AN: Ok theres been a minor change. You know how Maury told the brothers to perform 'Stand by me' for the bride and groom? Well, Ive changed it to 'Earth Angel'. Beleive me, you'll see why I did that as you read on
The rest of the gig went along smoothly as the night progressed. The band had performed their songs such as "(I Got Everything I Need) Almost, Going Back To miami, She caught the Katy, Rubber Biscuit, Messin' With The Kid, and now Flip Flop and Fly. Blue Lou was performing his killer sax solo when Jake noticed, to his delight, many women coming near the stage and dancing to the music
Well, like a Mississippi bullfrog sittin' on a hollow stump. Well, like a Mississippi bullfrog sittin' on a hollow stump I got so many women I don't know which way to jump
Jake pulled one woman from the small crowd onstage with him and they began dancing
Well flip flop and fly, I dont care if I die. Flip Flop and Fly, I dont care if I die. Dont ever leave me dont ever say goodbye!
The song concluded and Jake, kissed the womans hand, making her blush.
Oh wow, I guess he can be a gentleman Maria thought to herself.
The rest of the band left the stage to let Murph and Jake perform "Guilty"
Yeah baby, yeah I've been drinkin'and I, I shouldn't come by, no but I found myself in trouble And I had nowhere else to go
Got some whiskey from the barman, I got some cocaine from my friends I gotta keep on movin' Til I'm back in your arms again
Guilty, yes I'm guilty And I'll be guilty for the rest of my life How come baby, how come I never do what I'm supposed to do, how come everything I try never turns out right?
You know how it is with me know I just can't stand myself and it takes a whole lot of medicine darling for me to pretend that I'm somebody else
Maria clapped a little bit, impressed with the way Jake nailed the song. He performed it better than in the rehearsals. Once the song and its applause was over, the rest of the band arrived onstage.
"Up next is a Stevie Ray Vaughan number and a personal favorite of mine" Jake said to the audience "it's called 'Pride and Joy' Hit it Six Strings.."
Maria began playing the energetic intro and she and Elwood began dancing along to the rythm while also playing thier instruments and Jake leading the vocals.
Well you've heard about love givin' sight to the blind My baby's lovin'cause the sun to shine
She's my sweet little thang; She's my pride and joy. She's my sweet little baby; I'm her little lover boy
Yeah I love my baby; heart and soul Love like ours won't never grow old
She's my sweet little thang;She's my pride and joy. She's my sweet little baby; I'm her little lover boy
Yeah I love my lady; she's long and lean You mess with her, you'll see a man get mean
She's my sweet little thang; She's my pride and joy. She's my sweet little baby; I'm her little lover boy
Maria began playing the elaborate and complex guitar solo which even impressed her other bandmates. The audience cheered and whistled louder at the energy of the solo and how well she was playing it. She invited Elwood to play along with his harmonica, so he gladly accepted. She turned a guitar solo into an instruental duet, but the audience didn't seem to object to it.
Well I love my baby like the finest wine Stick with her until the end of time
She's my sweet little thang;She's my pride and joy She's my sweet little baby; I'm her little lover boy
Yeah I love my baby;heart and soul Love like ours won't never grow old
She's my sweet little thang;She's my pride and joy She's my sweet little baby; I'm her little lover boy
"Alirght!" Jake said into the mike happily, addressing the audience once the song was over. "How about we hear something from our lead guitarist over here?"
Maria looked alarmed and replied "Jake, I already sang. I was the opening act, remember?"
"C'mon, I'm trying to be nice, here!" Jake pleaded. He turned to the audience "Do you wanna hear her one more time?"
The crwod cheered and Maria shrugged.
"Alright fine.."
She sang a familiar Led Zepplin lyric Hey hey mama, said the way you move. Gonna make you sweat gonna make you groove...
"No no no! Blues music!" Jake told her "Not..whatever the hell that was."
"Ok, ok fine! Calm down!" Maria replied "It was Led Zepplin by the way. You, uh, guys Know Minnie the Moocher?"
"I knew I Hooker once named Minnie Mazola!" Murph said, making the audience laugh
"No, the song Minnie the Moocher!" she laughed
"Yeah. So?"
She smiled and pointed at Willie behind the drums
"Hit it!"
Willie caught her drift and began the drums. The brass musicians began playing the intro to the song as Maria and The Brothers danced along.
