Teching for Billy

Hey guys,

As of Yesterday, I started teching for Billy at Yoshi's in San Francisco. I will be doing this in SF and Oakland over the next two weeks. Billy said I can write about the experience but before I do, I want to clear what I write with him first as he seemed just a tad aprehensive about me doing that...

But Just breifly, YES! I did get a chance to play Billy's drums... Sweet! And, Ted, I have the CD version of Fruit from the loom... Pictures, liner notes and all....

More to come later!

Don.

OH S$%^!!!

OK, I'm scared now!

LOL!

Back in the day when Billy was with "DREAMS," I sound checked his kit in Woodstock, NY. Since then, we've all grown into today and what dreams are still in our hearts, let alone our destiny to fulfill them.

I AM SO POSITIVELY JEALOUS OF YOU NEPHEW! If you don't tell Bill that I wish I could have been there, then I'm definitely going to take the STRAYDOG BUS to SAN JOSE and kick your butt! In the meantime I have a first class ticket to where I'm supposed to be in any community.

That is so cool DON... looking forward to hearing from you and the experience. Let Drumman know what's going on too... cause he sounds like he wants to be there but cannot (in another thread).

That's cool news Don ! will you be teching for Billy in New York in september ? Love to see that !

And I hope you got a copy to send me, or a t least send me the info on what label it's out on etc . Thanks, TED

That is way cool, Don!

I can't wait to hear about it
and to Billy - it's so great hav-
ing you on local soil, even if
you are far from me!

Wow, that is awesome, Don.

Make sure you get lots of pictures.

Okay?!

So where is HOTLanta in this mix?

Just asking?

Just some tidbits...

Billy is a real work horse, guys... They were having rehearsal when I arrived and they were hashing out some really difficult material that Billy had written... All these guys were really digging into the charts working really hard to prepare for the night. And all the while Billy showed an extraordinay amount of patience. They rehearsed for about six hours at least. When he and the band finally went to the hotel before kicking off the two shows a night for the rest of the week, Franze (Billy's sound engineer) and I changed the drumheads and did the sound check.... It was a very long day... Moreso for those guys than me.

Don.

Wayyyyyyyyyyyyy cool from the inside . . . Don, don't even think about putting chewing gum on the pedals.

What did you do with all the used heads? I bet they're good enough for me!!!

So great to hear about some of your experiences, Don! I know it is a blast! Enjoy the time and please let us all know about it when you find the time. Please say hello to Billy from me!

Wishing you all a great time in CA, I know it will be smoking!

Peace
Niki

Dslam,
How about some pictures, when you get a chance!
That is awesome, enjoy the experience.

D. Slam wrote:Just some tidbits...

Great, Don!

That's really a fantastic insight into Billy's working schedule and methods. Very interesting!

Best regards!

Thanks, Alex,

Just finished two shows last nigt.... They were smokin! Billy was out for blood this night. I can't remember the last time I saw Billy smile so much and joke with his players on stage as he did last night! Everybody up there seemed to have a really good time. Besides being a monster player, Dean Brown is a true sight to behold... Just watching his body english antics is nearly worth the price of admission.

Two more shows this evening in San Francisco, then it's across the bay to Oakland for a week with the "Billy and friends" concert series.

Don.

P.S. At Yoshi's, you are not allowed to take pictures during the show, unfortunately, But I did get some shots before and after.

Don
over here they search people in exclusive clubs so they do
not enter with a mini digital recorder.
I assume that Club does something like that as well.

Good to here Dean
having fun again.

________________________________

Outtasight
Colin.

Thanks, guys for the intense interest. I hope to get to Chicago and Atlanta sometime in the not too distant future as it would be an honor to play in those cities as well as anyplace else within the U.S.A. Right now, I'm just happy to have the opportunity to play the hand that's dealt me. That being said, it has been a rewarding week but not without putting in the work and having strong support from the crew at Yoshi's plus Don and Franz. Since I have not played Chicago (the Park West) or Atlanta (Fox theater) for many years, I don't know what compares in your environment to Yoshi's. For me right now this club and organization stand a mile above any other I have worked with. Ciao!

Good Review & photo
Page 70
in the April edition of the UK Jazzwise mag
of the Billy Cobham Ronnie Scotts gig.
That cool bass player played
with Jan Hammer and Jeff Beck UK tour,
some years back.

__________________________

Outtasight
Colin.

What's Boomer playing, for pedals?