Ladies & Gents, here is Joe and Danny at the Joy-Spread

JOY SPREAD BAR

There was this air of excitement. All the prepping and 18-months of practice to spill into this one moment. Fear, if I can call it that! This was the date, on a winter night in Changsha. Xingsha District was already preparing for snow, and Joe Huish and I were to perform our first gig live! Nerves were all over the place and I was feeling it for days on end; until this moment arrived. Joe carried his electric-bass guitar, and I took my acoustic-guitar and keyboard with me. The initial plan was to perform four-songs in a span of 15 to 20-minutes. Joe knew what we should do, I wasn’t so sure; since I was nervous and airing all my insecurities out! The gig was to be played with the songs: “Fine as wine”, “Gambling Man”, “Clapping Hands”, “Fast cars and women”, and with a possible fifth-song using a capo on the guitar. This last one called, “Margaret”. 

As we arrived at 7:20 (that evening) to set-up, the pub was practically empty. In a way, I was thankful, because I didn’t want to embarrass myself! However, as we began to set-up the instruments, a couple of frequent patrons began coming in. 

My nerves were on edge! It was when eight o’clock struck, and it was all or nothing. I had to do it, step-up or shut up! However, with all my nervousness, one thing gave me confidence against all my fears, my music partner, Joe. A musician and an artist in his own right! He was one of my sources for inspiration, and although there is an age gap of over 20-years; this young artist has taught so much about life, myself and music. Furthermore, we simply think alike. In any case, the bar began to gather the local Chinese customers, and the time to play was here; but before I get into that... Where did all this inspiration and creativity came from?

My roots and the people who brought me back to music:

I grew-up dancing since I was three-years old. I had learned when I was younger how to dance: hip-hop, salsa and tango. I wasn’t great at it, but good enough to impress the girls and people around me as I went into my teenage years. When I was sixteen-years old, two-magical instruments came into my hands and life: the drums and an acoustic-Fender guitar. These instruments were to become my staple or should I say, my “bread and butter” for the next three years. 

Sadly, I ended either quitting or giving-up my musical passion for years to come. I mean, I’d dance a little when I was in the service; but I totally gave up my artistic passions because of my career.

By the way, for youngsters or older types, if you’re reading these words, never give-up on your passions for anybody. These positive-creative things allow you to grow and better mature as a human being as you all get older. I did that mistake and sincerely regretted it for the next 32-years.

It was when I was visiting Steve, at his home, on the West side of Changsha that I picked-up one of his guitars and started playing a little. Not with the ability that people might think, but Xiao qin (my wife) was shocked! I never told her that I had played long ago back in Brooklyn (New York). She knew I danced, but didn’t know I played instruments. All she could say was, “Why didn’t you tell me before?” Never felt the need to say or brag about my abilities for that matter, too old for that kind of behaviour!

My life took a strange turn of events when I met Chris Love and Joe Huish at the school I presently work for, while living in this city. When I met Chris, he was and is still creative and inspiring force. This inspiration or the vibes which I got off him involved his projections on music and making art through painting. Here was when Mister Love suggested to me to make a return to the guitar; which I did a year later. I started practicing intensely everyday for the next year-and-a-half. This continued with my incursion for the first time into the piano six months ago, an instrument I was fascinated with and took to it with love, gusto, admiration and care.

When Chris left, and transferred to Guangzhou, I knew I’d miss him terribly. There was this tremendous hurt in my life when I saw him go, and at the same time, I knew we would always remain in contact with each other. I care deeply about him and I mean this; and I have a dream/goal for him to one day produce Joe and I’s first album. 

We (Joe & I) took to jamming every Thursday afternoon between three and four o’clock. Here was when we produced magic together and until this date, we have already written and played/jammed to over 40-songs.

One thing, I am happy with, to still have Joe on board for 2024.

Back to that night, future goals & conclusion:

As I stated before, my nerves were a wreck when I contacted William at the “Joy Spread” and asked him to give me an open-night mic. I wished he had said, “No!”, but he said, “Yes!” It was what we prepared and had practiced for this moment. 

We had one IPA beer from the variety he (William) holds. Then, as eight o’clock rolled around, we started the performance. What was supposed to last 15-minutes, ended-up lasting 50-minutes between sets. Even, my man Rahi later came to join us at the guitar. We played and sang several sessions, and even whipped out an impromptu song, called “My two wives”.

Therefore, between two guitar players, a bass and six-songs, it all came out to 50-minutes. We had our fun, enjoyed the drinks and the small crowd gathered was impressed. We thought or at least it was our feeling, that William enjoyed it! Therefore, I hope to give it another go on a Saturday night during happy hour.

For now, I’m off for the holidays to have a Happy Chinese New Year. If you think you have the talent or potential to do an open-mic, please contact William through his QR code or visit the “Joy Spread” and talk to him. He’s a nice enough kind of guy and I have always loved his selection of drinks. It’s well worth the visit. Enjoy and cheers to all!