Folks, here's the story 'bout Minnie the Moocher. She was a red-hot hootchie-cootcher. She was the roughest, toughest frail, but Minnie had a heart as big as a whale.
Hi-de-hi-de-hi-di-hi
She began using the 'Call and response scat' where she makes up something and the audience repeats her
whoah-oh-oh-oh-oh-ohhh Hooty hooty hoo! Hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-hi!
Now, she messed around with a bloke named Smoky. She loved him though he was cokie, He took her down to Chinatown, and He showed her how to kick the gong around.
whoah-oh-oh-oh-oh-ohhh Hooty hooty hoo! Hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-hi!
Now, she had a dream about the king of Sweden. He gave her things that she was needin', He gave her a home built of gold and steel; A diamond car with a platinum wheel.
hidee-hidee-hidee-hidee-hidee-hidee-hi!
hodee-hodee-hodee-hodee-hodee-hodee-ho!
scoodley-woo-scoodley-woo-scoodley-woodley-woodley-woo!
zit-dit-dit-dit-dittle-but-dut-duttleoo-skit-dit-skittle-but-dit-zoy!
Now, he gave her his townhouse and his racing horses, Each meal she ate was a dozen courses; She had a million dollars worth of nickels and dimes, She sat around and counted them all a billion times.
Hi-de-hi-de-hi-di-hi whoah-oh-oh-oh-oh-ohhh Hooty hooty hoo! Hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-hi!
Poor Min, poor Min, poor Min.
Maria bowed to the audience and turned to Elwood as she handed him the microphone "That is the last you will hear me sing solo for the night." The audience booed a little bit "No no no,I wont hear it! Besides, this bis/b The Blues brothers Rythm and Blues revue. So Elwood, it's your turn again to shine."
"Thank you." he said to her as he got the mike and she went back to her position onstage.
The slow music began and Elwood sang.
On December the 6th 1953,I was doing time for armed robbery 'Bout four in the morning. I was sleepin' in my cell. I heard a whistle blow & I heard somebody yell
Maria, Murph and Jake were the back vocalists as they sang the chorus and still continued to move their hips to the rythm
There's a riot goin' on, There's a riot goin' on, There's a riot goin' on Up in cell block number nine...
The warden said "Come out with your hands up in the air. If you don't stop this riot; you're all gonna get the chair"
Scarface Jones said, "It's too late to quit and pass the dynamite, Dont you give me any shit"
There's a riot goin' on, There's a riot goin' on, There's a riot goin' on Up in cell block number nine...
The 47th hour, The tear gas got our men Crawled in our cells but every now and then...
There's a riot goin' on, There's a riot goin' on, There's a riot goin' on Up in cell block number nine...
The crowd cheered and Jake said into the mike "Everybody hang on, we'll be back!"
The band left the stage, to start their break.
"Alright guys" Jake said to the band "Up next is the couples dance and then afterwards the bride and grooms first dance together. After that it's..."
"We know, we know!" Mr fabulous said impatently "Just shut up, chill and enjoy the free food, cake and drinks."
"Alright" Jake said as he spotted a pretty bridesmaid walk by him. "Um..I gotta go and...do things..."
"Yeah...her" Maria mumbled to Elwood.
He snickered. "I wont doubt that"
As the night progressed, Maria got in line as they were handing out the slices of wedding cake, after the best man gave a toast and the birde and groom got their slices. As she waited, she heard someone in back of her talk about her.
"The band for tonight is pretty good."
"The band's alright, but I bet that chick is only in the band because she's banging one of the Blues Brothers."
Anger rose inside her and she fought the temptation to tell the guy off.
"Well, I don't blame him. I'd do her as well."
That's it!
"Who the hell are you to talk about me like that?" she yelled at the guy behind her. "Do you think that's how I get a gig? Newsflash dude, I'm not a slut like the women you proabaly like"
The guy got quiet and didnt respond, looking like he regretted talking about her. Elwood and jake snickered at her retort.
"I'm in the band because they have recognized my talent." she said normally, trying to calm down. "As for you wanting to do me, it's not gonna happen. Just because you probably havent had any action lately doesnt mean you can talk about me like that, so shove off, asshole""
She threw wine in his face and walked off, happily chewing on the delicious vanilla cake and feeling proud of herself. Elwood and Jake caught up to her at a small table and sat down.
