End Of Thoughts From The Townedger-May Edition

The Pandemic continues.  I played the Quarantine sessions with Steve Black Wolf and friends and got together with Blues Rox a week later.  The lack of playing together is quite noticeable.   We still think July 31 at JA Tap in North Liberty will be a go.

With Blue Scratch breaking up, I want to say that my time backing them up at Della Viti in November of 2018 was a highlight.  When Jay was searching for a new drummer I didn't volunteer since I was working nights and there was some issues with Jordy's guitar playing.  Steve Stratton did a fine job in his tenure with Blue Scratch.  I had no issues with Jordy's going from guy to girl.  It was a unique opportunity to jam with somebody that had a sex change.  Jay Dean was a great musician to play alongside with.   I think they wanted to play more blues than rock, something that I'm dealing with in Blues Rox.  But with the Corona Virus pandemic happening, playing total blues is out of the question.   I have no qualm against Jordy, I'll be happy to back her up in the future.  I don't foresee but we never know what the future lies.

When Kimberly expressed a desire to play in Blues Rox, I wasn't exactly sure if this would be the right person for this band.  She's a blues shouter and she and I have played Gold Dust Woman in the past at acoustic jams.  She does a nice version.  When Brian told me about doing a practice with her and then 15 minutes later she told Kris about getting serious and practicing more, I didn't think this was going to work out.  It's not that I'm against Kimberly, give the right musicians and the right groove we might be able to pull it off, but Blues Rox is a band that goes by feel and Brian and me having evening jobs, we don't have the energy or time for the cause.   I love Kris' guitar playing and him getting into the music he wants to play.  But I think he wants to enjoy the company of his friends and go out bowling or see his dad race cars.  I'm sure Kimberly meant well in her quest to get to the International Blues Competition next year and she'll get the right musicians to achieve this goal.  I just don't think Kris n her would be the right combination.

I also think if Kris does get serious in really channeling his inner Stevie Ray Vaughn he could be one of the best guitar players in the state.  If I had his talent, I would be playing more guitar too.  But you have to work at it.  But whatever he decides, we'll go along with that.

As the pandemic continues, summer is coming and yet, we cannot play at the bars.  People are scared of contracting CONVID19 and for intent purposes, I still wear a mask when I'm out and about.  And to be honest, I got lazy once again and whatever I had for recording the new Townedger album has fallen into indifference.  I can't duplicate any CDs, thanks to my piece of shit Lenovo falling apart and I don't know if getting a new CD recorder is cost effective.   I think we'll be able to return to the jams in July, but it will be a whole different story.  Will people show up and take part?  Or will they hide and stay home?  Or will they practice being six feet apart in a crowded bar?   It's strange that the last couple years I had to deal with walking phenomena and still managed to hand shake and hug a few folk.   From here on out, I'll keep to myself and not shake hands and such.

I haven't talked to Russ about getting together with him and John Field, John has been in the hospital on other health issues.   John was a great guitar player when I jammed with them in 2006 but 14 years can change a person.  For better or for worse.  I doubt if we'll get together this summer.

Pat Geisland, drummer for Superknot and Harvey Headbanger has recovered from  a thyroid condition that had him hospitalized for a few days and almost killed him.  It wasn't related to the Corona Virus.  Here's hoping that he'll make a full mend and get back to playing again.  Terry McDowell is still alive and practicing on his off time playing.

Dan Spangler was murdered in his house this weekend.  He played drums and guitar but I can't recall ever seeing him play Rumors.  He might have played guitar at Stone City a couple times.  A good guy that will be missed.

Dakota has left The Boy Scout Hippies.  He may return but Ron is moving on as a two piece band with him and Linda the drummer.  She'll be playing the June 27th event after all.  According to Ron, the crowd was enthusiastic when He and Lynda played.

It seems that Tommy Bruner is the new guitar player for the BSH.  A very good choice but I"m not sure if Tommy will be cut out for playing in a band with no bass player.  Dakota stayed with Ron for almost four years. I doubt Tommy will last that long.

9 years ago, my Michigan girl moved down here and a year later moved back home.  If you love them,  set them free.  We still keep in touch.   Since Julie has moved into her new home, I have yet to see that place.  At this point in time, both of us have  moved on to other things.  The more you know a person, the more you realize that whatever good intentions are, you are not compatible for a life together.  Or even as band mates.  I never thought of it that way till I've saw the last time we played together.   You can't change a person or their ways.  We both found that out and for two years, we stumbled along the way up till March, at the last show and having her asking if I even was there.  Yep, we had pictures taken of us together that night.   I can't speak for Julie, but she made me sound good when she sang and I enjoyed playing drums for The Mad Dogs or Dreams Of Arcadia.  I thought we had something special when we first got together as the Acoustic Adventures., but all of a sudden I couldn't play Stop Draggin My Heart Around right.  At that point, our Johnny and June became Buckingham Nicks.    And the rest they say is history.


George Floyd was murdered.  No excuse.  For his actions this country is having major riots in big cities.  I never thought I would see and relive 1968 all over again but we are.  The events will postpone any bargain hunts in the big cities.  I doubt if we'll ever get back to what it used to be.   If God is going to send Jesus down here to bring peace back into the world it better be soon.  This country is falling apart.

Finally, Jean and Randy Faulkner did get married in October of 2019.   I wish them both the best.