Life Without Treble: A Bassline to Love

Another quiet night at Patsy’s. Lifes been this way for a while, no interesting conversation to be found and no bass to be felt. Lonesome but not alone. “I have myself, thats all that matters” she mutters, while her man lounges in his robe not listening to the light that she brings into the world. Ever since her retirement party at work she calloused her fingers and sang her heart out every day when no one is around and powered through the pain of a disability no one could understand. “Theyll see” she says as she opens her roadworn case. A case thats seen every corner of the US and soon will again. “Are you coming to bed honey?” groggily asks Randy, her boyfriend. “Not right now ive got to practice” she says as she stares at her hippy wagon out the back window.

Bodhi came off of the road with a chip on his shoulder and a lot of green in his pockets. After conquering the circuit as one of the worlds best hired gun guitarist he wanted a band he could call home. Buddy Guy had let him go because he didnt wanna be upstaged. He didn't say it but Bohdi knew it was true. Dante LeBanca had a new life of his own far from the warmth of his childhood home. Experimenting and finding his way he lost the things in life that really mattered, his family, what was left of it. Many people close came and went but he didnt care.

Using everything he learned from his musical upbringing he was making waves in the scene and Bodhi started to recognize the real star. KNOCK KNOCK Dante gets out of his unkempt room to answer the door. Bodhi Truitt was on the porch smoking a Marlboro cigarette with an extra pack rolled in his muscular sleeve. Dante opens the door and without a word he enters his house still smoking his cigarette. They haven't spoken since Mr. Levine let Dante know he was replaced. “Listen Dante, I had no choice. I was born to play guitar. I had to take that chance and show the world what I had. I know I can bring you with me if you still have that Rickenbacker.” Dante turned his head away and says “you know Bodhi Ive been doing pretty okay for myself, that Rickenbacker paid for this house with no help from anybody!”. “What about Patsy?” prodded Bodhi. “We dont talk anymore” dismissed Dante. History aside they knew they were destined to make music together. They sang together a Beatles song and when it was done Cody Fine yells from the bedroom “were getting the band back together!”. They lit up a big joint and celebrated. “Wait! We cant do this without Kyle!” Cody yelled.

Kyle Flanagan was a coldhearted boy who thought that he always had it all figured out. And they believed him. Cody called him and let him know the news. “Ill take us to the top if you just listen to me” said Kyle. Kyle wanted to win the Nashville Music City Talent show so bad but never had it in him to do it without a Lebanca. Kyle grabbed his six string and the guys rehearsed for weeks with their eyes on the prize. 

Back in Philadelphia Patsy packed her bags in the night and stuffed her bass in the back of her Volkswagen. Randy wont notice as long as she leaves some of her weed on the counter. She could feel it in her heart that her son needed her even though they have had their differences. Dantes lifestyle was always okay with her. “He just needs time” she thought. She piled her dog into the priceless vehicle and made way for Nashville USA. About an hour outside of town she lost a tire and changed it in five minutes while cars beeped and catcalled her “Men.” she sighed. On the road again fueled by a mothers love and wisdom she made her way south. “Dante is going to win that talent show I just know it with these songs” she says as she listens to his new bands singles over and over again while her hair billows out the windows. She plays air guitar along to it and can almost feel herself on the stage. Her dog Bitsy sits in the front seat looking on with a smile as they crossed the Mason Dixon. 

Dante is laying in his bed in the afternoon thinking about the last nights show. Codys hand rubs across his chest and says “Its okay Dante, no ones gonna remember every note.” “I know that Im just not a natural” Dante says as he throws the covers off their bed in his underwear. “Do you know my family? Music is in my blood. Im a sorry excuse for the Lebanca name. I cant do it. I cant hit those notes. I cant win.” “ Yes you can” said Cody as he wraps his arms around Dante and rests his cheek on his. Dante kisses his forehead and gets dressed. 

They have been rehearsing nonstop and Kyle has been yelling at Dante all day about how they're never gonna win if his voice won't stop cracking. “Weve been going for too long Kyle” Dante says with sore fingers. “I don't care, I want that prize and no one can take it!”. Cody shoots a comforting look to Dante while Bodhi is looking at himself in the window. 

