[Harp-L] Cosmic Alignment?

["Tim Moyer" <wmharps@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Maybe it was the total eclipse of the moon.  Maybe it was just good 
fortune...

Last night I had the distinct pleasure of sitting in with Dale Spalding 
on his otherwise solo gig at a little bar in north Austin.  Dale had 
invited me out, describing himself as a "passable" guitarist, and 
saying we'd just have some fun and there likely wouldn't be anyone 
there to hear us.  

Dale really underrepresented his guitar work!  He skillfully navigated 
the guitar, while at the same time singing (occasionally in Spanish!) 
and belting out some tasty harp licks in a neck rack.  When I arrived 
there was practically no one there, and he immediately invited me up to 
play.  Dale covers the most eclectic, fun repertoire of music I've ever 
gotten to play.  We did Merle Haggard and Rodney Crowell, we did Little 
Feat and Greatful Dead, we did the Coasters and Tom Wait.  I haven't 
had that much fun in years.

By the end of the evening, the place was packed, and people were 
singing along, buying us beers, back slapping and complimenting, and 
the tip jar was overbrimming.  Dale is a top-notch entertainer, and I 
was along for the ride!  I couldn't help dwelling on the fact that I 
was sharing the stage with someone who recorded with Pancho Sanchez and 
Ray Charles!

At the other end of town in deep south Austin, my friend Sloppy was 
playing a jam in the presence of none other than James Cotton!  James 
paid him some hefty compliments and both of us ended our nights with 
big egos!  Was it the total lunar eclipse?  I don't know, but I hope I 
don't have to wait until 2010 for that experience again.  

-tim