Jack Of Arts

July 16, 2011 Ironstone Ouigab

The rains are getting heavier again this time of the year. Thankfully, it's like they're often scheduled in the afternoon. I and the band are about to head to ROH Factory, which according to Tayaw, is one of the most difficult bars in Ouigab to get into as performers.

"Hey Ramil! Is there anything fragile in your case?" Bay-an yelled over from the back of the van as he moved my saxophone case to make space for his digital keyboard. "Nothing. Still, be careful." I replied. The instruments we just loaded on the van are new mid-range instruments that Tayaw bought us to use outside his studio.

While practicing with the new mid-range saxophone, I was reminded how great the difference of sound quality is between the expensive saxophone I use in Tayaw's studio to the saxophone I personally own. Tayaw reminded the band that we are not really qualified to use his instruments for public performances with our skill levels. "I got you all new instruments. With your skills, I don't want you all appearing to be posers by playing expensive instruments with your current skills." Tayaw said a few days ago. It was harsh, but it's very true. I can't really contest him of his judgment because he can basically pinpoint our errors.

I first met Tayaw in passing through Ike when Ike said Tayaw was interested in jamming with me and Bay-an. My first impression of Tayaw was that he's a straight A student who didn't do anything else but study. That changed until one day he texted me and 5 more people to gather at a restaurant to hire us to be some kind of a personal band. This left a bitter taste in my mouth at first because I just thought he's just someone who just dabbles in music with money he got from his parents, but with the generous pay plus accommodation, it was hard not to accept his offer.

It surprised me however when he confessed of being a self-made millionaire. With my suspicious nature, I asked something which instigated the band to corner him to that confession. His situation made me realize that he is actually a legitimate musician who just happened to write something in demand while dabbling as an author. In the past four months, he's proven to us time and time again that he's only not a legit musician, but a legit artist who makes his own music.

He made us arrange some of his songs but I especially liked the most recent original he made. I don't think it will be as popular as sports anthems and typical ballads, or even his previous original songs when released, but I think his recent song is a piece of art. It was very difficult to arrange it too. The original song was made by Tayaw for an acoustic guitar and a stomp box, yet it's strangely difficult to make it sound as good with a band.

"All set?" I asked everyone, and getting affirmations, I started the drive to ROH Factory. "By the way, what should we name the band?" Tayaw, who chose to ride with us, asked us. We never considered naming ourselves because we thought Tayaw had no intention of the band having public appearances. The band stayed silent for a second before a rain of suggestions started.

"How about 'Love Dogs'?" Jenna said. "What? Why?" I asked, finding the suggestion odd. "I just like how it sounds." Jenna answered shamelessly. With the band's corny suggestions like "Graceful Benefits" from Bay-an or "Growing Stands" from Hoon, Tayaw put a stop to it. "Alright. Stop. We have days to think about it. But we should have something to name ourselves tonight." Tayaw said.

Today is the first time the band is to have a gig. We've seen Tayaw perform a few times now, and he looked really comfortable on stage and can play with the mood of the crowd. The band however is facing pressure currently because while we were practicing, we slowly realized how difficult it would be to perform for an hour straight especially in a popular bar like the ROH Factory where some of the best acts in Ouigab perform. The pressure further increased when Tayaw said he will play with us and will perform according to his line-up, which is the set before the headliner.

"Ike. What do you call that thing when people hit dysfunctional machines hoping they will work? There's a name for that at the mechanical engineering department, right?" Tayaw asked Ike, who is sitting beside me, shaking his legs from nervousness. "Oh. Oh. Percussive Corrections. Why?" Ike answered. "Ooh. That's clever." Hoon said as he chuckled at the name. "Alright. We'll use that for the name of the band for now." Tayaw said. "It actually sounds cool." Jenna agreed from the back. "I think so too." I agreed as well. The name has a certain charm in it. Even though it originated in mechanical engineering students, it sounds strangely music-related as well.

Tayaw is really a genius. The name was settled just like that after asking Ike something he's heard in passing. Genius: I've given him that assessment ever since we started practicing as a band. Aside from the songs he make, and great ears, he's also helped us many times with our studies. It's very odd because he already quit school but aside from training us in our instruments, he also trained us in the practical applications of our subjects Analytical Geometry and Solid Mensuration. At first, I was skeptical of his knowledge in the subjects but our professors in those subjects also talk about the stuff Tayaw already taught us. It was incredible.

A few minutes later, we already arrived by the alley behind ROH Factory. "Alright. Let's unpack and talk to the owner of the bar." Tayaw said and we went to work.

