Playing in pain stinks.

Once again, I had injured my back. The muscles below the left shoulder blade were killing me, and I was especially careful, because this was similar to the beginning pains of my last hospital visit. I played piano in the morning for a ballet class, then went home and directly to bed. As I learned in my last ordeal, this was not something I could stretch out, so I decided on an elaborate plan of action. DON’T MOVE!

I had barely slept the night before due to discomfort, so staying in bed was not difficult. The trick was staying still, in perfect orthopedic position, neck and back properly supported, and weight evenly distributed. Unlike many people, I don’t keep a television in my bedroom, so it was radio and magazines until call time.

I still had one daunting hurdle to jump: carrying equipment. This was very scary. Large heavy speakers and an evening ahead with a bass slung over the injured shoulder. I was starting to sweat. What to do? Answer: It’s the small rig for me tonight.

Ask any bassist about choice of speaker, and you’re likely to get a long dissertation on the subject.
Fifteens push more air for more lows.
I like tens for a tight, focused sound.
Twelves provide the proper balance of lows and punch.
I would never use fifteens, they’re just not efficient.
I would never have a horn in any of my cabinets.
Blah, blah, blah.

There are good points and bad points, depending on what sound you want to achieve. Truthfully, I have a large speaker and a small. I bought the small one so that the other musicians on musical theater gigs would not be intimidated. The small one works well, but is just different from the large. This gig, the small was chosen for its weight.

I was lucky. Lying still proved the perfect remedy. Though I was tender for the duration of the gig, I was not in pain.

Many folks were in costume, as per the tradition of All Hallows Eve. Greg and Ricky got into the act with Batman and Wolfman masks, respectively. Dino donned a frightfully accurate costume of Ali G (Respect), and I was the bass player that grinned through the aches.

Here are some photos:

Created with flickr slideshow.