Photography by: Andy Apperson © 1969
Gene was my drummer
his rhythms were tight
a wizard with sticks
he kept us rockin’ together
jay was the string strummer
bass and guitar magician
he played mind-bending licks
his fingers light as a feather
brian joined in the summer
a sax man with no equal
with reeds he did tricks
he blew hot as the weather
keyboard dave was the newcomer
my lead vocals finished the mix
*
rob kistner © 2022
Poetry at: dVerse
Oh, this sings, Rob. Thanks. I was a back-up singer, ages ago, when the band thought I was still sober enough to be called up on stage, which wasn’t all that often, as I (vaguely) recall.
Well done, Bro.
Thanks dude! My drummer Gene had an alcohol related calamity while we were playing at the Toy Tiger in Louisville for the 1973 Kentucky Derby. These wonderful patrons were celebrating Secretariat’s big victory. They kept buying our band these things called “Bald Hooters”! It was half peppermint schnapps and half tequila. As the lead singer, with the mic in my hand, I was not drinking much. However Gene our drummer finished each round that was presented to him. The end of the third set our final song had a big crescendo With a cymbal crash at the very end. The song ended the crescendo happened but there was a delay in the cymbal crash. I spun my head around to see Gene going over the back of his drum stool ass over tea kettle and his feet came up under his cymbals and kick them into the air. He was a little late, but he did manage the big crash. We played the final set with me keeping rhythm with conga and percussion.
What a great band you formed, each member a stanza…
Poor me didn’t get a stanza Bjorn — but I did get the title. That’s me and my rockin’ crew in the pics at the top.
I like how each stanza is dedicated to a different band member. And I like the rhyme of drummer and string strummer.
And look at you with all that curly hair! Those must have been some days, Rob. ????
The glorious freedom and beauty of naïve youth. Those were fabulous years, save the fact that my friends were dying in or being driven crazy by the war in Viet Nam. I was 3 years in Reserve Officer Training in college, but never ended up being sent “in country” — saved by the draft lottery.
Incredible! What form? Your slice of life absorbed it like butter on hot toast. It is always such a treat to peek back into your performance past. I’m hunkered down helping my wife fight cancer. My health is still for shit, but so far I’m holding the line.
Thanks my dude! So damned sorry… I did not know your lady had cancer. Keep the fight brother. I am sending prayers for the both of you.
How interesting to read about your band and band mates. Cheers to you!
…and to you Grace… 🙂
Enjoyed this ????????
I am pleased Paula… 🙂
What a wonderful tribute to your band mates, Rob! An incredible write.
Thank you Punam… just reaching back so not to forget… three of the four I mentioned are now passed away. Gene and I still talk time to time.
When the band becomes the song …. 🙂
Beautifully expressed Reena, band becomes a story into itself.
Always love hearing of your band days, Rob. You make the bref double sing in your voice.
Thank you Dora… 🙂
Talking of singers. I sang soprano in my church choir 2006 to 2014
Have a good weekend
Much?love
Sing on sweet lady… 🙂
Loving the rhymes and the way each stanza sings its own tune!
Thank you Tricia…:)
Well done Rob. Your words flow so seamlessly, just like your music did I’m sure.
Thsnk you Kerfe… 🙂