At the end of the exhausting rehearsal, the guys were sitting around smoking a doobie in the messy studio. “So what are we gonna name ourselves? We need a name for our band,” says Bodhi. “How about ‘Heavy Feet’?” asks Cody. “No! It should be ‘Bodhi and the Beats” says Bodhi. Dante interjects with, “Guys we’re a group! We shouldn’t be named after one guy. We make music together!” Patsy always taught Dante about having a good soul and being a team player. In this moment, Dante thought about Patsy and got quiet very suddenly. She was so far away now. “Are you okay?” asks Kyle. “I’m good bro,” says Dante.  

The band doesn’t have a name and not much time before the big show… 

Dante walks outside to take a breather after the rehearsal. His mind is filled with plenty of thoughts, all conflicting each other. Zach is out back cleaning trash from the tour bus. “Hey Dante! How’s my favorite groovin’ bass player?” says Zach. Dante sighs. “You know I miss my mom…I can’t talk about it to the rest of the guys because they have such great relationships with their mothers. I just don’t feel right about the way things left off.” “Dante. You do have a great relationship with your mother,” says Zach. “It’s deeper than all of them! Just in a special way.” “But how could she ever accept me for who I really am?” says Dante. Zach puts a hand on his shoulder and says, “I totally get the feelings you’re feeling.” Kyle yells out, “I came up with a band name! ‘The Silencers!’ That’s gonna be the name.” Dante sighs under his breath, “I never get to come up with anything.”

Patsy took a rest in Kentucky after a long, hard day of driving. Walking into the department store for supplies, Patsy overhears a man yelling at his wife and it almost becomes physical. But not before Patsy gets in between them. “Hey! You think you’re a big man talking to a woman like that? I’ve taken men like you down before.” The angry man looks at her and says, “And what’re you going to do about it?” as he raises his fist to the sky. “This!” Patsy yells as she kicks him in between the legs.

“I’m Patsy,” says Patsy to the beaten down woman. “I’m Mary Lou,” she says shaking her hand. “Do you have plans tonight, Mary Lou?” Patsy asks. “Not anymore,” says Mary Lou. “I guess it’s going to be a girls night then,” as both walk away to the hippie van while the man is still grabbing his manhood…defeated by a strong woman. 

On the drive Mary Lou and Patsy exchange life stories. Patsy finds out during the process that Mary Lou doesn’t talk to her son as well because he’s a druggie. The last straw for her was when her son sold her deceased mothers jewelry for crack. “My son did something really bad too,” said Patsy, “and I hope he sees the light soon.” 

They roll up to a honky tonk for a wild night out. As they walk in, Mary Lou says, “I have no money, my husband has all of it.” Patsy says, “Me either but I have a plan.” Patsy is an expert at billiards. She walks up to a group of men at a pool table and says, “You boys want to lose some money?” The men, not thinking anything of her, agree to bet some money on a game of pool. After a couple games of Patsy defeating the men in pool, she now has a couple hundred dollars in her back pocket. “You can’t stop a strong, determined, and smart woman” says Patsy. After a couple of drinks between both of them, Patsy and Mary Lou go outside for a toke.

While smoking, Patsy’s phone rings and sees Randy’s caller ID. “It’s Randy,” Patsy says before answering. “Where have you been? I ran out of weed and I’m hungry!” asks Randy. “I’ve been gone for days Randy! And now you notice? Ugh…I’m so unappreciated by the people I love,” says Patsy. Randy says, “What’s up with you? You sound high?” Patsy takes another puff, “No. I’m just free” before hanging up the phone. 

“All you do is care about yourself,” hollers Cody. “No, I’ve just got a lot on my mind right now” says Dante in a defeated voice. Cody, still angry says, “What’s happened between us? I miss being so close to you.” Dante slams his bass to the floor and spins around. “It’s wrong what we’re doing and you know it!” “You’re just nervous for the Nashville Music City Talent Show,” Cody whispers while staring deep into Dantes eyes. Cody takes a step forward and gently touches Dante’s cheek. “You’re going to do great…You’re a Lebanca.” Dante, leaning into his touch, says, “Well…I guess I gotta get a new bass now.”

As they fall into each other laughing, there’s a sudden knock at the door. 

