Well, it's been a while since I've been out and about. Last night though, I had to go out to see one of my favorite bands, Alex and the All Stars. I had not seen them with this most recent lineup and it was a really fun group of people.
Playing inside at the Oar can be a bit weird as when it's an inside gig, the band has just about as much room to perform in as the audience has to listen in. The band sounded great and the biggest thing for me was the greatly improved harmonies. Alex has always been a great singer but Lisa's addition of some very tight harmonies has really popped the vocals to a different level. She adds some keyboard as well. It's good to hear Buddy sing, too. There was some excellent bass playing. Dr. Woods' licks just get hotter and Alex has always laid down a great groove. There are also some new songs.
A lot of us who play should take an example from these guys. Bands are supposed to entertain, sell beer for the bar owner and, most of all, have fun. An audience can always tell when a group of performers is nervous, has an attitude, or is just plain having a great time. These players are picking songs they like to play and you can tell they love to play them. That's the key. You can set your sights on becoming a huge regional act and work your ass off playing songs that most all of the others are playing and take yourselves as serious "artistes" or .... you can have genuine fun doing what you're doing and make this your life's enjoyment; not you're life's "work".
Good job, y'all. And good on your fan base and followers for making your performances fun events! Also, as a plug, Dr Wood's has a music store in Fox River Grove. Go there. Buy stuff. Take lessons. Support your local economy.
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