2/13: On my flight to Europe and thinking about the week I spent back home. We’ve been in the air for about 5 hours and, with my new iBook & iPod in hand, I feel the time simply flying by (pardon the pun). Haven’t flown British Airways before and I must say, the service
and amenities are excellent. It’s a newer 747, so we’ve got all the bells and whistles; ergonomically designed seats, personal video screens, 18 channels of TV & movies, an exercise channel (I kid you not!) - there is indeed a Kiana of the friendly skies (for those of you uninitiated into the world of very late-night programming, she hosted an exercise show on ESPN2 that would air at 4am or something like that and provide something akin to a soft-core porn exercise video) - anyhow, haven’t yet tried the in-seat leg-lifts and head-turns.
My week at home?...terrific! It was good to see some old friends and to do some very satisfying playing. I also had the joy of spending time with my beautiful Beth and my father, Irwin, who left Vegas just a tad lighter in the pockets. As he boarded his flight home, I understand he was heard to mutter “Vegas, I’ll lick you yet!”.
Played a fun gig at La Ve Lee (jazz club in Studio City, CA) with my good friend Dave Hill’s band. It’s been so nice to see him develop as a leader and composer and to be a part of his musical vision. His tunes are strong on melody - a big plus in my book - and are fun to play. I have to admit, I was concerned about whether or not my chops - mentally & techincally - were up for the gig! I’m the kind of player that needs the stimulation of varied musical challenges to keep me sharp. Sitting in the woodshed (practice room, for those of my non-musician readers) just doesn’t completely get it done. My fears were only partially realized as I could feel my musical instincts were a little slow to react. Hell, maybe, depending upon who you talk to, that was a good thing. In the end, I guess you just have to be yourself and hope you’re serving the music along the way.
Had the occasion to pull the upright out before I hit the road. Played a nice trio gig at the Jonathan Club in downtown with Sharon Cline - vocals and Theo Saunders - piano. Sharon is a lovely singer of songs who I met last summer and have had the pleasure working many gigs with ever since. Her repertoire cuts riight down the middle of the good old jazz standards songbook...very satisfying. Theo Saunders is an exceptional pianist who I’ve known about and seen on the local scene for many years, but with whom I’ve never had the pleasure of working. It was an extremely enjoyable gig and I could feel my acoustic chops begin to come back towards the end of the night. I’m going to miss my large low-end companion (no, not you Beth) while I’m gone!
The week was completed with a couple of very productive mixing sessions formy upcoming album. Billy Hulting - assistant producer & engineer - has been invaluable as a second set of ears and as a dear friend.
Well, there’s a movie starting and I think I’ll take one in.
Next stop...Ireland!
Stay tuned,
--Adam
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