When I was in college, I played at a neighborhood bar called Bonne Terre’s Lounge in New Orleans East with Rockin’ Jerry & the Spice of Life Band. And we covered everything from Elvis Presley to Led Zeppelin, Prince, all the hits of the day, classic New Orleans songs… we played everything. But what made it special was Jerry’s personality. It was a small neighborhood bar, so Jerry knew everybody in that bar. When they walked in, he waved at them. He smiled at them. He knew which songs they wanted to hear. He made them feel special every time they walked in the room. It was the greatest lesson that I learned from him, and I try to take that everywhere I go.
Amen John. All we have are our fans. One day after a late night gig, I was helping the bartender, a close friend of mine ( you played there on my B3) clean up and I got a note. A random note. I just got it down from my wall. here’s what it said
” Dear members of The Melt,
Despite having NO vocals, there was such amazing phrasing in each song you played in every set. Drums, bass, but and Organ each had such distinct parts and phrasing. It was exhilarating to hear. Congratulation, you have a new fan! You are all in your own rights, master full musicians. That guy from New Orleans knew your music too, that was quite surprising.
From a first time appreciator”.
If your blog allowed pics, I’d have posted this word for word. Alas, I have to quote, but whatever. Too funny that she (assumption) thought YOU knew our music when it was YOUR music we’ve studied for years that moved her to write this random note left on a bar table.
The point here it ONLY to note that you never, ever, take any one of your audience members for granted. Do your best, play your best and appreciate everyone who loves what you do.
sincerely,
Jeff Stevenson
band leaders, The Zins & The Melt
I was there then. “That’s when a smoke was was a smoke. And grooving was grooving.” That was your song!
Lots of great memories and times at Bon Terre! I still love “Cherry Bomb”. I don’t think I ever sang it again.