more than forty years without their music fuel that fires our talent.

Last evening in Eastpointe, we called upon artists from nearly seven decades as we shared song after song of reverant Americana.  Smiles and applause told us that the people of that wonderful town appreciated what we had done.

We played a whirlwind hour and a half of everything from Motown to young country, and Irish favorites, as the sun transformed the concert patio into an glowing stage.

After the show, we had a chance to thank everyone for being there, as many of the crowd came up to let us know how happy they were with the music selection.

We even had the good fortune to snap a picture with the mayor.

We take great pride in being able to entertain people with our talent.  We also try and honor the artists and songwriters who have given us the ability to do just that.

We always try and let the music shine through, if that makes any sense.  We try hard to play the music as it was written.  As it was intended.  As it was created to be heard.

Hopefully, if we keep doing it right, the music will last forever.  Just like summer.

Rb

Ever have a perfect day?

They don’t come around too often, do they?  So when you have one, you tend to not take it for granted.

Ours came Monday, at Great Oaks Country Club, in Rochester Michigan.  In every aspect, it was a perfect day.

I’ll explain.

The weather started things out.  Perfect.  If you were playing music at a pool party, you couldn’t have imagined a better day.  It was hot, with a hint of humidity.  The perfect temperature to send you to the lake, the river the stream or, in our case, a country club pool.

If you know that its going to be hot, better get comfortable right by the pool.  The best thing to cool down with is some Jimmy Buffet, or Beach Boys music.  Or, maybe some Kenny Chesney, while you’re at it?

Perfect.

So, just as we are about to settle in and begin, one of the managers, comes up to us, with a check in his hand.  Getting paid before the job even begins, falls right in to that, perfect category.  Then, he tells us that they want us to play at Great Oaks for . . .       what did he say . . .   “Forever!”.  Ok, we can try.  Perfect.

The first song begins, and its apparent that the sound is going to be just right, today.
Sometimes, as you might imagine, things can be a bit out of whack.  This can be too loud or one instrument is out of tune, or not capable of being heard.  Not today.  The sound is, (you guessed it), perfect.

After we finished a wonderful first set, it was apparent how enjoyable this day was for both of us.  We could tell, because while we were playing each song, we both felt like we could have extended them all afternoon.  That, was how enjoyable they were.

Right on the heels of the first set, it was time for a break.  A perfect time to sample some of the amazing barbaque fare available on the beautiful day.  If the word, perfect actually had a taste, we could have sampled it on that day.

Set two was just as much fun as the first, with the requests beginning to pour in.  Focusing even more than usual on America, we got the opportunity to feature some songs that spotlight the amazing aspects of what it means to be truly American.

Kids were playing, with mom’s and dad’s chasing after them.  Faces were painted, bubbles were flying through the summer breeze and everywhere you looked you were treated with the sounds and sights of a perfect summer party; as timeless and satisfying as all those summer parties, long remembered.

All we needed to do was  . . .  add some perfect music.

The summer heat always beckons the music of the islands.  For some reason, it cools you down, just hearing those dulcet tones of Bob Marley and the Wailers, Kenny Chesney or the always relaxing Jimmy Buffett.

Although our last set came to an end, neither of us felt like stopping; so we didn’t!

We played two or more encores, just to keep this perfect day going.  In the end, it was time to leave.  Our job done, we gathered our equipment while chatting with the cordial members who came over to thank us for their wonderful day.

Their day might have very well been wonderful.  But, not ours.

Our day was . . . .        (you guessed it!)

Perfect!!

RB