your quesiton

01/29/2020 Jackie Treehorn

Would you mind giving us the story on your audition with Tom Waits? Songs played and any other details you'd like to give. I remember reading long ago you didn't get the gig due to scheduling conflicts. At any rate, that's amazing you even got to play in a room with him.

my answer

Through a network of musicians I was called up to Mr. Waits ranch in Norther California to essentially audition for an upcoming tour or recording— I can’t remember which. I drove up there with my upright bass and met him somewhere towards the beginning of a long driveway where he introduced himself and invited me into his studio which was sort of like a barn. He sat down at a Fender Rhodes and had me just follow along with no plan, no clue, no written music. I think he just wanted to see if I had an ear. The whole thing is a bit of a blur to be honest, but he was very friendly and not intimidating at all. He sang as he played the song. I don’t recall what song it was but I do remember, while trying to follow as best as I could, that I was simultaneously thinking, that’s Tom Waits’ voice. I still have a cassette somewhere of saved voice messages from back in the day when we all owned answering machines that recorded onto tape. I made a collection of some of my favorite ones and I have his, unmistakable, scratchy voice inviting me up for the session.

I got the gig, but had to turn him down because that was the year that Mr Bungle was doing extensive touring in support of California and there were too many schedule conflicts.