Becca and Matt bathed in purple

Gigs are beginning to slow down – however the up side is that we have more time to rehearse, and also work on our recording  and promotion projects -( is there a  tee shirt in the works ?) – we’ll let you know !

As for the Monday nights, we’ll be back at Latitude 18 next season (around Thanksgiving). The band is sounding tighter and more in the groove lately. Now we just need some gigs – got any ?

It was nice to see the crowd response on “Trippin Thursday” at Jack’s. By one count at midway there were 122 people, and that probably went up since more folks were arriving even during the last set. With the new stage lighting  ( we’ve included  a shot of  Matt and Becca bathed in purple )- it feels more like a show !  This great shot, among many others was captured by Steve Danesi, the owner of Jack’s,who has a real knack for this – hey, ever thought about quitting your day job ??

Our Hermit was there and also captured some great shots, as well as recording and video-graphing the entire show !! We’ll keep you posted on that project ! Cheers !!

The band had a very productive day during our first recording session. We did 5 “scratch tracks’, for the 5 songs that will be on our upcoming Demo CD. Everybody feels fine with the drum tracks – so we’re on our way !!

Everybody did just fine in a “studio setting”, which is always a big question mark for a live band, such as we are ! We tried to recreate the live “feel” as much as possible by having 4 of us in one room, but of course the drummer had to be in his own soundproof “cocoon” !

In case you’re wondering which songs were chosen – they are :  Hey Boy, Margery, Suzie, One Way Out, and Jack Sprat. Our recording engineer Zan Llaneeza  felt good about the recording session – and that’s  a good sign !!  So it’s onward – we’ll keep you posted !!

Robert Falzarano in his soundproof cocoon during our first recording session

Becca Darling, Danny Silber, and Matt Cring during a relaxed moment in the studio

Becca Darling and Matt Cring during our first recording session

Yesterday was an exciting step forward for the band. We are beginning work  on our first studio recording ! We decided that it will be all original songs, and that Morgan Rael will act as the producer. He will work, with Zan llaneza, who will be the engineer, and of course will be coordinating with the band members and most importantly with Becca !

Our first session was less than thrilling ! We just went over 6 songs that we’ll be recording – there was some mix-up so the recording engineer was not there. At least we got the feel of playing in a small room with limited air ?? – not that we’re whining – it was still worthwhile.

Next we have to find the time to rehearse, and add some new cover tunes, so our fans don’t get tired of our repertoire – after all, it’s a small island.  We had a full house at Latitude 18 last Monday – and the band always gets hyped up from the energy flowing back and forth !

The Becca Darling Band has begun rehearsing one of the most well known Latin love songs, Besame Mucho. This song is literally dripping with passion !  One of the lines goes “love me forever and make all my dreams come true” -now that’s passion !!

We’ve also begun rehearsal of the song (made famous by Billie Holliday) titled “When Your Lover Has Gone”. Becca’s going to try her hand at scat singing, and the first recorded instance of this was by the great Louis Armstrong !  This is also a love song but would fall under unrequited love !

Last night was a wonderful night of music and love at the gala celebration/fundraiser for Nicky Russell, which was held at  Hull Bay Hideaway. It was a heartwarming show of affection for one of the most beloved entertainers and humanitarians on the island !

Last Saturday , the band played at Hull Bay to an enthusiastic crowd of mostly locals.

Ras Abijah as guest guitarist,  put in his usual excellent performance,  adding his own flavor, while somehow learning tunes on the spot . The band played a new original written by Becca and Matt, titled” Susie”, which I think has hit song potential.   Randy, our patron “angel”, came out to record the band and take some photos. Although the stage lighting leaves something to be desired, Randy could still get decent photos because he has a high quality camera. Becca had fun singing Fergalicious with some “attitude”,  and when Becca’s having fun the band is doing it’s job !

We played at the Wyndham Sugar Bay Hotel last Saturday and brought out some new dance tunes that were very well received! We did the Kate Perry song  “I Kissed a Girl” and the Jason Mraz song  “I’m Yours”.

It was a strange night–the first two sets there was a wedding party on the outside balcony playing disco music – every time the door opened we would hear them. Then for our third set the whole room livened up as folks came from somewhere ?? ready to party, and even the bride and wedding party came inside  and hung out!

It was great having Paul Cater Deaton on drums again – he’s such a fine musician plus has a wonderful personality

Poor Becca got attacked by fire ants on her way to the

Banquet room – but came through and did the show !

She’s a Trouper !

The band played well at Hull Bay last weekend and is definitely beginning to get some nice grooves going!  Since we are developing a fan base – am thinking that the next step should be some tee shirts, key chains, i.e. “merchandise”. Was impressed with Becca’s stage presence – she is definitely more at ease with being in the spotlight, and more sure of herself ! 

The Becca Darling Band is back at Hull Bay Hideaway tonight -come join us !

I want to talk about the open mike night at the Sun Dog Cafe.  There were several fine performers and an appreciative crowd. When an open mike night is good – it’s got that certain combination of spontaneity and form that only  be found at such a venue. I was at two such events this week- and each one was excellent in it’s own way.

Photo by Paul Dirks

Last Saturday night (the 17th), We played at Hull Bay before  an enthusiastic crowd of mostly “northsiders”. There was a buzz and electricity in the place. Ras Abijah played quite well – especially considering the fact that many of the tunes he had heard only once or twice before! I began to recognize some of the faces which signifies we are in fact “building a fan base”   We tried out some new “dance tunes”, and they were well received – folks actually danced!!

Well, we’re back at Hull Bay Hideaway! There is usually a good crowd here and they appreciate the music, so it makes for a nice ambiance. This time we have Ras Abijah on guitar (subbing for Morgan). We hit at 7pm!