Shakedown Band - Canadian Rock And Roll

"The Shakedown Newsletter" #7

Well, well, well, WELL.... The "Shakedown Band" was at it again Thursday night, Jan.31, 2002. Once again it was at, "The Studio" on Crockford Blvd. Scarborough.

The rehearsal was unfortunately without the affable Peter Szekeres. One of the "Shakedown Band" key players who had a family matter of much importance to attend to and will be returning to us next week. As a result, the "Shakedown Band" was supported at the bassist end by our good friend and much talented, "Robert Ivanoff".

A fine-fellow musician who by the way was another soldier in the calling of musical passions. He was doing this night with us while sick as a dog with the ‘flu’.

Our friend Robert managed to support the band’s efforts that night right up until the final ½ hour. At which time the man had no choice but to surrender to the inflictions he was enduring that night.

Like I said, "a real soldier". We of the "Shakedown Band" all thank you very much Robert for your endurance and supports. We have always enjoyed your fine musicianship and harmonies when you’ve been amongst us. You’re very much a real PRO and obviously maintain the right attitude that, "The show must go on".

Some changes will be occurring in the near future in regards to the "Shakedown Band". Both in it’s materials on its repertoire and how we will be conducting the rehearsals. Some suggestions have been mentioned within the band’s membership that an increased number of tunes are needed at this particular junction in its development. Perhaps this is so…

Also, that perhaps the conduct of myself is maybe a bit too overbearing. This is a good sign to act upon for me. I fully indorse the communication between us members to mention such things that might be on their minds. I’m listening. I may not always agree fully, nor will you, but I am listening.

Each of us must be able to express ourselves and be happy with what we are doing within this project. The bulk of the matters will be discussed at a meeting between us all and will be held at a place yet to be discussed and determined by all the members at our next rehearsal. As soon as that is resolved we will spend some time within the following week after as a band and as good friends. Somewhere that we can eat, drink, play our recordings and get the opportunity to properly know each other and what each of us think and want. Perhaps at Brandon’s apartment which he has kindly volunteered or perhaps someone else’s if they would like to do so. Foods and such are my pleasure to supply and be nibbled on and the standard; "BYOB" will be in place.

With the recordings being played in the background while we are all relaxed talking and listing it will perhaps afford us all a chance to hear the parts being played by each other and then point out the better ideas we each have so that we can all decide whether the piece we are listing to is best fitted to that tune or not. Most important will be the comrade aspect from such a meeting. I hope we will all attend and also to be able to have J-Man present so as to properly include and introduce him. I would suggest that a weekend day might be best.

News Update:

The band will continue to look towards altering its locations for its rehearsals as of Feb.14, 2002. At which point we will have completed a 4-week booked commitment at "The Studio" location. After which point perhaps the band will again try "The Art Zone" along with other tested studios and possibly some "new" locations. I was wondering about how everyone felt towards trying the one in Concord again. It was small but still we did have a great host and all was very friendly and cozy. Plus it had good access for slugging our gear in and out of.
Currently in progress is the song by Peter Townsend, "Rough Boys". The lyrics and structure are now fully sorted and laid out for use and ready for us to play and develop into our repertoire.

Ok you’s Guys... that’s a wrap.

Yours truly,

Madcowjack