Rocking at its own pace
March 3, 2005
By Keith Anderson
Editor
The toy train set is a dead giveaway that kids use this basement on a regular basis. But beyond the toys, the exercise bike and the weight bench, there are signs that this basement serves more than one purpose.
One night per week, the walls rumble, the dog heads for the safety of the upstairs and a group of five grown men and one teenager explode with a sound so full and energetic that even next door neighbors can't help but stop and listen.
For nearly a year, the band 73 Paces has been fine tuning its sound, playing a few local gigs and a handful in Minneapolis, all with the one goal of making it big.
They've already cut a CD and are working with local record label Sound Knowledge, based in Bloomington. Most of the members have wives, kids and/or full-time jobs (excluding one member who's still in high school). What they share is a passion for music and a goal having their original music played on major radio stations.
For now, though, they are driven by the feel of the music.
Originally, White and Colson, next door neighbors, there homes are 73 paces apart, hence the band's name, were the only members of the band. White bumped into Slice at a Christmas party two years ago and discovered that he had been a member of numerous rock bands in the past. The rest of the members joined in the last nine months after hearing about the band's desire for more members through an advertisement.
"Our plan is to take this a long way, as far as we can," said Slice, who's been playing in some form of a band since he was 11 years old.
On rehearsal nights, usually held on Mondays, the basement of White's Willowbrooke Waconia home is transformed into a mini rock concert hall. If the basement floor were anything but concrete, it would be shaking every time the band plugs in.
There is a maturity to this band that matches their age, which averages 36 years (the curve is blown by youngster Rochat-Boeser). That maturity translates into a calm power that seems to know its own boundaries, but is willing to push the edges for an interesting sound.
Back in the basement, during a typical rehearsal, one of White's younger kids plopped down in the middle of the floor, just a few feet from where dad was intensely working the steel of his guitar. The pair of dining room chairs that blocked the bottom step, apparently to keep the family dog, Scooby Doo, upstairs, were no match for the climbing abilities of the kids who drifted in and out the basement rehearsal space.
Band members occasionally waved or nodded at the kids, a sign that they understand the reality of their families and the commitment that all the children and wives of these members are making so the band can attempt to fulfill its dreams.
Locally, you can catch the band at the Saloon, Hoppers or this Friday at Lakeside Ballroom for a benefit concert for tsunami victims. That concert kicks off at 8 p.m., March 4. Also performing will be the Rich Larson Band. A raffle will also be held, with benefits from the concert going to the American Red Cross Carver County Chapter Disaster Relief Fund.
To find out more details about the band or upcoming shows, you can visit the band's website at www.73paces.com.
Or keep you ears open on local stations like Cities 97. "That's where we'd like to hear our music playing," said Slice. And then who knows. "Next stop, the Excel," smiled Colson.
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