I was sitting out on my patio sipping a cup of tea when my roommate stepped out and said a man wanted to talk to me. Who is it, I asked? She didn’t know and when he walk on the patio i didn’t either. “Howdy,” I said, “What can I do for you?” ‘I guess I’ve got a pitch for you to consider,’ he says. ‘I’m in a band and we have a gig tonight at The Depot and we’d like you to sit in with us. We’re on first. The gig is two and a half hours. We’ll pay you.’ “To do what,” I ask? ‘Play harmonica.’ “You’ve got to be kidding,” I said. “I’ve never payed with a band. Your band must not be any good to use somebody like me. How did you know I played harmonica?” ‘I’ve got a friend who is a part-time musician. He’s taking classes a OU. His professor said his dad played harmonica. His dad would be you and my brother lives just across the street over there. He said he’s heard you play.’ “Why, all of a sudden, do you need another band member,” I asked? ‘We’ve got a guitar player out, sick.’ “Why don’t your hire another another guitar player,” I asked? ‘We tried. No luck.’ “What time do you start, and what are you going to pay me’? 'A hundred dollars. ’We start at seven-thirty, play till ten and then another band takes over.’ “Well, I’d do it but I don’t drive at night. Somebody will have to pick me up and bring me back here,” I said. ‘No problem.’ “And, one other thing, what kind of music you play, mostly?” ‘Country, mostly.’ Somebody will have to tell me before each song what key its in? ‘No problem,’ he said. ‘I’m Phil Mack. I’m the drummer. You can stand back by me and I’ll clue you in.’ I’ll need a chair; can’t stand the whole time. When I sit, I’ll turn my back to the audience. I said. He laughed and said, ‘Pick you up at seven.’ He did. The place was almost full. I found a folding chair and borrowed an old amp from Phil. I had a long tube on my oxygen supply and Phil’s amp had a long chord. Phil introduced me to the other band members. and I was asked if I wanted to solo. I said maybe a short one, toward the end somewhere. I didn’t know the first song (heck I hardly knew any of them) and I held off but soon got the tempo and added a few licks here and there. Soon I was adding a little something to each song. I had fun and time passed hurriedly. When It came time for my solo, I sat in the chair, back to the audience, mike in my right hand, harp in left, and played, “I’d Love To Lay You Down.” Got a standing ovation. After the singer finished a few calls came out to bring back the harp man, and he asked me to play another. And asked if I could come up to the front mike where people could see me. I did. Brought up my portable generator, put my oxygen tube in my nose, introduced myself, and said to the drummer, Let’s do it to it, and we cut a rendition of another old one, “Tight Fitting Jeans.” I had fun. Had a drink with them afterwards. Mack took me home. He said you could play with anybody. We’d like you to play with us whenever we’re here in Norman. I thanked him for the compliment and declined. But said, I will come hear you when you’re here. We shook hands wished each other luck. That was my gig. Now I’m a retired professional.
I'm trustin' this isn't another "Tall Tale", Bill! Way to go! Guess we'll have to call you "Hundred Dollar Bill"!