Rehearsals :)

Ryan speaking in "drums" to Jay

Rehearsals have begun
My drummer, Ryan Socrates, was recommended to me by Jason (Jay) the bassist. The both of them play in a killer jazz trio. Last week, I went to see them play at Le Brew House close to the South Side Works and they were spectacular. I couldn't stop moving to the groove. This was anything BUT elevator music...they were doing Stevie Wonder covers, Beatles covers, and even some original pieces. What's even better is they don't just play Jazz. They're great all-around musicians, which is why I'm so glad to have found them.

REHEARSAL SPACE!

I was lucky to find a drummer who not only plays like a fiend, but has a nice big rehearsal space to work out all the musical details without feeling like we're waking up all of Shadyside.

Ryan as access to a really interesting rehearsal space in the North Side near the casino. Ryan and his girlfriend, who share the space as fellow percussionists, just got the place and are doings some major renovations. 

My first meeting with both Ryan and Jay 

was frequently interrupted by the sound of the loud heating system, which was working full-force to keep our fingers from freezing. You can't really tell, but the snow was coming down in giant flakes just outside that window. We had just laid down a few pieces of carpeting to cover the concrete floor that was still wet with soapy water. I cannot wait to see what the space will look like once it's done being cleaned and painted. Lisa was brushing away the whole time we played. What a trooper.

...and here I thought cool-looking practice spaces only existed in expensive music videos and fairytales. --you know, like Repunzel? She could really shred on the electric guitar... she was in a hair band. i think.