YIDDISH SOLDIER IN THE TRENCHES

I’ve forgotten my clarinet. My third drummer — long gone — once showed up without sticks.  He cut up some curtain dowel rods to use.

Gigging is all about not forgetting stuff.  A band is like a platoon going into battle: mics, cables, axes, tune books, jackets, instrument stands, capos, neck straps, amps, monitors, lights.

When I forgot my clarinet, I played a lot of harmonica and clapped.  Thirty minutes into that gig, the rabbi asked me, “Where’s your flute?” (He meant “clarinet.”  Some old-time Orthodox rabbis don’t know their musical instruments.)  I said I was saving my flute.

My singer’s wife drove my axe to the gig — about 30 miles one way.  I paid her.
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1 of 2 posts for 7/15/09.  Please see post below too.

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