“ I ain't used to this, seeing everybody's hand
I was raised to be a strong and silent southern man
I ain't used to this, a thousand days alone
In my bed or in my head or in my phone”
Middle of the Morning - Jason Isbell
The house is quiet. Outside, the winter breeze is shaking loose the last of the bright orange Japanese maple leaves and they gently rain down at my front door. Winter in the city. Another season of grey buildings and neon distraction full of empty promises and dead end materialistic values. This place is getting to me. I feel it in the chokehold of anxiety stealing the air out of my lungs every time I turn my muddy pick up onto one of these black snake freeways. I’ve been here damn near sixteen years and even though I’m grateful for my job, good friends and the convenience of having basic necessities a few minutes away, I’ve never gotten used to living here.
I took some leave last week and did a lot of work on the farm. We weaned heifer calves and sold some bulls to pay the bills and relief the pressure on the mother cows. A big calf can literally suckle a cow to death in these harsh winter months. We make sure to take good care of the cows and try to make the winter as easy as possible on each of them. By Wednesday it was time to start rehearsals for the gig at Radium Beer Hall. It was only the second time in seven years that The Giant Strides got the opportunity to play there and put in some hard work running through the songs, ironing out some technical concerns and sorting out the logistics of Sound equipment and transport to and from the venue. Everyone showed up with a hunger and dedication that is humbling and inspiring. We got it done.
Saturday I was sitting at a small table at The Radium staring at the stage full of instruments, miles of cable and people filing in, searching for their seats. I was tearing the label off my beer bottle, the usual pre-gig nerves setting in. My eyes found Rufus, Michael, Lihan and Thinus where they were all busy getting ready for the show in their own way and I realised how fortunate I am to be able to have my friends play my songs and to tell a story that is bigger than each of us as individuals. The crowd did not disappoint. Our friends cheered, clapped, sang along and drank with us late into the night, staying to see the main act, Crystal Park. A memorable night filled with reunions, memories, stories and the warm glow of whiskey. One for the books !!
All of us in the band are currently facing some challenges and we decided to take a break for the rest of the Winter and perhaps the Spring. Personally, it’s time to get these songs out me. I can feel them rushing at me like an ocean wave. There are some stories to be told. I want to thank you for your support and your love. It does not go unnoticed and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share my stories with you.
JB
