"Crazy for You", presented by the LHS Drama Club was a success. It is rare for a high school play to have such a large pit, but there were around 16 musicians packed behind the CLT cyc! I was able to play with a partial EOS ensemble (Rebecca and Mark), and at times we seemed to be the solo rhythm section, along with my high school music teacher on bass. For those unfamiliar with the show, think of fast swing music (2/4 throughout), ragtime, and jazz standards. There were plenty of stops, but that made the music interesting. Once again, I had to double on banjo, but only had room for one instrument (which became a banjo by magic of fingers).
I love the old musicals and how they write crazy chord progressions for guitar that obviously will not sound over the horn section-- still, I played enough diminished chords to feel as though they didn't sound dissonant (I like them anyways). This play might have christened the new EOS trio side-band; jazz swing for your classy social gathering!
Next up in June is "13" at CLT (maybe I can find that guitar pick I lost in the last show). This show will add EOS leader Mike to the mix, and may also serve as an informal band practice. The music in this musical is very rock-based, and even lists some parts as "metal". If Jason Robert Brown wants metal, then challenge accepted-- I have the perfect 7-string to unleash upon this play. I played this with Mike already a few years ago, so it will be an old hat. There is a rumor that I have to play the opening number on stage with a wireless device, so that throws something new into the equation. The last time I attempted this was in 2000 or 2001 with FAME at CLT, and it didn't work that well (lost connection because of missing line of sight). Should I scrounge up $350 in 2 weeks to buy a new Line 6 wireless rig or try to borrow something less than ideal? I guess we will see.
I will blog as things unfold from the front.
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