Wildfires and Jen Knight

Hey all I know it's bee a loooong while, but I've been busy being a new dad, so you'll have to forgive me. As my wife and I have settled into our roles as Thatcher's parents, there hasn't been a lot of actual playing on the drumming front. However, there's been lots of talk. Talk often leads to playing.

First off, however, my heart goes out to all who have been touched by the wildfires in California. For days, my wife and I were riveted to our computer, constantly refreshing various websites to keep up with all the latest developments from our Oceanside apartment. I felt very proud of San Diego when I went looking for volunteer opportunities and was turned away as there were already too many volunteers. Now if we could only direct some of that enthusiasm beyond our borders ...

Last night, I joined Jen Knight for a great show at Lestat's in Normal Heights. I haven't had a show (or a rehearsal) with her in months, so there was a lot of danger and excitement in the set. Also, I found an old set of bongos and busted them out for the show to give me a few colors beyond just my djembe and shakers.

One of my favorite moments in the set actually occurred backstage prior to going on. Tom Griesgraber, who acts as Jen's bassist, was doing a few solo numbers. Jen was backstage looking a little shaken. She was trying to remember the second half of the first verse of Realize. She was trying so hard to remember it that it made it so much worse for her. No worries, though, the words came back to her quickly.

Another of my favorite moments took place while Jen was talking to the audience about the inevitability of change in life. Tom walked over to me and handed me two quarters ... proving that change was indeed inevitable. Poor Jen ... she has to put up with us.

Of all the songs, I felt really good vibes on Recovered Memories, a song that Jen had written about the last apocalyptic fires that San Diego experienced.

Opening the show was Alyssa Jacey and Damion Wolfe. Alyssa has only been at it two years, but you couldn't tell, for she put on a good show full of good songs. Damion, who is on tour from the east, put on an awesome set. His uses of loops and effects lifted the singer/songwriter concept to a new level. I wish he lived closer, for I would love to try and record with him.

Take care everybody ...


P.S. I though today about what my ultimate singer/songwriter band would be. Ellis Paul would definitely be the front person. His song Sweet Mistakes is up there on the genius level with What a Wonderful World. Tony Levin would be on bass with Matt Cameron on drums. For lead guitar, only Alex Lifeson I think would have the good sens to get out of the way of Ellis' own great playing and do something that would serve the song and still shred.