CHORDIESTOCK II - Feb 22, 2014 (Page 7 of 7)

Ed,

Thanks for the kind words. There was lots of talent on display including Dirty Ed, great songwriter and guitarist. I had a wonderful time playing with everyone. I have said it many times before but there is nothing like getting together with other musicians and having fun. I felt bad for Tony "aka" SouthPaw41L, he had lost his voice and for those that haven't heard Tony perform, that's what I call Talent. Big thanks to Amy for helping me out with some backing vocals along with Lizzie B.

Some observations, Zurf has really stepped up his game. Jeff is bound and determined to make the Big Time if we can get him to slow the Tempo down . I am very proud of Amy for the dedication and poise she is showing. Dirty Ed will keep writing tunes, some a little Dirty. Scott and Robert's enthusiasm was contagious. I absolutely loved Jamming with Tony, Bee Rad and Wyatt. It was a shame Steve on Acoustic Bass wasn't plugged, he absolutely kicks butt. It got a little Bluesy but that was so fun.

Big thanks to Jeff "Topdown" and all the other Floridian's for making us feel right at home. Doesn't get much better than that!

Hey - I'm from effin' New Yoyk waddya spect? Eva hea of a NY minute? That means all of my songs should last less than a minute!

No thanks necessary - It is absolutely my pleasure and the highlight of my year to gather together so many talented individuals that I consider friends. This year was better than last, lets make next year that much more so!

Just reading all the various reports was very entertaining, in itself, with some reading between the lines! I enjoyed the videos too, especially with Amy's contagious laughter on top!
I've got to try & make it next year! But whatever else happens, I'm coming to Wayne's South Dakota gathering (Chordiestock III?) in the Fall. If that's still in the pipeline, Wayne??

Ok, fine, call me lame this is the first chance for me to write my view of ChordistockII.
I flew into FL after a 2 hour delay in Birmingham.  During that time period I made myself comfy in the bar for 2 beers and the nice lady gave me one to go in a soda cup.  While I waited at the gate I had a conversation with a nice lady who was somehow in the music bizz where ever she was from.
Landed and after a few arguments with the rental car place (never using advantage again) ended up at my friend Carrie’s about 3:30. We hung out had dinner and a little later we made it over to Jeff’s.  I got to say, When Derek came walking around the pool house to let us in, it was like greeting  your best friend that you have known your whole life.  We both started smiling and a bear hug later I felt the same way as I met Jeff, Amy and Robert for the first time.  We had about 2 hours of playing and I tried to keep up with the ramped up version of Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald and had a great time playing it with Jeff.  At about midnight Jeff told us we needed to head out to keep the old ppl happy, so we all squeezed into Jeff’s condo for a little bit.
Saturday, well I will for the record say, I am sorry I missed the bulk of the afternoon.  I was trying to spend equal time with Carrie as I had not seen her since high school.  I made it to Jeff’s at 9:00 PM ( much later than I had planned).  Walking into that room full of great people I was enthusiastically greeted and told “Glad you made it- your next!”  Really?  I thought. Tony, Brad, Steve and Wyatt had just finished a really kick butt improve. How do I follow that? Says I.    So I sat down cold and proceeded to destroy Don’t go away mad by Motley Crue.  It was really bad.   I did redeem myself with a couple of my originals on Jeff’s 12 string Alvarez.  Brad gave me some thumbs up for jamming out my stuff on the 12er, Thanks man!  I was so pumped up meeting Dirty Ed and Wayne.  I couldn’t take in all the cool vibes at one time and sorta just rode the wave with a big grin on my face.
Sunday, well once again I was the last guy there, but only by 2 hours so its all good!  I have to echo everyone else about how cool the London Bus Pub is.  I would defiantly have a stool with my name carved on it if I lived around there.  Everyone else has noted how full the circle was and I got to meet Rosco.I did miss some of Waynes songs, I did get to hear Ken and his wife sing together which was great.  Everyone tells me I did one heck of a  great song when I did my best original. All I know is I was so hyper-focused on not screwing up and trying to sing that I hardly heard everyone else playing.  At one point I tried to listen and about lost my place.  All I know is when I finished the others were still jamming my song and I heard a bunch of clapping. As I said on FB. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED ME TO SOUND THE BEST I EVER HAVE!
Next time, 100% will be geared to being at the whole event!  Then I can have some just relaxed conversation with everyone.