Rehearsal...

 

Mark has been out of town for a couple weeks.  Until last week, Podge and Ron hadn't played together (Ron was gone all summer).  A rehearsal last week with the 3 of us went well.  Another rehearsal today with the 3 of us, running through a set list for the gig we have coming up later this month.  I'm looking forward to getting Mark back in there with us - I miss his lead guitar licks and the harmonies he and I have been doing for a lot of years.

I am still experimenting with gear: I really like the multi-effects pedal I got a couple weeks ago (Mooer GE150 Max).  I can set my Bose S1 Pro (small PA/amp) as a FRFR speaker (Full Range, Flat Response); that allows the effects from the 150 Max to be repeatable.  It sounds different when used in conjunction with my different amps and guitars.  The multi-effects pedal is very different from the pedalboard I have set up for playing acoustic guitars (and a vocal harmonizer).

Two different systems; two completely different sounds.  And they each sound different when used with a different amp or PA.  I have no shortage of gear... just trying out all the options.

As far as rehearsal is concerned, Ron, Podge, and I have 3 hours of music down tight.  The timing is such that we'll only have one more rehearsal with the 4 of us when Mark gets back - we'll have the chance to pick and choose the songs we want to do on this next gig, which will only be an hour and a half.

When Covid hit, the opportunities to play out in front of people dried up.  I really thought I was done with that, and instead, making an occasional music video.  I have enjoyed playing out with Mark and the guys... once a month or so is enough to keep my hand in it.

--------

Mother Nature has some rainy weather in store for us over the next 5 or 6 days.  The rainfall predictions are concerning.  It isn't supposed to come all at once, but predictions around the state are running from 2 inches to over 8 inches, location dependent.  The Phoenix area predictions are for 2 to 5 inches.  The weather is being influenced by 3 tropical disturbances along the west coast of Mexico - and like a river of air flow, that weather is heading for Arizona.  Locally...

 It looks like the southeast portion of the state has the biggest risk, followed by the northwest part of Arizona - that's the areas where they're calling for 8 or more inches of rain.  Yes, flash flood watches are being advised, with flash flood warnings likely.  Currently, all of Phoenix will be under a watch.

Joan's birthday is next week, and we have travel plans with the RoadTrek.  We'll see how this all plays out.