The Birth of a band... (or maybe the afterbirth of several others... lol)

I keep forgetting that I’ve been on hiatus since last November… so Over time, I’ll try to fill in the gaps.. in addition to keeping this dribble current gong forward…

Here’s one of the gaps…

Some time ago, I had an idea… (the whole Bongwater concept)

Fed up with playing the same old cover tunes as everyone else, Wayne and I thought, a couple years back.. “Wouldn’t it be great to pick songs that WE LOVE, with no regard for how hard they are to play and/or dance to”

Problem with that, is that it limits your gig-ability… and as a result, fewer musicians want to be a part of that…

We tried a couple times.. but we had the wrong mix of guys each time.. (well, there were a couple bizarre experiences, but I’ll keep this out of the gutter and say that…) For the most part, good players and good people, but they just had, respectfully, different ideas and agenda’s, and, selfishly, we were sticking to our guns on this one.. with the mantra… “If its stops being fun… then we stop” plain and simple…

So We gave up on the concept for a while, and got together as a duo, writing some, recording.. mostly just trying to stay doing something musical.. I ended up getting recruited by a semi acoustic rock band to play bass… then Keys on Bernie Doucettes CD, and a few other projects, and that was fun…

The semi acoustic-rock gig was fun.. Good People and as we were without drummer, the bass was especially important ..and also allowed me to bring out the Gibson hollow-body.. (My Fav axe, but least used)…. Anyway.. We played the Casino, opened for Trooper, had some Studio time at Sonic, and all was going well… But it fell off the rails in July..

I’d just gotten the studio put together in the new place, was settled, and had talked to Wayne about re-starting our weekly pow-wow sessions… with intent to maybe make a CD and eventually, build a band around it.. As were typically slower then cold molasses, Id estimated a 2 to 3 year time line on the whole concept.. So as an act of good faith, and straight up-ness, I gave the semiacousticrock band’s leader, of sorts, and the other two members, a heads up that A) I was looking forward to getting into the swing of things with semi-acoustic rock band,(after a little break) and B) oh, by the… 3 years from now, I might have a 2nd gig on the go.. but I was in with them for the long haul, or at least as long as they wanted me, but if you ever feel that I can’t keep up, by all means, you can fire me, and no hard feelings…

Anyway… I thought I was being all Honorably, giving 3 years notice that I ‘MIGHT” have another gig competing for my time, maybe.. but at that, it was a long shot.. No one does that in music.. they should, but typically, you find out your “____” quit the day before a key gig…. It can be ugly.. Anyway… The other members thought… “Cool, see ya next rehearsal” but the band leader blew a gasket and just plain fired me, together with a good f—king chew-out. I was shocked and pissed, but not because I needed the gig, But because it was fun, they were good people, and his reaction was, just Bizare? Anyway.. I tore a strip off him, right back… and that was that… The other two members were blameless, and in as much shock as I was… and to their credit, kept respectfully out of the mud altogether…

Anyway.. I’ll spare the rest of the details… as it all came out in the wash.. At the end of the day, (well, a month or so later) The band leader came clean, that there was actually a hidden agenda on his part (and his alone), and he’d simply exploited the opportunity to make a line up change.. Which is unfortunate.. I mean, I know Im a half decent on the bass, but I’m also aware that I’m no pro… So if he’d simply said.. “Look Rob, we love you, but we want to advance to better gigs, and to do that we need….” Well, you know what I mean.. I would have been a little sad over it, as anyone would, But I would have understood, respected the call, and at the end of the day, supported him with it… But he didn’t play it that way, and I was pissed with him for it.. as more then “band mates” were were friends… and friends don’t do that shit.. ..I guess I was more disappointed really, as were the other two members… but, long story short, as much as he did do dirt to me, I have to give credit that it took a lot of balls to finally come clean, so we made nice, we all got over it.. hugged the shit out..as they say, and moved on..

I ended up hiring the guitarist to do ¾’s of my Kitchen reno (Great Carpenter.. wicked job) and gave a bunch of carpet to the key-player.. and the singer/leader came to my xmas party, and were bud’s again… which is cool.. but I think it all happened for a reason… and, the shocker, it was all worth it…. As Im very content.. very VERY f—king content, with what’s evolved since…

See, with every band I’ve ever been in over the last 10 years… I’ve subconsciously been “Somewhere’s else”

So I’m bandless, getting set to do the duo thing with Wayne when one day.. the guitarist from the band I’d just been turfed from said… “Hey, remember your idea for that band you had.. I think I know “THE” drummer for you”
Normally, if any ordinary joe said that, I’d say.. “Um, ok… yeah” But you also have to understand, that as a person, and musician, I have Tremendous respect and admiration for this guitarist… so for him to give that kind of endorsement… Carry’s a LOT of weight with me…. Needless to say.. It got my mind back on the original “bongwater project” maybe there’s hope afterall…..

