At service this evening, though we didn’t have the full complement of players and singers, and our only percussion was a tambourine and shaker, there was something special about it. The band just felt tight. Unlike other weeks, we didn’t have all that much rehearsal time before Mass started, but despite that, like I said, I just felt we were tight. It was real crowded as well, as it doubled as a special service for kids coming up in the church; there were lots of folks that were not regular attendees. But we must’ve been doing something right because they got as into the music as we did.
Inspired, on the last song, we did Matt Maher’s “Your Grace Is Enough” and near the end of the song, I hit the switch on my EWS Little Brute Drive and started playing lead lines, then ended with kind of a long solo. But it felt and sounded so good with my Les Paul wailing, I kind of lost track of time. 🙂 After Mass, I just laughed and said, “Rock and roll!”
After I looked back on it afterwards, I realized that I really had a breakthrough this evening in that sometimes you just have to go for it. Doing that long lead was something I had never done. Oh, I’d play lead lines in the middle of a song, but to close out the service with a solo was something that I just never did before tonight. Mind you, it’s not something that is going to be part of the formula for me from now on, but the point is that if it truly feels right in the moment, just go for it. The other guys in the bad were with me, and they went along on my little journey. I could literally feel the great energy of the moment, though they did cut me off because I admitted went on a little long – I think I did a 32 bar solo.
But no matter, those moments don’t come often, and when they do, like I said before, you just have to go for it.
Your ok – 32 bars isn’t all that long and the inspiration could be attributed to a higher power’s influence – music at it’s best is a joyous thing…. and lets face it it isn’t like you did a Grateful Dead or Mountain thing (think 20 minute solos)….
Yeah, 32-bars aren’t all that much in the grand scheme of things, but I normally do short, outro solos. You’re right though, it was divine inspiration. 🙂
Definitely not too long, Brendan. Sounded good and Dave and I felt it – heck, we all ended together 🙂 Sunday was a great set – lots of variety from soulful melodic ballads, to jazzy upbeat pieces, to good solid rock!
Thanks, Derek. I got kind of worried but we were just so tight! It really was awesome!!!