A Sensational Gathering

I was euphoric in an exhausted kind of way. Leaving “The Gathering”. What a sound system! and what an unbelievable line up of talent. I was caught off guard hearing One Nation, with a full horn section and percussion, keyboards and guitars. It truely was a “Santanna” sounding outfit.

And I’ve never seen a more prolific guitarist than Doug Smith. He played one of the pieces from his work in the movie August Rush, and  “Classical Gas”, “Peter Gun” and several absolutely wonderful humor songs including “would you like to play the guitar”. His wife joined him on vocals and flute. they covered “I got you babe” by Sonny and Cher” as well as a graceful version of “Somewhere over the rainbow”. I’ve never sat through an entire set of music before I went on. It was like getting a free concert myself.

I invited him on stage to play with me after his set. “when you see talent like Doug Smith” I told the crowd “you have to have him join the band”. He brought a rendition of “Love you with my life” that was closer to the quiet prayers project when I asked him to sit in with me.

The Sugar Caddies played with me on this one too. and the improvements were light years over our first gig. “Into Wishin” was a real highlight as well as “never lied to you” first time I’ve played the song with a band.  We closed with a little rendition of “release yo self” by Graham Central Station that took the place apart!

The stage was set up like a little beach shack restaurant complete with tables close to the stage. the amphitheater audience was looking in on a small club like atmosphere that really came alive shortly after dark. Mike Gross, Guitarist for the Sugar Caddies tells me we have real footage of tonights gig so maybe you’ll get to see what you should be slapped for missing!