Music, drinks, conversation, and dogs

Technically I did not stay in the guest house – my mandolin player did.  I collapsed on the couch at 5am and slept like a baby…. for 3 hours.  The night had begun with the band playing a crazy gig for about 100 guests who danced from start to finish. Lots of musical twists and turns here, as well as laughs.  In my group, it is encouraged, in fact required, for the musicians to play and sing whatever they feel whenever they feel inspired to do so, and this happened in abundance, which resulted in frequent fits of laughter as I tried to sing. Exactly how I like it.

We quickly packed up after the gig and headed straight to the farm. Began the proceedings with absolutely the best drink I have ever had in my life – a Bitter Liberal. Delicious is not a strong enough word. After that and some nice conversation we decided that the best thing to do after a 4 hour gig would be to…. play some more music.  But this time we tapped into a different feeling altogether.  The rowdiness of the earlier gig was left behind for a mellow vibe.  Acoustic guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and dobro blending sonically as God intended and supplying the perfect bed for the quiet vocal. Soulful stuff – I live for it.

After a few more tunes, it was time for the next round of drinks. This one was called a Lion’s Tail.  Whereas the Bitter Liberal was immediate love, the first sip of the Lion’s Tail was a little startling. Taste-wise it was night and day from the Liberal. After the second sip though, you start to get used to it, and by the third you’re fully acclimated and in the zone.  More conversation followed, and then more music. This time I picked some banjo, and while we played I could feel myself rocking back and forth. I was feeling great with the sounds, drinks, and friendship mixing in the most perfect way.

The cycle continued and the next thing we know it’s 5am.  I haven’t stayed up this late in years, but it is not difficult to do this when you’re having such a relaxed good time. Oh, and did I mention the dogs?  Big, sweet, dumb dogs.  I mean, the night was already so good that it was nearly a crime, but to add dogs on top of that?!  Might as well go ahead and throw me in the slammer right now.

Thanks again for the best evening I’ve had in a long time.