Musical Year in Review

My musical year in review could almost double as my overall year in review, as it was a very music-filled year. Musical activities have also been very much the best part of 2013.

This was the year I joined Chip and Sandy in Rosewood. This has almost been more fun than I could have imagined (and I have a very good imagination.) It's exactly what I was looking and hoping for - to play with good musicians in a gigging band.

I was talking to Darling Wife after one of the acoustic jams, and I noted that the musicians there treated me differently once word got out that I was playing in a gigging band. She answered, "Of course they do, you've got what they all want - the holy grail." I don't say that with any arrogance - I was just in the right place at the right time, and things have worked out. There are many many bass players out there as good or better than me, and Rosewood would sound great with any of them. The band could dissolve tomorrow, and that wouldn't make me any better or worse a player.

Playing with such a good singer has been an education in itself. Transposing keys on the fly is now something I can almost do without thinking.

Now there's the small matter of my miserable performing face....

It was also the year of the Folk Fest, which was an experience not to be forgotten. We can't wait until August for the next year's fest.

Finally, it was the year of the mandolin. I pretty much immersed myself in playing the mandolin, and I think I've made significant strides in my playing. I've started to bring the mando out in public, and that will continue in '14.

One of the best things about getting more involved in music is that it's something Darling Wife and I can do together. Most of my activities have been things she's not interested in doing with me. That's never been a problem - but it's also nice to do something that she enthusiastically wants to be part of. We had a great time this year at festivals, concerts, open mics, Rosewood gigs, acoustic jams, etc., etc.

My hope and intention is that 2014 will see a continuation of everything that happened in '13. Practices and gigs with Rosewood. Tuesday nights with Breakfall - and maybe gigs with them? I'm sure to be buying and selling equipment, which will keep the eyes rolling in my house. I'll be playing mandolin, guitar, and bass, and I'll always be looking for people to play with.

2013 was a fantastic year music-wise, and here's to that continuing in 2014.