Legally Blue Part Two

March, 2021

There were a number of “firsts” for me in playing with Legally Blue. It was the first band in which I played a B3 organ. It was the first band in which I played that had its own truck. And it was the first band in which I played that built cohesion among its members as a part of making great music.

About the truck. This is a band focused on quality and authenticity. As such, the band’s attraction to a piece of equipment was directly proportional to its weight. If it could be avoided, no house PA would do. This band had its own along with a 24 track mixer and two sub woofers the size of a cargo ship. Each musician had their own monitor so they could hear themselves clearly. It was far and away the best sound I ever had while playing on a stage. Later, lights were added to make the band look as good as it sounded. All of this hardware, plus Aart’s gear and the Leslie speaker for the Hammond organ, was loaded in the truck. Thank Godess we could hire strapping young men to move this.

At my first gig with the band, when time came for the first downjbeat, I was dutifully walking to my rig when the band motioned me to a huddle at stage left. I was soon to be introduced to the Legally Blue pre performance pep talk. The theme of this one was Skiing With Your Eyes Closed, which fit me perfectly. It was a tradition, led by Mike reading from notes dutifully added to his phone, that jelled the band into a unit that hit the stage ready to testify.

After the gig and the inevitable joy of breaking down the whole mess, we would get together for a meal, or a malted beverage. We would critique the performance, comment on the crowd, and trade music gossip. Probably the most fun I’ve had while keeping my clothes on.

My diagnosis become a shared pain for the band. For me it came during a period when I was perpetually ruining the day of friends and colleagues by sharing my diagnosis. I soon learned that a grief shared becomes half a grief. Not only was there unconditional support, but there were plans discussed over accommodations to keep me playing in the band. These folks would have rented a helicopter to lower my rig and me onto the stage if it weren’t for the disease attacking my hands.

Even after I cycled out, the band would call me during rehearsal breaks to catch up. Mike introduced us to Lucy Wedermeyer, a champion in the fight against ALS. Chris dedicated to me each note he played, even the right ones. And the band kept playing my original tune, Roadhouse. https://youtu.be/CEU5PMy1sbM Who could ask for more?

The circle of care that flows through Legally Blue sprung forth again when another member of the band got nailed by a medical challenge. For the past weeks we have been keeping tabs on progress and offering our wishes for recovery.

The blues heal. I have been gifted with a group of people who use the music they make as a foundation of care and humanity. So when we can start gathering again , and you see Legally Blue on the bill, go check them out. If you do, request Roadhouse so they know who sent you.