Tuesday, October 28, 2008

The Tongue, the BCCMA and a session



So I've had this lesion growing on my tongue for the last few months. I had it removed at the advice of my doctor (I mean - of course....who wouldn't?). The lesion was about the size of a quarter. It was uncomfortable but not crippling. I went in on the 24th of October for day surgery. I had some general anesthetic administered and they went to work. I was home by 1:00PM that day. I had the rest of Friday and Saturday off to recover.
On Sunday it was time for the annual BCCMA awards show at the Red Robinson Show Theatre in Coquitlam BC. The Lyin' Bastards were called to order and we assembled for the performance. We were fortunate to perform with some of BC's best (as well as some great out of towners) - Deric Ruttan, Art Pruce, Ginette Genereaux, Jordan Doell, Sandra Wainwright, Kelly Brock, George Canyon, Fera, Ridley Bent, Aaron Pritchett, George Canyon, The Higgins and Jessie Farrell among others. The show went great. I went straight home and resume recovery. I had my Monday off which was nice.
It's Tuesday now and I'm feeling good. I'm at the Armoury Studios right now doing a bed track session for three artists - Sheila Deck, One More Girl and Fera.In the meantime the doctors are going to biopsy the growth to see if there are any other concerns .... I'm sure they'll find nothing out of the ordinary.

Monday, October 20, 2008

CP Spirit Train Sept. 21-Oct.-18






My wonderful association with producers Tracey and Randall Presto and Canadian Pacific Railways continued with the CP Spirit Train. The CP Spirit Train is a program put into place to promote the 2010 Winter Olympics across Canada and to get the "spirit" going. We (Tom Mckillip, Chris Meister, Dennis Marcenko and myself) were hired to backup artists across Canada. While the entire trip was presented over three weeks, we only did 12 shows which made for a reasonably easy trip. People we backed up included Duane Steele, Tracey Brown, Marty Mcteirnan, Matthew Mukash and Kayla and Kelly Prescott.
The featured acts who played on every stop were Dallas Arcand and Sierra Noble. Dallas is a tremendous performer. Along with his guitarist/ vocalist Curt Young, they combined hip hop, country and blues with traditional aboriginal rhythm and traditions. The set culminated with a hoop dance - which Dallas is renowned for. He has won a world championship twice. Sierra Noble is a wonderful singer/songwriter/fiddler. She combines Metis fiddling with great songs - very honest songwriting. In addition she's a beautiful person inside and out. We have become great friends.
The stars of the trip were the Olympic athletes. We heard many inspirational stories of Olympic triumph from them - especially from the Spirit Train Olympic Ambassador - Paul Rosen. Paul is a Paralympic Sledge Hockey Goalie. He won a gold medal in Torino. Listening to him speak is amazing. His presentation is down to earth and speaks to everyone - whether you are an athlete or not. He was a constant ray of light on the train and a huge music fan. He gave me an autographed picture and some great memories. I look forward to watching him and the rest of his team bring home the gold in 2010.
Colin James and his band were along for the ride as well. We had some great fun hanging with those guys as well.
The trip was not without controversy - protesters appeared at almost every stop. Without going into my views on this subject, this is what makes this country great. Free speech and peaceful protesting are a right we all have - it was good to be reminded of how great we have it in the Great White North,
We had a great time in Thunder Bay and Smith Falls jamming with some local bands as well - thanks to Mark Potvin and his band as well as 'The Roadies' for letting us thrash around on your gear and letting us get our musical rocks off.
I want to write more about this trip .... but deadlines loom...must get to work. Thanks to Randall, Tracey, Cathi, Brea, Mark, the King, Kevin, Jon, Jill, Rob, Rob, Marty, Orest, Doug, the village people.... the list goes on and I'm forgetting people..... sorry....THANKS!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Vancouver Comedy Fest 2008 - Sept. 18-20



Once again, my friend Will Davis had myself and a few of my friends to provide some music to accompany the fine comedians performing at the Vancouver Comedy Fest. Of course, I jump right in - I love this gig!

Sept. 18

Chris Meister and I (aka The World's Smallest Trio) do the first gig of the night at the Vogue Theatre - Scott Auckerman and BJ Porter's Comedy Death Ray - three hours of standup (which turned into four hours - a marathon of funny). A wealth of comedians including Janeane Garofolo, Matt Besser, Andy Richter took to the stage. BTW - Reggie Watts - check him out. One of the most talented unique individuals you will ever see. Amazing talent! Afterwards - we went to the Media Club for the first of three nights as the house band for Andy Kindler's Talk Show. Andy is great - super quick -excellent at dissecting people and situations. He has recently been doing correspondent work for Letterman. Andy's sidekick for the show was Eddie Brill. Eddie is a talent booker for Letterman and also does audience warmups for the show. Chris and I realized this may be as close as we'll ever get to being in the Letterman band! It was awesome ... guests included Tim and Eric.

Sept. 19

Chris, Bruce Morrison and I started at The Firehall Theatre with Match Game - as we did last year. Our ol' buddy Jimmy Pardo returned with the panel - Scott Auckerman, Brian Posehn, Chris Hardwick, Janeane Garofolo, Matt Walsh and Marcia Wallace (that's right - an original Match Game cast member...Carol from The Bob Newhart Show...Edna Krabapple from The Simpsons!) Awesome!
Next up - night two of the Kindler show with Tim Meadows, Janeane, and some music with David Gogo who of course charmed 'em with some great banter as well.

Sept. 20

Long day - a session at the Warehouse for Dean Maher .... then to the Firehall for Match Game. After that - upstairs at the Firehall for The Todd Glass show - also a lot of fun! Finished it up for night three of the Kindler show .... Jimmy Pardo, Marcia Wallace and Shaun Verreault! More great fun.... love these gigs. Thanks Will!