My first guitar was a Roy Rogers special. I wish I still had it because it’s probably worth more than the ones I currently have. Ever since opening the box on that nylon string wonder I’ve wanted to figure out how to really play guitar. I still haven’t, but if you buy the right equipment you sound pretty good. I played with Brother Bruce (also known as Big Al) in a couple of bands in middle school. In college (Go Hokies) we’d entertain a few intoxicated folks with awesome and creative acoustic versions of Pink Floyd songs as well as good ol’ southern rock tunes by Clapton, Skynard and Bob Seger. It was pretty easy to entertain all five or six people and their price of admission for our late night shows in the apartment was reasonable, $0.
A few years after college and after a couple of kids for each of us, Big Al says to me,
“I think I’m gonna buy a decent guitar and amp off ebay.” I said to him that sounds like fun, hell I think I’m gonna buy one two.” I knew Kirbs (my neighbor) played drums so we drug both pieces of equipment ( the cooler and Bruce’s amp) over his house one night and brutally banged out a 5 song set list of southern rock classics. Prior to our debut in Kirbs basement for one of his Halloween parties; it was decided that my acoustic sounds should be complimented with a little stronger piece of guitaring architecture. I employed the services of Kirbs Negotiations, LLC and we headed off to the music store where we procured a Gold Top Les Paul and a Marshall tube amp. I should not divulge Kirbs’ techniques; however I should say it involves strong communications, cold beer and chicken wings. Unfortunately the guy who sold us these pieces is no longer with the music store, I’m sure he showed up on some type of corporate report on Monday after our visit on Saturday. This is where the equipment addiction set solidly in and the need to bring in real talent to the band in order to upgrade our gig fees to pay for it all.
Big Al continued to get better on his ebay wonder, which to this day amazes me how he can remember all the details to the leads. You know he spent six years at Virginia Tech four of which he attended class two of which will remain classified as our mother may read this. He started two years ahead of me and we sat beside each other at graduation.
A couple of pool parties and back yard gigs later Kirbs asked our first bass player to sit in with us. He was talented, brought beer to practice and suffered from the same equipment addiction.
A couple of birthday party gigs and a near death road trip gig to Baltimore later (Kirbs next time get the company van with tread on the tires and brakes), we had the opportunity to ask Nichol if she had any interest in singing again and more importantly with us.
No offense to my other esteemed band members but Nichol has unbelievable talent heard only if places like “The Stage” in Nashville. Her husband, Jason, knows sound, brings beer to practice and has an addiction to sound equipment. Again another perfect fit for the rapidly developing Redneck Pool Party.
It’s such a rush when the bar is full, everyone is moving to the music and singing what you’re playing and sometimes dancing where they shouldn’t. Thanks to those who show up when we play and thanks to Big Al, Kirbs, Tommy, Nichol and Jason for letting me entertain with you. If you haven’t seen us play check out the upcoming dates and come on out. You’ve got to see this set of clowns perform while Nichol belts out unbelievable vocals. I promise you you’ll certainly feel different when you leave!