after a month of rehearsals we had no name for the band. many ideas were floated but none stuck. over the weekend I came up with another name, one that would reflect what the band was turning into. I put it up to the guys and it finally stuck.
we are called " Workhorse".
there are five members now and it sure is difficult arranging rehearsal time that fits everyone's schedule. I hate it when we can't meet every week. despite the slow start we have twenty songs down and another twenty almost ready. the song list covers five decades (Elvis and Chuck Berry to Smashing Pumpkins); 50's, 60's 70's 80's 90's. I don't think we have anything in the 00's.
we cover rock, blues and country playing enough common standards, but intentionally finding songs that interest us and are not the typical choice.
we're in it for fun and to entertain a crowd (hopefully getting them up and dancing).
our singer plays acoustic and sounds like Bon Jovi and Melloncamp. he is a new addition. it will free me up to introduce lap steel.
I am the strongest rhythm player but they have moved me to the lead guitar role. I enjoy playing fills, but can't shred to save my life. I am learning the solos and getting the signature parts down, but after that I wing it.
the bass player is the best player in the group. he is a full time music teacher. plays jazz guitar and loves playing his five string bass and letting me suffer on lead. he can play anything we throw him as he is a huge fast learner. totally generous. kind, and so happy to be in a band that doesn't play songs filled with obscenities. apparently his last band dropped the F bomb constantly on stage.
my best friend plays rhythm and splits singing with the new guy. my friend has an incredible knack for remembering words to songs. he plays a tele thin line (humbuckers) which compliments my strat plus (single coils). I also play my telecaster, which is tuned to open G for the Stones songs. when I tune the fifth string to A (having both E strings tuned to D) I can play in Neil Young's tuning for Cinnamon Girl.
we are selecting songs for our demo CD. the bass player has a sixteen track recording studio in his basement. awesome.
we rehearse at my place. I have a huge triple car garage that is twice as deep. in back is an insulated, heated and no acoustically treated space. plenty of room for all of us. load in is a breeze. and the neighbors don't mind a bit of noise.
I will post our stuff when I can. wish us luck.
Sounds like you guys are having a blast. Looking forward to hearing some recordings.
Brilliant! I love the name too, it really sounds like you've got together with a great bunch of guys, and having a fab time.
Well done :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
All great news Dogbite - how long before you start gigging do you think?
"I like to play that guitar. I have to stare at it while I'm playing it because I'm not very good at playing it."
Noel Gallagher (who took the words right out of my mouth)
Thanks for sharing this, sounds like hard work is being rewarded. Let us know when the European tour starts...
it feels like pushing rope the last few weeks. getting five people in one place at the same time has been difficult.
the drummer owns his own business, the singer is an EMT and has helicopter duty with rotating shifts. the bass player teaches more at night than day. I'm on the dole so I have all the free time.
we'll be going into recording the demo in a few weeks. depending on how it sounds, we could be gigging by late summer.
this afternoon the other guitar dropped by to go over the song search and edit session. we ended up plugging in; I brought out the lap steel. we played a respectful Mercury Blues ( David Lindley ). it'll probably go on the play list.
I'm happy that the band name sounds good to you. I'm relieved cause half the band thought 'Dogbite' was a good band name.
:D
Nothing wrong with "Dogbite" for a band name - might not quite get the band image across, though. I like Workhorse... works on a couple of different levels. Hard-working band - nothing special, but puts a lot into their performances - always gives 100% is the first thing it says to me. Willing to work hard and get better, is the next thing I get from the name.
Wishing you all the very best - may your fingers be nimble, and your timing spot-on.
Good luck mate! (and when you do start gigging, we want gig reports and pics and video, OK?)
:D :D :D
Vic
"Sometimes the beauty of music can help us all find strength to deal with all the curves life can throw us." (D. Hodge.)
right on with the band name explanation Vic. we are older guys and our intention is to play to an older audience. band name understanding is a big part of it. I do like the name Dogbite for a band. as you say, Workhorse explains things perfectly.
I longer live in a large town. it's small town all the way now. our audience is more rural than metro.
I like it Dog! My son and I still need to get proactive on the drummer front. We play regularly but have not advertised. I think we are waiting for a miracle and that aint gonna happen. I just don't want the pain of playing with a stranger that isn't what we want. Tommy's kit went to his son. We are in the process of setting up a beater kit. No excuse then not to audition some people. I'm glad it's going good for you, despite the practice coordination woes. Least they have legit reasons. Nothing like unemployed band member that can't make the practice.
"Work hard, rock hard, eat hard, sleep hard,
grow big, wear glasses if you need 'em."
-- The Webb Wilder Credo --
I like the name. And I like you have enjoying with the band. Certainly it is a great news that you will start gigging soon.
I'll be waiting for that recording demo!
Cool name. I hope it all ends up going well and that the drama is minimum. Can't wait to hear some of the demos. 8)
Roy
"I wonder if a composer ever intentionally composed a piece that was physically impossible to play and stuck it away to be found years later after his death, knowing it would forever drive perfectionist musicians crazy." - George Carlin
Thats a great name!!
thanks dawg. the name wears well. it has grown on us.
update. the vocals and arranging is going well. it has been extremely rough getting everybody's schedule to sync. when we do meet up no time is wasted. our main goal of having fun is being met.
we were offered an hour set at a local political recall election rally. it was like 'they had to know yesterday'.
we were about to accept when our drummer spoke up. he had to tell us he was leaving the band project.
understandable, he is running his own business; and selling his house and moving into a new one.
so we're in the market for a new drummer.
yeah, this feels familiar... band stuff. thankfully there is no drama. bit of a snag, is all.
Sorry to hear about the drummer thing. At least he didn't leave under tragic circumstances like ours did though. I'm sure you will find another in a hurry since you actually live where there are people. :lol: It sounds like you are very professional in your rehersals too and that is good.
We need to get it in gear finding a drummer still. Met a really good one but he already has a gig. See my made in New York post. :lol:
"Work hard, rock hard, eat hard, sleep hard,
grow big, wear glasses if you need 'em."
-- The Webb Wilder Credo --
I wish you and I luck in finding the right drummer.
for us, since we cover rock, county and blues, I m hoping to find a 'stylist' drummer; I guess jazz is the right word.
our now gone drummer was a hard rocker and admittedly did not understand country beats.
no hard feelings; we wish him well.
