Amazing, but first a talk

When I get back to our table someone already got another round and I have two beers standing in front of me.

“Guess who is their new lead singer.” I say to Morris and Ernie. Morris seems to be clueless, but Ernie has a knowing expression on his face.

“Jason.” I tell them.

“No way.” Morris shouts and can't believe it. Ernie on the other hand doesn't seem to be very surprised.

“Don't worry I have good news too.” I tell them and they both look at me. “I have found our new vocalist. Great voice and a charismatic presence. We just need to convince her.”

“Her?” both ask simultaneously. Without a word I look at Ernie and grin. It takes him about ten seconds to follow my thought.

“NO WAY! You're crazy John. She isn't into rock at all. She is......” he begins to protest. Meanwhile Morris has no idea about who we're talking.

“I heard her the other night. She sang “Hard to concentrate” by heart and with so much feeling in her voice, you wouldn't believe it.” I try to convince him. Ernie just sits there and shakes his head. Morris however figured out that we're talking about Sam. We all stay quiet for a minute and take a few sips of our beer.

“OK.” Ernie finally agrees. “But you have to talk to her, John. She would say no just out of spite if I asked her. If you ask, we might have a shot.”

I'm about to object, but change my mind. It won't be easy, she has an image to hold up, but when I heard her sing, she put so much heart into it. She wants to do it, I'm sure of it.

“OK, but I need you to put every song we have recorded and all the lyrics on one of your old mp3-players Ernie.” I tell him and drink the rest of my beer. He immediately understands what I plan to do and silently nods.

The hard part of the evening is over and now we can enjoy some music. I look around and the place is about half full. Not bad for a weekday. I see Kirsten stand behind the switchboard and seconds later the lights are dimmed. Silhouettes appear on stage and after my eyes adjust themselves I can make out Jason, Piper, Steve and Kit. My anticipation grows by the second. I hear Piper plug in her L-48. Kirsten turns on the spotlight and Jason's face comes into view. Something I could have lived without. I hope Piper and the others know what they're doing. The “Giant Ants” are our rivals, but personally I always preferred to surpass my competition, I want to prove that I deserve it.

I'm ripped out of my thoughts by the sweet sound of Piper's guitar. The high-pitched howl fills the room and draws everyones attention. After a while Steve and then Kit join in and the song gains substance until it seems to explode. Jason's voice cuts through this harmony seconds later. My worries seem to be confirmed. This won't end good for the “Giant Ants”, at least not musically.

I close my eyes and try to focus on the guitar. I manage to push everything else aside and listen to Piper. Her skill is undeniable. She plays on a whole other level than Steve and Kit. They both struggle to keep up. After they play the chorus for the second time, Piper starts a solo that lets my skull vibrate. I can almost taste the feeling she puts into her music on my tongue. The song ends with everybody fading out one after another until the only thing audible is the L-48 gently vibrating, creating a wonderful melody until there's nothing but silence.

That was a pretty good start and the applause confirms it. Piper looks around and our eyes meet. On stage she seems to be a completely different person. The rest of the set is solid. A good mix, satisfying all moods. Pretty soon we will stand up there and we'll blow their minds.

During the show I don't notice the guy standing in the far corner, but we will meet him again pretty soon.