no rehearsal needed
Who doesn’t dream to be in the rehearsal room of an awesome band at some point in their life. How many posters did we hang on our walls, tour buses we tried to peek, or backstage adventures plotted.
We all love music and love those who create it for us. They allow us the space to travel on an emotional journey that speaks to our deepest selves helping us relate to the world and others when no one seems to understand.
Their gift heals and releases us from the mountains we often feel we face.
So, when I was invited to the rehearsal room of Willow Creek Junction I blurted out the word YES, without hesitation.
From the moment I entered I was greeted as family. Hugs and handshakes with a couple of jokes! I felt like one of the band members except I was about as useful as the wrapper on Hunts’ drum sticks. (which they probably didn’t come in wrappers so that tells you how much I know)
The guys were gearing up to run through the set list they played with Texas Country Legend Corey Morrow. I tried to stay out of the way but couldn’t help myself, I had to get in the action when Hayden began tuning his fiddle and Ryan warmed up on the lead guitar. The guys didn’t mind my camera in their faces and the constant shuffling around while I captured images.
Joey swooped in brightening the room like rays of sunshine waking up the morning sky and showed me the custom knife Reid built. Then found some new stands and goofed off for a minute with ian until he suddenly grabbed the mic and effortlessly cranked out some lyrics to a new song he was headed to record the next day. #jealous
The rest of the guys picked up the rhythm and the energy in the room shifted, everything slowed down and clicked into place with that Willow Creek Junction sound and 6 men became one.
Home Cooked Texas Country is their slogan which makes sense, but I believe it is more than just wholesome country music that drives this band. I witnessed genuinely good people pouring love into their craft. I could feel it pulsing through the air with intention. The understanding that if these men only played in this small rehearsal room for the rest of their lives they would be completely grateful for this blessing, the blessing to be able to share their gifts and spend time together.
The talent is there for sure but to be so true and honest as men with beautiful lives and families is a testament to how rich they are. The music they create shows what country music should be at its core. I can only explain it by saying that I believe these men are the wealthiest people I have ever met, success is and will always be theirs.
Of course, I am excited for their new shows and am happy they are able to grow their audience and share these gifts with the world but I will never forget the lesson I learned that evening.
The lesson that helped me grow a little.
“Being grateful for what I have and to use my gifts to give the world a message that is positive, beautiful, and healing.”
All I have left to do after that is be present and available to share those gifts with others. This is what great men do. This is what they did for me.
This is Home Cooked Texas Country the Willow Creek Junction way.
