A Moment of Joy?

Something really odd happened to me this past Saturday night. No, I didn't have sex with a screen door. Even if I did (again), is that really so odd? Nah.

Basically, what happened was what I can only call A Moment of Joy. I played a gig with Menthol Box (minus James, who had a Chump gig to honor) at Erskine Lake in Ringwood. Big Al had set it up. It was the annual Clam Bake/Lobsterfest on the lake.

We got there around 7p.m. and started playing around 8. It was a cool scene-we set up at this big pavilion right near the lake. The people were friendly, the food was kickass, and there was a ton of beer-all different brands. My kind of scene.

The first set went great. Everyone was dancing and singing along, bringing us fresh beers and applauding everything we played like we were "rock stars." Much fun.

Before the second set, we took a walk to the lake to get a little "taller." If you don't know what I mean, tough shit. Figure it out for yourself, nerd. It was a beautiful night, all the stars were out, and a nice breeze was coming in off the lake.

As we started the second set, something peculiar happened. The crowd wad (still) great, the band was kicking ass (we've become pretty tight for a band that never rehearses-they're just very good, intuitive musicians), and even my bass was sounding good.

See, usually I'm pretty unhappy with the sound of my rig. It's a great amp, and an awesome bass, but for some reason, I can never get the sound I want. I don't know what it was (probably the booze and drugs), but my bass sounded bad-ass. Especially considering it was an outdoor gig, where the overall sound usually sucks.

So, about three songs into the second set-I had "a moment." It's hard to describe, but I was HAPPY. Not happy, or "happy," or whatever, but HAPPY. It was a feeling like, no matter what problems I have (and trust me, just like everyone else, I have many) Everything Is Okay.

Everything Is Okay.

Beautiful weather, a great crowd, cold beer, and some good ol' foot-stompin', ass-grabbin' ROCK AND ROLL. I know it sounds stupid, but there it is. I was caught up in the moment. A big grin spread across my face, and I realized that Life Is Good.

I consider myself very lucky to have the family and friends that I have. I'm thankful for the opportunity to play music, and to have so many talented musicians around to jam with. I'm just a happy motherfucker right now, and I'm not entirely sure why, but I'll be goddamned if I'm not going to enjoy it.

Also, I got the strangest compliment I've ever gotten since I started playing music. This older guy (probably in his fifties) came up to me while we were packing up and expressed his appreciation for our show. He gave props to every member ("That guitarist kicks ass, and the drummer has great feel, etc."), and then told me that I have "good vocal instincts."

I don't know what that means, but it's a compliment (I assume), so I'll take it.

"Good vocal instincts."

Unless, of course, if by that he means "You know when not to sing and shut the fuck up." In that case-"Fuck you, old man!" Kidding-I just wanted to throw in that old quote in case Flan's reading this nonsense. Or if Ali's reading it to him. Heh.

There you have it. I had A Moment of Joy. I highly recommend having one yourself, especially if you're high.

After the gig, I caught the end of Chump's gig at The 'Hopper, then had a few folks over for the requisite "after party" at Club Infartos. Good times.

The weekend was capped off with the Open Mic Jam at The Ringside-only a few weeks left before Monty and the rest take over. Boo...

I even met a really cool chick last week at The Ringside, who came back to see me earlier tonight. She's kick-ass, and even digs a lot of the same bands I dig. You dig? I got her #, and we're going to hang out sometime this week. She's seven kinds of cool. Autumn's shaping up to be the best part of the year. As usual.


Sheeeit...