"Nice comeback!" Elwood told her
She smiled at him "Well, I cant let him talk about me like that. I wont tolerate it."
"I'm glad. Most women I know would let guys talk about them like that. It's nice to know someone who'll stand up for herself"
"And I'm glad you treat me with respect and dont see me like an easy whore" she told him. "You too, Jake, Since I know the only women you talk to besides me are easy whores."
He opened his mouth to object but then he closed it and shrugged.
"Yeah thats true"
Later on, Jake and the rest of the band went onstage to tune up and prepare for more sets. Elwood was sitting at the table alone, practicing his blues harp while waiting for Maria and their drinks. Maria got the bottles of champagne and made her way to the table until she was stopped by two men. One dark haired with blue eyes, and one blond hair and green eyes
"That was awesome the way you told Rick off." the blue eyed guy said
"Rick?" Maria asked, comfused
"That guy that said those things about you." The other guy said
"Oh. Uh..thanks" she replied in monotone as she continued walking
"You know uh...up next is a ladies choise dance." The Blond guy told her
"So?"
"So uh...wanna ask either of us to dance?"
Maria gave a hollow laugh "If your asking me to ask you then i'm not really asking you to dance arent i?"
"Uh..."
She snickered at their confusion. idiots...
Meanwhile, Jake talked into the mike, adressing the guests
"Alright people up next is the ladies choice dance. Ladies, if theres that special guy...or girl whatever in your life, drag both of your asses to the dance floor!"
The two guys looked eager for her to ask them.
Poor dudes. They seem nice, but there's only one guy in this place whom I'd be with.
She walked past the eager men and approached Elwood. Many people had also began making their way to the dance floor
"Elwood?"
He looked up at her and she held out her hand for him to take.
"May I have this dance?"
He smiled and took her hand "Of course"
The couple walked towards the dance floor as Murph began the piano riff. Soon afterwards, the couples began dancing and Jake began singing
I've been trying to get to you for a long time, Cause constantly you've been on my mind I was thinking 'bout a short cut that I could takeBut I found I made a mistake I was wrong
Elwood sang in his deep voice that drived Maria crazy, and the voice that even suprised some of the guests around them.
It took too long. I got caught in a rush hour Fellows started to shower, you with love and affection
Now you won't look at my direction On the expressway to your heart That expressway that's the best way
At five o'clock it's much too crowded,Too crowded Much too crowded,Too crowded Much too crowded ,Too crowded Too crowded for me Couldn't get through to you baby Oh, it's too crowded
"Wow, It's deja vu all over again" Maria said as she and her dance partner continued dancing.
"Uh huh" Elwood agreed with a small smile.
Well there're too many in back of me and they're all tryin' to get in front of me I was thinking I saw a road up ahead but I saw a stoplight instead I was wrong
It took too long. I got caught in a rush hour Fellows started to shower, you with love and affection
Now you won't look at my direction On the expressway to your heart That expressway that's the best way
On the saxophone solo, the two guys who wanted Maria to ask them to dance were watching Elwood with jealousy. He glanced at them for a bit, but he didnt care what they thought. He was following Jake's best adivce
Prove that your'e better for her than them
Besides, he was having a good time with her and no one was gonna stop him.
I was wrong
Elwood held on to Maria as he dipped her low and sang
It took too long. I got caught in a rush hour Fellows started to shower, you with love and affection
Maria felt like melting at the sound of his voice, but he lifted her up and she began singing along with jake.
Now you won't look at my direction On the expressway to your heart That expressway that's the best way
At five o'clock it's much too crowded,Too crowded Much too crowded,Too crowded Much too crowded ,Too crowded Too crowded for me Couldn't get through to you baby Oh, it's too crowded Oh, oh, oh, much too crowded Oh, oh, oh, much too crowded
The song ended and the music trailed off to a slow paced rythm. Elwood put his hands on her waist as she wrapped her arms around his neck and they both slow danced to the music.
When the night has come and the land is dark and the moon is the only light we'll see. No I won't be afraid, no I won't be afraid, Just as long as you stand, stand by me
And darlin', darlin', stand by me, oh now now stand by me. Stand by me, stand by me.
