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All Night Rhythm Band
Updates

-the way I sees it through my old tired eyes anyway-

Here are some 'happenings' in the ANRB. These updates are in no particular order. I don't remember what day, week, month or year they actually happened. I just add stuff when it pops into my mind. All entries are eventually deleted, so check these pages often if you don't want to miss anything. 

I usually put upcoming events on the schedule page.

* * *

 - We have about a 3 foot tall tree stump by our porch. Throughout the summer we've done a lot of sitting on the porch and when we do that we usually put sunflower seeds on the tree stump so that we can watch all the Chickadees come take them one at a time. It's usually an entertaining little demonstration of birdie aeronotics.
   Recently, my sister told me that she had heard that Chickadees are one of the few wild birds that, if they get used to you, will land on your hand to take the sunflower seeds. This morning we tried that.
   It's a very cool thing to have Chickadees land on your hand one at a time to select the sunflower seed they'd like to eat. It's a neat feeling!

* * *

 - If memory serves, and sometimes it does, the most recent gig Yerdog ever played was quite a joy. It was out at the Moraine Campland and the players that night included such heavy-weights as BB on tubs and 'sock' cymbal; Danny Christmas on tin sandwich and toys; CB Bodine on a totally waxed axe; Harpattack Mac on lickin' stick and 6-strings; and Yer everlovin' Dog on keys, if you please.
   Of course it's always a joy to play with those fellas, but that night was extra special. There are always peaks and valleys at a gig and that night was no exception. The valleys that particular night, though, were hardly noticable, but the peaks... the peaks PEAKED, daddy! They sent a chooglin' rush right up the spine. They were some golden moments you had to see to ever be able to believe. It was just won'erful.
   Yerdog's favorite tune of the night was the finale, a short and sweet, tightly packed and neat rendition of that great ol' tune 'Turn on your Love Light'. It was a great 'dancer' to leave 'em with. Yerdog especially enjoyed Danny Christmas's eruption at the very end of the tune when he chortled, "Wow, we sounded like a 10-piece band on that one!"
   Don't ya just love it when a plan comes together?
   Thanks fer the werk fellas...

* * *

 - BB's Block Party was outside on a flatbed. Allies opened up the show with an hour's worth of what Danny Christmas used to refer to as 'wood music'. Yerdog and BB joined them on-stage for their last few numbers and then the Allied threesome took a pause. Earl Syrjanen and Johnny Jewels joined Yerdog and BB to do a few tunes. That's when it started to sprinkle. Tarp-like things were placed on top of electrical gear and flashlights were aimed at the sky to see how much of the stuff was going to come down. No one could tell. The sprinkling stopped for a bit, so Yerdog, Earl, Jewels & BB gave it another attempt. They successfully completed several bar-tunes and then it was time for the Harpattack Project to take the stage. That's when it started sprinkling again. This time it was sprinkling a little more fluidly, so Yerdog decided it was time to get his van and protect the keys. BB checked the radar and reported that it seemed that there was big precipitation on the way. All the vans, cars and trucks were moved into position and that was the end of the live entertainment that night. Ahhhhhhh shucks! Yerdog had waited all night to try out some new Harpattack methodology, but to no avail. It was a little disappointing, but it was nice to just hang with all the old minstrels all the same.
   A little side note is that Yerdog, as a joke while Allies were doing their first few numbers, made the comment that it felt just like Woodstock. Johnny Jewels said it seemed a bit more like Linus, which took Yerdog a second to understand. (Peanuts characters. Get it? Of course you do.) The thing is that later that night Earl mentioned the interesting fact that this particular weekend was actually the anniversary of the exact weekend Woodstock took place. Huh. How 'bout that?
   Better luck next year, BB. Think about setting up in the garage. We coulda kept playing. Hindsight is 20/20 isn't it?
   In BB's defense, the weather channel said it wouldn't rain during the party. I think this may have been the first time the weather people were actually wrong <grin>.

