Happy New Year!!! I recieved a call from Hal Selzer to perform with Gary US Bonds for New Years 2000 in San Destin Florida. We got together to practice the show at a rehearsal studio. It was my first time meeting everyone. It was the first time I met Gary.. I was really excited and very nervous. He was one of my heros growing up. I would sit and listen to him on CBS FM and at the age of 12 I would have made my dad take me down to Clifton Music to own some of his records. I was an Oldies but Goodies fanatic back when everyone was listening to Zepplin and Aerosmith. Well there I was standing with Gary US Bonds. Prior to that I had been performing with my good friend Eddie Testa (who actually got me started in the Rock n Roll Sax business along with recordings of Clarence) and spent about 10 years as The Regents back up sax player. During this time I was running my own act The Wanderers. Even though I didn't live in that time the 50's and 60's Era was in my heart and blood. My Car, my, Horns my style. We flew in to San Destin, I had the most beautiful room overlooking the ocean all to my self. It wasn't even New Years yet and I was already having the greatest time. When we got to the room it was huge and ready to party. I entered the room and saw a guy on stage hanging out. I asked him if he worked there...he said sort of. I smiled introduced myself and shook his hand and asked him if he was coming to the party, he said yes and I told him that I was playing with the act tonight. He wished me well and I continued on my way. That evening we were getting ready to go. The players that I was working with were the best of breed and absolutely amazing. I was thrilled to work with them. Hal, Lance, Carmine, Jim, wow what a thrill. As the evening progressed the first act Fabian was going on. I had never seen Fabian before so I was thrilled to see his show. All of a sudden the leader of the band said ... are there any sax players in the house who could jump up and fill in ...the sax player canceled. Well I jumped at that, I said to the band leader, I don't read but I can hear. So the band leader says get over there your in ....lol So here I am in a section with two players I have never met. Ok here we go.....The Trombone player leans over to me and goes play under me and we got it coverd. I was happy for his confidence and I felt totally assured. .....Well the band started and I started ripping some stuff. All of a sudden who walks out but the guy I met on stage earlier. I almost ate my mouthpiece. HAHAH The night went really great and the best was yet to come ....Gary!!!! Gary started his show at ease and in control ..he was awesome!...just being up there made me feel so good. The Players, The music, The Energy, The people, I couldn't keep still. It was one of my fondest New Years ever as a performer. Later on as the night wound down and the Y2K never left us powerless , I was walking past the bar and there was Gary relaxing and talking. He calls me over puts his arm around me and says. I have a drink for you. It is a dirty martini. I absolutely love it. Over the years I have named it my Gary US Bonds drink of choice. The next day I had breakfast Gary and the family, Carmen , Laurie, I got onto the plane with amazing memories and a fire under me that you would never know. I had just started my new projects created concept show acts which led me all over the country doing concerts, senior events and shows so I didn't have time to play with the Rock n Rollers that I used to work. Now I have decided to get back to my roots. Performing with Eddie Testa, John Eddie, and many others I have created Arminio Entertainment, Arminio Studios, and Arminio Records, in an attempt to spread my wings a bit and get back to what I love so much working with new Artists, Recording, and Jumping in with the great acts of Rock n Roll. I am truly blessed to be able to work with such extremely talented artists. www.arminiostudios.com

• published: 31 Dec 2012
• views: 2963