"Good evening boss. I brought my band tonight." Tayaw said and shook Rudy's hand. Rudy intimidates the hell out of me, but I also wish I'd look like him when I get to his age. He has long salt and pepper hair tied beautifully in a high ponytail, has sharp handsome features, tall and lanky build that he highlights with a dark red velvet suit. Rudy is around my dad's age, but Rudy didn't let himself go and probably still works on his health and appearance.

Rudy then looked at us, from head to toe which didn't help with the nervousness of the band. "HEY! Straighten your backs, chest out! I didn't bring you all here if I thought you were sh*t!" Tayaw smilingly yelled at us which loosened our shoulders. We were going to be intimidated by Rudy again had he continued staring at us any longer. "Tayaw, let's talk in my office."

We weren't worried for Tayaw as we knew that he has a good relationship with the boss. This was proven when after five minutes, he stepped out of the office smiling. "We're good to go. Come, let's go warm up." Tayaw said as he led us to the green room which we will see for the first time.

Meeting other musicians was a new experience for me. Looking at age alone, we definitely stood out as rookies. Most of the musicians we met are in their late 20s to 30s which is basically an age group our band do not hang out with. Interestingly enough, I felt comfortable talking with them about music. Maybe it's because we talked a lot with Tayaw for the past five months, we know what to ask and we know how to answer. Does that mean that Tayaw has maturity beyond our age? I would not be surprised if he is that matured.

9 pm approached and Luck Luck, the third act is already wrapping up their set. We are also done tuning our instruments and had pre-plugged everything else with the instruction from Tayaw. I felt my heart beat faster and harder each step we take towards stage. I was confident because I've practiced as much as I could, and Tayaw also said that everyone is good enough. Being on stage in person however is very nerve-wrecking.

"Good evening folks. To our new patrons, my name is Tayaw. To our old patrons, you may have been used to watching me perform alone, but today is a special day. My band behind me will make their debut tonight and they need your support. The band, including me, will be called Percussive Corrections, I hope you enjoy." Tayaw introduced the band while plucking his guitar. I've watched him do it many times, but to be introduced by him is a bizarre feeling.

My time has come. According to the song line-up arranged by Tayaw, we are to play "Every Week", an original song by Tayaw. This song, however, needs my saxophone for a prelude. First gig, first song, first player, me. I took a deep breath and started playing my sax.

A few notes in, I could already feel my breath running out. This has never happened before. Is it because I'm too nervous? I barely made it through the measure and the last few notes of it were shaky. Tayaw looked behind to me and gave me an encouraging nod and gestured me to keep going. He doesn't look angry or mad; therefore I'm still doing alright. This is good. I should relax. I should play just like I practiced.

After the prelude, Ike started playing his drums softly and Inson started playing his bass for the intro. It sounds nice and the crowd is nodding along the beat. Tayaw joined in and started strumming his guitar as well and Bay-an started playing the thematic riff of the song on his piano. Not long after, Tayaw started singing.

"It is a story I couldn't see

can you tell it to me?

Don't give me a sad face

our smiles should stay

The hand that wipes away our tears

Though it looks so pitiful

I frown, I wonder if these feelings come easy

And I hate myself for it"

Tayaw's voice is a typical baritone but has a very raspy and hoarse tone that is attractive to listen to. I rarely hear him belt out a high note often but when he does, it is satisfying to listen to.

The second verse soon ended and Hoon's guitar entered for a little interlude. I thought Hoon's guitar before was sick because of how he shreds on it, that when Tayaw said he lacked foundation, I was offended on his behalf. Tayaw then played Hoon's riffs much cleaner and taught him how to solidify his basics. Now, Hoon's guitar is almost as good as Tayaw's demonstration back then... I think.

The song ended its last chorus and it's time for my saxophone again for the outro. The melody I'm playing this time is the theme of the song that Bay-an has been playing throughout the song. The song itself is about love and blind decisions. I've been very considerate of my decisions, but the melody is somehow talking to me.

Soon after, our first song is over. I'm relieved and finally got a taste of validation from the crowd's applause. I've never thought the band, including me would be applauded this well. I have regained some of my confidence and if I maintain it, and if the other band members are feeling the same, we might just nail our first gig.

At first, I was skeptical as to why Tayaw would choose me as a part of the band. Over the past months however, the improvements and the skills I gained finally made me feel that Tayaw's investment to me is worth it. Was it because I worked hard to reach his expectations, or did Tayaw really see something with me and the other members that he chose us? Whatever the reason is, I'm thankful to Tayaw for the opportunity he's given me.

))