Now, I’d already had a drummer I was gonna call, but he’d just started a new job, and I though he was considering a move to NewBrunswick, so I got connected with this “other drummer” and we pitched our ideas back and forth… Turns out, were on the same page…. Surprisingly soo…. So what next… ??? Build the band… find the line up…

Ok, Waynes a given… Drummer, Singer, Me (Keys and sometimes Bass) Done..

Next, Guitar
Ok, we GOTTA have Steve Furey… Dudes just too insane a shredder not to have on board.. Plus, we got history… Went to SWGC together, AND he’s just an all round cool guy… But we need a 2nd guitarist.. Ideally, a SoulFull, Clapton-esque LesPauller to Round out the blend….

I’d jammed with this dude, Steve Ashton back at the other drummers Jam party, a few years back and KNEW he’d be a fit.. We’d only jammed that night, but sometimes you can tell when it gels…

Anyway.. They were all in… at least for the test drive…. All we needed then was a singing bass player (for harmonies, and some relief for wayne, so he’d not have to sing EVERY song)

I knew lots of them.. but they were all busy with other projects..


Enter Mr. Mac,

I knew he could play guitar and sing. And He was just bugging the Shit out of me to get in on the project and I thought? Hmm..screw it… worth a shot.. “How do you feel about trying the bass out”

Anyway.. flash forward 6 months.. and this new bands working out better then I ever expected… Where not out giging yet, which is way behind early estimates in that regard, but I could care less, as. More importantly, I really believe we finally have the right mix of guys for the intent…

Steve Mac’s become a far better bass player then I’d originally given him credit for… so much that I can almost see the “evolution” from month to month..

The two guitartist are just insane.. They Play very well together.. theres no showboating or competition… its all about the sound… Waynes, well, quietly simply the best singer I’ve ever known personally.. And This New Drummers just freaking incredible…

More over… While I’m an ok keyboardist/bassist.. musically, Ahston, Furey and Pete are quite sincerely, just on a level above me… and that’s cool…. But there’s no ego’s, no power trips… and we are able to get along, and learn from and with each other… Just last Tuesday Asthon helped me find the right phrasing on Hold the line, A song I’ve been playing “Close, but essentially, Wrong” for years now… And its just, well… magic….

More “special” and odd, is that we all seem to be reasonably on the same page with the intent/direction… even when it changes.. The initial “lesser known fav covers” are still a part of it, but we’ve also decided to work as a group to write and/or Finish existing originals and cut our own album…

About the only thing we can’t agree on is the band’s name..

Personally, Im still partial to “bongwater” but the potential negative associations are a legitimate concern to some of the guys.. .. Stilbit has been dropped, as it reads too much like “Still Bite” so “Stillwater”, “Stillwater Lake” and “The Stillwater Project” seem to be the final three options. But even without a name, its still working out great….

Even more exciting, is the evolution of the “intent”.. to be co-writing, and recording is just awesome.. Also, as all the guys have jobs, families… No one get all upset if someone can’t make practice due to work, or baby sitter, etc… Sure, we all look forward to jamming, and get down when it doesn’t happen, but last week it was your turn to bail, so everyone understands, and theres a neat "calmness" about it... … were all “in for the long haul” as they say…

In the meantime, I’ve picked up a few side gigs with a few other artists, keys here.. bass there, sound some times too..Not that I'm particularly into any of these side projects, but they are good experience and exposure, and the money coming in doesn't hurt... But, paycheck or not, I only do it to the extent that it doesn’t take away from this project.. I even backed out of some potentially lucrative/high profile stuff so’s not to spread myself to thin… Not that I couldnt do it, but I gotta have time with my family.. and I gotta make time to rehearse for this band a priority over any other music project... and thats just how I roll!!! lol...

So where will it go from here? Im not sure.. But Im confidently Content that it will be very Cool…. So keep an I out, and start saving up to shell out 20 bucks (or thereabouts) for the CD when its done.. Ideally by xmas... more realistically, next year this time...

Cheers for now..

