08/15/2024
“The closer we are, the more we have to pay attention to one another”
Theo
Catch up, that’s what I’m playing. Things are back on track and I’m sitting here writing my second blog of the day, pondering the third, and contemplating bothering Matt to see if we have any photos from the recent calendared events. Did they even happen? I have no idea. Today though, is all about Humble Crumb. They are an up-and-coming (already pretty in-your-face locally) cover band in the High Desert area. This isn’t the first rendition of the band, but having seen a few evolutions of Theo’s projects, I can say I really like what they’ve got going on right now. Hear that Theo? Yes, I like it…I love it even. They have the cocktail for success and I think if they work hard and play the right cards they will be busy. Really busy.
So who the hell are they? Well, you know some of them already if you’ve been around for a few of these blogs. A lot of them actually… The band is fronted by Theo, aka Teddy Bob who has appeared in a few of my more recent posts. He plays bass and sings lead vocals. I know him only so well as I’m allowed. Not an entire mystery, that fella, but certainly deeper than the pools of personality that is his Teddy Bob stage persona. He said something to Jenae at this practice that sort of summed up some superficial/geographical bits about himself: “I’m southern…my surname is German. The rest of me is other assorted crackers.” Oddly enough, we have the same bachelors degree and a similar love for Star Trek. LLAP!! On guitar and alt vocals they have Doug Strange (he gets around doesn’t he?!) and Jenae. I chatted with her a while back about her first time recording. Troy of Troy Story Band pops in and out for certain shows playing a variety of instruments. (He’s the mysterious one for me.) On percussion they have Peter Dawidzik and Ian Seabolt, both of which are my podcast cohosts along with Doug. (shush, it’s coming, I know, I’m sorry. Deaths, wedding planning, day jobs…) They play the old switcheroo between drummer/alt percussionist depending on the song. Now, I know what you’re thinking. They’re her friends, of course she will say they are good… well, if you know me you know I don’t have trouble giving my opinion on music. Even if I’m trying not to say anything my face often doesn’t lie when I hear something that shouldn’t be. I went to this practice session as an observer/journalist; a fly on the wall, if you will. I wasn’t trying to join in or make any kind of judgements. I like my friends, and I like good music, lucky for me this experience was rife with both.
“I’m in another room, so just pretend I’m not here.”
Peter on alt perc
If you haven’t caught a set or a show yet, this group plays a mix of classic rock, 90’s alt, and some newer stuff. They of course play some of the classic names like Sublime, Blink 182, and Green Day, but also have some older songs in there from Hendrix and Petty. They honestly have a little something for everyone. So if you want to get out and dance your butt off come check ’em out on Friday August 30th at the Hilltop Tavern. I will be there lurking and taking some pics of the band.
As for this practice…it was quite an evening. These guys are funny, they like to hang out and joke a LOT, but when it comes to the actual music they are pretty serious. This practice was (I believe) to give Ian and Peter a bit more time to work out their parts for the new percussion arrangement. The addition of the alt percussion is actually pretty rad on their songs. They worked on “dynamics” and a number of other minor details along with some songs that are still pretty new and rough. As an observer at recordings and practice sessions I don’t usually offer opinions or advice. Who am I anyway? Not a band member, right? Only, this time Theo caught me reacting to bits (thanks, face) and asked for input. It was not in a rude way mind you, except I laughed once (i’m sorry). I was listening and reacting to little things as I would at a show. Not very mindful, because unfortunately I was dead center of one part of their circular arrangement within this space (for pics) with Theo facing me directly when at his mic. It was neat to be included a little bit in a way I often try to avoid these days. Thanks for taking that well guys. I actually do miss music and sometimes y’all make me wish I could work with some of you again musically. You put me on the spot with that tap test though Theo… I’ll keep my RBF at attention next time. Lolz
“If I could marry a guitar my last name would be Jackson.”-J
an exchange between jenae and theo
“Write some shit about it…”-T
I didn’t get to stay for the entire practice which was unfortunate. I wanted to see what else they were going to play. I was having fun listening and watching their process. At a certain point it got a bit dark and pics were no longer as easy to snap with my potato phone. I also had the whole crew with me on that trip so I had to get back to them at a decent hour. I bowed out around 8:30pm and they intended to continue a while longer. At least they have a good work ethic while enjoying one another’s company. And they’ve got me coming back for more on the 30th…at Hilltop…
“DYNAMICS!!!”
Peter, several times that evening
Well, that’s about all the time I have for this edition. I hope some of you will join me this weekend at their show in Apple Valley, CA at the Hilltop Tavern. (see what Im’m doing there? If not…) Check the flyer above for the details. Humble Crumb are full of jokes, great music, and absolutely ready to rock your face off and celebrate afterwards. They’ve got a dynamic set and Doug sings a mean Tom Petty. Come hang out, chat with me and maybe I will pop into one of your shows too! If you want a new killer playlist, catch these guys, or another favorite local band and make one out of their setlist at their next show. I just made one out of Humble Crumb’s setlist and I’m LOVING my smart shuffle on that mix!
See you Friday! You can answer the title question for yourself after the show.
All sorts of love.
blackhat 