The City Veins

Before this band started, I spent most of my time playing classical guitar. I didn’t play in a band for the first couple of years that I spent with the guitar, so I gravitated towards music that could be played alone. My style is really built on the fact that no one wanted to play music with me for about the first 4-5 years of my music career. For example, I currently don’t play with a pick because I spent most of my time fingerpicking and playing classical pieces.

I am currently in Belgium for my friend Darren’s wedding. He learned a week ago that the keyboardist at the church where the wedding is taking place doesn’t know a lot of, or any, classical pieces. I got a text message at 4 o’clock in the morning last Friday from Darren asking if I could play at the service. Of course, I agreed, and I have spent the last week learning and arranging “Canon in D” for the procession.

Darren and Emilie have also asked if I know any other pieces to play during the ceremony. We went over some pieces tonight, and it was interesting to think of some of the pieces that I play in terms of a wedding context. For example, I love playing Caprice, Carcassi Method op. 59, part 3, no. 16) by Matteo Carcasi, but I am not sure that capriciousness is an appropriate feeling for a wedding ceremony. Similarly, we have discussed playing “Fandango (Dans Espagnole) (op. 73, no. 2) by Ferdinando Carulli, but I tried to make the point that the song was more about lust than love. Interestingly enough, the bride an bridegroom feel that that sentiment is fine.

I will also be playing “I Need Thee Every Hour,” (words by Annie S. Hawks, Music by Robert Lowry) which has to be one of my favorite hymns. The melody has an excellent mixture of spiritual longing, and romantic longing that I feel is appropriate for a wedding ceremony.

When Darren first called me, I remarked that playing rock music had ruined my musical chops, and it is true. This is not to say that one form of music is superior to another, just that there are different ways of playing both. I have really enjoyed getting ready for the wedding, and getting my fingers back in classical shape. In many ways this is one of the more important gigs that I have played. If I make a mistake at the Velvet Lounge, who really cares? Members of the audience are obviously going to be going to more concerts. If I make a mistake on Saturday, that will be Darren and Emilie’s only wedding. I just don’t want them to look back and think, “God, Charles really shit the bed on that one.”