* * *

 - Vooch's birthday bash has happened for a few or even several years in a row now. Held at Tully's in Sharon, PA, the night starts with some version of the River Saints and ends up with the last couple hours of people on and off the stage exhibiting various degrees of talent and fortitude. Vooch's most recent birthday bash's version of the River Saints was Vooch, Randy, Bill Miller & Yerdog. The first couple hours were a joy. The last couple hours had their moments but all in all were not as bad as they could have been. There was a lot of talent in that room and it was fun to share it for the most part. Das Vooch seemed to enjoy it all, and that's what really counts since it was his birthday.
   Happy Birthday, Vooch! ...and many more.

* * *

 - One morning Yerdog woke up at about 5:30am and went to work. When he came home he jumped into his pre-loaded van and went to do a gig for an hour and a half at the Hermitage Arts Festival with Das Vooch, Bass on Bass, Bill Miller & Harpattack Mac. From there he reloaded the van and headed for some kid's graduation party where he, Das Vooch, Harpattack Mac and Gregg Wormly did a real fun gig. There were some good eats at that gig! By the time Yerdog got home, sleep wasn't difficult.

* * *

 - Once in the a while Yerdog gets out there and does gig... Not often enough really, but it still happens. Old dogs can still turn a trick or two <grin>.
    One night, Jason Antignoli's bass player couldn't make his gig at the old Suburban in Hermitage. It has a new name but it still says Suburban on the building so why use the new name. People won't find it unless you tell 'em it's the Suburban... I digress...
   Anyway, the gig was big fun with the likes of the famous Vooch and drummer Gregg Wormly. Yerdog's lucky to know such talented folks. Everybody keep on chooglin'!!!!

* * *

 - Once upon a time, after months of not gigging, Yerdog and his friends, Harpattack Mac, Buff Bill and CB Bodine went out to Moraine Campland and played for a few hours. Ah, it was sweet! On the way home Yerdog mentioned that they really should think about doing another gig in a few more months. You just can't beat the good tunage when it happens just right.

* * *

 - You know, I think I was 'blogging' before it became a 'thing'. I've always done the ANRB updates in this fashion and it looks a lot like blogging to me. I wonder if I should change the format so that people won't think I jumped on a bandwagon that in reality I invented? YES I DID!!!
    Yerdog spent the last few days in New Castle's famous Jameson. It's the place for those who find themselves needing physical relief and repair of painful pieces and parts. I'll tell you what... they treat you okay, but if you stay too long you find yourself going stir-crazy to a point where you really don't know if you wouldn't rather have just stayed in pain... Yerdog found himself wondering that very thing. The conclusion he came to was that, no, the pain was the greater of the two evils. It's good to be home though. So good... I'm past happy!

* * *

 - Yerdog loves to meet new musicians so it was a nice thing when he got a call from drummer, Rich Bailik. Rich has a band called Diesel that's looking to experiment with some keys and somehow he got Yerdog's number. Well, how cool? A little jam session was set up and it was a gas chooglin' with strangers... Hey, Chooglin' with Strangers sounds like a neat-o name for a CD... Of course they're not strangers anymore. In fact, Yerdog will be appearing on stage with them on occasion starting sometime this summer... Cool, something new, something fresh, something happening...
   Anyway, we'll keep you posted...

Update: What's the shortest period Yerdog has ever been in a band? How 'bout one rehearsal? We'll call it a shoe that wasn't going to fit. Those Diesel boys are great players, for sure. Check 'em out next time you feel like banging yer head and moshin' yer pit and havin' that kinda good fun... They have a site on myspace if you want to check it out. Go to myspace.com and do a search on xdieselrockx and you'll find them. ...I feel old <grin>.

* * *

Help feed some animals... FREE!
Click here, then click there.
That's all it will take.

* * *

 - It's been rumored that the ANRB is in a state of stagnation. Nowhere is that rumor more prevalent than in ANRB headquarters. But, as high commander, sage and king of the ANRB consortium, Yerdog has no worries and is not wont to be deterred by unfounded conjecture. Therefore, we have now instituted a full-blown campaign to quell any and all inaccuracies in common 'knowledge' and will, in the near future, institute new and innovative projects to demonstrate and affirm our resolve in such matters. Let us remember, Science has in many cases been proven to be Fiction. Therefore, Fiction can indeed inevitably become Fact. Let those who prefer reality to fantasy take great care in deciding just how 'real' reality actually is...

