"How does it feel
How does it feel
To be without a home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?" - Bob Dylan, Like A Rolling Stone, 1965
What's it feel like to be us? Like a band called Rolling the Stones? To see the happy faces? The crowd's enthusiasm and energy? To live in that moment where synergy reigns supreme? Just press 'play'.
The rhythmic clapping, the festive atmosphere, the balloons, the smiles. We leave the stage energized, gratified that a job was well done by all in the building. See, a show isn't just a band and audience, it's the sound people, the lights, the stage crew, the ushers, the venue ambiance, the facilities. Everything.
You can try to explain it any which way but there's no substitute for being on that stage, in that precise moment, sharing the gift of music with an audience that becomes one with the band. It's magic. It's electric. How does it feel? Amazing! Thank YOU.
Until next time ...
The Lads
Insights, stories, comments and behind-the-scenes fun related to The Greatest Stones Extravaganza on Earth
Monday, September 19, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Rolling Stones Fanatic
We had the opportunity to perform at a small casino in northern California called Konocti Vista. It turned out to be a rather important night for RTS as we had the pleasure of meeting Gary Malfatti, The Rolling Stones Fanatic, and his wife, June Snowden.
Below is a review written by them. Little did we realize, but the fun pair was comparing us to the dozens of Stones tributes that they have traveled quite a distance to see. Please stop by his rather amazing site, www.rollingstonesfanatic.com and browse to your heart's content. Some unreal memorabilia!
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An amazing night with the "Rolling the Stones" concert experience at the Konocti Vista Casino located in Lower Lake, Northern California. The band self proclaims to be The Greatest Rolling Stones Extravaganza on Earth, and they do not not disappoint. With 8 multi-talented musicians, it's easy to see why they are an extravaganza on stage.
Although the stage was small, Mick Adams (Mick Jagged) and Jackson Martin (Keith Riffhard) opened the show with all the flare and power that is the Stones. We were treated to an amazing show that was spot on for sound, looks, and moves of the Rolling Stones. Mick's vocals are uncanny and strong. Gone are any noticeable detection of a vocal difference to the real Rolling Stones.
The sound delivered us back to the numerous live Rolling Stones shows of the past 2 decades, and the thrill it gave us to hear the pure vocals of Mick and Keith's guitar resounding in our ears. What struck us most was the musicality of it all, and the fact that each song selected to be played spot lighted one or two of the musicians individually, so that the show collectively became an experience of each of it's members with the audience. Shows with this quantity of musicians on stage at once, each talented on several instruments, some holding MBAs and BAs in music and others with awe inspiring musical backgrounds and experience, can often have a 'background' musician or two. However, this show delivers each and everyone of it's musicians a stand out feature that forms a collective experience of it's individual parts. Some specific spots of mention, in no particular order, are Terry Myers (Woody) on acoustic guitar on Wild Horses; Bob Campbell (Bobby Keys) on Sax, Terry Myers (Woody), Jackson (Keith), and Albert Margolis (Chuck Level) on Can't You Hear Me Knocking; Albert Margolis (Chuck) on Tumblin' Dice; Sherr Aquino (Lisa Clayton) on Live with Me and Gimme Shelter; Bernie Yantz (Bill Why-Man) on Paint it Black. Of course, all held by the glue that is the constant "heart of the band" that is Vince Lupo (Charlie Swatts), who dazzles us with a solo at the conclusion of Jumping Jack Flash.
To end the night, these guys, and gal, are gracious to their new fans in the audience with an informal meet and greet by everyone in the band. We would highly recommend this band for all of our friends that live, love, and breath The Rolling Stones. We look forward to our next road trip to see the Rolling the Stones, and hope you join us at their shows in Southern California. You won't be disappointed.
Gold Rings on you all! Signed - The RollingStonesFanatic.com
Below is a review written by them. Little did we realize, but the fun pair was comparing us to the dozens of Stones tributes that they have traveled quite a distance to see. Please stop by his rather amazing site, www.rollingstonesfanatic.com and browse to your heart's content. Some unreal memorabilia!
-------------------------
An amazing night with the "Rolling the Stones" concert experience at the Konocti Vista Casino located in Lower Lake, Northern California. The band self proclaims to be The Greatest Rolling Stones Extravaganza on Earth, and they do not not disappoint. With 8 multi-talented musicians, it's easy to see why they are an extravaganza on stage.
Although the stage was small, Mick Adams (Mick Jagged) and Jackson Martin (Keith Riffhard) opened the show with all the flare and power that is the Stones. We were treated to an amazing show that was spot on for sound, looks, and moves of the Rolling Stones. Mick's vocals are uncanny and strong. Gone are any noticeable detection of a vocal difference to the real Rolling Stones.
