The RPM Challenge

(Monday, 04 August 2008) Written by Tangmo

The little town I live in had a small convenience store/BBQ hut/Hangout that had become the center of socialization for the working classes (of which I consider myself pretty damn prol). This past weekend was it's last days of operation (until it's sold and reopened, but these days how knows when that might be?).

It also served as the central point for a small group of talented musicians and their 'fans' and friends to gather for jams and such. I'm not the player these guys are, but I was a part of the scene and became friendly with them, including a professional songwriter whose had several top-10 country hits. I've even managed to sell a few CD's there.

This past weekend (particularly saturday night) had most of the 'regulars' gathered for hours and hours cracking cold ones and being entertained and fed. Sadly, the headliner had a hissy fit and left the 'stage' (the stage consisting of whatever chairs could be gathered in an unfinished' side room' open to the air on two walls with no PA). Apparently, anti-depressants and Pot don't mix well.

Still, the audience and the other players were not dissuaded from having a good time. Many were too drunk to have noticed by then, I'm guessing, as well.

My little 10-year old friend/guitar student/bongo player convinced me to get up and do a set. I told him only if he joined me on bongos, which he did. We played most of three songs to absolutely NO response, so I thought it went well as an intermission.

Then we were treated to a duo of a really hot blues-style guitar player and one of the greatest bass players I've ever heard live (an alumnus of BB King's outfits) who rocked those who remained standing into the ground.

I had two beers in eight hours so my own rockage was mostly clear headed. It was great fun, and I shall miss it.

These lines came out of thinking about the closing:

We should never say never,

But you know it will never be

Ever so easy again.

Long Live the Irish Woolf.

Comments (2)

1 Chumley's
Written by Babys First Ride, on 08-04-2008 04:57
It was the place where I spent 2 nights a week. It had mediocre pool tables, but the coldest Shiner Bock. It was in an area of Dallas called Deep Ellum, which also is all but dead. I played in a group called Village, where I mostly carried the equipment for my Guitar / Bass mentor. Some of the most out there jazz improv took place at 1am on some random Friday night. You'd swear Coltrane and Monk were going at it.
The owner packed up and moved to NYC. Many in Dallas beleive the decline of Deep Ellum started with Chumley's. I know it did for me. That was 1994. They turned the place into a furniture store....

2 A second home
Written by Endicott Road, on 08-04-2008 17:53
is what this sounds like. Sorry to hear it's closed down. But good music always finds an outlet.
Good luck.
ER

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