Bodhi walks in as the two jump apart. “You look like you guys just saw a ghost.” “Nah man, I just dropped my bass” says Dante. Bodhi scoffs, “You know a real guitarist never drops his axe.” Cody stands and says, “Well a real friend doesn’t take another friends gig.” Dante hastily interjects, “That’s the past! And we’re over all of that now. We’re friends at heart and we can’t forget that, if we want to win the big competition.” Kyle walks in while getting off the phone with their booker, counting money in his hand. “Guys, we’ve made more money this month than we’ve ever made.” Dante says, “Is it always about the money man…What about the music? Isn’t that important?” Kyle puts half the money in his pocket and hands the rest to the other guys, “Here’s your share. Don’t spend it all in one place” he says mockingly before leaving the room. 

The Silencers have three days left until The Nashville Music City Talent Show but Dante is still struggling with his voice and his unpracticed bass playing. Bodhi and Kyle are smoking a joint and start venting about Dante. “Dante’s been really weird recently and he’s missing a bunch of bass notes,” says Kyle. “Yeah I know. How am I supposed to take my guitar solos when he’s playing all the wrong stuff?” asks Bodhi. “He whines all the time. He’ll be alright. If we win, we could be signed by a big producer and make more money than ever before” confidently states Kyle. “I miss being on tour and I miss being in front of thousands of people. Do you think I’ll ever do that again?” Bodhi asks while staring wistfully in the distance. “We will. We’re the best band out here,” exclaims Kyle.

On a road somewhere in the middle of Tennessee, Patsy practices her unplugged bass while Mary Lou sleeps. Patsy thinks of how far shes come as a musician as she plays Jaco Pastorius’ bass lines effortlessly. Bitsy snores loudly next to her. “Don’t leave me yet,” says Patsy. She’s had Bitsy for years and she’s been there through everything…but she’s getting older. Patsy stares at the moon and feels so far away from everything she’s known. “I can always count on you to be there for me” Patsy says while petting Bitsy, “You’re not as fast as you used to be. But you love me, just the same.” Bitsy starts having a coughing fit and wakes up. Patsy holds Bitsy with tears in her eyes, “All we’re missing is Dante. But he will see me soon.” 

“Welcome to The Nashville Music City Talent Show! Are you ready to rock!?” booms the announcer over the intercom. “We’re here!” says Bodhi smiling. “I can’t wait to play the drum set!” says Cody, “My parents would be so proud of me right now. They thought I was going to do nothing with my life!” Kyle walks up to the both of them angrily, “Where the hell is Dante? We go on in an hour!” Cody says, “He’s by himself right now. He’s really nervous and you know he gets really bad stage fright before he plays.” “Well he better get over it because some money can be made tonight!” sternly says Kyle. A well-dressed, balding short man with a New York accent walks towards Kyle. “So you’re The Silencers? The best band from above the Mason Dixon Line! I’ve had my eye on you…you’re a trio it seems?” Kyle stutters over his words, “No we’re a four piece but our bassist, Dante, is getting food right now.” The balding man scans the three of them and raises an eyebrow, “Well, I hope you play as well as I’ve heard. I’ve got a lot of money to spend and I don’t like to spend my money often. My name’s Neil Cohen of Harmony Records. If you’re good I’ll see you after your performance.” And with that, he walks away. 

Dante just misses Mr. Cohen and sees the guys standing all freaked out. “What did you see a ghost?” he asks sarcastically? “Dante you better have these songs down and you better not complain about your voice! This is no time to joke! We play in less than an hour,” angrily says Bodhi. Kyle says, “We just met a big time producer who can help us make it to the top. He’s heard of us and we can’t miss this opportunity. He’s loaded!” “Everything’s going to be fine,” says Cody. 

Patsy and Mary Lou walk in through the main entrance of The Nashville Music City Talent Show. Patsy is stopped by a security guard, “You can’t have your dog in here mam.” Patsy doesn’t have time for this, as Dante is about to start playing in any minute. “It’s my service animal and she’s coming with me.” “Oh you think you run this place? Well I do, I’m the security guard.” “My son is about to start playing on stage and he needs me!” The security guard, taken aback, lets Patsy go as he remembers how much he needed his mom during his big moment and she never showed up. 

The band is setting up, minutes away from their performance, and Bodhi is adjusting his guitar levels while practicing his licks. He sounds effortless. Cody is tuning his drum to how plays. Kyle is standing in the wings counting their money making sure it’s the right payment. His guitar is strapped on, ready to go. Dante stands, practicing vocal warmups, feeling shaky from nerves. “I can’t do this,” says Dante under his breath. He says it again, but louder, “I can’t do this!” “Huh?” says Cody. “I CAN’T DO THIS!” The whole band stares at Dante and everything goes silent.