* * *

 - What a pleasure it was to fill in with the FX Project at Papa Louie's in Brookfield, Oh. Their keyboard man, John, was out of town doing some kind of family thing so drummer, Bill gave Yerdog a call and the rest is history. Chickenbone sat in on Sax that night too, which is always a pleasure. Thanks drummer Bill, bassist John and the infamous guitarist Fran for a night worth driving through the freeze.
   Papa Louie's is a nice place by the way. They did have more posters of the Hern Brothers on their walls than I'm used to seeing, but that only reminded me of some good times I've had with them over the years. Drummer Bill explained that we were kind of in the Hern's home turf in that area. My thought on that was, "That's Cool."

* * *

 - Here's a cool new site for and about the local musicians.

Mahoning Valley Music
www.MVLivemusic.com

   Kudos to Professor Steve for putting it up. For one thing, he's attempting to put up everyone's schedules which in itself is a huge undertaking. What really impresses me is the fact that he seems to get out there and attend everyone's gigs <grin>. Be sure to check it out. You might find it quite useful when you're wondering what to do and where to go some night.

* * *

 - There was a benefit concert at Tully's in memory of Li'l Ed Lloyd, founder and leader of Li'l Ed and the Co-Conspirators Band. A mess of bands played and the crowd was huge. The River Saints ended the night and it was all right. Kudos to Mandeca Vooch for putting the whole thing together. Li'l Ed sure had a lot of friends.

* * *

 - The Christmas Cantata at church went well this year. Great tunes. Great direction. Great actors. It was a blast!

* * *

 - It had been like 5 weeks since Yerdog did a gig. He was ready. He was itchin' to play. That night it just so happened to be Gina's birthday and by some crazy good fortune she decided to spend it with Yerdog and his musician pals. Buff Bill, CB Bodine, Harpattack Mac & of course Yerdog showed up and did the show. We all got our choogles out and the people sure seemed to appreciate it. I love it when a plan comes together. Sadly missing from the evening's festivities was the infamous Monty Natale... I guess it wasn't a huge shock that he didn't show, but we all wondered "What the $^%^"

* * *

 - If you were to retire from music, would it be by choice?
   I sincerely doubt it.
   What are you doing musically these days?
   Not much at all. It's been kinda like being retired... without a pension.
   Are you happy about that?
   Uh... no.
   What are you doing about it?
   Working on my old car and listening to cool tunes and thinking of better days.
   Better days from the past or the future?
   Yeah...

* * *

 - Once upon a time at the Crane Room the ANRB presented the River Saint Project to a virtually empty room. A few connoisseurs did stop by for a while, but the masses were evidently all at the high school football games. It reminded Yerdog of many other occasions where the same exact crowd showed up for the festivities. Ah, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but you always have to suit up or so 'they' say. 'They' say a lot of things. Sometimes 'they' get on my nerves with all those things 'they' say. Who the fuss do 'they' think they are anyway?
   The band was superb that night too. We had Das Vooch, Randy, Rocket, CB & Yerdog. No lack of chooglin' force there whatsoever... It was good jams offered up to the high metal ceiling and I'm pretty sure I saw that ceiling chooglin' right along with us.

* * *

 - How about that Town & Country bar over on 422? Those River Saints, or at least some of them played there the other night. I think it was the other night. The crowd seemed to love it. At the end of the night one guy said, "You guys are the best bar-band I've ever seen in my life!" Mandeca seemed to like that and he asked me, "Why should we practice? We're already the best bar-band that guy's ever seen." Yerdog sighs and shakes his head.

* * *

 - Yerdog almost made it to Vooch's house to do a little one on one rehearsal today. He backed the van up to the garage and loaded all his gear and got ready to set out for a day of productivity and creativity. He dallied around the garage a little while, puttering and piddling around with this and that as a man is apt to do when he has a little time before he has to leave for an appointment or rehearsal or whatever. The departure time finally arrived and Yerdog jumped into the van and turned the key. The starter motor began to turn and then, all of a sudden, there was nothing. Turns out the battery had started the van for the last time when it was backed up to the garage. That was it. All she wrote. No more juice. All over now... By the time Yerdog diagnosed the problem and replaced the battery any realistic window of opportunity for the afore-planned rehearsal was past. Let's try tomorrow. Let's try next week. Ah well, there's probably a reason it happened today. For instance, it's a good thing it happened in Yerdog's driveway instead of somewhere out there on the road. Count yer blessings.

