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First TAC Year done
A year of TAC and isolation. What could be better?
Well, no isolation but who is complaining? Actual real open mics were memories at this point. When I started TAC a year ago, I had been disabled for a few years and isolated more or less. I could sit for short periods and play some stuff I used to play with no understanding of what I was doing.
Since I spent much time online, I saw Tony’s ads fairly regularly so one day I pulled the trigger and joined to get that structure I thought might help. So, between learning to walk again and finding ways to develop and progress in my solitude it seemed like a good idea, and I think it was.
I started learning guitar when I was in my 40’s, with a guitar my wife bought for me. I learned a few cords in the “three chords and the truth” style of John Prine who was one of my musical heroes. I learned a few songs, then I found out about this thing called an Open Mic. So, with a few songs in my repertoire, I jumped in with both feet. Shaking all the way.
This led me to some of the best singer-songwriters in the world, that you never heard of. I spent countless hours around these folks listening and learning. If I could, I would still be doing that every night. TAC seemed to me to be a possible alternative for me to hear and watch others play, learn, and be inspired once again.
I dreaded any “lessons” that I might have to endure but the Fretboard Wizard was a pleasant surprise. Though I have yet to finish it, I have gained a root understanding of music theory that has always been outside my grasp. It is now much less of an alien concept or a foreign language and I am able to break it down to a point that I can take small bits of understanding and digest them. I feel progress for the first time, in years. I really am not concerned with finishing it. I am enjoying the process.
I started writing songs and trying them out in front of a room full of drunks watching football on the big screens above my head. Whenever they cheered, I just said thank you. That was a learning experience and trial by fire for me, and one that every musician should have at least once.
I have learned much here and not all music-related. Brandon K. taught me a lot about sound and recording. If you get a chance, you should catch his videos about using Zoom and settings. I have virtually met many fine folks here. So, I have been learning how to get a decent recording without breaking the bank. That has enabled me to record my songs and get them saved. Still can’t sing but hey I am learning to play better.
I started an early morning zoom meeting because I am already up early and practicing so I figured there might be a few others doing the same thing. It has been fun and I have met many folks that come through from around this world.
Slainte
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25 Replies
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Happy Tacaversarry! Thanks for sharing your story. It’s cool that you built up complimentary skills too
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Thanks
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Wow @dennisg , I had no idea you’d only been with TAC for a year. You’ve been so active, especially in the VOMs and starting the Kitchen Sessions.
I have always enjoyed your performance. You put your heart into your music, and it shows. Well, maybe not to a room full of cheering drunks, but to others like me who appreciate your talents.
The VOMs have brought many of us together who might not otherwise have met. And I’m glad to have met you and heard you sing (which you CAN do) and play.
Congratulations, and wishing you the best during this upcoming year!🎵
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Thanks for the kind words Michelle. I always enjoy your tunes.
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Happy Tacaversary Dennis. Wow that year went fast.
I miss your morning zoom meeting, always something to learn there.
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Stan! Thanks for the comments. Hope to hear and learn more from you in the kitchen.
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Are you still hosting the morning meetings?
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Yes, I am here every morning that I am not having surgery. lol, Hope you stop by.
Topic: Kitchen Sessions 6am to 8am CST
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88050755666?pwd=QXdvVEp0M045QzM2ZWErWEZjR3FjUT09
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Thanks for the link. 😀
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Dennis:
Congratulations on one year. I am 3 months in and my fingers still need breaks. I decided to read the anniversary stories to see what people feel they are gaining. Looks like you have used this last year to your advantage. Awesome that you are also overcoming some physical challenges.
Jeff
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This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by J.Humble.
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Thanks and I wish you progress as well.
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This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by
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Congratulations! If you play anything like you write I am sure it is awesome. Loved your story! Hope to hear your music soon.
Tom
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Thanks, I have no voice at the moment due to surgery. Don’t know how long it will be before I have a voice again. I have a YouTube channel named D Glen. Might be the only or last place my voice still worked, so to speak. Some originals and some covers.
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Congratulations @dennisg , I have enjoyed your youtube channel. Hope you regain your voice quickly!
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Thanks Jeff you are too kind
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Dennis, your story is comforting to me since I am approaching 1 year. (May 19)
So much of what you wrote in this post applies to me and I suspect to most of the TAC members, what we thought we would get from TAC differed from what has actually happened.
The community and the Zoom open mic sessions has been a gold mine for my sanity. The “Kitchen Sessions” (although I haven’t made many at that early hour) have been a great outlet. As a song writer, you continually impress me with the depth of your verses. You do good stuff Bud.
Keep writing my friend. For the record, your voice is just fine.
Omar
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Omar, you are one of those folks that inspire. Although my sleeping habits keep me from seeing you regularly at the evening voms. Your sound, songs, and arrangements are always great and I always enjoy hearing your tunes. Thanks for the kind words here. I guess we found this place about the same time.
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@dennisg, it is a great thing to reach out and share your trials and successes with us, and Happy TACiversary. So, you cannot believe how much fun and encouragement that version of this part of your Journey gives me. Thank you for being there for us.
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Good seeing and hearing you this morning in the Kitchen TJ. You are sounding great. Great tunes and thanks for sharing.
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I Love your sound Dennis… 😍
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Thanks, Fletch, and right back at ya. One day I may have a sound again. Right now it is more like Tom Waits than anything. One more operation to go before I can start working on that. Always enjoy hearing your stuff.
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Happy 1st Tacaversarry! May you have many more! 🧐🧙♂️😎
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Thanks, Marty, and the same to you.
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Way to go Dennis! Congrats on the one year benchmark and for staying active and positive during what has to be a tough time for you. I always appreciate hearing you play and sing, especially your originals. Your writing is truly inspiring for me. You always paint a picture that resonates.
Remember John Prine too had throat surgery and carried on with a new sound that we all loved. Just sayin 🤗
As far as playing under a big screen with drunk sports fans in front of you…that merits a free pass through the pearly gates (or at least a free beer)
Maybe we’ll catch up in the morning sessions sometime.
Well done
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Thanks John, hope to swap some tunes with you soon.
Slainte
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