For the longest time, I avoided mentioning my involvement with the Band of Brothers here. I wrote about them a few times, but in the personal reactions of a certain member of the group, it seemed to backfire enough times for me just to avoid the subject altogether. I wondered whether or not I should continue on that score, after having left the band this week, but some of my readers here might be interested in knowing why I no longer appear with them on stage and why I suddenly have no performances scheduled.

I joined the band because I respected Brian and what he was trying to do. I’m glad that I did, because I got some great keyboard and guitar experience and many opportunities to keep out and performing that I otherwise might not have had. I found that I enjoyed being a supporting player sometimes. I took great pride in singing my backup parts and playing as well as I could to push Brian and his music forward to the best of my ability. That was a new experience for me, since I’ve only ever worked that diligently on my own music. I felt like Steve Van Zandt or something. It was cool.

However, as I dig ever deeper into my own music and recording, projects like the Band of Brothers feel less and less like things I “belong” in now. After our concert last week, it became clear to me somehow that I had to move in a direction that would be more productive for me, so I bailed. It wasn’t easy, but whenever this kind of thing happens, I can never seem to relax until I’ve settled the conflict in my own mind.

The promoter of the Salem Roadhouse Cafe concerts has asked me to open a show for him, and I intend to do that. It was nice to know that my performances in Brian’s band were enough to inspire someone to consider what I might have to offer as a solo performer. If I have others playing with me, I’d be happiest, but I could do it alone if I decide to.

So now I turn my attention to my own music exclusively again and it feels renewed. I’m considering how I might want to approach performance now. Though I expect to have some help, I am even considering using sequences to cover parts for which I don’t have enough hands. I’m keeping an open mind about it, but I have some new territory to cover, so it’s still up in the air.

So fare thee well, Band of Brothers. It was a good time.