* * *

 - I hear there's a bit of a re-vamp in the works. What's that mean?
   What does what mean? Re-vamp, or that there is one in the works?
   The whole thing. What do you mean by re-vamp and how is one in the works?
   Okay, re-vamp means overhaul, to re-think and re-do, to fix up and improve. If there was a re-vamp in the works that would mean that we're re-thinking in order to re-do something to fix up and improve it.
   What exactly are you re-vamping?
    I don't remember saying we're re-vamping anything.
   But I hear that you are.
   Where'd you hear that?
   I'm asking the questions here.
   That doesn't sound like a question. That sounds like a statement.
   That WAS a statement, but I'm the one with the questions.
   See now, that was a statement too. Why are you saying you're asking the questions when you're actually making statements?
   Because you twisted things and now you're asking the questions.
   So, in other words, I've re-vamped you?
   I suppose you could put it that way.
   Well then, there's the answer to your question.
   What question?
   Is that a question? I thought I was asking the questions now.
   But I started asking the questions.
   Well, make up your mind then. Are you going to ask questions or not?
   Never mind...
  

* * *

 - When a weekend goes by without a gig, does it depress you?
   No, not really. It's nice to hang with the family, rent a movie, chow down some popcorn, get to bed early.
   Why do you gig then?
   Because I have the curse. I, like many of my peers, just have to get out there and choogle or eventually I will go MAD.
   Choogle?
   Well, if you have to ask... nevermind.

* * *

 - Got free tickets to go see the Pirates against the Brewers. It was a beautiful day. The sun beat down on our 14th row seats. I was watching the expressions on the 3rd basemen's faces just because I could. I got up to go get a lemon ice when the lady behind me asked if I was in the Last Call band. I said I wasn't and I added that she looked familiar too. One look at her husband and I knew. It was the couple, with their kids, who own the Lazy E bar right here at home. What a coincidence. I told her the last time I'd played their bar was with one of Buff Bill and Johnny Jewel's bands, either Heavy Weather or quite possibly Wildfire. Once we all had the who's whom straightened out I proceeded to climb the steps to go get my lemon ice. The suckers were all sold out of lemon ice though. What's with that?

* * *

 - I wonder who remembers that Fireworks Festival in downtown New Castle where the ANRB had the honor of playing? There were three bands - Wildfire then The All Night Rhythm Band Harpattack Tour then Another Local Band (possibly better known as ALB). I remember working hard for weeks before to make sure the ANRB's portion of the show would be right and tight, well thought out and positively executed. In hindsight, I believe all that hard work paid off. Yerdog had and heard no complaints.
    At the end of the gig it was brought to Yerdog's attention that even though the ANRB played the second spot that day as the ANRB, in truth, by definition of what the ANRB is, the ANRB actually played all the slots that day. All the members of all the bands that played are members of the ANRB, just check the members list on this sight right here. Ain't that COOL!!! All the bands did great jobs too as would be expected of ANRB members <grin>.
    The ANRB members who actually played under the ANRB name that day were CB Bodine, The Lawman, Harpattack Mac and Yerdog. Just to give credit where it's well deserved. Good show boys.
 

* * *

 - I remember a gig where it seemed that every tune we played was as tight as could possibly be. I mean the players didn't have to say a word. The chops spoke for themselves. The only language spoken between the players that night was through their instruments and the communication was crystal clear. It felt good. It was in the pocket, the slot, the groove. All verbal communication was actually unnecessary.
   If I remember correctly we were at the Moraine Camplands and the players were Johnny Jewels on bass, Earl Syr-Slick on lead guitar, Buff Bill on tubs, Harpattack Mac on six-strings and harps, and Yerdog on the keys. Jewels, Syr-Slick and Buff had just played another gig with their latest hit project, Wildfire, so they were all warmed up and tuned when they arrived. They could have been too tired to play, but something almost magic seemed to give everyone a strong second wind. It was very satisfying. You shoulda been there!

* * *

Here's a taste of a piece of the HarpAttack Tour.
I just like the photo.
(Of course, the original photo is larger and more clear. But, as Wes used to say, "This is more 'earthy'.")

