3/21, 11:27pm: Well folks, we made it! Closed out the European tour in grand style at Olympia Hall in Paris. I am not exaggerating when I say it was one of the best - if not the best - shows we played. E-Hump had not played Paris in 14 years and the turnout, as well as the response to every song, showed it. I think it must’ve given me a boost as I played my best solo of the tour too. It was just like it must’ve been in the old days with women rushing the stage and security guys literally lifting them up and ushering them back into the crowd. Unbelieveable! Someone even rushed me and then when she got close, I realized it was the gal from the front desk at the hotel saying I hadn’t paid my bill.
Had the day off yesterday to explore Paris and took in two of it’s most notable attractions; The Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. There’s even a version of the Statue of Liberty here, but with armpit hair.
Anyhow, Paris lived up to and exceeded everything I imagined it to be. There’s just too much to see & do to do it justice in one day. I must...no, I will!...return to this beautiful city someday.
Music fans, this is it for a couple of weeks. We kick off again in April in the good ol’ USA. Until then, stay tuned and I shall return.
I remain, your friendly neighborhood bassist.
--Adam
Monday, March 21, 2005
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Aunt Twerp
3/19, 10:51pm: Played the something-something blah-blah-blah Hall in Antwerp tonight. Fun, fun, fun! The band played like the intensity knob had been turned up just a notch; firey, but not reckless. Interesting audience. They were nuts about the music but, either because of the language barrier or comedy is appreciated about as much as a Snickers bar around here, the jokes fell flat. No problem. In three days I’ll be back in the good ol’ USA where the food is good, the cars are big, and you can see the air you breath.
Tomorrow we leave for Paris. I should have most of the day, once we arrive, to explore a bit. Top of my list, even though it’s so “touristy”, is a visit to the Eiffel Tower. After that, I look forward to sampling the local food and the anti-Amercanism.
We’re at a really nice hotel in Antwerp that, unlike most of the hotels in the UK, actually has bathroom facilities from the 21st century. In other words, a decent shower and a sink with one faucet with hot & cold controls together; not the pre-WWII setup with one on each side. Either you’re shocked into a coma by the cold faucet or you burn the shit out of your hand with the hot one. No wonder everyone in that country walks around with a miserable look on their face. Well, that and the fact you can’t get a decent sandwich.
Anyhow, they also have a nice gym here which I availed myself of earlier this afternoon. I got in a good workout so I’m going to allow myself a few drinks in the bar with the guys. What the hell, we’ve got the day off tomorrow anyway.
Folks, this will be my next-to-last entry for the European tour. I’ll probably have something to report on Paris and perhaps the journey home and then that’s it. Of course, there’s much more to come and write about as we hit the States, Asia, and - much later - Germany. But for now, I want to say how much I appreciate those who took the time to read my words, take in my thoughts, and share my experiences. I’ve tried to be sincere. I’ve tried to be informative. And, even in my criticism, I’ve tried to inject a little levity. I hope you found the humor in it and recognized that it was rarely, if ever, mean-spirited. Perhaps, through me, you’ll find the desire to visit other places in the world, learn to appreciate them for their own uniqueness, and ultimately, recognize as I have, what a great country - flaws & all - we truly have.
Until next time...
--Adam
Tomorrow we leave for Paris. I should have most of the day, once we arrive, to explore a bit. Top of my list, even though it’s so “touristy”, is a visit to the Eiffel Tower. After that, I look forward to sampling the local food and the anti-Amercanism.
We’re at a really nice hotel in Antwerp that, unlike most of the hotels in the UK, actually has bathroom facilities from the 21st century. In other words, a decent shower and a sink with one faucet with hot & cold controls together; not the pre-WWII setup with one on each side. Either you’re shocked into a coma by the cold faucet or you burn the shit out of your hand with the hot one. No wonder everyone in that country walks around with a miserable look on their face. Well, that and the fact you can’t get a decent sandwich.
Anyhow, they also have a nice gym here which I availed myself of earlier this afternoon. I got in a good workout so I’m going to allow myself a few drinks in the bar with the guys. What the hell, we’ve got the day off tomorrow anyway.
