Empty Nest: The UnUrban Experience

(Editor's note: The nest isn't necessarily empty just because the kids leave -- after all, dad's still there, with time and opportunity for pursuits that have been on hold for, let's face it, a generation. This is the latest in a series of reflections.)

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 25 (UPI) --"The UnUrban Experience" isn't just the headline for this piece, it's also the title of the DVD Mark Adams shot and produced of the 30-minute music set I played at the UnUrban Coffee House in Santa Monica, Calif., last month.

The audio and video came out great and it's a nice, professional piece of work. Having screened the DVD, I have to say I'd have preferred a stronger performance. It wasn't terrible -- it just had too many flaws and weaknesses. I won't hide the DVD away but I won't be pushing it either. There's one song (maybe two) I might post on YouTube if I can figure out how -- or get one of my kids to do it for me.

The response at the show itself was very good. Of course, the house was packed with ringers -- family and friends -- but I take feedback, positive and negative, at face value.

All the songs went over that night, including the world premiere of a song I'd written especially for the occasion. It's called "The Cliche Song" and it's sort of a wry take on how much advice we get in life and how, very often, two pieces of conventional wisdom stand in stark contrast, if not defiant opposition, to one another.

At one point during the show, I acknowledged and thanked people who had provided encouragement and support, including UnUrban open mic host David Kowal and, of course, Mark Adams for producing the CD that -- by the way, ahem -- was available for $5 after the show. I was happy Riley and Lena were in the audience so I could thank my kids for their inspiration.

A bunch of us went out for a bite after the show and I noticed immediately what a relief it was to have it over with. Fun, yes, but very demanding. It was an easy decision, once the gig was done, to come off the road, so to speak, and spend more time at home.

At least, that was the plan.

But within days my neighbor, Peter Kelly, told me Peter Sutton, the proprietor of The Rose & Crown was interested in booking me. Peter Kelly is familiar with my music because I inflict my tunes on him and his family routinely, but Peter Sutton had, as far as I know, never heard a bit of it.

As much as a break from playing seemed like a wise choice, I had to admit playing in the neighborhood, without all that freeway traffic, had a certain appeal.

I hadn't played in a place that serves alcohol since roughly 1983 and I wasn't sure if it would be a good idea in 2009. But I knew the Rose & Crown and many of its regulars and decided to go for it. As a precaution, I sought out a guitar-playing friend and he agreed to accompany.

Two guitars can sound very good together. Also, Jim -- the guitar player -- is a good-sized guy and seemed like a good man to have on my side if the patrons got out of control. We put together three sets of what we billed as "Classic and Original Pop" -- that is, oldies and originals.

I asked Lena once again if she'd like to sing with me and she made me the happiest Dad in the world when she agreed.

Next: Live at The Rose & Crown