* * *

 - Yerdog was thinking to himself one day... 'Sometimes I enjoy it in the rehearsal hall more than I do out there on that stage.' It's nice when it starts to get productive. That's what I hear...

* * *

 - Once upon a time Yerdog came home from working his day job and was leisurely eating a brimming bowl full of home-made potato soup. Mmmbyeah... potato soup. Suddenly the phone began to ring. Yerdog's mouth was full so he couldn't say, "Hey, don't answer that, I'm eating yummy potato soup here." So, the phone was answered and it was Das Vooch calling to say there would be work in the studio that night. Argh! So Yerdog went to the studio and got all set up and ran through the first tune and then the studio broke and Yerdog packed up and went home. It may have been a good night not to answer that there phone.

* * *

 - Quick, get ready. There's a Randy Kat meeting today at 3:00 at the old office (Coney Island north). Bring your camera and get a shot of the old guys. How long has it been? About 30 years? Something like that. Yerdog's stopping by to say 'hi' and if actually absolutely necessary, to ask 'why?'. Really, 'WHY?" Yes, here at the ANRB update center we report everything, the good; the bad; the ugly; and the ridiculous.
   ...and here's the proof. Everyone showed up. How 'bout that? I'd say that definitely counts as a reunion, so there ya go. Randy Kat had their reunion. D. Nat described everyone's moods as 'bubbly'. Cool! Randy Kat had a nice 'bubbly' reunion. Who could want more?
   You know, there was a time when Yerdog wanted to name a band 'The Bubbles' but no one thought that was a good idea. Maybe it wasn't... no... probably not...

* * *

 - I remember a new year's weekend with Harpattack Mac, Danny Christmas, CB Bodine, Buff Bill & Yerdog at the Crane Room's New Englander Banquet Hall.
   When we think back we may tend to just remember the good parts of certain occasions. It's especially easy to remember the good parts of that weekend. There were so many (good parts).
   If you were there, and by the head-count you just may have been, then you know what I'm talkin' about. It certainly turned out to be a blast. The tunes were tight. The energy was contagious.
   It was a fine way to begin a new year. Here's hoping the rest of the year follows suit.

* * *

 - Ah! The night the radio star got married. Turns out her real name isn't her radio name. KC is really Eileen. Go figure...
   The best part about the night was hanging out with Ron Verb. Yep. Ron Verb. Yerdog met the crazy man in person and it was all he hoped it would be... not much, but kinda cool...
   The River Saints played that night... well, mostly they sat around waiting to play and then finally the time came and the mood had actually passed. Yerdog was ready to tear down the gear and go home... no, I jest. We played. All the radio stars shared the stage , singing; announcing; cutting up and having an apparent blast manipulating the spotlight (except Ron Verb. He has too much class for that. He just stood to the side and heckled and laughed. Way cool, Ron!). I think Das Vooch was getting a wee bit perturbed that his center stage kept moving sideways, but that's just me.
   All seemed to go quite well. Congratulations Ken & Eileen... Eileen? Yeah, Eileen.

* * *

 - This morning I was emptying my pockets of loose coins and tossing them in my coin can as I always do. Those of you who don't do that would be surprised at how quickly it all adds up, but that's beside the point. As I quickly sorted through the change to reserve two quarters for my pocket, as I also always do, I came upon a strange looking quarter.
    "Hmm..." I thought to myself. "I must have received some strange foreign coin as change somewhere." It wasn't a Canadian quarter as sometimes happens (don't ya just hate when that happens?) because it was a little bit bigger than a quarter. Maybe it was some European coin or something? I took a closer look.
   Lo and behold, this thing wasn't foreign at all. It was an American coin, one which we hardly ever see out there on the street. It was a Susan B. Anthony dollar coin.
   "Hmm..." I thought again. Maybe someone gave me this thing in change somewhere thinking they were giving me a quarter. I mean if they had given it to me as a dollar I would have noticed. I count my dollars. I don't always count my change. I mean, I'm as tight as two coats of paint and I count those dollars, but sometimes I give the cashier the benefit of the doubt and I trust them for the change.
   I showed the Susan B. to my wife and told her my theory that someone must have given it to me thinking it was a quarter. She looked at me the way she sometimes does and said, "Wow. Then you made yourself 75 cents there." Her sarcastic enthusiasm did little to hamper my genuinely enthusiastic response. "Yeah!"
   I studied the coin trying to remember where I may have received in in change. In truth, I hadn't been anywhere or bought anything the day before. I had been home. I had taken the boys to school, plowed the driveway, worked on some tunes, picked the boys up at school... ...no one had given me any change. Or had they?
   Every morning we give both of our boys 3 bucks apiece for lunch. They usually spend about half that, but we send extra just in case. Every afternoon my oldest son, David, doesn't return the change, but my youngest son, Derek, does. Derek must have received that Susan B. as change at school.
   I doubt I'll ever know if we made that 75 cent profit since in all likelihood Derek won't remember. And so it goes...

