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« pie in the sky | Main | Dubuque, IA »
Sunday
Apr232006

Dubuque, IA, part deux

Josh and I are sharing a room tonight and we're sitting up watching an incredible documentary on Jimi Hendrix. Dang, that dude was unreal. I need to start listening to him more. He's one of those guys you know is good but when you spend a few minutes watching him play, it's pretty staggering.

So tonight's show might have been the most fun I've ever had being a part of Caedmon's Call. The whole band was there tonight. Jeff and Danielle haven't been at many shows over the past number of months and to have them back was great. Trip and Crystal, who've been filling in, have been wonderful, and they've done a really good job. There's just something about being in a band, though, that only comes with time; time spent together playing and writing and just being through life with each other.

It's honestly something I never thought I'd experience with Caedmon's. The Normals had a very intense feeling of comraderie and there was nothing like knowing you were a part of that band. It was such an amazing time that I have probably kept myself from really committing to Caedmon's in some ways, out of some feeling of obligation, probably. I shouldn't be scared, though. It's the type of thing that you're more than lucky to have had once.

Tonight, though, we really clicked, and more than musically. It was so fun to have the freedom to play knowing everybody was there and aware. Looking around and seeing each other, my good friends, having fun just inspires you to get into it more. The crowd was just great tonight and we got to play a bunch of songs we haven't in a long time. I started the show off playing the intro lick to "Lead of Love" and just started grinning and didn't stop until, well, I still sort of am. Cliff picked a great set of some of the classic old tunes, and we played a couple extras that weren't on the set list, just because we were having so much fun.

In a quick guitar nerd note, for the past few years I've used two amps a lot, one with big delays and modulations and one dry, always at the same time. The past few months I've started just bringing one amp out and have been getting into that. Tonight they had a great old AC30 for me and a killer old Fender Blues Deluxe. I decided to use them both, just one at a time, trying different ones on different songs or different sections of songs. It was fun switching back and forth and I really enjoyed the unique tones I got from each.

Josh is now watching a game show where people are competing with electric drills. Wait, it's an infomercial. Maybe I should buy one of those. He also just showed me this amazing clip. That's just crazy.

Well, it's going to be a short night of sleep tonight, so I better try to get as much of it as I can. Thanks for reading and saying hello. Thanks to everybody who came out tonight. It was really a blast and I hope we can keep having this much fun.

It's just been too long since I jumped off a drum riser.

Reader Comments (5)

now that makes me happy.

April 23, 2006 | Unregistered Commenterdave the once-bearded

I was at the concert this evening--my first time at a Caedmon's concert--and it was amazing. While I listen to Caedmon's constantly, I haven't kept up with the happenings in the band in quite a while. So, it was sweet tonight to hear that you were from Normal, because I am also from Normal (I shouted that I was from Normal too--I was standing in the crowd at mid-stage, but I don't think I was loud enough). As I was driving back to Iowa City with my buddies, I began to ponder whether you might not be the lead guy from The Normals, as I have the Coming to Life album and still listen to that as well. Anyway, long story short, it's sweet to see someone from Normal making an impact through Christian music. Amazing performance tonight--my buddies and I very much enjoyed your solo as well and look forward to hearing more from you!

April 23, 2006 | Unregistered Commenterstehill

So what's the official term for someone from Normal? Are you a Normalite? Normalian?

April 23, 2006 | Unregistered Commenterronzilla

Andy, it was an awesome show, it was obvious you guys were having lots of fun. It was good to talk to you afterwards, too! I still want to get a tshirt with the artwork from your new album... good times.

April 23, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterChris Hubbs

andy--thanks for sharing this. i've spent a lot of time thinking how strange it must be for you to be in a band not called the normals, i'm glad it's feeling like home.

April 24, 2006 | Unregistered Commenterclyde

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