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According to various sources, a group of local dads are locked and loaded for a jam session at Greg’s this Sunday.
“Billy Marisco says he’s down, Tommy Goldman, Cesar Rubio, Marty Chandler,” said jam session host Greg Boda on a recent email thread with the subject line, “Jam at Greg’s this Sunday???”
“Well, fellas,” he added, “looks like we’re all set to jam!”
Sources indicate that the jam will take place, as usual, in Boda’s basement, which has been converted into a home music studio complete with amps, two mic stands, effects pedals, a Miller High Life neon sign, soundproof paneling, a lava lamp, several vintage rock posters, a Leslie Rotator, Boda’s LP collection, Boda’s CD collection, and a Fender Rhodes.
“Did everyone get the charts I sent out for ‘Cowgirl in the Sand?’” Boda asked the group via email. “Only checking because that tune’s a little tricky, and I don’t want to waste a bunch of time teaching the parts when we could just jump right into the jam, am I right?”
The group of dads has been playing together for the past year and a half, with only a few minor changes to the roster. Last fall, the group went on a forced hiatus when jam regular, Dustin Bielles, moved to Raymond County, leaving them without a drummer. However, within a month, Boda was able to enlist his coworker, Marty Chandler, who, according to Boda, “really nails the attack, and can totally keep the groove on lock.”
The rest of the group’s regular lineup consists of Tommy Goldman on bass, Cesar Rubio on the keys, and both Billy Marisco and Greg Boda on guitar. Though the core group has remained relatively unchanged, other musician dads will sometimes join in the jam as well.
“Looks like Lloyd isn’t gonna be able to join us this Sunday, but he sends his love,” Boda reported to the group, referring to mandolin player and semi-regular jam attendee, Lloyd Philips. “We sure will miss that cherry wood mandolin sound, but marriage is important. Happy anniversary, Lloyd!”
Though they occasionally play more contemporary music, the group focuses primarily on classic rock and country from the ’60s and ’70s, such as Led Zeppelin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and Bachman Turner Overdrive. After about seven or eight songs, they end every jam session by playing The Band’s famous anthem, “The Weight,” allowing each member time to solo.
“Probably gonna bring my Strat for ‘Jet Airliner,’ but also thinking about breaking out the Gibson Hollow Body for ‘Peaceful Easy Feeling,’” said guitarist Billy Marisco in a recent email. “Love what that hollow body sound does to that tune.”
“Sounds good, Billy,” replied Boda. “Just got my pedal steel back from the shop, so we might just have to fool around with some Flying Burrito Brothers if there’s time!”
“Last minute addition,” said Goldman in an email to the group. “Wondering if we might wanna dip into some Little Feat. I know Cesar’s a fan, so I’m bring the charts for ‘Dixie Chicken.’ It’s 4/4 time in A, so we should be able to pick it up real quick.”
“See you there, wild men!" he added, referring to fellow jam members as “wild men,” a common practice amongst the group of middle-aged dads/musicians.
At press time, Boda emailed the group saying, “The side door leading down to the basement should be open, but if it’s not, just come around to the front and Allison will let you in.”
