The Bart Factor

  2022 I’m not a big believer in New Year’s resolutions. They usually last until January 3 rd then we’re back on the couch eating pie and ice cream. Don’t get me wrong I don’t have anything against pie and ice cream, I love the stuff.   It’s just hard not to settle back into our old ways and come up with a myriad of reasons to not go to the gym, or do whatever else it is that we’ve told ourselves we want to do in the New Year ahead.   On January 1 st it’s easy to think “New Year new me.”   It’s finally time to go to the gym and get ripped. Or maybe you’re ready to finally write that book, short story, song or poem.   Maybe it’s learning a musical instrument or getting better at the one you already play.   Maybe you’ve always wanted to take an art class, or an acting class.   It could be something as deep as studying spirituality or something as dark as letting go of a demand like alcoholism, drug addiction or quitting smoking. No matter what it...

On January 30 th 2012, The Sam Morrison Band was leaving for a one night gig in Las Vegas .   A lot of different variables come into play when it comes to our travel arrangements.   From time to time we lease a bus and a driver to take us and our gear to gigs.   This gig was only to Las Vegas which is about a five hour drive from my house while pulling the bands trailer and it was for only one night.   It didn’t make sense to use the bus for this show so we opted to take two cars. Easy!   I’ve pulled the band’s trailer a million times across the country from gig to gig.   I’m very meticulous about hooking it up and making sure it is done right.   It’s not only a huge responsibility, getting the bands gear to the gig, towing a trailer can be very dangerous if it’s not done right.   This day was no exception. I hooked everything up, double checked the ball and receiver, latched the safety chains and had Steve help me check the lights.   We we...

This interview I did a few days ago on The Mile High Underground, in Denver Colorado. I got to talk about the new Sam Morrison Band C.D. “Dig It Or Don’t.” I answered questions about our show “Turn The Page” and Turn The Page C.D.’s we recorded for Titan Tribute Media. I also answered questions about ... working with producer Michael Vail Blum , and a lot of other exciting S.M.B. news. After the interview they played our song “Rattlesnake Stew.” A very special thank you to my good friend Steve Valverde (Freeza) who hosted the interview, you Rock brother!! If you like the song, please call The Mile High Underground on the studio line, 720-258-8486. Cheers! http://soundcloud.com/stevevalverde/sam-morrison-band-interview?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=mshare&utm_medium=facebook&utm_content=http%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fstevevalverde%2Fsam-morrison-band-interview

I would like to thank everyone who has been reading my blogs.   When I first started writing them they were meant to be funny, light-hearted stories about life on the road with The Sam Morrison Band. However, there is a time to be serious as well. I grew up on a cattle ranch in Littleton, Colorado.   The ranch is no longer there, but that’s a different story for a different time.   Down many roads and through a very long, storied chain of events I found myself in Southern California playing for The Sam Morrison Band.   To date, being part of the S.M.B. has been the best time in my life.   It has not only changed my life, it has literally made me who I am.   I love everyone in the band as if they were my own blood.       As far back as I can remember, I’ve had a certain clarity about who I am, and what I wanted to do with my life.   It’s very simple really.   I’ve never wanted to be anything more than a drummer in a Rock-n-Roll ban...

Over the years the S.M.B. has certainly had a cast of characters come through it.  Somewhere along the line everyone who is in, or around the band acquires a nick name that goes along with their personality.  The original keyboard player for the band was a gentleman by the name of Chris Daniels who earned the name Doc.  Doc is no longer in SMB but he’s still a good friend and there are so many funny stories about the guy that I just had to tell one. The best way I could describe Doc is he’s like a cross between Sylvester the cat and the Cowardly Lion. To call Doc just a little jumpy would be the understatement of the century…that was the only kink in his armor Steve and I needed.    Now, when it comes to traveling with the band, accommodations can get a little sketchy from time to time.  At some gigs we’re treated like kings.  We’re put up in the finest hotels, fed steak dinners and treated like royalty for the entire gig.  Other times the entir...

Free enterprise; sounds good to me, but what do I know, I'm just a drummer in a rock-n-roll band. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVh75ylAUXY&feature=player_embedded Until next time Bart

When asked what I do for a living I’m proud to say, “I’m a professional drummer.”   Earning a living playing the drums is one of the biggest accomplishments of my life.   However, it did not happen overnight.   As a matter of fact is it has taken most of my adult life to get here.   I have spent countless hours practicing, learning songs, taking lessons, rehearsing with bands, playing one-nighters for little or no money, and the lists goes on.   I know it may sound like I’m complaining, but I’m not.   I wouldn’t change any of it.   I hope this article sheds some light, and helps make life a little easier for some of my fellow drummers.   I would like to start by talking about the business.   Remember this is a business, so it needs to be treated as such.   I forgot who said it, but one of the best quotes I’ve ever heard was, “anyone who wants to make their living playing drums needs to have a stick bag in one hand and a brief case in ...