When the Monkeydust Settles

This is another installment in the Artist Spotlight Series. I plan on doing more of these, if you would like to be featured, or would like to suggest an Artist, please contact me at drazil91@hotmail.com When I first met D.J. Briggs he struck me as being sardonic and having a very wry sense of humor. I immediately recognized his passion and talent for performing music and mentioned that he was our local answer to Donald Fagen .  He informed me that he was not a huge fan of Steely Dan . I have played with him at jams quite a few times, and have witnessed his skill on the bass, guitar, piano and drums.  He also is very adept on the technical side, formerly having a studio in New Orleans. He often acts as a lifeline for me, onstage if I am stuck.  Open jams can be difficult at my skill level, but I usually take some good lessons away. I often ask him questions about music, such as the fabled  "Circle of Fifths" and he will respond that the job of the bass

Signed "To Matt" "When the devil finished Johnny said, "well, you're pretty good, old son But sit down in that chair right there And let me show you how it's done"- Charlie Daniels L to R: The wife, Charlie and your humble author and wings Charlie Daniels passed away recently and I thought it fitting to tell my story of meeting him. It was around 2005 and my wife and I were travelling through Nashville on the way home from Chicago.  We had planned on meeting up with some friends, but missed them due to storms in the area.  We parked down by the Grand Ol' Opry and decided to have a look around Broadway Street.  We saw many iconic  honky-tonks in this part of town which cater to the tourist trade and every window had a band playing in it. We decide to stop in Tootsies' Orchid Lounge and walk up to the bar.  "What are ya'll drinkin'?"  The bartender asked.  I gaze at the tap handles and am quite disappoi

Upon a secret journey... I met a holy man... His blindness was his wisdom... I'm such a lonely man- The Police Lawyers! It's just blueberry picking... I received a message from Vincent.  "Hey, would you like to practice jam with myself and some friends?"   Having played with him before, I eagerly agreed. "Where and when for this thing?"  I asked.   "East Bay Baptist Church, just a little outside Callaway, tonight around 7" he responds that he leads the music ministry.  "I will be there" I hit send on my phone and look up the place on my GPS.  "Wow"  I think to myself.  It is way out there.  I figure I need the practice, so I get home from work, clean up and make arrangements with my wife to steal her Mustang over a quick bite to eat. I go to pack up my favorite bass and remember that it has some, AHEM, less than religious stickers on it.  I grab another bass that is less likely to immolate in a church