My Ideal Band

Autoharp n guitar

I love playing solo.  However, I miss having a band.  There's nothing like the feeling you get when you're jamming with a few like-minded individuals, creating music together.

I still remember some of those sessions with my first band, Skander.  It was a such rush.  It sticks with me 20 years later.

When Brobdingnagian Bards roamed your friendly neighborhood Renaissance festival, every morning, we arrived early to practice.  We started with something we knew.  Then we jammed for a bit.  Then we'd actually sing songs.  I loved jamming with Andrew.  He is brilliant and improv.

Right now, I am playing solo.  It's easier that way.  I don't have a lot of time to form a group that practices a few times a week.  I still dream of starting one.  In fact, I've been organizing my ideal band for a while.

There's a fiddler.  But I just love the fiddle.  It was a true honor to work with Samantha Gillogly.  She is one helluva fiddler.  I would consider a whistle player too, but I definitely prefer the fiddle.

There's a drummer.  I think I'd like a percussionist actually.  The drummer would need to play the bodhran.  However, it would be nice to see other drums mixed in.  Maybe it's all the time I spend faires, but a good dumbek or other tribal drum would work great.

I'd also like another rhythm/lead stringed instrument to compliment my autoharp.  The mandolin is nice.  The Irish bouzouki blends beautifully.  I'd settle for a guitar, but I'd really like something different.

While it's no big requirement.  I wouldn't mind a bassist too.

Everyone needs to be able to sing.  If there's one thing I fell in love with playing with Jamie Haeuser above all else, it's harmonies.  Jamie is just amazing at 'em.  I would love the group to have full fleshed out vocals, a small angelic Celtic choir of sorts.

I love being the lead vocalist.  However, I wouldn't mind someone else taking the lead for a song or two.

I'd also want some great dance music.  Some rockin' reels, jigs, polkas, hornpipes, or even just some groovin' tunes.  I want something that you can clap and dance to.  If we did some sets that were just jamming, I'd be okay with that.  I love dancing.  I'd love my audience to dance more to my music.

Well, that's the ideal in any case.  Maybe I'll find a local fiddler or whistle player to start jamming with.  Hopefully, Gunns & Drums will do a few more shows to work those harmonies.  For now, I'll play music solo and continue to have a great time doing it.