Long Live Forrest T. Black

One cool thing that happened during the recent past hiatus is that I got to spend some time with my friends Vern and Netty before they headed up to the casino to catch the REO Speedwagon show. Vern was the first guy I asked to join the band when I started "Forrest T. Black" and he and I were the first founding members (I actually started the group for him and me, but that's another story).

So, he and I both left the group to the Jenkins (another many stories) but this past week, Jesse Jenkins abandoned the name and in a moment of quietness, suggested that I take the name back and use it for my next project - he even promised letting me open for his band now known as "White To Black" in reference to Terry Lee's "White Lightning" joining/merging with "Forrest T."

So, Vern had previously turned down the offer, according to a conversation he and I had at the Woodsman during a jam a couple of months ago so, I jumped on it.

Forrest T. Black has now come full circle and is back home with the original founder! Of course, the Free Electric Band has been my pet name for about a year but FTB has sentimental value plus whatever goodwill has accumulated over the past 5 years it's been in existence.

And, hooking back up with Vern and Netty, who are about the most trustworthy and reliable of the local musicians' family of friends I've met so far, has been a bright spot.

Forrest T. Black is dead! Long Live Forrest T. Black!