Tongue-in-Creek is delighted to add Randall Sommer on guitar, vocals, and wisecracks!
They say when one door closes, another one opens.
This proverb played itself out recently for the Bluegrass Parody band, Tongue in Creek.
When their original guitarist, Fred Rubin (former TV comedy writer and UCLA professor) was unable to continue the project, band partners Lynn Sokolow and Bill Birrell, were saddled with the challenge of finding a replacement. Not an easy task. First rate guitarists/comedians who are willing to join new bands don’t exactly grow on palm trees.
Both Lynn and Bill had separately played in bands with Randall,( who is also an accomplished pianist and banjoist). When they approached him about the prospect, he responded in his typical deadpan style, ”Sure.. I’ll give it a try.”
Both Lynn and Bill knew that Randall was a monster musician, but what they didn’t foresee was his exceedingly funny and biting wit.
“We really hit the jackpot with Randall,” Lynn smiled while gesturing with 2 thumbs up. “Under threat of torture, he is never allowed to leave this band!”
Bill adds: “Randall’s comedy banter is nothing short of inspiring. And coming from this unassuming bearded guy who kicks ass on guitar…well let’s just say we got more than we bargained for. In the best possible way.”