Book Envy

So I’ve been reading Kevin Smiths new book, and its surprisingly good… I mean, I expected I’d like it.. I like all the guys movies, but a book is a different genre… but anyway.. I like it… And it kind of flows the way I’d always wished this blog could… Uncomfortably Candid… I mean he writes about everything… from smoking a dube with a friend, to afternoon delight with his wife, even taking a shit for half an hour with a Nintendo DS in hand…

Not that I’ve necessarily felt compelled to be “that public” about stuff… but theres been more then a few “entries” I’ve “Saved as draft” then later deleted… Not that they wouldn’t be funny or entertaining, its just that just couldn’t be that open… My day job won’t allow it.. Nor will it, until I am “my own boss” and unfortunately, that day may not come for a long time.. if ever…

Picture this, if you will…. The Vice President of any of my former jobs, hears about this Rob Crewe guy from out in Halifax, how he’s doing a good job, or did some volunteer work that got a mention in the paper, or his band was on TV….. that’s all positive stuff… But Now imagine that he/she wants to read more about it.. and In the absence of knowing where to look… does what we all do… Turns to GOOGLE…

the First hit, is my MySpace page.. and then theres a ton of random stuff.. Some of me, some of other “Rob Crewes” but sometimes it comes right to this blog (which was part of the reason I temporarily pulled it) and now picture that same vp reading the blog… I mean the name itself, is somewhat rebilious and non business-ish.. but the content…. And that’s the CENSORED stuff… If I really spoke my mind… Not that my opinions are controversial, they tend not to be… But the “after work” Me, is a little “less artsy, more fartsy” if I can quote Homer Simpson.. Yep… while I may clean up pretty good, … I can curse like a sailor, and Im just not that refined…

Not necessarily the type of image a corporation wants as a spokesperson…

So I practice a certain degree of self censor ship, and pour that excess creative energy into the documentary, and/or songwriting… and who knows… Maybe someday something might hook… Be it a song, or the documentary or something else, and then I might really be able to let-er loose like Mr. Smith does..…

Maybe I should right a book? “Diary of a frustrated banker?” .. and do just that.. be totally honest….. hmmmmm its an awfully vain idea??? It would be fun, but it could also come at a price.. less time blogging, less time doing other shit.. risky too.. as if it ever got published, you’d really wanna hope it sold as one could find themselves involuntarily unemployed pretty quickly… unless you made it quasi fictional? Hmmmmmm ….

Me and my pipe dreams… oh well.. Its lunch time..

Gotta jet… there’s a fries and Gravy calling out to me..

Thank Heavens its Monday.. Opps... Maybe not...

Wild weekend…

I had a GREAT weekend, very productive and fun on all fronts... and it was a welcomed end to a tough week... You see, our week didn’t start out to good.. The previous weekend, we set to work finishing the pad where we’d eventually put Sarah’s play set.. Over the course of a couple weekend, Trena and I had made a box, on the ground, of 6x6 ties, 24 x 21. It wasn’t on level ground, so it was challenging to make ti all work out, and also, we had some big holes to fill in the two back corners… But we took it as an opportunity to clean up the property of a lot of old ugly rocks, and what-not, and bury it… so we use that as fill, then had about 18 yards of Soil Deliverd First, Crushed Stone. To form the foundation, then crushed dust, which will pack to make a firm foundation for the play set will sit on, then peastone, for “cushion” and look… as she bounces off the slide….

So were got all this gravel in piles in our front yard, ready to roll, when someone suggests that we may be on top of our septic field and that that’s a big no-no…

Anyway, that sparked off a whole chain of events, and mass panic on the part of my better half… If that theory was right, we'd have tro dissassemble and rebuild the box, move all those rocks, again, and between that, and having to pay for the septic engineers fee's and all that, it would have been upwards of 1,000 bucks or more out of pocket... Not a good thing.. But, to my credit, I’d strongly suspected we were a-ok, (I even made a substantial bet on it*) but I had to get proof….

So after a barrage of calls to septic-folks… HRM, Dept of Environment, digging so many wholes in the back yard in search of our tank that it looked like a mass gravesite… a week later (and a week behind schedule) we find the tank and resolve that Yes… were A-OK…. And As we did all the work ourselves, EVEN hauling the gravel, it cost us nothing.....

But let me back up a step......... So its Saturday morning… I’d worked all day, then all night till well after 2am doing sound for Da-Rock.. And I’m up at 7:30… to start the day.. We call around, but no one has a bobcat/tractor available… so My Father in law and I set to work moving the gravel the old fashion way. Shovel, Wheel Barrell and Rake.. Around 11ish Trena’s back from Sarahs Dance Class, and she digs in as her mother takes care of Sarah.. Then Theresa, my sisterinlaw, arrives, followed by Steve Mac, (bassist In the new band) complete with his own rake, shovel, and wheellbarrell.. While Mac only had time for a few hours, it was amazing how fast it went.. By near 4:20ish, it was done.. (less the peastone which goes in after the structure is built)
So its bath and a quick nap for me.. then back to the bar for soundcheck..

