Year End Reflections

 

This year ended much like it began. I took a sunny solo hike up Mount Sugarloaf, to gaze over the Connecticut River Valley, and now reflect on the year I have had. 

More water under the (covered) bridge.

Heath, MA

Island Pond, VT

Conway, MA

I bought a few guitars, to keep a song close to my heart

I started playing shows for people again. Indoors as well as out.

I also managed to see a few shows as well.

And while there was time, a few vacations to places within easy enough reach.

Alton Bay, New Hampshire

 

Northeast Kingdom, Vermont

Chicago

and Providence (Twice)

So, I guess this year turned out okay. Took advantage of the time when I had it to go places, and play shows when I was able to.

 I hope 2022 will build upon the positives compared to the year before. I hope everyone has the same good fortune as well.

Just Another Climb

 

AT the beginning of this year, I climbed up Mount Sugarloaf in a quest to be more active. I didn't climb it again until 11 months later. 

I had been doing my regular local walks, and occasionally trek to my favorite spots in Florence and Shelburne Falls. But I decided on this mild December day to return to "Little" Rock Candy Mountain.

I only encountered a small handful of people around the road heading up the Mountain. SO I was able to pause and take pictures uninterrupted as I neared the top.

The observation deck is lined with lights to create a Christmas Tree effect at the top.

The Moon was clearly in view to the East and the setting sun bathed the barren landscape in a golden hue beyond the Connecticut River.

I had taken off my jacket and hat as I reached the summit, and stayed long enough to cool off and enjou the view to the south.

I'm going to make more of an effort to return here more often, but if I don't, I can look forward to the surprise at how beautiful a view this is.

 

Life Imitating Art As I Know It.

I've been a member of three major cover bands over the past 20 years, starting almost as soon as I landed in the Pioneer Valley.

Trying to survive as a full time musician was very difficult. Everybody I knew had a job on the side to make ends meet, and I was no different. I soon came to the conclusion that I simply could no longer balance the two, and would have to resort to new measures. I could have etched out an existence playing solo acoustic gigs, but I was brand new to the area and I wasn't very interested in playing small bars all by myself as background music. Plus I wanted to network, and get to know more of the players in the area, so I could become part of this new local music scene. I went to many shows, and started to make some connections, but it was slow going. I saw an ad in the local music and arts publication for a Lead Singer in an '80s cover band that leaned toward REM.

 The next 15 years of my life were booked solid.

Once that band finished its impressive run, I had to find a new project to keep things going as planned. I had to pick up another part time job, and was playing in a few smaller groups, as well as subbing for a full time band with a horn section.

Brass Attack of Springfield have been a local fixture for 25 years, and we became fast friends, for the past 6 years, I've been a part time member of the group, be it vocals or guitar, or even bass! Playing the bass with my friends Mambo Sons, got my chops to the point where I was competing at a high enough level to get the attention of another full time band that has been around for over 35 years.

The Savage Brothers Band needed a singing bass player, after the previous member moved away following his own 15 year run at the position. This being a job I was already very familiar with, I fit right in, and the task of becoming a part of the local music scene had now expanded to a regional scene for me. Things were looking really good.

Then Covid hit, and I found myself without employment for over a year, like many other people who had to struggle to get by, and by no means is the struggle over. There's always some challenge down the road, as there have been several for me. Losing both my parents and facing the end of a long marriage in between their passing had a dramatic change in my life. I became a person more concerned with being happy, and not as driven by visions of big success. I was at a level of modest success in my field as far as I was concerned. Should opportunity come knocking for me to take my career to a higher level, I felt like I was more than up to the challenge, but as I started to work again, it became clear to me that I  felt very much at home with being a part of the group of friends and musicians here in the Valley, and if I was meant to stay where I have for another 20 years, then that's going to be just fine with me. 

Waterfire and The Return to Providence

I was just in Providence 3 months ago, and spent a wonderful 48 hours exploring the RISD Museum, as well as walking around downtown admiring how the city was laid out along the rivers. For the last 20 years or so, an event called "Waterfire" has been taking place, and although I lived in Rhode Island back when it first started, I had never been to the event. I noticed that I had a Saturday off when it was taking place, and jumped at the chance to come back.

I reserved a room at The Dean, which is a very hard to explain hotel. But I'll try....

Many years ago, this Fountain Street building was a mission. Later on, it became a swanky lounge, then a strip club and brothel... and eventually things changed to where we are today.

Not sure what went on in some of these rooms back in the day, but on the first floor in the back, a Karaoke bar now exists - with private performance rooms. and a main room with a bar, where the madness now publicly ensues. People take Karaoke seriously. 

Amy and I are seasoned veterans of the stage, but somehow feel out of our element with folks who sometimes can't even be heard singing... usually off key. Still, its a fun-loving group of people, and they were all pretty impressed with us blasting out duets versions of familiar classic hits by Tom Petty, Styx and REO Speedwagon.

But we came here for Waterfire, and so we arrived early, as people were already gathered, waiting for the boats to show up to light the pyres.

and for Santa to show up and wave at us from a boat.

It was all very surreal, and almost Pagan like with all of the fire torches.

It was all very pretty, with soft music accenting the combination of lights, and the waters that slowly make their way thru the city. Elements of Venice and Chicago come to mind (although I've never been to Italy, the planners wanted to pay tribute to the Italian heritage that Providence still holds).

After the Karaoke madness (and some really fine dining at Providence Coal Fired Pizza). We checked out of The Dean, and went to Fox Point (where we visited the wonderful Silver Star Bakery) and then took in the works of the Providence Art Club, which is housed in a beautiful brick structure near RISD. Most all of the works were on sale, and just walking around the the place was an experience, because of the furnishings, and displays.

  

I didn't think I would stay at the same Providence hotel twice in three months, but The Dean has a vibe that I absolutely connect with... part Hotel Chelsea and part Hotel RISD.