9/15/04: Summer wrap up / CDs finished (almost) / band lineup complete

(This was originally to be posted on 8/12. But just as I was about to put it up my computer crashed. My Mac that I've owned for over 10 years finally got a virus (Yes, I have virus protection but it wasn't tough enough and Mac's are typically immune). Then I got it fixed it but had a hell of a time trying to get the version of AOL I needed back on my computer. Damn them. All the lies they told me. Damn them to hell. I won't go into the long sordid story. Anyway...)


I know it's been a while since you've heard from me. I didn't want to come out of hiding until I had some good news to report and now I do.

A lot has happened since we last spoke. The short version: lost my girlfriend, my job, wrecked my motorcycle and my car (twice). But...

I FINALLY HAVE A F***ING BAND!!!!!!

The search for a bass player and singer/lead guitar player that has lasted the better part of a friggin' year has finally ended. Once again, I have Roger to thank. In my lowest period of inactivity ("I'm not playing 'till we have the whole band"), it was his idea to do duo shows. His thinking was, "Let's just take a step forward and maybe things will fall into place." And boy, did they. He asked a guitar player friend of his (and not just any guitar player, Chris Buono. Look him up; he is the shiznite. But he had been on tour and unreachable until now) to recommend one of his students. Not only was this guy a great player (and singer) but he asked if we needed a bass player because he has someone he likes to gig with. Not only that but they have contacts and people they can draw to shows from previous projects they've been in. Not only THAT but they have their own rehearsal space in Hoboken that we can digitally record in! Done and done. And done. This is how I met Pete Lacis And Damian Peters.

Pete and Damian know each other from a neo-funk/soul band called Barbuda that frequently played in the Central Jersey area and only just recently disbanded. Both are very talented, quick to learn and eager about playing with us. Plus they're just fun guys to hang out with. Their enthusiasm has been contagious. Rehearsals have been going really well and we have shows lined up in S.Jersey, New Brunswick, Hoboken and NYC. We will repeat ad infinitum until the Massimo Mob (like the Kiss Army but with much better taste) has grown to an undeniable size. Then the record companies should come a courtin'!

I hope to have a proper band bio up in a few months after we settle in. I was almost afraid to even tell you about these guys lest something not work out. But I'm starting to feel like they will. Now about those damn CDs...

Now and Then compilation: DONE
Massimo EP: done (except "Accident")

The only thing holding me up as usual is money. Seeing as how my credit card balances are already skyrocketing, what's a few cash advances? This is how badly I want this finished (how much can you get for a pint of blood these days?). I'm cashing in just about every so-called "investment" I have. It just needs to be DONE. NOW!!!

I would be remiss if I didn't mention going to the Appel Farm Music Festival in Elmer, NJ. There were many acts throughout the day but I only came to see one: Jonatha Brooke (of course). I stood in the pissing rain for hours only to have it rain harder later in the day when she finally took the stage with her band. But I didn't care; I got a spot right up front and sang along to every song. She was awesome. Her band was flawless. She made it all worthwhile. Later I got to take a picture with her. She said "You knew the words to all my songs!" Of course I did. It was nice to know I didn't just imagine that she sometimes was looking right at me. In case you can't tell by now, I'm a bit smitten with her. I know; it's a little embarrassing. I should have have a little more self respect (as if). I still get a little goofy every time I meet her. Here's the pic (thanks to Joe Sessanta AKA for the tickets and the photo):