ghosthouse, one of my most fun gigs was backing Don (Sugarcane Harris) & Dewey on a set at The Foothill Club in L.A. (a place that booked pure American Rock ’n’ Roll and Rockabilly artists) in the late-90’s. Don & Dewey had been on Specialty Records in the mid-late 50’s (along with Little Richard), and had a couple of minor hits (you may have heard their "Justine", a real barn burner). Don went on to work with Frank Zappa, but hey, a guy’s gotta eat ;-). Don showed up for the gig quite high, and was a real sweet guy. Dewey showed up dressed to kill---a sharp suit and shoes, tie pin and cufflinks. We had no rehearsal (shades of Chuck Berry), so before each song their bassist (the only musician they "carried") would call out the key and "feel" (shuffle, straight-8, etc.), and count it off. High pressure playing! I love playing for real Rock ’n’ Roll audiences---they dance! |
bdp24 - Of all your many music experiences, that one has to be top of the heap. No rehearsal? Don & Dewey probably share telepathy and the bass player had been working with them for a while. Which leaves you! Talk about a high wire act. I know you don't much care for FZ (an understatement, I expect) but he did display a softer side towards Don. Bailed him out and or got his fiddle out of hock on more than one occasion, as I recall. Mighta been self-serving if he just needed him for a show or a session, I guess. I suspect you're already familiar with it, but just in case not, check out Don's soaring solo on, "Little House I Used to Live In" on Burnt Weeny Sandwich. It starts at 5:13 on the track at the link here if you don't have patience for the lead in (and again at 10:35). Interesting set of musicians too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=SN&hl=fr&v=1AhmgaF46F8 |
