We'll call this one favorite musical experiences. There's no other category.
Best Concerts
OK, so really, this is more like only concerts. Nevertheless, since my "concert budget" is so small, I plan these very carefully and only go to ones that will be great. I must say, 2005 was the best concert-going year yet. First off, back in February, my buddy Eric took me to San Jose to see U2 for the first time. It was a religious experience. Kings of Leon opened, and that was fine for them. But then U2 came out onto the stage and in three magnificent songs, just blew my mind. There were more highlights than I have time to mention. One cool thing: Bono pointed me out to the crowd and mentioned my new album. Right. No, really... about a week later, Eric handed me a CD of the concert. Some bootlegger out there had recorded it, and now I have a recording of that evening. Love it.
Just a few weeks later, I finally got to see Linford and Karin: Over the Rhine. It was at a little club up in San Francisco. Kim Taylor opened. I got to talk with them after... Really great show.
In July, Luanne and I got to see the Indigo Girls live here in Redwood City. Again, just amazing. It was so fun to see these musicians I've admired for so long. It was a dream come true. Just Amy, Emily and their multitude of guitars. Who needs a band?
One concert I'm looking forward to with great anticipation: The Manhattan Transfer is coming to Redwood City in March. I've been a big fan of these brilliant singers since high school. I love seeing genius in action.
Best Music-Making Experiences:
I can't ignore the most significant musical experience that happened to me this year. My album, Still Standing, was recorded and released. The legendary Mike Roe (77s, Lost Dogs) produced it, and the 77s (Mike, Mark Harmon and Bruce Spencer) were the rhythm section for the whole record. What a dream... What started as a nervous phone call to a hero led to all kinds of fun experiences. Here are a few:
Overhearing Mike call Terry Taylor on his birthday and getting to sing along on "Happy Birthday."
Sitting in the choir room at church with Mike and his guitar... Reminiscing about Gene Eugene and bursting into an impromptu sing-along of the greats: "Dunce Cap" and "Jimmy."
Going to The Warehouse, the church that launched the careers of The 77s, Charlie Peacock, Brent Bourgeois and others, to record drum tracks in their studio. Meeting Bruce Spencer and hearing him work his magic on my tracks.
Lying on Mike's couch, laughing hysterically at a Swirling Eddies DVD. I really thought Mike might die laughing.
Riding in Mike's car, trying not to eavesdrop, but not being able to help overhearing a conversation with Derri Daugherty where they decide - on the spot - NOT to record Jeff, the much-anticipated follow-up to Mutt. History being destroyed.
Hearing Ralph Stover's first loops for "Oh My Child" and realizing that this song was going to sound really good.
Too many more to mention. What an honor.