Sounds like its going well Rich! I guess not jamming, not getting to play exactly what you want is a trade off in that the mentor wants to keep you moving forward... "Hard to Handle" would end if for me... that song got so much airplay in my home town when it came it out, it strongly resides in the "dear lord, not again" category. China Grove is great tune! Actually, all three of the songs you mention I think would be better choices, but that's just me. At least for now you can just see if you can tap into your skill set, play your part, and see if it comes together.

I feel ya on the not being able to hear yourself thing. I remember long ago our band had a drummer who said "dude, I like to POUND!" drowning me out. That is, until I showed up with ear plugs and a JCM 100w Marshall half-stack. "Sure I'll turn down, if you'll play quieter.... " muahahaha!

Keep us posted!