At that moment, Patsy, Mary Lou, and Bitsy walk backstage out of breath. “What are you doing here?” says Dante. “You need me and I know you do!” exclaims Patsy. “I left Randy at home. This is what my lifes supposed to be, music is my life, you are my life.” “Whose with you?” the group asks. “Oh that’s Mary Lou. She’s my best friend I met along the way.” Dante, so overwhelmed, begins to collapse. “I can’t do this!” He slurs and Mary Lou catches him. “He’s in no state to play” says Cody. “Well he’s going to! There’s no other choice!” yells Kyle. Bodhi, with his hands on his head, kicks an amp and begins to pace.

Patsy steps forward and confidently says, “There is another option…I learned these songs by ear driving down here and I know all of Dante’s parts.” “We’re not going to have a mom on stage! That’s crazy!” says Bodhi. “Well I’m not like other moms, I’m the cool mom. And I’ve got what it takes.” Bodhi steps back as he views Patsy in a new light. Dante, pale and leaning on Mary Lou, says, “My bass is all in tune and on stage…I can’t believe you came all this way to save me. I should’ve never turned my back on you.” “You shouldn’t have but now you’ve learned. I’m your mother and I’ll always be there for you,” says Patsy as she puts the bass on. “Now lets rock!”

The band gets on stage and the lights go down as Dante, Mary Lou, and Bitsy watch from backstage. As the first chord hits, it sounds great and the band all looks at each other with smiles on their faces as Patsy sings Dantes opening number. The night goes on with a great performance and many great moments with Bodhi taking some of the best guitar solos he’s ever played. Cody plays a drum solo so good that it’s in the realm of John Bonham. Then at one point they sing in perfect four part harmony without ever rehearsing it once with each other. The performance ends with a bass solo by Patsy in the last song as they all hit the final chord together. The audience erupts into applause as they all get on their feet. Patsy in that moment is so proud that she was able to overcome the nay-sayers and help her son in his lowest moment. 

The band goes backstage gloating in their performance. “Wow, that was awesome Patsy!” says Bodhi as he hugs her tightly. In that moment Mr. Cohen walks up “Great job by all, I’ve never seen a group so tight and good looking,” as he looks at Patsy eyeing her up. “Great to meet you Dante, I missed you early. Phenomenal bass playing and singing!” Patsy blushes. “Dante’s my son, I’m Patsy” says Patsy as she reaches her hand out to shake Mr Cohen's hand. “So are you interested in signing us?” asks Kyle nervously. Mr Cohen appears to be deep in thought, rubbing his chin as he looks at The Silencers. “I think it’s going to be a yes from me. I want this line up on my label!” Dante walks over to the group, “But what about me? I’m the bass player and the singer in The Silencers.” The band becomes quiet and looks at Dante. “Dante, this is the best we’ve ever sounded and I’m sorry but I think we’re going to have your mother in the band instead of you, “ says Bodhi as he gives her a reassuring squeeze on the arm. Kyle says, “I’ve always known I was going to need a Lebanca to make it, but I didn’t expect it to be like this” as he hands Patsy her money for the gig. “I guess you need your mother after all” says Patsy as The Silencers, Mary Lou, and Mr Cohen walk away loud and joyfully with their new career in hand. Dante looks at his feet as Bitsy looks at him, coughs, and follows. 

Dante goes home as The Silencers embark on their first national tour.  They are a hit and one of the most successful groups in the country. This gives Dante a lot of time to reflect and to think about his choices. One day he gets a phone call from Cody. “I miss you so much. I hate sleeping alone on tour.” Dante, changed, says, “I think I just want to be friends with you. We can jam. But I’m over that lifestyle. I now know that what I really needed all along was my mother…and look where it got me now.” Cody, taken aback, says, “I understand. The time we spent together is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.” Dante hears Patsy in the background of the phone call say, “Cody, are you ready for the gig? We’re leaving now. You can’t make us late again.” Cody quickly says bye and hangs up.

Patsy returns home from tour and is surprised when Dante picks her up in a hug and is so happy to see her. “I’ve missed you so much Mom! I’ve never realized how much I needed you and how much you were really there for me.” Patsy throws her head back and laughs, saying, “Without a mothers love, you can’t do anything!”