Since our 2006 reunion, Kendall and I have stayed in casual contact, but both of our schedules have kept us apart. A few weeks ago, BuzzUniverse was getting ready for our Rocks Off Concert Cruise around New York City, and I decided to invite Kendall and his wife. As the evening approached, I started thinking of ways to get him up for a jam, then decided to let it happen naturally.
Halfway through our big funk number, “In the Sun,” the music stops and traditionally the band freezes. For this special occasion everyone froze except myself, and I handed my Fender Jazz over to Kendall. I told the audience that I am handing my bass to my first real teacher, then whispered to Kendall, “Don’t restrain, give it all you’ve got, tear it up my brother!” I stepped out into the audience and enjoyed their perspective on BuzzUniverse for the very first time. I danced in a frenzy with the crowd as Kendall blew everyone’s mind with his bass skills, a huge bass solo, and a smile that never left his face. Friends and strangers were practically tackling me with hugs and high-fives telling me it was a beautiful moment. I had to agree.
BuzzUniverse has probably had a hundred different musicians get on stage with us over the years. Every moment has been special, but the moment that transpired on that boat shines brighter than all of the others for me. Thinking back to the day when my impressionable young soul was changed forever, I never could have imagined that this would transpire sixteen years later. Sharing this moment on a near sold-out boat cruise with my hero was the greatest musical gift I could ask for.
You never know when you are going to have that “light bulb moment”. I certainly didn’t until years later, and every time I get on stage, it is an extension of that fateful day. Now that it has come full circle, I know that light will shine forever.
*****
Greg McLoughlin plays bass in BuzzUniverse.
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