The gig went well… I brought so of my own gear to get better control of EQ and effects vs. the stuff built into their board… I think it worked out well as I was able to squeeze a little more juice out of their system.. They need another sub, but it still worked out ok.. They played well, sounded good, and the crowd sure loved it..

The celtic/newfie/ and popular rock stuff is not my favorite genre…Bongwater was actually built partially on the premise of NEVER playing songs like Brown Eyed Girl and Sweet home Alabama, again.. I tend to be stuck on 70’s/80’s rock and to a certain extent, B-sides… but I got to give credit where credit is due… They run the band like business, the play a part, and the block the bars wherever they play.. They’ve built an impressive momentum over just a few years, and its only going to get better.. I’ve also noticed a dramatic improvement in their musical ability too….so its obvious, they practice.. and it makes a difference.. Its Saturday night, first night of the NHL playoffs, and I thought we’d get 20-30…. Boy, was I wrong.. it’s a full house, and the place is JUMPING! Wow…

Anyway.. another 3am crash landing… I think I fell asleep in my jeans and woke up around 5 or so to peel off a few layers… then drift off some more….. and 8am.. its back to work…

It takes me about 20 min to kick into 1st gear, but by 9am were deep into construction
And by 7:20ish, ,were not done, but were done for the day. The majority of the structure is up, and Richard’s got to head back to B-wtr…

But, no rest for the wicked.. I still have to mow the lawn, take out the garbage, put the tools away and tidy up…. By the time I hit the shower, its 9pm and Im one hurtin unit…. I fire up the hot water bottle, a pepsi, oh-henry and a big bowl of popcorn COVERED in butter…. And settle in to a few episodes of season 3 of Boston Legal… Part way through the 3rd episode, Im drifting.. so I shut it off, and Its probably the fastest I’ve fallen asleep in years… but Im out..

I actually got up before the alarm, (albeit by a few minutes) and for the first time in months, Im actually looking forward to work.. It was a Great weekend.. it had it all, Music, Family, Food, a good book (oh yeah, my Kevin Smith Book arrived, Hilarious, I was actually reading it at the bar during downtime) but Im exhausted and riding the desk will be a welcome change…

But the natural high is short-lived… back to work... blah... lol

I think I was riding high on the good news of our septic system being ok, (and not having to move and rebuilt the box) and the optimism of some other work related stuff...and the fun of hanging with my family, building a project, How excited Sarah’s getting…

in other news... Mom’s due in town today.. My family's bizarre… at least, I’m learning that they are… When you grow up a certain way, you think its normal.. but I’ve been told we’re not.. Or maybe we are, its just a Newfie vs mainlander thing..

Back home.. we drop in on people.. and people drop in on you.. Doesn’t matter if its supper time, if the house is a mess.. or whatever… that’s just how we roll… My house could look like a hurricane hit it.. You drop in on me, I’m cool with it.. I figure “hey, you’ve caught me offguard, so just act like the mess isn’t hear” that said, I’ve learned Mainlanders like notice… Typically, A few days notice for an overnight visit, and at least a few hours notice for a quick in/out visit.. Anyway.. My point, I found out last night via email (after trena had passed out) that mom’s gonna be at the house today around 5ish.. Not sure if she’s staying the night or not, and if her travelling buddy’s staying with her, but the house has been a construction site for 2 weeks now.. its not at its usual best… so When I sprung the news on the better half this am, her stress level peaked… I should’nt laugh.. but sometimes its just funny… oh well.. F—k it..My philosophy is “I’d apologize for the mess, but we live here… were messy… deal with it..” and that’s about all I have to say about that..

Anyway.. I should get back to work… its really hard getting in gear on Monday am… I’ve already had one meeting, which was fun and went well, but the rest of my day is administration….. oh joy, oh bliss….. someone hit me in the head with a f—king brick please!

ECMA Pics (some)

Extra Points if you can name everyone!!

ECMA Adventure

ok, so I kind of won an ECMA... but not really....thats my arm, left hand side... and part of my head.

As you might now if you've read about my documentary idea, my dad was in a band called the Ducats back in the 60's... and I have been the "official" keyboardist for them since around 1988... So THEY got the award... and by association, I was included on the list of members..

Now, Lew and my dad would argue I'm just as entitled, through my efforts to keep the story alive.. the web site, the research, and, well.. I did bug the ECMA folks last year about getting some form of recognition for these folks... So While I can't take credit for any of that... they (dad and Lew) figure it certainly didn't hurt at all... so whatchagonna do..

