I learned that useful tidbit of knowledge in Driver’s Ed
class in 9th grade. When a driver is attempting to avoid a collision, that driver typically has three main choices.
The driver can brake and swerve left, brake and swerve right, or brake and hold. The application of this nugget of wisdom
extends well beyond the wonderful world of driving. As a matter of fact, I use it whilst cruising through uncharted territories
of improvising with an electric bass and an Echoplex. Sometimes the ride is smooth with no hint of impending doom. Other times
it’s Alert level Red, and I’m forced to take immediate evasive action. Well, the ride lately has been both smooth and bumpy
which has caused some swerving and plenty braking and holding. Heck, that’s what makes it interesting.
My gig playing for an Atlanta Photography Group opening
went well. I played in the Atrium of the Tula Arts Center. That’s the place with the lovely natural reverb. Man, it makes
my basses sound so very tasty. I definitely need to record a tune there. Once again I had a great time, and I hope to play
for APG again.
Next gig was playing for Atlanta Celebrates Photography’s
My Atlanta in Piedmont Park. I was crazy tired, because Cindy and I had just gotten back into town. We’re starting to make
a habit out of going out of town right before I play My Atlanta. Last year I had just come back from a short tour with Trip
Wamsley. Anyway, this year I played the opening slot and the ending slot for performers. My first set went smooth. I had no
problems with my gear and I’ve really started to break in my Jerzy. It was a bit cold and rainy outside so not too many folks
were around. In between my set was a student jazz combo from Kennesaw State University. They were pretty darn cool. My second
set didn’t run so smoothly. Maybe it was the changing weather or whatnot, but my midi pedal started sticking and the Echoplex
started glitching. I made my way through it though. You know, brake and swerve left. I ended up improvising several tunes
as I tried to suss out the malfunction. All in all, I had plenty of fun. A homeless man even sang the blues for me. Thanks
to Sharon and Chuck for having me out again. With some luck, I’ll be back next year.
Last Saturday I played Jatema again, but this time, to
stir things up, I invited Blake Branch to join me. He’s a cool bassist I met at Victor Wooten’s Bass/Nature Camp. He came
over from Dothan, Alabama and played a very solid set full of chord melody, slapping, tapping. I enjoyed it, and the crowd
did as well. During my set, my Echoplex seriously wet it’s pants and my midi pedal decided to stick over and over. I decided
to brake and hold and hope for the best. I think I did okay. After a bit, I had Blake back up. He played a few more solo tunes,
and then we jammed on several things together. I think that was the best part of the night. I’ll definitely play together
with Mr. Branch sometime in the future.
Okay that’s about it for now. Oh yeah, I have a last minute
gig at the Atlanta campus of Savannah College of Art and Design. It’s for a Bioneer conference. Bioneers are folks that are
trying to find better methods of us humans being on this Earth without destroying the environment and ourselves. Very cool
stuff. Go check ‘em out here. Taa taa!
