Halloweenend 2011, one to remember. I wanted to do something more embellished with a bigger band. A group that could set the room on fire. A set that would be familiar to the audience, have some hits but could also include songs that haven’t been tarnished by the mainstream radio. The tunes should be loose, the focus on charisma, not technical playing. Plus I really wanted to perform sans guitar and focus on singing and in this case dancing! Thus the idea was born to become The Rolling Stones era 1972.
Dave and Russ were in, we just needed to find two guitar players, a piano player, two horn players and a female vocalist. Hmmm… It was actually a bit weird how easily it all fit together. As the players came on board I felt really lucky to know so many talented musicians in Chicago. We practiced a handful of times, drank quite a bit of bourbon whiskey and gained a new appreciation for a band who can be incredible sloppy one moment and then fall into the meanest groove the next moment.
Dave had to stand still as Bill Wyman which is hard for him to do. Russ changed his snare hand technique to mimic Charlie Watts, impressive. Phil and Matt wove the guitars together where there was no distinction between lead and rhythm. Dan was a locomotive behind the piano. John and Matt punched the horns and percussion into place. Holly belted out harmonies like there was no tomorrow and I tapped into my inner rooster.
The crowd was so enthusiastic and our performance was loose and spirited. All in all it was one of the best gigs I have ever played.
Our friend Evan Sears was able to capture most of the show from front row. Here are links to the videos.
SET LIST:
1. Brown Sugar
2. Bitch
3. Rocks Off
4. You Can’t Always Get What You Want
5. Tumbling Dice
6. Happy
7. Let’s Spend The Night Together
8. Gimme Shelter
9. Jumping Jack Flash
