better than expected

Anyone who knows me, and those who take the time to read my blogs, will know that I am blunt but never hurtful. So when I took a gig to fill in on lead guitar with the cover band Evolution last night, my thoughts went back to the gigs I did with them two years ago. Was I making a big mistake?

Thankfully things went better than expected.

Hadn't played with this band since July 2024, and honestly it didn't end well. Not that I was ever in that band but I subbed for a bunch of shows, and yet left feeling unsatisfied. Things changed in many ways last night at Wayne Ale House though.

First off, they have a drummer now that's more solid, keeps the songs in check, doesn't play like he uses fish for drumsticks. Second, the songs flowed better, little air time in between them (that's the killer for audiences). Thirdly, the vibes were a lot better, which made the music sound better as well. 

Ran through many songs ranging from Meredith Brooks to Sugar Ray (I know, work with me here) but also got to flex some Ozzy, Metallica, and AC/DC for good balance. My joke is, if I was in control of the set list, nobody would stay. The best part was more of a cohesive band sound, not disjointed or karaoke-sounding. Some hiccups and Lord knows I messed up in spots but as they say, people see a show, not hear one.

After the smoke cleared, I told the band that that was the best they ever sounded and they genuinely appreciated  that. Will I fill in with this band in the future? Maybe. They play almost TOO many shows, and while I have my hands full with Supernova (I'm pretty much in that band now), I could entertain an Evolution gig here and there.

One very interesting thing: someone played Whitesnake's "The Deeper The Love" on the jukebox or whatever you young kids call it now. I thought to myself "You don't hear Steve Vai in a bar very often."

Wonder if that was a sign?