Croce's Top Hat 
 
There were a lot of people at Croce's tonight.   I don't know if it was just because it was Friday,  or because some yankees fans or people from out-of-town were still hanging around after the World Series ended a few days ago. 
  
My wife finally decided to come tonight!   I was very excited about that.   It's been awhile since she's come out to a show.   She was very impressed with the band,  especially with the new bari sax player,  Terry. 
  
I wasn't too happy with my drum solo during Sing, Sing, Sing.   I was a bit tired from our double-header last night.   The gig at SDSU and the one gig at the Blue Tattoo in Palm Springs took its toll on my body.    An old friend of Jamie's,  Julie was there tonight and she was so impressed with my solo that she said it 'gave her goose bumps'.   Thanks for the compliment Julie,  that's the first I've ever heard of someone getting goosebumps from one of my drum solos.   I was very flattered. 
  
Stephanie gave me a big hug tonight.   Wow!   She just about squeezed the life out of me...   I knew she was quite the athlete according to Shannon,  but wow,  I was truly impressed! 
  
Debbie,  Carol,  Stephanie,  Julie and a bunch of other folks were in the 'front rows'  cheering us on.   It's great to have a cheering section.   And I saw Ingrid running around at the top hat,  something I don't see too often,  as she works the kitchen a lot.    
  
Toward the end of the show I was really feeling the strain after yesterday's double-header and I thought to myself,  'how am I going to get thru that triple-header tomorrow!!!   The only thing that kept me going at all tonight,   and prepared me for tomorrow's ordeal,  was that a few people mentioned to me that it absolutely didn't show that we were all exhausted.   It was truly a relief to hear,  although I hoped they weren't just being kind. 
  
My wife Osee thought we sounded very impressive tonight!   That really made me feel good,  along with all the other compliments I received tonight regarding the band as a whole,  it made for a very fulfilling night.    
  
Now,  for someone who has to deal with an inferiority complex,  I really didn't feel so bad tonight.   And I think I'm learning how to better deal with this problem more and more since I made the jump to being a full-time musician some years ago. 
  
I just have to keep that positive energy flowing,  that's all... 
  
  
Carlos Rull 
  
 

CDs Played Today:  

Steely Dan - Aja 
Steely Dan - Gaucho

Practical Magic 
The Spanish Prisoner (video)

The Poet's Market Book

Croce's Top Hat

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