Today I Quit the Band...

I regularly play in five different jazz bands plus other freelance gigging.
This morning I phoned the bandleader of the most popular band to quit my chair.
With my intrusive “T” I decided it was time to shed some of the load, and this highly popular crew is a pretty high intensity outfit.
Such a shame - but looking after what remains of my health, is more important.
( @Ed209 - will understand.)

This number “Savoy Blues” was written by great New Orleans slide man Kid Ory, and against my better judgement, I decided to play it on a plastic P-bone.

So this is like a swan song if you like.....

Savoy Blues

 

Sad times Dave, and you’re right, I know that feeling all too well. You must feel gutted but I’ve gotta tell you that the music lives on. We can still play in more controlled environments for friends and family, and we can still listen back to the glory days!

So chin up, and who’s to say this is permanent. We’ve all got one last show in us no matter how bad our ears are.

 

By the way, awesome playing as per usual. You would have sounded great alongside our sax player in my main band back in the day.

 

@Ed209 - thanks Ed
You’ve been there - I know.
It hurts, doesn’t it mate?

The other bands are more mainstream and less intensive.
@threefirefour may approve of these two great sax players....

C Jam Blues - the Swing Set at Stratford

 

I can feel the stacks being sucked out of my pockets already.

 

Good luck with it Dave; once a musician always a musician. It can never be switched off.

 

@Jazzer,
I understand your decision Dave and love your videos ...love glynis

 

Sorry to hear this, but your health does need to be at the forefront. I’m sure you will fine and love your videos.

 

Thank you Glynis.
I haven’t packed up playing altogether.
I just left the one band that ignored my request for some consideration regarding volume levels.
As Ed209 says,
...once a muso - always a muso....

Enjoy the weather Glynis,
and thank you for your kindness
and all that you do for us......
Dave
xxx

 

@Jazzer

I am happy to hear that you have not given it up entirely, Dave.

 

@emmalee

I am determined to be more selective.
I have never liked saying ‘no’ to people.
If bands are too loud I will leave.
If distances are too far - forget it.
From now on I’ll pick and choose.
I’ve spent all my life ‘thinking’ melodic phrases, so I can’t stop now.
Hope you are doing okay Ema - sorry, I’m not too sure how to address you.
Hope things are going okay. x

 

No, you can't and you shouldn't stop now, Dave. Your music isn't something that you do, it is who you are.

You can call me emma, Dave. I'll be sure to answer.

 

I'm very sad to hear about this. Jazz is such a wonderful genre of music and I truly respect of all that you've been with Jazz. But it's not lost upon you. And I'm sure you'll find the best way to cope with your symptoms for now.

 

@Jazzer

((Dave)) Since we became soul friends here....

Such a gentle soul. I understand and think you made the best decision while still enjoying your passion for music.
Loved your videos. First time I heard and watched you preform your talent.

Sorry been busy with a project but will try to catch up soon.

 

Dear Star
I remember meeting you, when I was under arrack:
“Jazzer is never flakey....!”
and I thought ‘how lovely’ - what a nice lady,
then:


- you were gone !!
Now, I’m never one to complain, but when you meet someone lovely, you always want more don’t you..?
(...honestly - I’m such a smooth talker,
sometimes I even embarrass myself....)

 

Awww @Jazzer.

You are a sweet talker for sure but the good kind. I think all we ladies love Jazzer and his posts.

Got real busy with a project here and it takes most of my day. Landscaping is my passion and there is so much to do around here. At the end of the day I am wiped out. Good to stay busy during the day.

Bad ears day for me lately. It so loud I cry at times. I just hate complaining about it on the forum. Don't want to scare people. Today so much construction noise with four houses being remodeled. It never ends. I wear my bose while I am working but...still. Oh well enough gripping for me. I just get back up and brush the dirt off my ass and boots and move on. Lots of practice since 2002.

 

Damn Im really sorry to hear that Jazzer , but also can I say holy moly you are talented god damn!

 

Oh Star I am so so sorry.
I recognise exactly where you are with this because of course, I am in just the same place, as are many of us on this forum.

I remember your story so well, how the devestation nearly destroyed you, how your lovely husband helped you so much, and how you gradually came through it all, to regain your lovely life, and come on here to help others come through also.
Your story resonated with me because initially, as you explained, the devestation was so intense that you struggled to survive even the very moment that you were living in ‘right now.’
This was also me.
I felt I was crawling with ants.

Your story, your courage and determination, and your support truly helped me so much.
No sweet talking now - though I do have a talent for that, as you noticed - but just genuine honest appreciation of your inspiration and help. xx

Yes, as you say, we don’t want to come on here and frighten newcomers with details of our struggle, but we can tell them in all honesty, that the impact lessens, the noise moderates, and that a good life is still on the cards for them.
They will come through it!
Let’s face it - we are the living proof.
love
Dave xx

 

‘Bloody hell Liam - steady on old boy - don’t go OTT my friend - nice to hear though, if I’m honest, us musos are such delicate flowers, approval sees us bloom! (Hahaha.....)’

 

@Jazzer

I've very much in the same boat as you, I've been in few bands in the past, but recently had to call it quits on a little jam session that me and some friends would gather in a studio for.

I've been playing guitar for most of my life and It's heart breaking to know that T is going to cause problems in a high volume environment. We'd jam at "practice volume" but it would be cranked on stage.

 

Hi Will - I have to say that the biggest loss to me is my delicious silence of course.
Playing wise, I think I can continue for a bit, if I am very careful to occlude my damaged left side, leaving my right side partially open.
I will watch it very carefully.
But the loudest band, shown here, has had to go.
Our health is more important! x

 

Our health is indeed the most important factor! In regards to playing, I'm pleased that you think you'll be able to continue to play, I really hope you can. I enjoyed watching that performance you posted
I vow I will never hang the guitar up for good, but my gigging days are over.
I can still play a home at neighbour and (most importantly) ear friendly volume!