So, that said.. and all modesty aside for just a second... IT was Really F--king cooL!!!! I made some new friends: Mike Bravener, of Mike Caddillac and the Rockin 88's and also Matchstick Mike and the Chainsmoking altar boys...

I also got to be part of the "Circus"... rubbing elbows with Jimmie Rankin, Bruce Guthro, Lennie Gallant, and more....

Now, I'm sure they didn't go home and Blog about meeting Rob Crewe, if they remember me at all, but it was cool to not only meet these folks... But having met many of them before, it was kind of cool that they "remembered" that "Song writing banker guy"


I posted all the pics on my facebook profile... I may put a few more here later, but for now... I'll just say it was one helluva weekend..

For 3 fun filled days I got to live in a bit of a bubble... and pretend I was a rock star.. (albeit on a minor scale)

I got lots of good feedback on the documentary idea, made some new friends... but at the end of the weekend, I got to come home and back to the real world...

Anyway... who knows. Maybe someday i'll get to go back on my own merits.. But regardless, I'm grateful for the experience...

until then, I'll keep plugging away at it.. My band, the studio, and the documentary... and who knows what will happen.. sure is fun though...

More to follow..

All in a days work

There's been a lot thats happened this Winter... so much I'd hardly no where to start

There's been family reunions, Xmas, Newyears, another years Jam Party, Gigs, recording sessions, and ECMA, stuff to do with the Rockumentary... and thats just the big stuff...

Bit by bit, I'll filter through some.. and get some posted by and by... but it'll likely not be in any particular order.. just as it pops. up in memory.. once the cobb webs are cleared..

But please be patient: Time is at a premium these days..

Catching up on the Entertainment value...

This stuff is pure comic, and music Gold!

If you enjoy this one... theres 10 more episodes on youtube!

The Bitch is Back!

Ok... I couldnt stay away...

It wasn't peer pressure, I think most of my peers were privately glad as they no longer felt "obligated" to read this.. HA! just kidding.. but in all sincerity, a few were upset when I pulled the plug last November...

So to Mark, Glenna, Gord, Mike and Chris.... "I'm Back!"



After a 6 month break... I'm back... I'm really not sure what kind of audience this had before... I mean, I know there were a few regular devoted readers (mostly shut ins and other weirdos with too much time on their hands, and nothing better on TV - HA!) but beyond that, I'm really not too sure... But the end of the day I don't care... I mean I dont get paid for this shit... So I just do it for fun... or maybe its therapy... A meager outlet for the creative side of someone "stuck" in a "non-creative" somewhat "Conformative" day job... Its better then talking to myself I guess.. (and people don't point at you as much)

Anyway... one of the frustrating parts of writing this before, and even more so now perhaps.. is that to a certain extent, I have to adhere to some form of self censorship... Unfortunately I'm not in a position where I can say "to hell with consequences" I do have a day job some might call a career, and inspite of my part time efforts and private aspirations, it is NOT music... BUT, it pays the mortgage, groceries and keeps the wolf away from the door, so in respect of that (aka: not wanted to get fired) I have to mind my manners, avoid work any and all work related comments and/or references... and keep this relatively upbeat an positive... Which is unfortunate.. cause I can get a real good spite going, at times, and have drafted some pretty hillarious rants, bitches, whines, moans and general complaints... and theres also some really funny shit that's happened I'd love to share, but... um... some stuff you don't need big brother knowing about.... So in pure "self presservation" these "events" only make it to draft mode, if not deleted.. and never get "posted" But I'll conceed that the dream is to someday break free completely of the shackles of conformity, and embreace the creative side completely.... and then truly be free to type whatever comes to mind...

But I digress.. they say we creative types can easily get too lost in our "pipe dreams" and fantasies... so I'll bring er back to reality.... Besides, your not missing all that much.. just a few pieces of the puzzle.. but if you really want to know... just come hang out... and bring rum (appleton reserve) and I'll tell ya in person..



In the meantime... Just bought myself an advance birthday present.. well.. Maybe not too advance, as it may take that long to get here..


I'm a big Kevin Smith Fan... I got turned on to him by my Buddy Mark... with a loan of the original Clerks... And Now I'm hooked.... I even liked Jersry Girl.... Not his Best work, but definately not worthy of all the crap it took form the critics... I think he just got the wraith of all the Benifer Poop that was being unloaded in general at that time... but anyway... I ordered the book.. and I'm feeling a little guilty over it, as we recently put a moratorium on excess spending.. but hey... its a book.. I like to read... I'll just get the next bok at the library!

Cheers for now..


Its good to be back!