Firehouse Photo Essay

My buddy Dan…
dan

… recently moved into an old one engine firehouse that, at one point, was converted into a dance club and now is his home.
firehouse

It has all sorts of character such as the stained glass that shines above his front door…
stained glass

…and this risqué firewoman painting he found under layers of drywall.
painting

It is a great place for The Ancient Mariners
am

…to practice …
practice

… so that when we get onto the street we’re all walking, generally speaking, in the same direction.
drumline

Incidentally, if you have never seen The Ancient Mariners perform, we like to clear the parade route with a cannon…
cannon

and a mutinous prisoner…
prisoner

People ask me all the time, ‘Is the prisoner crazy?’ Yes, yes he is. Why else would he not be wearing a shirt and shoes on March 11th in New England? Still not convinced? You should see him during our Christmas parade!

Here are a few of the other characters from this years Saint Patrick’s Day parade in New Haven, Ct…
bobbyclintkevjoed & calbob

So, now that you’ve waded through a bunch of photos of people you don’t know, here is a recording of a tune we ran through at Dan’s firehouse over the weekend. The tune is called Katy Hill. It was originally a 2/4 but the Mariners decided to play it first as a 6/8 and the second time through as 2/4. This does not feel like any old 6/8 as you will hear. It really is rudimental drumming at its syncopated strangest, which is why I like it. I also like how you can hear people talking during the first half of the tune. Those aren’t bystanders you hear, it is the drummers debating.

11 COMMENTS
  • John E. Boy

    Very cool site Greg. What a fun picture story. Tell me another.

  • Daniel

    I love us. Nice job Greg. I also think my house looks in your photos better. Can that thing finish the bathroom too?

  • Russell

    Ah, it brings me home. Which is cool, cuz I ain’t made it there in years dammit. Dan’ls ROCKS!! I effin love us man. Oh, and uh, darn nice site. -stumpy

  • Commode

    What a motley crew. Nice job “pork fat”. Keep up the good work, eh!

  • Sean Egan

    Great Story…. Excellent Pictures! Dan’s firehouse is very unique as a home. Lots of fun, I’m sure. I wish that I lived closer so I could play some music with youz guyz! I’m “jonesen” to play some Mariner Medleys! Deep River is coming soon!

  • Bob Griffin

    I’d give that a brilliant Greg I love the rudimentary drumming and this is a great example — I think I’ll have to get a CD of the Ancient Mariners — sounds like a fun group

  • Matthew Simoneau

    Is this firehouse in Boston on Boylston? If so, I’ve gotten drunk there.

  • bacon

    Funny, I’ve gotten drunk ‘there’ a few times also. In this case ‘there’ happens to be in New London, CT.

  • Maddrummer

    I know that bar…..!!! Hahaha
    It’s great to see you guys on this pictures.
    Great site Greg. Hope all is well!
    Take care brothers
    Massimo

  • Steve Varhol

    Great little project, Greg. I think we sukt on that recording…probably due to Neil’s advanced “state”, and the fact that everyone else was trying to catch up with him! Steve

  • Jeff S

    Dan I like all the pics they’re great.
    Your place is very cool.
    See you in Mystic! Jeff S

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