The sound delivered us back to the numerous live Rolling Stones shows of the past 2 decades, and the thrill it gave us to hear the pure vocals of Mick and Keith's guitar resounding in our ears. What struck us most was the musicality of it all, and the fact that each song selected to be played spot lighted one or two of the musicians individually, so that the show collectively became an experience of each of it's members with the audience. Shows with this quantity of musicians on stage at once, each talented on several instruments, some holding MBAs and BAs in music and others with awe inspiring musical backgrounds and experience, can often have a 'background' musician or two. However, this show delivers each and everyone of it's musicians a stand out feature that forms a collective experience of it's individual parts. Some specific spots of mention, in no particular order, are Terry Myers (Woody) on acoustic guitar on Wild Horses; Bob Campbell (Bobby Keys) on Sax, Terry Myers (Woody), Jackson (Keith), and Albert Margolis (Chuck Level) on Can't You Hear Me Knocking; Albert Margolis (Chuck) on Tumblin' Dice; Sherr Aquino (Lisa Clayton) on Live with Me and Gimme Shelter; Bernie Yantz (Bill Why-Man) on Paint it Black. Of course, all held by the glue that is the constant "heart of the band" that is Vince Lupo (Charlie Swatts), who dazzles us with a solo at the conclusion of Jumping Jack Flash.
To end the night, these guys, and gal, are gracious to their new fans in the audience with an informal meet and greet by everyone in the band. We would highly recommend this band for all of our friends that live, love, and breath The Rolling Stones. We look forward to our next road trip to see the Rolling the Stones, and hope you join us at their shows in Southern California. You won't be disappointed.
Gold Rings on you all! Signed - The RollingStonesFanatic.com
Thursday, September 1, 2011
There's nothing like some good old Mo'
mo·men·tum - Noun /mōˈmen-təm/
1. The quantity of motion of a moving body, measured as a product of its mass and velocity.
2. The impetus gained by a moving object
Hard to put a finger on it regarding business, but when it begins to happen you can feel it. Yes, you can!
RTS is quietly arriving at a perfect point time. The stars and planets, even universes, seem to be aligning in our favor. Why the fuss?
Chuck Level is happy. Time to get a move on.
We're only two and half years into this thing but we're progressing nicely at a time when most bands give it up or quit trying. At times, it feels like we're crawling along but those who know us personally always seem to see the brighter side and tell us that, for a relatively young band, we're making rapid progress. In reality, we've leap-frogged over the usual path. In that case, don't knock it and appreciate the ride.
We've been fortunate to perform at some fantastic venues, and have met some instrumental people along the way.
There's a book coming out about us in the Fall. That's amazing in itself!
One of our talented performers, Justine Ducloux (Merry Fisher), has passed the initial audition for the competition series "The Voice"! Isn't that great! Cheer for her, she's one of the good ones.
We have an incredible support system of family, friends and staff. We can't do it alone and they're right there assisting in the background, the faceless army that allows us to produce the best show possible.
Then there are our fans. Yes, you guys. You're all the best! You can't imagine what it's like to look out at the smiling faces, to hear the sing-alongs and laughter, to feed off your energy. Our shows are doing quite well because of YOU. Again, can't do it alone. THANK YOU!!!
I know that I'm leaving off many other behind-the-scenes issues, but that's a taste of what it's been like lately. Rolling right along and a little downhill, a rolling stone that gathers no moss, but still leaves a trail.
These things can go both ways. Momentum can swing either good or bad. Right now, it's all green grass and high tides. Nice, Mo'. Good Old Mo'.
1. The quantity of motion of a moving body, measured as a product of its mass and velocity.
2. The impetus gained by a moving object
Hard to put a finger on it regarding business, but when it begins to happen you can feel it. Yes, you can!
RTS is quietly arriving at a perfect point time. The stars and planets, even universes, seem to be aligning in our favor. Why the fuss?
Chuck Level is happy. Time to get a move on.
We're only two and half years into this thing but we're progressing nicely at a time when most bands give it up or quit trying. At times, it feels like we're crawling along but those who know us personally always seem to see the brighter side and tell us that, for a relatively young band, we're making rapid progress. In reality, we've leap-frogged over the usual path. In that case, don't knock it and appreciate the ride.
There's a book coming out about us in the Fall. That's amazing in itself!
One of our talented performers, Justine Ducloux (Merry Fisher), has passed the initial audition for the competition series "The Voice"! Isn't that great! Cheer for her, she's one of the good ones.
We have an incredible support system of family, friends and staff. We can't do it alone and they're right there assisting in the background, the faceless army that allows us to produce the best show possible.
Then there are our fans. Yes, you guys. You're all the best! You can't imagine what it's like to look out at the smiling faces, to hear the sing-alongs and laughter, to feed off your energy. Our shows are doing quite well because of YOU. Again, can't do it alone. THANK YOU!!!
I know that I'm leaving off many other behind-the-scenes issues, but that's a taste of what it's been like lately. Rolling right along and a little downhill, a rolling stone that gathers no moss, but still leaves a trail.
These things can go both ways. Momentum can swing either good or bad. Right now, it's all green grass and high tides. Nice, Mo'. Good Old Mo'.
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