Finding the Right Volume

Playing live music in a busy restaurant is not without its special challenges. On Saturday we played at the Ajax Cafe near Port Townsend, and the food was good, the place was packed and the tips were generous as usual. However, finding the right volume, which usually isn't a problem when we perform as a duo, was particularly difficult that night. People applauded enthusiastically and seemed to like our sets, but all it seems to take there is for one person to tell a staff member that the volume should come down and we are asked to "turn it down." This happened several times that night until there was almost nothing coming out of the PA. Oh well, people still clapped and smiled and we got paid. So I'll stop complaining and just be grateful. The weather couldn't have been better and when the sun shines anywhere on the Olympic Peninsula, it's a definite treat, and from the tiny stage there you can see the water and trees...all that grandeur.

Then it was back to the Junction in Port Angeles, where volume is rarely a problem and a shoe hangs from the ceiling, but that's another story deserving of an entire post. Bill and Pat were in top form contributing excellent vocals and guitar to such favorites as "For What It's Worth" and "Feelin' Alright." Stephanie's harmony on Bill's version of "Since I Fell" is worth a recording session and we talked about getting that done later this week. We'll see.
[Port Angeles]
[Olympic Peninsula]
[Ajax Cafe]
[Port Townsend]

Ajax Cafe this Weekend

On Saturday, we're at the Ajax Cafe in Port Hadlock--near Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula. Excellent food and unusual atmosphere awaits! It's right on the water and now that the days are longer the views are something to see. It's always a thrill playing there.

We had a good time at the food bank benefit on Saturday and Sunday even with my car problems. One of these days I'll have to get a proper musician's vehicle, a van or something larger than my Honda Accord which has lately been stalling at the worst possible times. Many thanks to Waynne for the wrenches on Sunday. And thanks to Dave for bringing the music stand I left to the Junction and for performing with us. Bill and Patrick also put in fine performances on guitar and vocals. Bill continues to rewrite some old favorites with surprising introductions--well, it's better listened to than described here so come down to the Junction on Sunday at seven or eight and you'll hear it.

There's live music in Port Angeles almost every night of the week now. Read John Nelson's column in the Peninsula Daily News on Thursdays and find out when and where.
[Port Angeles]
[olympic peninsula]
[Ajax Cafe]
[Port Townsend]

Port Angeles

Rollin' Waters will be busy in Port Angeles this weekend. On Saturday we help out with John Nelson's Benefit at the Eagles Annex, and as usual, on Sunday we're at the Junction for the open mike/jam. So bring your guitar, hand drums, bass and voice out there at 7:00 PM for some musical fun.

Stephanie worked on our upcoming cd this week making two trips out to Port Townsend to record drums and bass on several tracks. Tom and Todd really play up a storm on "Wagon Wheel" and "Fine and Mellow." Ida and Bill added some nice vocals last week as well. It's so fun to record and make cds. I hope we can record some live cuts out at the Junction in the near future.

Recording

We stayed in Port Angeles this weekend. No trips to Sequim and the Baja like last weekend. Meanwhile, the recording work progresses with Jim Spencer adding some more fire with electric guitar parts to "Wagon Wheel." Now all we need are the drums and bass from Tom and Todd who are scheduled to record their parts later this month. Our next casino date with the larger Rollin' Waters band is June 4th. Can't wait!

As usual, we'll be at the Junction next Sunday starting at 7:00 PM. Bring your instrument and voice and we'll see you there.

Sequim this Weekend

The weekend is almost here and it will be a busy one. Friday and Saturday we perform at the Baja Cantina in Sequim for the first time. We start at 8:30 PM and play until we get tired! We've heard there's often a large crowd on Fridays so you might want to get there early. Then, of course, we are at the Junction in Port Angeles on Sunday starting at 7:00 PM as usual.

Just received some new recording equipment and can't wait to record more with Stephanie. Any day now there should be some audio on this site. How exciting!

Weekend in Port Angeles

Not wandering far from Port Angeles this weekend we played an unusual event in Sequim. Suzanne Arnold's Celebration of Life was held at the John Wayne Marina on Sunday, and we were there to provide music. It was a sad but moving event, and it felt good to be there offering some kind of comfort to friends and relatives. Suzanne was killed tragically in an auto accident on Hurricane Ridge in January. She and her husband had seen some of our shows in Sequim and Port Angeles last summer and liked our music.

