A long time ago in a galaxy far away there existed a group of friends, dreamers and artists - musicians, idealists. Their paths crossed while in the pursuit of that most intangible and obtuse of endeavors, to create that bubble of goodness that envelops a group and infects everyone within it's influence when the jam is just right and everything is clicking. It's that bubble that happens when, through the alchemy and magic of chance and providence that one manages to find themselves as part of the mechanized Universe which in some way is expressing itself through your involvement in the sacred, magic jam. At least that is how I have always felt about it and is chief among the reasons that I continue to work as a student and a servant to The Art.
Aside from that lofty stuff, it was just plain fun and joy to play with these guys. Some of my fondest memories are of hanging out and playing music with this incredibly talented group of people. Among them are Bryan Abernathy, who was one of the chief song writers and singers. Bryan is gifted with a great voice and a presence that really gave the band as a whole it's sort of persona or something. Bryan played rhythm guitar and had a penchant for breaking strings, which is where the name Unkle (with a K) Pecos was derived from, from the Tom and Jerry cartoon where Jerry's uncle, Uncle Pecos, comes to visit. UP played guitar and always broke a guitar string and plucked new ones off of Tom's face in the episode. Jeff Sachs played bass and was as much a song writing influence and singer as Bryan was. Jeff currently plays with Sloppy Joe. Mark Laskowsky playing drums against Jeff's stand-up double bass playing made for a rhythm section that was nothing short of grade-A, world class all the way. Unstopable was that rhythm. Dan Creech played keys, wrote tunes and sang and was largely responsible for much of the in between song banter. I, your humble servant and narrator, played lead and rhythm guitar, sang background vocals, and sang a few tunes that I wrote.
So, it is with love and respect that I present to you in this first post a recording of the once great Unkle Pecos and The Country Funkins - recorded live at The Brauer Haus in Hinsdale, Illinois from sometime in what I believe was the Spring of 1999. I'm pretty sure that we only played there once. On hand this evening was Bert Swidersky sitting in playing harmonica, who also helped us with the recording (Thanks, Bert!). Bert sits in with us for a number of tunes this evening, including Tore Up and That's What Love Will Do For You. Bert also sits in with us during our encore, a manic and zany version of Crazy Train!
The playing throughout the evening is tight, with the exception of a few wrong but recoverable goofs by yours truly. Looking back I remember this as being one of those nights where things just fell in place, where time in between each note seemed to stand still and it felt like everyone was able to get at what they we're hearing. There was a humor and camaraderie between us and laughter was free and easy. The jams and improvs we're mercurial - ideas we're easily apprehended at the moment and put to sound almost without effort. It was a good night and all of our friends we're out having fun with us.
To go to the recording, follow this link:
I hope you enjoy!
