Who You Say" Video by Todd V
YouTube Videos by Eileen Matias
Soundboard feed from Jim Bethal
This gig was actually my dad's idea--and a great one at that! After his high school band's first public performance in over forty years at the original "Evening With The Ullmans" a little over a year ago, The Bushmen went on to play several more gigs in 2010. They got their mojo working and were eager to return to the swank digs at Musica.
My personal goal was to facilitate as many collaborations as possible because, while the EWTU lineup (Myself, The Bushmen and--my brother's act--The Fascist Puppeteer) played twice after our Musica debut, we had not since played together again as "The All-Ullman Band." I wanted to emphasize this familial aspect of the show and suggested that we re-team for a Buddy Holly medley and perhaps a song or two of mine.
Buddy Holly songs were first tunes I ever learned to play. I became very enamored of him after seeing The Buddy Holly Story on TV when I was eight or so. My dad taught me to play his music on my plastic, red-stringed guitar and even overdubbed the lead on my bathroom-tape cover of "That'll Be The Day."
It was a tremendous treat to do the Clear Lake Medley ("That'll Be the Day/Oh Boy!/Peggy Sue/Maybe Baby/Not Fad Away") from The Buddy Holly Story with The All-Ullman band. Dad got us all fashion specs, and we had a blast burning through some truly classic Rock + Roll. I was definitely channeling a bit of Gary Busey's performance as well and couldn't help but throw a little Bono at the end for good measure.
After having helped me sing Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" over the end of "Deja Vu," I suppose the audience was ready for anything!
A pleasant surprise for me was the attendance of Akron artist Todd V. I ran into Todd on my way in, and he ran home to grab his gear to taping a segment for his Arts Quest TV show. A pre-show interview will be included in the next installment of Arts Quest, but for now have a look at his three-camera coverage my performance of "Who You Say" from the night above.
And finally… Taking the collaborative goal to new lengths this outing, I joined my brother on bass guitar. This was quite challenge for me, as I really don't know how to play that instrument. However, he coached me through the parts with great patience and encouraged me to have fun with it. And have fun I did--coming out swinging to "Eye of The Tiger," dressed like The Unabomber with the added accessory of a Kent State Sweatband and a Chuck Norris T-shirt.
And finally… Taking the collaborative goal to new lengths this outing, I joined my brother on bass guitar. This was quite challenge for me, as I really don't know how to play that instrument. However, he coached me through the parts with great patience and encouraged me to have fun with it. And have fun I did--coming out swinging to "Eye of The Tiger," dressed like The Unabomber with the added accessory of a Kent State Sweatband and a Chuck Norris T-shirt.
It was truly an evening to remember. My sincere thanks to all of you who came out to support us. I hope you had as much fun as we did!
(SOLO) SETLIST: (click title for corresponding YouTube video)
Secondhand
Wiseblood
Mulletman
The Fall*
*Backed up by the All-Ullman Band
