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billostech
Advanced Member
Username: billostech

Post Number: 275
Registered: 1-2011
Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2012 - 11:42 am:   Edit Post

There seems to be a few events lately of Alembics being recognized. That makes this story all the more interesting to me.

I have recently joined a band that plays mostly classic rock. The members are all veteran musicians and have played together as a band for over 30 years. I am still getting used to being the youngster in the group at age 52.

They got together after my audition and decided to bring me in and make it a project to get me up to speed. I am very grateful for that. I am also proud to occupy the space of their former bass player, who died recently. He was a dear friend to them all from what I am told. I see his picture with the other band mates on the wall right above the bass amp every time I plug in for practice. I was told the picture was taken over 25 years ago. There were nine members at the time, including a full horn section and one lead singer.

We practiced the songs we played last week and added a couple of new ones that I was to learn. Well it being such a busy week for me, I did not get a chance to practice one of them; Monterey by Eric Burden. I informed the band before practice of this and we decided to practice it last if time permitted.

The lead guitarist, who has been playing almost as long as I have been alive, asked if his cousin, who is a bass player, could come to this week's practice and see my Alembic. He said his cousin has never seen one in person and would love to come by and hear it. The lead guitarist's cousin came by at the beginning of practice and chatted a few minutes before we got started. He saw the MK5 on its stand and gave a quick nod of approval and sit on the couch directly in front of me. We started practice and I gave my 100%.

We got to our last song for the night, Monterey. We decided to take a break before getting started on the last song. Everyone left the practice room except the bass player.

He walked over to where I was and we started to chat. He informed me of his recent heart surgery and we discussed his recovery class and hospital urgent care facilities in our area. He then paused and stared at the MK5. He new a lot about Alembic's history and told me he always wanted to play one. I asked him if he wanted to play it and he said yes.

He appeared to be about 20 years my senior and a little fatigued. I informed of the weight of the bass and he did not mine. I helped him strap the bass and turned on the amp. He quickly went over the tuning and began to play. His finger movement reminded me of a ballet dancer as he glided over the fret board. His gentle approach was awesome. He asked me about the controls and I explained them to him the best I could. He made a couple of quick adjustments and began to teach me the bass line to Monterey. His explanation was informative and direct. He explained the note sequence, the rhythm, and why it fits so well in the entire score. By the time the band members came back I was ready to play the main bass line. He stood there with me and talked me the through the movements.

After practice was over, he complimented my sense of tone and listening to the rest of the band as I played. He thanked me for letting him play my Alembic. I thanked him for the life's lesson. :-)
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 2324
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2012 - 11:54 am:   Edit Post

Very cool ,
I enjoyed the story .
Thanks
richbass939
Senior Member
Username: richbass939

Post Number: 1169
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2012 - 4:12 pm:   Edit Post

Humble, quiet souls are such a treat to be around. Great story. Sounds like being in the band will be a great experience.
Rich
pauldo
Senior Member
Username: pauldo

Post Number: 776
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2012 - 8:16 am:   Edit Post

Bill,
Most excellent.
Thanks for sharing such a profound moment.
artswork99
Moderator
Username: artswork99

Post Number: 1668
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Monday, February 20, 2012 - 6:30 am:   Edit Post

Very nice story Bill. Thanks for sharing. Best, Art
collyman
Junior
Username: collyman

Post Number: 17
Registered: 10-2011
Posted on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - 2:44 pm:   Edit Post

NICE story, I enjoyed reading it
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 10569
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2012 - 4:13 pm:   Edit Post

I agree; nice story! Thanks for sharing.

For those of you wondering, here's a cool video of Monterey by Eric Burdon and the Animals. I've never played it; and don't know that I've ever heard it covered. Cool tune!
rustyg61
Senior Member
Username: rustyg61

Post Number: 440
Registered: 2-2011
Posted on Sunday, March 04, 2012 - 9:45 pm:   Edit Post

Great story Bill & congrats on the new gig!
slawie
Advanced Member
Username: slawie

Post Number: 367
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 08, 2012 - 3:06 pm:   Edit Post

Bill
That story helps me to believe that good things happen to nice people.
Thanks for sharing.

slawie
georgie_boy
Senior Member
Username: georgie_boy

Post Number: 1042
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2012 - 5:55 am:   Edit Post

I agree!!!!!!!

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