I've concluded that I've overcommitted myself musically. Last year, cf and I agreed to start a Celtic band, and Lead Guitarist and I decided to commit to working on a CD of original songs.

Now, I ask any rock or folk musician out there: how often do plans to start a band actually come to fruition?

Not too damned often, I tell you. See, I figured that out of the two bands, *maybe* one would get going. But in this case, both bands have shown a surprising determination to survive, due to the dogged determination of the bastard members involved. ;-) What gives, people??? :-)

So now I'm involved in two different outfits, and frankly I'm enjoying them quite a bit, but it's been a bit rough on my personal life. Pinky's not too impressed with me being out rehearsing twice a week, then needing time at home on top of that to prepare for said rehearsals. Plus, with my work schedule being what it's been, squeezing in rehearsal time has been difficult.

But ya gots ta do what ya gots ta do for da rock and da roll, ya know what I'm sayin'?

So let's rundown progress reports on the two respective bands.

The Celtic Combo
A few months ago, the boys and I decided to embark on a three-song-a-week learning schedule, in order to up our repertoire from 14 to 50 or something songs in time to do gigs in July. Well, we've done relatively well, with only 3 more songs to learn and July just around the corner. We've tortured our friends at a couple of parties, braying at them through beer-induced haze and the knowledge that they're stuck listening to us 'cause they can't just up and walk out of cf and marv's apartment at will. :-)

We all survived, no one was hurt, and we now know the challenges ahead of us: stay sober and learn the lyrics! :-)

One benefit to me is that I'm playing guitar a lot and developing a certain amount of comfort with the instrument again. I'm not doing any virtuoso leads or anything like that, and probably never will, but my endurance has improved, and my mind is working well when it comes to finding chords.

Speaking of which, I've learned a couple of new ones… I uh, bought a Beatle-songbook last week and BEFORE YOU SURF AWAY IN DISGUST, I'd just like to mention that, you know, The Beatles did influence a musician or two in their day and there's a lot to be said for learning some of the chords they played. :-)

The next step is to spend a day, or an afternoon, studying the lyrics so I don't have to stare in zombie-like fashion at a music-stand while we perform…

The CD project
We've been jamming regularly and have arranged about 12 of the songs. There are some interesting sounds being developed but I don't want to get too excited about it… however, we're all pretty excited and our thinking has changed a bit from being a studio-only band to perhaps venturing out for the occasional gig.

See, there is nothing like performing your own songs. Nothing.

I'm also getting a little more confident in terms of voicing what kinds of sounds and arrangements I want in songs I co-write.

My former singer, who is also my old collaborator and is playing drums with us, is fitting in quite well and filling out the songs very well. He's even showing up regularly. I was a bit nervous about having him involved because he intimidates me, as I think he is more gifted with melody than I…

Once we've completed the arrangements for all 14 (or so) songs, we'll start recording the drums & bass. Then it's the guitars, vocals, coloring, and mix-downs.

It should only take us, oh, about 5 years.

But when the CD's done, you'll hear about it here.

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