GUITAR
TEN DAYS IN THE LIFE OF A GUITAR PLAYER | James Duke
I was driving home from Atlanta, Georgia a couple
days ago and thinking to myself how interesting
my job can be. I was replaying the last ten days
in my head and what a whirlwind it had been. Life
as a freelance musician leads you down many
different roads, and it’s so important to keep an
open mind about what work offers come in.
I made a conscious decision at the beginning of
the year that I wasn’t going to tour. I wanted to
take this year and focus on being home more
and supporting my wife, who is back in college
working towards a degree in a new profession.
It’s been really good for me, and my family. I am
still traveling here and there, but never for more
than a few days. I wasn’t sure what this year was
going to look like, but I knew that I needed to do
this for me, my wife, and my kids.
The next day I flew to Denver, Colorado for one Topping off the whirlwind ten days was the
of the more interesting gigs I’ve ever had. Chris Atlanta, Georgia trip I mentioned at the beginning.
It’s been a really cool year, job wise. I haven’t Tomlin was playing two nights at Red Rocks I was there to film amp and pedal demos… in an
missed touring at all. I needed a break. I needed a Amphitheater with his band, including the always airplane hangar. You know, just sitting there with
chance to breathe, set new goals, and learn how amazing Daniel Carson on guitar. Daniel’s wife amazing amplifiers, cool new guitar pedals, and
to be home and not on a stage on Friday nights. was very pregnant with twins, and Daniel needed a couple beautiful private jets in the background.
That’s honestly one of the biggest adjustments, someone to be at Red Rocks that could jump in Very random and very cool. It was something
learning how to be home on weekends. It’s worth at a moment’s notice and fill in for him, in case it so different that when It was presented to me,
it when you get to sleep in your own bed, though. was baby time and he had to get home quick. So, I couldn’t say no. I also love having the chance
I was there, side stage, with my in-ear monitors to gain more experience talking on camera. I feel
I have a friend in Kentucky that pastors a church, on, ready to run on stage and finish the show If like I get better at it every time. By the way, just
owns and operates a vineyard, bottles his own I had to. I didn’t have to. I didn’t play one note, so we talk gear for a moment, the new Matchless
wine, runs a record label, writes amazing songs, but I was ready if I would have had to. I was glad Laurel Canyon amplifier is amazing!
and owns a couple other businesses in his Daniel got to play those two shows. Red Rocks hometown. He does so many cool things! One is amazing. I was honored they even thought of Life as a freelance musician can be very hard and
day I was talking to him about how busy he must me for that job. It’s so cool when people have it’s not for the faint of heart. If you are the kind
be and he said, “I have four kids. When you have that kind of confidence in you. of person that needs consistency and a normal
schedule, it can be a very hard job to have.
four kids you have to do a lot of stuff.” I think
about that all the time. It keeps me motivated. I From there I went to West Virginia and Virginia for However, it does make life very interesting. If you
only have three kids, but he’s right. I have to do a couple shows with my friend Chris McClarney. keep an open mind and an open heart, you will
a lot of stuff. More of a straight-forward trip, but, along with find yourself in the coolest places. Don’t give up.
playing guitar, I do the show advancing and tour Go play guitar.
The last ten days were crazy. It started with managing for him. That is something I’ve only
moving my family into a new home, which, if recently started doing, but I enjoy it and it’s extra
you’ve ever moved, you know is one of life’s work that I wouldn’t normally have. I also did
greatest buzzkills. If you can survive it, the end a late-night guitar clinic after one of the shows
result is usually worth it. If you can survive it. We (remember, you have to do a lot of stuff).
survived it!
112
September 2019
James Duke
James is a musician, songwriter, and producer from
Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Most known for playing
guitar alongside artists like John Mark McMillan, Matt
Redman, Johnnyswim, and Steven Curtis Chapman,
James also records his own music under the name
All The Bright Lights. He currently lives in Nashville,
Tennessee with his wife and 3 kids..
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