I don’t know if any of you happen to also read my husbands blog “Guitar Licks“, but if you have been reading it lately you probably already know that my husband is about to try out as the guitar player for a progressive rock band.
This is a big thing for him. He started playing guitar when he was 9 years old and in no time he became quite well known in his home town for his talent. He even played with a few bands in his teens that toured across North America, but by the time he reached his 20’s he knew he didn’t really want that “rock n’ roll” lifestyle, so he just started playing to entertain friends and went to college for a non-music related career.
When Chris and I first met he was playing guitar every day and he was GOOD! Really good. I kept encouraging him to join a band at least part time, like a garage band, just so that he wouldn’t have any regrets later in life. I mean, when you have that much talent (he plays 13 instruments and plays them well) you shouldn’t just let it die, right?
Well, he never did find a band that he was interested in playing with, until earlier this month anyway! Remember I said we went to the Nuance progressive rock festival a couple of weekends ago? Well Chris talked to all the bands, but he really clicked with this one band and it just so happens that they are looking for a guitar player. So Chris is going to meet with them next Thursday for a jam session and I guess perhaps an audition.
I know that the band won’t be disappointed in his playing. He’s a little rusty since he doesn’t play every day or even every week anymore, but he put his equiptment together this morning and he spent oh … about 6 hours going over the bands music and I expect that he’ll do the same tomorrow and Monday (his day off work), so he’ll be ready for them on Thursday.
Practice makes perfect doesn’t it? I hope it does in Chris’ case since he’s a perfectionist!
Along with the sound of guitar playing filling the house all day I’ve also had to listen to Chris list off all this equiptment that he’d like to get if he starts playing with the band regularly … Oh my … I’m going to have to work 24 hours a day on my sites to make enough money to pay for this stuff! LOL Along with a new amp, wah-wah pedal, and a digital voice chorus pedal he’s also mentioned that he’d like to get one of those talking watches (to help remind him when to practice and to remind him of other things – like eating!). I think we’d better start looking on Ebay for some of these items because I know we can’t afford to buy all of them brand new right now.
Anyway … We’ll see how this goes. As I said, Chris is extremely talented so I think the band will give him a try. I’m just happy to see him playing again and trying out for band. I’d hate for him never to try playing with a band again and then have him regret it when he’s too old to really get out and do it.
Do any of you play musical instruments or sing? Do you practice or play with a band?
roselynmendoza says
Hello, Tricia! I admire your support for Chris. You’re a helluva wife and your husband is very fortunate to have you. I don’t have any musical inclination but I learned to type faster through constant practice 😉
Robin Tunes says
Yep, 9 is a good age to start playing the guitar!
I started when I was 13 and at that age you really have nothing else in your life to do other than sitting around in your bedroom strumming…
Best of luck to Chris and his new band!
Richies says
I have a friend who is an excellent musician and songwriter, but my musical talents lie mostly in playing the stereo
Frank says
Playing guitar is a passion,my roommate always plays for me when I am tired and sad.
It makes me cheerful. Infact, listening to guitar has become my stress buster.
I hope your husband becomes popular some day.
Andrew Green says
I can sing and i cant play any band …But ia m a great fan of Music …
Wish u good luck in ur journey
charlie says
Its great that you support your husband’s hobby too. I know alot of people who seem to think that a musical hobby is a waste of time. My friends are pretty supportive of my music too
Guitar Tutorials says
I wish I started playing at 9… I started at 14 but did start a couple of progressive bands. I’m older now and more into the Jazz and Finger Style thing but I’ll always love progressive.
Musical Instruments says
It’s a great story – like many others I wish I started at 9. I played sax for ages, my parents said I’d regret giving it up! They were right! How’s the prog band now?