The Year That Was

Recap of my past year or so musically

October 2003 - CenterAisle (Brian Baxter, Harry Brandon, Ed De Caro, Mike Lewis) plays their last gig together as a foursome, though we didn't know this at the time. We played at the venerable Metaphor Cafe.

December 2003 - CenterAisle officially breaks up. My daughter Jessica is born. I take a brief break from music.

January 2004 - Brian Baxter, Harry Brandon and I jam with Bob Schreiner, a local drummer who plays in the cover band "Ivlvinl". Jams were ok, but I felt I was in a rut artistically.

March 2004 - Ed De Caro asks me to join him in his band "With Intent". I jump at the chance as I will get an opportunity to play more of my original material. I am no longer in a rut. We jam regularly and set out to gig right away as a twosome (Ed on acoustic guitar, me on bass). We play two gigs as a duo and pick up two musicans, guitarist Dan Stuart and drummer Mark Schaefli, both formerly of the Christian rock group "Freedom 51". We play a lot of gigs at the Metaphor, land a pretty good paying Labor Day gig, and a gig at the biker bar Pounders. Shortly thereafter, Dan and Mark leave "With Intent", and we embark on a few more gigs with substitute players.

October 2004 - I play my last gig in "With Intent". Family matters force me to leave the band. I begin my new endeavor "MikeLewisMusic", just me on acoustic guitar, playing my original tunes. Suddenly I am artistically renewed.

It's been quite a year for me, but I am right where I want to be. I can work on my stuff and concentrate on writing and playing my beautiful Gibson Hummingbird. I so do not miss playing in a band right now. There were a lot of good times, but there were issues and personality dynamics that were a little bit challenging, and at my age I don't need those types of challenges. But I loved the experience, and I loved the bands I played in and all the people that I played with.

I'd like to take this little opportunity to thank the following people:

• Ed De Caro - Thanks for all of the support, beginning in CenterAisle, and continuing into With Intent. You were never judgemental with my original material, your pragmatic approach was much appreciated. You were truly a prince and a pro during my association with you. I look forward to checking out your new musical endeavors soon.
• Brian Baxter - Thanks for singing my songs in CenterAisle. I felt our voices blended together well. I hope you keep active musically.
• Harry Brandon - To my fellow gear-head, your lead work breathed life into my songs. Thanks for the care you gave to them.
• Mark Schaefli - Thanks for being a cool dude and a good drummer. Our short association was enjoyable, and you often made me laugh while we played on stage
• Dan Stuart - Thanks for your impeccable lead playing. You have great skills, and you and Mark really rounded out the group.
• Tony Vigo - Tony, you are a cool dude and a great guitarist, I hope that somehow we can play together again.
• Tony Taravella - Tony, thanks for sitting in with us. You did great, and handled all the new stuff like a pro. For a guy who never heard the songs before, you did great
• Allen Robinette - You played great with us, and considering we only gave you a couple of practices before the gig, I was impressed. You're a great guy.
• Jason Borisoff - Young squire, you did great playing with us old geezers. Best of luck to you in all of your musical endeavors. You have a good future ahead of you in music.

I have a lot of great memories and all of you played a big part in helping me grow musically over the past year or two. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, and may God Bless all of you.

-Mike