You know, man, when I was a young man in high school.
by Frederick
The other morning I awoke with the fading memory of a dream. It was a rather odd experience as I rarely remember any of my dreams at all any more. In this dream I was a teenager sitting in my favorite stairwell from high school and playing an acoustic guitar. It was “Old #3,” so called because it had been designated so in permanent marker across the label on the inside by the school. I always used #3. On my back was my old New York Giants jacket, the one with the off white faux leather sleeves. The last details of the closing scene included trying to once again to murder Stairway to Heaven and having the Economics teacher come out and tell me I was disturbing her class playing so loud.
So that started my day off thinking about a ratty classical guitar I played in guitar class some 15 years ago. It also dredged up an obscure memory of my guitar teacher, Bruce Yaw, telling me he’d played with Lou Reed on tour in Europe in the 70’s. Yes, that Lou Reed, from the Velvet Underground. I think I was mangling the chord progression to Sweat Jane–I believe that was the 1969: The Velvet Underground Live version that was en vogue due to the Cowboy Junkies cover featured in Natural Born Killers–when he came over and casually mentioned it.
It was an impressive thing then. And now? Well, all the more. After remembering the conversation I decided to do what we denizens of the Internets do…Google:
Artist: Everyman Band
The New York state-based fusion group the Everyman Band began their existence in the late ’70s as the backing band to Lou Reed. Featuring David Torn (guitars), Marty Fogel (saxophones), Bruce Yaw (bass), and Michael Suchorsky (drums), the group released their eponymous debut in 1982. Featuring Torn’s unique and heavily processed style of playing, the Everyman Band toured Europe to acclaim. They returned with the more experimental Without Warning in 1985. ~ Geoff Orens, All Music Guide
Lou Reed’s 1975 World Tour and the 76′-77′ “Rock and Roll Heart” Tour. Listed as playing acoustic bass and electric bass on the albums Coney Island Baby and Rock and Roll Heart. Something tells me I should look up Mr. Yaw. See what yarns he has to tell. That and remember my dreams more often.