Folks, this will be my next-to-last entry for the European tour. I’ll probably have something to report on Paris and perhaps the journey home and then that’s it. Of course, there’s much more to come and write about as we hit the States, Asia, and - much later - Germany. But for now, I want to say how much I appreciate those who took the time to read my words, take in my thoughts, and share my experiences. I’ve tried to be sincere. I’ve tried to be informative. And, even in my criticism, I’ve tried to inject a little levity. I hope you found the humor in it and recognized that it was rarely, if ever, mean-spirited. Perhaps, through me, you’ll find the desire to visit other places in the world, learn to appreciate them for their own uniqueness, and ultimately, recognize as I have, what a great country - flaws & all - we truly have.
Until next time...
--Adam
Friday, March 18, 2005
On the Road Again...
3/18, 8:20am: Played the final show of the UK tour last night. It was Engelbert’s hometown of Leicester. As expected, he was embraced by the audience like a son returning home. We’ve added some new tunes to the show that have provided a nice taste of past and a bit of the current wave as well. Overall, there’s a nice musical variety that I think would make just about any listener happy.
On a personal note, it’s been disappointing to observe the sound on stage morphing from what, for me, had become a live and vibrant entity, back into what I’ll call the “fish bowl” sound. Remember the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”? That doesn’t seem to apply here. The “drum aquarium” is back up, my headphones are back on, and my beloved monitor - with it’s warm, punchy bass tone - is gone. It really affects my ability to interact with the music around me, although, I wonder if it’s as much of an issue to anyone else.
I’ve decided to ask one of our band members if I could interview her and she’s graciously accepted. Lacey Sisco is one of our background vocalists and a warm, generous woman.
Where are you from?
I was born in Tampa, Florida and I currently reside in Nashville, Tennessee.
How long have you been with Engelbert?
Since August 2003.
<Don’t worry folks, it gets better.>
What’s your most memorable experience being on tour with Engelbert?
Getting a free pair of $1800 Jimmy Choo shoes and going to Malaysia.
How did you get started in music?
My parents were both musical - My Mom played piano and my Dad played the trumpet.
When I was little, I began singing in church. In fact, when I was four, I would sing with this Little Orphan Annie contraption that had a battery-powered transmitter which allowed your voice to come through the radio. And I used to sing in front of the mirror acting out scenes from “Fiddler On The Roof”.
Were you ever in Fiddler On The Roof?
Yes. In fact, I did a lot of musicals, dinner theater and other things while in college. In Tampa there’s a company called the Musical Theater Project run by Ann Reinking who is known for her role as Grace in the movie version of “Annie”, was in “All That Jazz”, and was an original cast member of “Chicago”. It was a great experience in that people come from all over the world to audition for what is essentially a summer workshop. Some great names in theater donate their talents and give master classes for the people who pass the audition. People like Bebe Neuwirth, Vanessa Willimas, Gregory Hiines, and Savion Glover. They offer a scholarship for who they deem the most promising musical theater artist, and I won! Yay! I’m a mean tapper.
How about your educational background?
I went to college at the University of Miami where I was a jazz vocal major. I actually started as a musical theater major but found the curriculum wasn’t challenging enough. So, one day I opened up the course book, closed my eyes, and put my finger down. It landed on Studio Music & Jazz Vocal Department. I learned about improvisation, how to write my own arrangements, singing jazz standards, and other things that helped me as a working musician. In fact, the reason I got the job with Engelbert was there was a girl in the department named Ariana Hall who went through the program with me. We were the only two who made it all the way through all four years! She was on the gig and the other girl quit, so she recommended me! So I packed my bags and in four days I was on the road! And the rest, as they say, is history.
What are your goals for the near future?
A while back I made a mental to-do list for myself and it basically had three things on it.
One, sing back-up for a famous person. Two, be in my own CMT video. Three, hear myself on the radio. And four, be a voice in a Disney cartoon.
I’d also someday like to be a session singer in Nashville and have a normal life and raise a family. Of course, being on stage and being an artist will always appeal to me.
Any final words?
I don’t know. I guess I’m ready to go home and be with my family, my boyfriend, and spend time with my puppy Layla. I just want to go grocery shopping for food that’s not fried, walk around, practice driving on the right side of the road, and be normal.
Well Lacey, I’ve enjoyed our little chat.
THANKS!
On a personal note, it’s been disappointing to observe the sound on stage morphing from what, for me, had become a live and vibrant entity, back into what I’ll call the “fish bowl” sound. Remember the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”? That doesn’t seem to apply here. The “drum aquarium” is back up, my headphones are back on, and my beloved monitor - with it’s warm, punchy bass tone - is gone. It really affects my ability to interact with the music around me, although, I wonder if it’s as much of an issue to anyone else.
