I've had a little time to reflect on the past weekend's events and I come away with a one-word description: inspired.After all the preparation, rehearsal and time spent revisiting the music, the few hours we have on stage can literally be a blur. But this time it was different. We knew that we'd be backing up the legendary Ronnie Spector, so that was exciting. Then there was Earl Slick, master guitarist and a legend in his own rite. He's recorded and toured with the best of 'em. Then there was Greg Hawkes, keyboardist of The Cars: a pioneer of the synthesizer who, pretty much, redefined the sound of pop music for an entire generation. Then there was the amazingly witty songsmith Neil Innes, whose works with The Bonzo Dog Band, Monty Python and the "less-than-legendary" Rutles can make you laugh out loud. Finally, there was the always entertaining Mark Hudson with his equallly talented brother Brett Hudson. Those guys will take the stage and you'll be captured from the first chord.
So that was what we did, but there was so much more going on...SO MUCH more. People in the main lobby, on the second floor and even in the stairwell hallways, all singing Beatles' music. When you hear ten guitars, two basses and a slew of other instruments accompanying dozens of voices all singing some of the best music ever written, THAT'S a memorable experience!
I also got a chance to listen to Bruce Spizer's talk on the Let It Be Rooftop Sessions. Some very cool information from one of the most knowledgeable Beatle historians this side of the pond!
With all this going on, how can one NOT be inspired?
Amidst some pretty brutal financial times, we all got together for one purpose: the love of the Beatles. For one weekend in March, we all shared some special moments, ones that we can recall long after we've gone back to the day-to-day.
Now for some special thank yous:
To Mark & Carol Lapidos for making The Fest happen!
To my wife, Karen, for videotaping, photographing and keeping me sane! I LOVE YOU!!!
To my fellow Liverpool bandmates for the opportunity to play the best music EVER!
To Mikey Pico for keeping my guitars in tune and setting my stuff up. ¡Muchas gracias amigo!
To Debby Bischoff for helping out with my baby daughter Michelle...it was her first Fest BTW!!
To Robert D'Elia for making sure things are running smoothly!
To Ardie Ilardi and the whole sound & light crew for going above and beyond!
To Warren Melnick who never ceases to amaze!
To Sharon, Lauren, Cheryl, Jim and Jeff for always bringing a smile to my face!
To Robin and her friends for selling our merch in the lobby!!
And, lastly, to everyone who was there...THANK YOU ALL!!!
Peace, Love and Music Always,
John Merjave
5 comments:
John,
Thanks so much for your talent and infectious enthusiasm!
You guys went to a new level this year .... You do every year!!
I have been to the Fest for many years and Liverpool continually "blows me away"!!
You and Earl playing together was definitely a hightlight for me.
All the best to all of you guys. I always look forward to seeing you all again.
And your lovely baby reaching out for your guitar was a moment I will always remember :)
Until next year ... Rob
I'm sure Kaya will have something to say!!
Well said Rob.
That's sort of what I told Glen after the show.....I always wonder what else they can do to be any better. I mean let's face it, they are great performers every show, and yet every year it's something new and amazing and they take it to another level. Consistently. (gosh, not to put any pressure on you guys lol)
The solo works were great, especially the Paul stuff, but I'm partial to Paul, I can't help it. :)
Cool to see Drew on bass and jumping up and down at the keyboards. I notice more and more that Chris has a great voice and he makes me wish that I was a drummer, bigtime.
John is just amazing on the guitar solos and he looks like he's having fun with it, what a talent.
And Glen, phew... some, or should I say MOST of the McCartney vocals aren't for sissies and he nailed it all this year! Amazing and it's a wonder he didn't throw his neck out on I Want You/ She's So Heavy. What a spirited performance. I put a video up on youtube. I think the video shows just how much you all love the music that you are performing.
The special guests, yes, they were terrific (Mark Hudson's ...Me and My Monkey, too funny!), but YOU guys are the backbone to all of their performances and you were just terrific.
I could go on an on, and I think that I already did. ;)
My enthusiasm sometimes carries me away. Hope to see you guys performing outside the Fest environment sometime.
Thanks so much for the fun!
Lisa
The music and the laughs! It's what keeps us going. Thank YOU for being a part of it!
xoxo
lets have a great Chitown fest lads...cant wait!
AWESOME! I'm back to work after the 3 fabulous days at the Hyatt in Chicago! Wow!!!! I have no voice I was yelling so much. I'm sure you heard me.
You are all so fabulous it is just to hard to pinpoint the greatest moments! However I can recall two that really stood out to me.
Saturday night when you played "While my guitar gently weeps" incredible. John - you nail this one everytime.
Also another great moment was watching you and Earl having a great time dueling! That was fantastic.
Always a treat when you jam with Mark and Brett. Mark sure has a lot of energy - strange - but still fun and uplifting! Great time - always hate to see it end. Ahh - till 2010! Take care and live well!
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