I marvel at those that can conceive, produce and perform music — it’s absolute magic in my mind as I’ve none of those skills.
So there’s great anxiety when I’m included in improvisational music sessions.
♫
We had a moving circle on the calendar to get together, pick up instruments and see what would happen.
This “Band Day” was largely Zan teaching me notes and Tom taping a crib sheet along the neck of a bass guitar so I could remember said notes.
Not chords. Notes.
One chord is fine. Two chords are pushing it. Three chords and you’re into jazz.
Lou Reed
I transcribed notes of our improvised song that included two verses and a bridge, the chorus never fully baked.
After a few rounds with that number it was time to experiment with different musical themes: hand clap song, vocoder song, moody synth piece and hot dog song.
There are rough voice memo recordings of these sonic sketches titled:
- Song 1
- Song 1 take two
- Song 2: Hot Dog
- Song 3
- Song 4
- New Recording 22
At the end of the day it was all silly fun (much needed) and a reminder that even a plebe can delight in attempted magic.
♫
I’ll close with the final moment of the day titled New Recording 23.
On the way home Mr. Mister came on the radio and I was inspired for the next tune that might include really coordinated handclaps.