Last week at practice we spent some time finding new ways to play some old songs. This is something we like to do – all of our songs have been through some changes as we’ve gone from solo or duo open mike performers to a five-piece rock band to the current power folk trio. And even within the trio, I play “Losing Streak” on hard-driving mandolin, tango-esque accordion, or slightly loopy piano, and Tom and Dave come along with me on whatever instruments they have.
Anyway, I’m excited about some of the new old songs we’ll have at shows this winter. Tom’s song “Build a Bridge” has already been through two versions – the reggae-tinged one we have on the record, and a sort of funky folk version we usually play live – and as of next year I may be playing Tom’s banjo on it, with Tom and Dave both playing guitar. And we worked hard on a new version – I don’t want to spoil the surprise, so I’ll leave it at that – of a song from my solo CD. Can’t wait for January!