Len_derby

I depped for a band last summer and the song that gave me the biggest challenge was Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. A classic James Jameson work-out. Luckily, I’d got a copy of Standing in the Shadows of Mowtown with notation, but phew, the bass is prominent from the start and defines the song. Just about got away with it.

It may be too soon, but worth a mention. I’m driving from Derby to a place between Ross-on-Wye and Hereford next Friday night (20th). If it can make to me by Friday afternoon I’ll take it with me.

Yes, really looking forward to watching this. Last night wasn’t a good time to do so. 🍻 I can recommend a read of his autobiography too. Not least because he was as inventive in his use of swearing as he was in his music. The Don Cheadle bio-pic ‘Miles Ahead’ is good too.

I use a folding laptop stand.

I need to have it this loud to get ‘my’ sound.

I was considering giving him the bunch of flowers I had and felt that him and his 'friend' might take it badly. In the end I saved them for my daughter. She appreciated them. All spur of the moment and badly thought out I admit. Anyway, hope I've not derailed the thread into politics.

Politics/morality I’m proud of where I come from but have to acknowledge that the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire borderlands have been diseased with right-wing white supremacy groups for years. About 5 years ago a cover band I was in was offered a slot at a pub beer festival. We said yes but then found out that the whole event was basically a promotion for the National Front. We unanimously decided to back out. We made some pathetic excuse about illness of a band member. Cowardly? Maybe, but these were seriously evil people. As a coda: a couple of years later I was queuing to get into Chester cathedral for my daughter's graduation ceremony. I glanced behind me and saw Nick Griffin, also in the queue. My 6 foot 5 son-in-law was with me and clocked him too. I had a few thoughts but decided not to spoil my daughter’s day.

Teaching assistant in a primary school. Very rewarding but poorly paid. I supplement my income by door-to-door delivery of local free magazines. Plus, of course, any money from playing music.

Yes, definitely worth a read if you're at all interested in the music and the era. To me, he often comes across as a 'glass half-empty' type of person. However, he's wise enough to admit some errors. For example,he says that he really didn't enjoy his stint in Gong at the time. Only in hindsight did he appreciate what they were doing and how they were doing it. As an alternative and companion I can fully recommend 'Different Every Time' the authorised biography of Robert Wyatt. Similar times, similar skill level, radically different career path.

Phew, thanks. I thought it was only me who thought like that after reading it.

'Wish I'd got something I could shamelessly cash-in on.

Yep, can't disagree with you. However, in the absence of anything else the OP has going - for me it'd be worth a punt. A phone conversation or face-to-face in a pub would soon get to the truth.

Some people just aren't very good at expressing themselves through the written word. Every new venture carries some element of uncertainty and risk. If you're looking for a band what is there to lose by pursuing this until you find out, one way or the other, for sure? Just my thoughts.

Another smooth and hassle-free deal with the super Basschatter that is Tim. This time I was the seller, Tim bought my Yamaha fretless. All excellent business as usual.

Sold a Genz Benz amp to Mark. Good communications, prompt payment and no hassle at all. A good Basschatter to deal with.

Steady on @peteb, people will be doubting your Britishness.....😂 Although, Australians I've met through work seem even worse. They call it the Tall Poppy Syndrome.

We all chip in with ideas but the singer (female) has the final say. Everyone seems happy with that.

Agreed. Watching the Ken Burns country music programmes it was striking how many of 'the greats' started out by winning talent shows. Particularly the women as I remember. Also, I follow folk music a bit. One of the annual highlights for performers is the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Not that different from a talent show.

Vinny braved Storm Dennis to come all the way from North Wales to Derby and buy my Stagg EUB. Lovely Basschatter, deal with in confidence.

Jimi Hendrix - there's a man who had a healthy attitude to playing covers. Anyone else remember the Lulu show when he launched into an impromptu 'Sunshine of Your Love?". A showcase slot on BBC prime-time Saturday night TV and he decides to do a cover. What a man.

That really looks like a still from the latest Dr Who series. But, not quite as w**k, obviously.

I left a successful band for this reason. It was (still is) run by a husband-wife team. The rest of us felt very much like their backing group. It might have been ok if they'd been open and honest about that but there was a sickening facade of 'we're a democratic band of brothers and sisters, everyone's input is equal'. Was it bolxxxx.

Sad news, but he seems philosophical and fairly serene about it. I saw him with the final version of Budgie in what must have been the last UK tour. He was still whippet-thin and playing what looked like the same Precision I first saw him with in 1973. The only real change was his hair, he had it cropped short. Great gig, like being in the grip of a tyrefitter's hand.