Which local event recently drew garage bands, baby boomers, plastic surgeons and empty nesters together for a jam-packed weekend? If you guessed Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp, you're on the money. The camp, which has already enjoyed bi-coastal success, debuted Friday evening and ended with an outstanding display of talent by both the campers and their star-studded mentors. at the House of Blues.
The plan went like this: "campers" and "counselors" convened daily at the vast "Music Garage", an isolated haven, steps from Chicago's famous cafes and venues. Though many of the first-time campers were starry-eyed initially after meeting Rudy Sarzo (Blue Oyster Cult), Kip Winger (Alice Cooper), Mark Hudson (Ringo, Aerosmith), Teddy Andreados (Guns N Roses), Mike Arturi (Lovin' Spoonful) and Ty Dennis (Doors), their desires to recapture their personal dreams surfaced and the real work of composing an original song and rehearsing cover tunes began.
No two counselors had the same approach, however. Sarzo encouraged campers to develop a story and to communicate when performing live. Hudson, a stickler for form and fluidity, peppered his songwriting approach with anecdotes courtesy of Ringo Starr and the late John Lennon.
Kip Winger (Alice Cooper, Winger) refused to stand on ceremony. His group was a family affair. The bass-plucking mom joined her guitarist- husband, who had attended more than 13 camps, and her percussionist son; a rookie. Winger had a casual demeanor and when asked about the outcome of the weekend, he replied: "I have no idea. That's why it's so fun. You never know if the next band will be better than you..."
"Sweet," said Winger, "this is rock camp at its finest. Boom shaKALAka...what's the most impactful way we can go 'bam bam bam?" his voice sounded, above the steady stream of grinding chord progressions.
"Black Dog?" the son inquired. We practiced "The Ocean!" his dad countered. After rowing about riffs, the campers leaned back to hear Winger improvise some infectious melodies. "It's kind of boring to do two songs in ten minutes, so let's try to do a medley," he suggested. That cool, pragmatic leadership inspired nods of agreement.
Against classic rock strains of Led Zep in the background, their mentor twisted controls to nail the sound his band had to somehow absorb before lunch. Though the clock was ticking, the passions ran high.
"It's nice to be close to home. Once you're here, you're immersed," said a returning camper, who had enjoyed the LA experience, but was relieved to enjoy master classes in her home town. Founder David Fishof realized that many Chicago-based campers, who made the long trek to the coasts, would appreciate "the mountain" coming here.
Producer Mark Hudson wears a woolen sweater with bright, orange stripes His battery-charged personality shines through as he spits out advice. What does it take to survive the industry? "Hunger to be the champion," the long-haired, multi-instrumentalist exclaims. "Get out of touch with your whiteness and get in touch with your blues," he adds. Noticing a few bewildered expressions among the mostly youthful faces, he says, "I'll grow on you."
Multiple guitarists and a drummer, whose black attire juxtaposes Hudson's bold Halloween hues, watch intently as Hudson grabs an acoustic guitar. He erupts into melody: "All the lonely people..." "Stay with me, watch me," he says, as his crystal blues eyes widen.
"Were you ever divorced? Think of her!" he jibes at the drummer. "Three sections, floor tom," he barks. "Guys that play for real - we call it ABC..." he continues, strumming his hand across the strings, moving rapidly through the chordal sections.
Working with Ringo was the greatest thing," he elaborates. This non-sequitor inspires some curious glances. The energizer points his elbow towards the drummer and screams an expletive. "Cymbal!" he exclaims, watching the drummer "struggle." Quietly, the drummer says he'll do it Mark's way. "It's up to you, not me," says the songwriter. "I know you can do it."
The drummer thrashes, making a full, concentrated effort, but Hudson has moved on. "Bass is great! You kicked!" he says, comparing the bassist to McCartney. He glows and Hudson smiles. "Let it ring! Let it smoke!"
"If you want to do things for outside people, don't be afraid to do what you love - write what means something to you," Hudson says, at a master songwriting class, after he discusses creating material for Celine Dion and Aerosmith, and jokes about being rebuffed by Joni Mitchell. The campers seem transfixed sitting so closely to such a famous songwriter.
Lisa Smyth, of Lake Forest, Illinois, a third-time camper, finds this level of intimacy to be the most unique characteristic of RRFC. "If you think about the access you have, it's incredible," she says. "Some are esoteric and far out; others are concise," she concludes, explaining the difference in strategies employed by the counselors.
Pianist Teddy Andreados leads a medley which includes "Redhouse Blues" and "How Many More Times." Vocalist Paul Huyck's gesticulations grow more and more feverish after his simmering rendition rises to an ebullient boil by the time the blues repertoire repeats.
The practice rooms are uncluttered except for rare posters that advertise classic rockers. It's impossible to ignore the energy in the room, and for the next two days, everybody is definitely a star.
Arturi leads his group with vocal incantations that blend punk with searing pop. Joey Molland's flock belt out "Purple Haze." The air is so thick with classic rock bass lines and fuzz tones that you're slightly breathless.
Visit: Rockcamp.com (Watch out for the Bahamas and New York camps!)
Comments