Conjuring Lou Reed, BSBB 2010

It's nice when we pull off a song rather well without any rehearsal together. Yes, it happens. Sunday night, during our prime-time set, we played Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" having never attempted it before. It was on our set list because somebody had suggested it years back, although we never did get around to tackling it. So, you'll hear a few unsavory notes in here, and you might also hear the bass and guitar drop out when they're not sure exactly what to play. But forget all that and concentrate on the feel. I think we captured a great deal of attitude when we ran through this song. And when Luby realized he didn't have the second page of lyrics, it meant we'd have to end the number before it was due. That's when I grabbed hold of the reins and started an improvised vocal that ended up sounding like Lou Reed, an interesting choice given Dylan might have written this song as a revolt against the whole Andy Warhol crowd.

More Lou Reed was to come at the beginning of our intentionally loose Wednesday night set.

Hey Joe/Locomotive Breath from Sunday night

Some of the sets we play are planned out in advance, but some numbers are ready at our disposal to be played at a moment's notice. "Hey Joe" is one of them. Since the lyrics are adapted and dedicated to our Summer Camp counselor, Joe Lstiburek, we generally pull out that chestnut only when its namesake is within earshot. Another one that keeps our band quick to the draw is Jethro Tull's "Locomotive Breath," which is sung by guest vocalist Danny Greenblatt. Part of the way through our performance of "Hey Joe," I noticed Danny was sitting off to the side of the band with his hands folded in his lap. This, to me, is the telltale sign that Danny's here for one reason only: to sing his song. These two songs are played in the same key, and I could start off the long intro to "Locomotive Breath" on my own and the rest of the band would follow in due course. So, that's what we did. Danny has always said he needs no attention drawn to him before he starts singing, only copious amounts of bourbon. That's the way he likes it, and we like it that way too. This is from our Sunday prime-time set.

Sunday rock set, BSBB 2010

Building Science Boogie Band
Photo by Layla Thomas

For those who weren't there, and for those who for whatever masochistic reason care to relive it, we're going to post some MP3s of our work during Summer Camp 2010. We've embedded them right in line with the text so you don't have to go hunting for them. The lineup from the start was Michael Lubliner and Eric Werling on guitar, Collin Olson on bass, Randy Martin on drums, Brad Oberg on percussion, and Steve Sauer on keyboards. Most of the vocals were shared by Luby, Steve and Eric.

Summer Camp 2010 wrap-up

Photo by GreenCurmudgeon

Summer Camp 2010 has ended, and it was a monstrous success for the Building Science Boogie Band. We had more guests than ever before sitting in with us. We were also mindful of those who could not join us, including our trombonist Gary Nelson and our deceased friend Larry Palmiter. Plans for improving the Building Science Boogie Band experience in 2011 are soon to be unveiled. You should also look here for select recordings from Summer Camp 2010.