As always, a residency at the Rex is a good time. There's just something about that place - even when things are bad they're good, you know? I thought I'd spend a little time reflecting on some of the memorable moments of this past month.
Mr. "Rush the Stage"
Musicians love it when you buy them drinks but there's something about having an audience member ask you to pick your poison while you're in the middle of singing. It makes for an awkward moment. Or in Mr. RtS's case - several awkward moments. This particular gentleman was so enthusiastic about getting the boys drinks that he insisted on carrying out a full conversation with Michael during our second tune. A few minutes later he walked up on stage mid-song back to the drum kit to take Max's order. Max gave him the sweetest smile and asked for water. The evening also included a shout out to the Black Dragons from Mr. RtS and a request for Let's Get It On. But I'd been meaning to add that to my repertoire anyway. All the comparisons between me and Marvin Gaye are starting to get a little ridiculous.
Ms. "I Heard You On the Radio"
The walk around the Rex with the tip jar isn't exactly a highlight of every gig but it does afford me time to meet new people in the audience. During the third week's show my first tip trip around the bar introduced me to a lovely woman who had heard one of my songs on the radio and decided to come down to listen live. I loving hearing that! Radio play actually works!
Mr. "You're the Reason I Listen to Jazz Now"
Okay, this was possibly the biggest compliment of the month. "You're the reason I listen to jazz now." Wow. Nic told me the story of one night when he had to head out late and he started flipping through radio stations when he heard my version of Here, There & Everywhere. He's been tuned in to JazzFM ever since. I was floored by that. Not only was he the fulfillment of my personal "mandate" to reach out to people who don't normally listen to jazz, Nic was also a lovely soul who sat in the front row and gave all of us on stage magnificent energy to thrive on while we were playing. If only we had the budget to bring Nic to every gig!
Mr. "I'm a killer musician and I'd be happy to play in your band" aka Marc Rogers, Ben Riley, Daniel Barnes and Paul Novotny
Finding subs for a band is never easy. Day to day, gig to gig, I'm totally spoiled because I constantly work with amazing musicians (Michael, Ross, Mark, Max, Sly, William, Peter, Glenn, Chris, etc.) Sometimes when those guys are out of town it gives me the opportunity to ask someone new to come and be part of the SBQ club. Marc, Ben, Daniel and Paul were outstanding! Thanks to them for subbing in!
So there you have it. A little taste of the Rex November that was. SBQ is heading back to the weekly Wednesday slot from 6:30-8:30 in January. What a wonderful way to start 2009! I hope to see you there.
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