* * *

 - My favorite gig I have ever played so far in my entire career and life was at a noon luncheon at First Presbyterian Church in New Castle, PA. We set up a whole lot of gear. We didn't get paid.  We only played two songs but had to stay there for over an hour anyway. So why would I say this was my favorite gig I ever played so far in my entire career and life? Because I did it with my son, David. The only gig I could ever do that would then become my favorite ever would be if I did one with both of my sons... and that may happen one day, God willing.
   How the gig came about and developed into what we made it is a long story I won't put here. Suffice it to say that it worked out well. Many thanks to my long-time friend and cohort, Danny Natale, for helping David and I do a good job with the music.

   I guess Yerdog's showing his pleased as punch and proud as a peacock face today, eh?

* * *

  - "Everybody habba go - - - ah, downtown".  - Burt Mammal - 1970-something

Nice tune!

* * *

 - "We'd love to stay a while, but we gotta gig!" These infamous words were uttered years ago by the legendary Burt Mammal. The band was Randy Kat and the gig and its surrounding circumstances have been long forgotten, but the sentiment remains unchanged. We were younger then. So much younger. If I knew then what I know now things would have turned out differently, but I'd still have to gig. It's not for the notoriety. God knows it's not for the money. It's hard to explain what it's for. There's a certain energy that builds up and finally just has to be released. We all have it. It comes in different forms for different people, but on some level we all understand it. My dad liked to say, "You gotta go when you gotta go, even if you have to stop the bus." It's something like that...

* * *

Here is some advice for club patrons - <click>

* * *

 - All gigs are good for Yerdog's soul. There's something undeniably necessary about getting behind those keys and finding and hovering in that particular plane of consciousness. Some gigs stand out more than others. I'm reminded of the time The All Night Allied Rhythm Section, featuring the famous McIltrot Bros., Rick 'the lawman' Morelli & Yerdog played the annual pig roast in the parking lot at Medure's Restaurant in New Castle. I can remember a sea of people chooglin' along with it as the band found areas of musical discovery they'd never found before. It was just an incredible blast from first to last... ...and let's not forget to mention Rick's sticks. Give the man a solo on the tubs and all of a sudden he's a one man show with sticks twirlin' and flyin' up in the air to be caught again while never missing a beat. I was dazzled. (Johnny Jewels says I'm too easily dazzled, but I was dazzled just the same.)

* * *

 - Remember now... we only tease the ones we admire...

* * *

 - Look... it's all about dynamics and gaps. Severe dynamics are what's really effective... and sometimes you even have to just stop totally and listen to what everyone else is doing for a few bars just so that it will sound cool when you come back in.

Do you get it?

* * *

 -    To quote our old buddies:

I'm so tired, I haven't slept a wink
I'm so tired, my mind is on the blink
I wonder should I get up and fix myself a drink
No,no,no.

I'm so tired I don't know what to do
I'm so tired my mind is set on you
I wonder should I call you but I know what you'd do

You'd say I'm putting you on
But it's no joke, it's doing me harm
You know I can't sleep, I can't stop my brain
You know it's three weeks, I'm going insane
You know I'd give you everything I've got
for a little peace of mind

I'm so tired, I'm feeling so upset
Although I'm so tired I'll have another cigarette
And curse Sir Walter Raleigh
He was such a stupid get.             -Beatles

* * *

- Check out The TAFFETAS tribute page -

* * *

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