When inspiration strikes...

Back in the early part of the new millennium, my friends Dan & Erma hosted a massive house party in Mill Valley called "First Friday". Random musicians would show up with their respective instruments and play until the wee hours of the dawn. There was never a shortage of dancers to sway & swoon to the infectious melodies and improvisational grooves.

"First Friday" eventually became far too massive of an event to host the hordes of ecclectic folks that showed up every month. So, Dan & Erma decided to take the party "pro" and went on to create their own musical space; the wonderful Larkspur Cafe Theatre.

In a fit of inspiration, following a legendary "First Friday" jam session that lasted until the break of dawn, I went home to write and record a song based upon the evening's adventures. The ensuing song, like most that I write, came pouring out of me like gin from a still. I called it, humbly enough, “Friday Night Shuffle”.

I rang my friend (and fellow Shanghai Noodle Factory drummer) Vince Littleton to tell him that he was needed. He came over the next day, set his drums up in the living room, and proceeded to add a human rhythmic touch. While perfecting his drum part, he kept poor George Lucas' son (to whom he was giving drum lessons to at the time) waiting.

Inspired by this growing infernal racket of a creation, I called up Bobby Strickland - horn player extraordinaire - to gather a proper horn section together. I wrote the horn parts in about 10 minutes and we then laid it down on the tape. I sang & played guitars and Hammond B3 (conveniently located in my living room). Fellow Shanghai Noodle Factory bass player, Mike Sugar, sang the background vocals along with me.

Richard Fischer mixed the track at "In The Pocket" up in Forestville the following week. The result is what we call "cheesy inspiration". Wish you were there...

Enough gab, now it's time to listen to the song: Friday Night Shuffle.

(eyeneer music publishing ©2005)