Sunday the jam/open mike at the Junction was slow at first but picked up by nine or so as more regulars stepped up to the mike and did their thing. Remarkably, it was nearly smoke free, which is unusual but a very welcome change. Maybe more musicians will attend from now on. We'll see.

Tree House

Thursday we'll be at the Treehouse Lounge in Poulsbo for the second time. Although it's bound to be different every week, the place looks so good (like you're really in a tree) that one can't help but have fun. Not sure what we'll play yet, but probably at least one with some finger pickin'.

Ran into a few problems with the audion posting process. I'll have to get out my trusty mac for the mp3 conversion, looks like. That's alright though, and by Friday the new audio interface for recording could arrive on my doorstep. Then we may just have to do some live recording at the Junction on Sunday nights! Glad to hear that John Nelson is feeling better, and we look forward to his article tomorrow in the Peninsula Daily News.

The pictures from our gig at the Seven Cedars should also arrive soon. Where could they be? I'll have to ask Stephanie about them this afternoon. Busy weekend coming up with a Celebration of Life performance at the John Wayne Marina on Sunday before our jam/open mike at the Junction.

Recording

While last weekend was a little less busy than usual in terms of gigs, it was nonetheless productive in other ways. Stephanie and I recorded "Wagon Wheel," one of our favorites that recently entered our set lists and receives a good reaction, especially at the Junction on Sunday nights. Now I can't wait to give a rough copy to Jim at Strait Music and record another guitar part. Stephanie's harmonica work on this song sounds most appealing. We plan to add it and "Fine and Mellow" to our cd asap. And yes, we're close to posting an audio clip right on this here blog!

We're looking forward to Thursday when we travel to Poulsbo for the second time to play at the "Treehouse Lounge" for their open mike/jam. Getting there early would be wise as they pack them in. Lots of good jammers are sure to be there--just wish it was a little closer to Port Angeles! More later....

Rollin' Waters

The Treehouse Lounge

Last week we were in Poulsbo at the "Treehouse Lounge," and it was a blast. Who knew Poulsbo was such a happening place? You walk up a set of steep outside stairs next to a big, leafless tree, and enter the coolest bar around with skylights, recessed booths, patio and small stage area. But the crowd....jeez...they hooted and hollered for us and the other players. Such enthusiasm and the place was packed to the gills. We're going back soon! We played the following: "Wagon Wheel," "Love Me Like a Man," "Wade in the Water," and "Stormy Monday." Randy Paddock, an ace sax player, helped us out on the last two, as did unamed piano and bongo players.

The Weekend

What a weekend! Saturday at Michael's started out slow, although the dinner was good, as usual. Around 10:30 people started coming in after the symphony auction and they stayed and cheered us on. We're at Michael's again Tuesday for the Children's Hospital Benefit. Good cause so come on downstairs.

On Sunday Jim Spencer, local guitar master, came over to record at my place. I can't wait to finish "Fine and Mellow" in the home studio and post a piece of it here. He really smokes and Stephanie's vocals are amazing. I think you'll like it.

Later that night at the Junction, the house was treated to Kim and Jason, aka Deadwood Revival. We didn't get a chance to join them on stage, but it was as inspiring short set with new songs that turned into a great informal welcome home scene. Ari was there, too, and played some great slide and mandolin. There really will be a pic posted here soon. I promise.

Thursday

We're headed down to Poulsbo this evening to the "Treehouse Lounge" for a jam in a place I know little about. Should be fun.

Fat Tuesday at Michael's was a lot of fun with gumbo, martinis and a real good turnout. We even sold a bunch of our demo cd--can't wait to get back to recording and mixing the final product! Not everything was perfect, however, as my monitor blew out, fed back and may have even smoked a bit. Ah well, good excuse to buy some more equipment if it can't be fixed. It's resting in my living room right now.

We're back at Michael's on Saturday so come on downstairs, have dinner and listen to our best efforts.

Would someone please write a comment so I know I'm not just writing to the air? Thanks!

Good Weekend

Saturday night at Michael's Divine Dining was a real treat, and the food, as usual, was excellent. Later in the evening a small crowd formed in front of our small stage and stayed until after eleven. It was kind of like giving a little concert to a very appreciative audience. Even the people in the back booths clapped. It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it!

Thanks again to Bill for helping us out with harmonies on "I Shall Be Released" and "Wagon Wheel." We'll be back tomorrow night for the Mardi Gras party. Michael was on the phone looking for crawfish for that occassion. Hope he finds them! My mouth is watering already.

