Well, it had been quite a while since our last strum (5 weeks on the road will put a dent into any social calender) and we were itchin' to play. Fortunately, the tumblers of the universe all fell into the right order and Michael and Madison hopped in the car for some QT together and headed south to our Plymouth studios in search of some much needed hang-time with the Fosdick/Cormier gang o fun.
We started off by greeting Amanda with a big hug and happy birthday wishes from Madison. The sweet-sixteen soccer extrodinaire responded graciously by fixing Madison's rat nest of hair (coif maintenence is not daddy's strong suit) and then it outside for toy-time. Justin, Jennifer and Madison took advantage of a little New England Indian Summer and had great fun playing together. Justin took Madison on an off-road adventure in his electric jeep and Madison was DELIGHTED to zip around the yard with her buddy. Meanwhile, the adults (I use that term loosely) caught up with one another. The focus was on our very own candidate for Tommy John surgery, Crystal and her injured wing and the resulting need in prescribed pain blockers. Being the tough little fire cracker from Fall River that she is, Crystal fought through the constant throbbing (as well as the occasional humorous verbal gaffe from said Percs) and enjoyed the day with us.
Eventually the skies opened up (about 4 seconds after Jeff and Michael took our pre-show stroll to the pond for reflective purposes) and we headed in to tune up. As they say, timing is everything and it just wasn't time for strumming just yet. Hours of friendly play suddenly turned hostile and the emphasis on sharing quickly was replaced by a 'me first' relationship with toys. The band simply cannot function in this environment. Well, mom certainly does know best and in a flash, Crystal swooped down to our basement studios/Lego Land, grabbed all 3 decible busters and wisked them upstairs. Within 10 minutes, a nice hot delicious dinner was served and the only sound one heard was the occasional clinking of silverware. Serenity now.
Well, with tummies full and peace restored it was back down for a little band time.
Considering our audience we started off with I've Been Working on the Railroad which was followed by our first request of the evening; Jennifer had been aching to hear, Twinkle Twinkle, which I have to say, the band rocked. The Alphabet Song was next followed by a stirring rendition of Ba Ba Black Sheep.
Then we got to the adult portion of our program and led it off with the Eagles' Take it Easy. Inspired by our success with that one (not an easy one vocally but Foz's clear, melodic pipes led the way nicely) we tried our hand at CSN's Helplessly Hoping. I heard one time that a mistake is like a Buddhist gift and this was no exception. We certainly had the chords and the rhythm down but after the first stanza, we were a little lost when it came to the lyrics. So, what does one do? Keep strummin' and it's improv time. We launched ourselves into a rarity for the Dwellers; a free-wheelin' jam session with made-up vocals on the spot. Not since 'Till My Fingers Bleed have the CD's had a free-form tune such as this-good stuff. We stuck with CSN for Southern Cross, a tune which has eluded us in past sessions but thanks to Foz's persistence on getting the flow of the ever-changing pattern of the chords right, we nailed it. Finally.
Another rarity for the Cellar Dwellers, a hard-strummin' tune by The Who, Won't Get Fooled Again made its way into our ever-expanding repetiorre. We had a good thing going on that one until the lovely Miss Madison interrupted Foz by requesting we stop playing so loud; immediately smashing any self-images we had of a being God-like rock stars . Sigh.
Well, we've never had to 'call' The Rolling Stones' Dead Flowers for this particular reason but Justin announced to the room that 'something stiiiiiinks' and low and behold, it was time for this strummer to change Madison's diaper. Well, it was getting late so might as well wrap this eveing up.
Many thanks to Jeff, Crystal, Amanda, Justin & Jennifer for their awesome hospitality. Good times as always.
Sat 10/24 Set List
- I've Been Working on the Railroad
- Twinkle Twinkle
- Alphabet Song
- Baba Black Sheep
- Take it Easy
- Improv Groove
- Southern Cross
- Won't Get Fooled Again
- Dead Flowers
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