"I havent danced like this since high school" Elwood said
Maria laughed a bit "Yeah me neither, but I'm glad I'm here with you intstead of someone else." she added sincerely
Elwood replied just as sincerely "I'm glad you're here with me as well. There is no one in the world whom I'd rather have than you both as a dance partner and a girlfriend"
She smiled, closed her eyes and rested her head against his shoulder as she got closer to him.
"That is so sweet."
Those feelings are rising again... Elwood and Maria thought to themselves simultaniously.
if the sky that we look upon should tumble and fall and the mountains should crumble to the sea I won't cry, I won't cry, no I won't shed a tear just as long as you stand, stand by me
Elwood held her tight, not wanting to let go with one hand and began gently running his other hand trough her hair. He had never felt so happy and comfortable in his life before he had met her and The feeling of her slender body close to his was overwhelming for him.
I'm not alone anymore. I dont feel unloved
And darlin', darlin', stand by me, oh stand by me Stand by me, stand by me, stand by me-e, yeah
He had an epiphany as he continued having her in his arms. He was by himself with her and Jake couldnt dictate what he was feeling, so this time, he felt certain.
He officially knew that he, Elwood Jake Blues, was in love with Maria Esparanza Valens.
Maria meanwhile, felt as joyous as her dance partner. She loved the way he was holding her so tenderly.
I really do wish I could know what I did to deserve him...he's so remarkable and a good soul...
Whenever you're in trouble won't you stand by me, oh now now stand by me Oh stand by me, stand by me, stand by me
Just like Elwood, Maria's emptiness in her heart was now filled. She too didn't feel alone and unloved anymore.
I am certain...that... I'm truly in love with him...Elwood Blues she thought dreamily. Wow...I'm actually in love...It feels so good to love and be loved again!
Darlin', darlin', stand by me-e, stand by me Oh stand by me, stand by me, stand by me
"M..Maria?" Elwood asked
"Yes?" she responded quietly, looking directly at him with her dark dreamy looking eyes of hers.
"I...lov-"
"Hey Elwood! Get your skinny ass onstage, its the bride and grooms turn to dance now!"
Elwood felt a jolt of irritation at Jake's inturruption.
Goddammit Jake!
The couple had no idea the song already ended and they were the only ones left on the dance floor. Maria chuckled and kissed him softly, leaving the lipstick color on his lips.
"Thanks for the dance" She said with a small blush on her cheeks. "You can tell me what you need to say later. Now go and make peoples hearts melt" like you do to mine...
"Ok"Elwood sighed, feeling dispointed he couldnt finish his sentence to her.
He walked upstage and Jake left to backstage
Well, I guess it is better that I tell her after the gig. I hope the lyrics to this song would give her a hint of how I feel
The bride and groom arrived on the dance floor, Lou & Matt played their instruments and Elwood began singing
Earth angel, earth angel will you be mine?
My darling dear, Love you all the time I'm just a fool, a fool in love with you
His thoughts trailed to the time where he and Maria were singing along to this song when they were alone in the bluesmobile...
Earth angel, earth angel, The one I adore Love you forever and ever more I'm just a fool, a fool in love with you
Maria's attention was focused on her boyfriend only, as she watched him sing their fvorite song from the Temptations and wishing he was singing to her.
I fell for you and I knew the vision of your loves-loveliness I hoped and I pray that someday I'll be the vision of your hap-happiness
Earth angel, earth angel, please be mine My darling dear, love you all the time I'm just a fool, a fool in love with you,
Although Maria couldnt notice because of his shades, Elwood looked at her, as if he was serenading her. And her only.
I fell for you and I knew the vision of your loves-loveliness I hope and pray that someday that I'll be the vision, the vision of your happiness Whoah oh oh...
Earth angel, earth angel, please be mine My darling dear, love you all the time I'm just a fool, a fool in love with you
The song ended and as the audience cheered, Elwood sighed and walked offstage, while Jake went in the opposite direction
I hope she gets the hint...
AN: Ah true love...
If this chapter didn't make you squeal like a fangirl or make you fall for Elwood Idk what will...
I had to include Minnie the Moocher. I just had to! I love that song too much to not let it in the story.
For 'Stand By Me', I was sorta listening to the John Lennon version, cuz its my favorite version of it...
When I was typing the Earth Angel part, I was actually watching Family Guy where they made fun of Back to the Future and the song was playing :p
I just felt like I should make that point...