Doug Armitage, Nederland. That was so much fun for everybody who showed up at the Very Nice Brewing Company and Recording Studio for Eric Stone. Eric Stone, prolific songwriter and locally entertainer was recording a song for his latest album. Eric was trying to get a “live” recording from “live” people. Despite the low cost of a laugh track, (Dan Schneider™ Laugh Track, free on youtube) Eric decided to used the local audient talent and invited his audience to join him Friday night at VNBC by using that wonderful source of niceness, Facebook.

“This Friday I’m playing a solo gig at Very Nice Brewing in Nederland from 6-8 p.m. And with the help of Ray Smith (Byrd Nest Recording Studio and StrangeByrds) we are going to do a live recording of one of my songs (Band Of One). I could use a few folks who want to help with the sing-a-long part of the song. We’re gonna do the prep and recording right at 6 p.m. So if you want to get your voice on a track from my next cd, consider stopping by at 6...”

Those of us who packed the VNBC studio and occasional dog kennel with excitement were treated to the Sounds of Eric ‘splaining how a totally natural Free form audience who had no “LAUGH NOW” or” APPLAUSE NOW” signs to light up could, still, drink and stop talking while he performed his one song. Maybe six times. The Excellent Chorus the audience could sing with him “after” the second verse about the drunk bass player, and laugh at the appropriate times. (really the laugh should be at the line “I’m just playing with myself..”).

Now, I will not reprint the WHOLE chorus here, due to my strict belief in copyright. This belief is split into two main sections: copyright in the song (known as publishing rights) and copyright in the sound recording (known as master rights). The publisher only deals with the publishing right, which is the songwriting side and includes the music and lyrics. I find this to be easier to believe in than the wholly trinity, but to each their own.

As the evening went on, it was clear that some one (me) and other friends were drinking in a way that might help Eric when he uses this as a “retail sales pitch” to a bar owner.  We all had a great time when we could begin to talk over the music, and shout “freebird” randomly in the air again. I can’t wait for Eric’s new album. Copies of his previous work is available at the noble Brightwood Music and occasional dog kennel the third door down from VNBC.

Thanks Eric for a great time, really a wild time, and sorry we put everything on your bar bill....

(Originally published in the January 2, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)