The Resurrection

I used to play in a band in high school. You know, some kids with instruments who knew 3 or 4 chords and proceeded to spend countless hours butchering a group of songs that somehow all sounded alike. As the hours passed, we were unknowingly improving. My high school band even played a couple of shows before large crowds.

After graduation, we all parted ways. I ended up in a wedding band for a little over 12 years. When I got married, and more importantly, had kids, I had to choose between being a family man or a musician. You see, although I was making money in the wedding band, I was also writing a good deal of my own music. I went into a recording studio with some friends of mine, and recorded two of my original tunes, with the intent of making a "45" record. If you are under 40, you might have to Google that. I still have the master tape, but never did get it pressed. I thought the songs were lost forever.

Then I got an e-mail from a Facebook friend. His brother was the producer of the recording session I had done. My friend told me that his brother had sent him some mp.3 files, and my two songs were there. I was thrilled! But what to do with the songs now...

I burned a couple copies of the songs to give my kids. At least they could enjoy my music. I kept the CD in my car, and any willing passenger got to hear my songs. Then one passenger suggested I put the songs on iTunes. I checked into it, and did so. "I Wanna be Famous" is available on iTunes, and while is not making me rich, has sold a surprising number of downloads. This resurrected my desire to play music again.




I had heard Kristen Merlin, a singer/songwriter with incredible talents, and a band called The Vegas Valentinos in local establishments, and my enthusiasm for the idea grew. Then my high school band's drummer invited me to hear his group, The Toni Knott Band, and I was very surprised to hear how good they were. That did it. I had to find a band. I looked on Craigslist. I saw a couple ads looking for bass players, and replied. A few weeks after my replies, the very same Vegas Valentinos e-mailed me inviting me to audition. I did, and got the job. It was a godsend.

I am now playing live gigs again. The band does a good deal of original songs, and takes recording seriously. It is exactly the situation I had hoped for, and I must say I feel blessed to have been accepted by these wonderfully talented guys.

I have been saying that I want to enjoy the second half of my life a lot more than the first half. The Valentinos are a huge first step in fulfilling that goal.

Remember friends, it's never too late. Go after your dreams. You never know what could happen. Oh, and if you want to hear "I Wanna be Famous", just click on the widget to the left. Enjoy!

Take care my friends.