Fitz Journals - Hookah

It all started back in 1993 down in Norfolk Virginia when a bunch of my friends and I decided to put together a rock and roll band. The original idea was spawned half as a joke, more an excuse to play together than create serious music, and we settled on a 60's psychedelic style because it was the only thing we could agree upon. The band consisted of myself on keyboards, Sam Marsh on vocals and the flute, Jay Ridgeway on guitar, and Greg Weirzbecky on bass. Later we added a drummer named Gene who was in turn, replaced by Kevin.

At first it was all fun and games. Rehearsal was relaxed and songwriting seemed to flow effortlessly for all of us . What we lacked in musical skills we more that compensated for with imagination. Sam dreamed up the band name and we all dreamed up the elaborate stage show with an Alice in Wonderland theme.

The music that emerged was surprisingly good. Dreamy and whimsical, it did not sound particularly 60s-like, but had its own surreal flavor. I won’t wax on about how it could have been the next “Abbey Road”, but there was an unmistakable chemistry in the music and uniqueness to its sound. I still think "Something in my Wine” was a great tune, and many others were excellent as well.

Live shows were a blast. We had giant mushrooms that band members would sit upon, Frank our friend dressed as a magical sprite throwing glitter all about, and Jay's girlfriend dressed as Alice holding up "Applause" placards after each song. It was a sight to see! Each of us wore special costumes. Another friend, Arco, created a colorful backdrop, and we had flyers printed up for each show. The band definitely had a look.

Hookah came with a roar and left with a whimper. The first show was a blow out, with a huge crowd and great reactions all around. The problem was is didn't last. Differences among the band members began to surface. The once lighthearted rehearsals hardened into a more serious demeanor. Attendance at shows dropped off. Songwriting became difficult and forced. It stopped being fun. That was it for Hookah.

Except for Sam, I don’t see much of those guys anymore. He and I have played together a few times, but our styles just don’t mix well. Greg stayed down in Norfolk and claims to this day that Hookah was the best thing he was ever in. Jay formed another group and cut an album, but I never got to hear it. The drummers? I have never seen them again.

For myself, I withdrew into my own projects, and have found solo efforts to be rather hollow. I really want to do the band thing again.

We have all talked about getting back together and at least recording some of those great tunes we wrote. It will probably never happen. Time can put a mighty divide between friends, but then again...

Fitz
Friday Feburary 4, 2000

S O N G S
(I am currently sifting thru all of the old Hookah tapes and will soon have a few MP3s here for download.)

Eclipse
Something In My Wine
Catapillar
Inquietude
Floating - 1MB
My Blue Sky
Sitting All Day
The Peddler
Dead on the John (Loving tribute to the King)
The Black Door
Nebula
Clock Tower
Dawn
Fly Away

P I C T U R E S

M O V I E S

QuickTime Movies of the band playing