It’s not very often that I get to jump from Judas Priest to Bob Seeger. When I get the chance to do so, I relish in the opportunity.

I met Guy (the guitarist) a year or so ago and we just clicked. We just wanted to play a few bars, make a few bucks, and drink a few beers. It’s what a rock n’ roll cover band should be about. That’s what we did and do. Luckily we found a drummer in Joe who is of like mind.

Our most recent gig was at Mr. Vigg’s in Riverdale. That’s a section of The Bronx for people who don’t like to say that they are from The Bronx. It was a near-last minute booking. We had a week to do final preparation, which meant one practice. Since we are all familiar with the material, do our homework, and have some general musical sensitivity, it was just fine.

Mr. Vigg’s is a quintessential neighborhood bar. Situated between a laundromat and pizzeria in the midst of a residential area, it’s a quaint little joint. However, also do to this placement, volume control is a must. Luckily, we are not an obnoxiously loud group, so this did not pose a problem. The only drawback to being between two other buildings is the lack of opportunity to open windows. The place was HOT. Not oppressively hot, but under stage lights, playing, crammed next to other musicians, it does get to be a challenge by the end of the second set.

Once you’re sweating on stage, it becomes like any other vigorous physical activity. As your body looses sodium, you begin to feel drained. Your hands are more likely to cramp. A lethargy creeps into your legs. Singing takes more out of your body. How to compensate? Drink beer. This may not be the best medical advice, but in the realm of rock musicians, it’s approved.

Enjoy some pictures from the show:

Created with flickr slideshow.