July 15th, 2008
Aiyeee! Bil got bit. Just upon arriving at our first rehearsal out of the city, out in the countryside of northern Lancaster County, PA. Happened very fast…Bil whisked away while the Ant, Nic and I sat, waited nervously. Certainly cast a peculiar fog on the whole day. Upon Bil’s happy return, we quickly got drunk, and slogged our way through that familiar refrain, crappy practice before the Big Gig.
Thanks to Chris and Haley for an otherwise great day–but for the damn dog. This was the first time in a long time since any of us had performed outside, in the daylight. It was also a good chance practice a full set-up and tear down of all our equipment and a rented PA. I routinely found myself winding up a cable and wondering what the hell I was supposed to do next.
This is all in preparation for a gig on the 26th of July. The Ness Farm party.
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June 6th, 2008
Check out Bell, Camper, Wedding Band, and I didn’t go for new takes on some songs that we let go for a bit. Refreshed, for your pleasure.
We were sorry to learn that Heath can’t do the opening gig at the Ness’ party in July. Guess it’s down to just Gadjo Playboys and us.
There’s been talk of recording at this gig. I dunno. Shrug. Could be a good receptive venue.
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May 29th, 2008
We’re looking forward to playing the big summer party at my dear friends’, the Nesses, “farm”. It’ll be the first time out for this set that we’ve been working on with our new lineup, i.e. with Nicola on vocals. We’re also quite honored to be “on the same bill” with the very cool Gadjo Playboys from Lancaster. We will also be joined by our friend Heath, for an acoustic warm up. Sounds like it’s going to be a pretty big deal of a party, and an evening of interesting musical contrasts. You should try to get yourself invited.
We’ve recently added two more songs to the set: I didn’t go and Too much is good. Both of these were Bil’s songs, but we’ve reworked with new lyrics and melody thanks to Nicola.
A busy Spring. Ant works all the time. Bil just got back from vacation. I am obsessed with my bass rig. Nicola may be in love and may have quit her job… ah the rock n roll lifestyle lives on.
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February 27th, 2008
So the new rehearsal tracks with Nicola are up above. Eight total.
- 18 Down
- Bil’s Wedding Band
- Ant’s Kleenex
- Just Say When
- Starts with a Stomp
- 4AD
- Camper
- I know I know (This is a work in progress.)
Nicola’s voice is buried in the mix, but a sound is beginning to emerge. Hopefully you can hear it too. With just a little polish, we’ll have a solid opening set. Let us know if you are interested.
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January 9th, 2008
Last Friday, Ant, Nicola and I went to a party celebrating the marriage of our old friend Jesse Lundy and Tara Murtha at the Trocadero in Philly. During the course of this pleasant evening of debaucherie, Jesse gradually tempted us to play a few Fontanelles songs. We’re talking eight years since we last played this stuff!
Played George, Cowboy, and… Ant? Nic? What was the third song? A good time was had by all.
* * *
The following Saturday afternoon, Drink the Long Draught rehearsed for the first time since the beginning of December. Bil arrived with a head full of new bits. Amongst other things, we rearranged Eighteen Down with Bil’s new part. A low key but productive session.
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November 25th, 2007
I think we were all happy with this first time together: the recordings aren’t great but the outcome was good. Several of the songs we had written recently were transformed at this rehearsal. It’s good to have Nicola in the mix.
Songs from this session include: 4ad, Ant’s Kleenex, Camper, Eighteen Down, and Just Say When [aka Everything But Time].
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November 19th, 2007
There’s word on the street that a sumptuous voice from our past might help Drink the Long Draft to complete its sound. I’m so thrilled that I’ve gone superstitious…and so cannot divulge anything more about her. Oops.
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November 15th, 2007
The venerable Bil Johnson rock anthem is undergoing an interesting transformation. Funny what happens after six weeks free of practice. Still more new ideas, eager for a voice.
Ant, the envelope, please.
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