Last night at the Junction was fun, too. It turned into a full blown jam with Johnny, Joe, Jane, Bill and the bass player, whose name I can't remember. Orelia and Bill Jagger were in good form, too. Nothing definite on Berry, the cat, but I'll keep you posted, so to speak.

Thursday

When you wake up Thursday mornings do you always open the Peninsula Daily News and read John Nelson's column about music happenings in the area? Well, if you don't, then why not? Every week you can find out where Rollin' Waters is performing while being entertained by John's lively banter and good humor. For me, it's a Thursday ritual.

Saturday Stephanie and I will be at Michael's Fine Dining starting at 8:00 PM. If you haven't had dinner there yet, well, what are you waiting for? The food is nothing short of wonderful. And, we have a new instrumental to debut. If that isn't enough, then try Michael's killer martini.

Tuesday, at the dock in Seattle, a ferry worker smiled and told everyone to have a good evening. Oh yes, it was a shock, but a welcome one at that. Wish I could have stayed at the Owl and Thistle for the jazz jam, but a school night makes that difficult. Oh well, one of these Tuesdays will just have to be a late night leading to a bleary-eyed Wednesday.

President's Day

Happy President's Day! Sure is nice to have a lazy morning for once, especially after such a busy weekend playing at the Ajax Saturday and at the Junction last night. Highlights included Orelia on vocals and classical guitar. "Celito Lindo" was a show stopper! Hope she comes back next week. On top of that we sold four cds, and Bill Tiderman was in his usual fine form with the Mickey Mouse club theme songs of all surprises. Bad news about Berry, the cat, however. He needs a new home apparently.

Here's our set list from Saturday at the Ajax:
Set 1
When You Say Nothing
Don't Think Twice
Wagon Wheel
Wonderful World
The Long Way Home
Down on the Corner
I Shall Be Released
Soul of a Man
People Get Ready
I Know You Rider
Big Yellow Taxi

Set 2
Cold Cold Heart
Summertime
Hesitation Blues
Move It on Over
Sugar Baber
Ain't Nobody's Business
Love Me Like a Man
Fennario
Shenandoah
Deep River Blues
Blue Skies
If You Gotta Go
Wade in the Water
Fever
Goodnight My Love

Set 3 (can't remember)

It was a really good night as usual but with even more diners in what is always a packed restaurant. Let me explain. The food is so good it always packs 'em in, but this time we were asked to take breaks so people would leave to make room for the next reservations! With that and the applause (not always forthcoming in a restaurant setting) I'm pretty sure they liked us. We'll be back there in April.

Friday

Still trying to decide which pic to use for this blog! We had a bunch of new ones taken at the Casino last Sunday but I haven't seen them yet. Then there's a way to post some audio from our demo and upcoming cd that I need to figure out. In the meantime, we're at the Ajax in Port Hadlock this Saturday and back at the Junction on Sunday evening. With any luck we'll get Jim and Todd to record some guitar and bass on a couple of songs next week. It sure is cold outside!

Seven Cedars, February 12

What a thrill to see so many of our friends and fellow musicians at last night's show at the Seven Cedars Casino in Sequim! Stephanie sounded great, as usual, and the band...well they are awesome. Tom, Ray and Todd really know their stuff. We're used to playing as a duo or with maybe one other guitar player, but a full band...wow! The stage at Seven Cedars is something to behold and even something more to perform on. Scott, the sound engineer, is a pro and had us dialed in toot sweet. And the food was good, too. Jeff said we did well and wants us back, but the place is booked until May. We're looking forward to a return engagement. Hope to see you there.

Friday

No gig tonight but Stephanie will accompany the kids at school with guitars and vocals during the Franklin Sing along. I told the kids we might do "Orphan Girl" since the word came up in a Cinderalla story we're reading today. One thing leads to another when it comes to Music and Reading.

The Buzz

We had a great time last week playing at Rebecca's acoustic open mike at the Buzz in Sequim. We tried out one of our newer songs, "Wagon Wheel," and the crowd seemed to like it a lot. It sure is nice to play for other musicians and hear their songs. Pete played a skillful and humorous version of a song that I assume is called, "My Sister Kate." The fingerpicking was inspiring. Rebecca is amazing with her originals and skill at fingerstyle guitar as well. Looking forward to a return visit to the Buzz soon. The open mike happens on Wednesdays starting at 6:30 PM.

We appear at Seven Cedars Casino this Sunday, February 12th at 5:30 PM. Hope to see you there.