I’ve decided to ask one of our band members if I could interview her and she’s graciously accepted. Lacey Sisco is one of our background vocalists and a warm, generous woman.
Where are you from?
I was born in Tampa, Florida and I currently reside in Nashville, Tennessee.
How long have you been with Engelbert?
Since August 2003.
<Don’t worry folks, it gets better.>
What’s your most memorable experience being on tour with Engelbert?
Getting a free pair of $1800 Jimmy Choo shoes and going to Malaysia.
How did you get started in music?
My parents were both musical - My Mom played piano and my Dad played the trumpet.
When I was little, I began singing in church. In fact, when I was four, I would sing with this Little Orphan Annie contraption that had a battery-powered transmitter which allowed your voice to come through the radio. And I used to sing in front of the mirror acting out scenes from “Fiddler On The Roof”.
Were you ever in Fiddler On The Roof?
Yes. In fact, I did a lot of musicals, dinner theater and other things while in college. In Tampa there’s a company called the Musical Theater Project run by Ann Reinking who is known for her role as Grace in the movie version of “Annie”, was in “All That Jazz”, and was an original cast member of “Chicago”. It was a great experience in that people come from all over the world to audition for what is essentially a summer workshop. Some great names in theater donate their talents and give master classes for the people who pass the audition. People like Bebe Neuwirth, Vanessa Willimas, Gregory Hiines, and Savion Glover. They offer a scholarship for who they deem the most promising musical theater artist, and I won! Yay! I’m a mean tapper.
How about your educational background?
I went to college at the University of Miami where I was a jazz vocal major. I actually started as a musical theater major but found the curriculum wasn’t challenging enough. So, one day I opened up the course book, closed my eyes, and put my finger down. It landed on Studio Music & Jazz Vocal Department. I learned about improvisation, how to write my own arrangements, singing jazz standards, and other things that helped me as a working musician. In fact, the reason I got the job with Engelbert was there was a girl in the department named Ariana Hall who went through the program with me. We were the only two who made it all the way through all four years! She was on the gig and the other girl quit, so she recommended me! So I packed my bags and in four days I was on the road! And the rest, as they say, is history.
What are your goals for the near future?
A while back I made a mental to-do list for myself and it basically had three things on it.
One, sing back-up for a famous person. Two, be in my own CMT video. Three, hear myself on the radio. And four, be a voice in a Disney cartoon.
I’d also someday like to be a session singer in Nashville and have a normal life and raise a family. Of course, being on stage and being an artist will always appeal to me.
Any final words?
I don’t know. I guess I’m ready to go home and be with my family, my boyfriend, and spend time with my puppy Layla. I just want to go grocery shopping for food that’s not fried, walk around, practice driving on the right side of the road, and be normal.
Well Lacey, I’ve enjoyed our little chat.
THANKS!
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
A Nice Surprise
3/15, 9am: Folks, England may be a cold, dreary, and sometimes depressing place, but I had my own personal slice of sunshine last Sunday night.
After what was a very low-key birthday for me on Saturday - punctuated by a nice card & cake from Bill our wardrobe man, and a sweet card & gift from Lacey - I settled into the mindset of business-as-usual as we head for the home stretch for the European tour.
I sat quietly in the catering area of the Hippodrome in Birmingham, waiting along with my bandmates & crew for our dinner. It’s a pleasant time where we can relax, talk, share a few laughs, and basically get loose before showtime. To my surprise, a gift bag full of cards was placed before me! I opened each one; the first being a card signed by everyone in the band & crew and with each wonderful sentiment my smile grew bigger. There was also a CD of the top hits of 1963 and a DVD containing news clips of the same year, both appropriately packaged with graphics & images of the time. The last card was a personal card from none other than the man himself wishing me a belated but happy birthday. Incredible! I was then treated to a warm rendition of “Happy Birthday” and gave a very brief speech (I’m sure to everyone’s delight) thanking everybody there for their thoughtfulness and telling them how much it meant to me. If that was all, it would have been enough to keep me walking on a cloud for the rest of the week. But no! During the band introduction spot in the show, Engelbert introduced me and then told the audience it was my birthday, prompting another singing of “Happy Birthday”, this time by Engelbert and the whole audience! It was really exciting and the whole thing was quite touching as well as an evening I’ll not forget.
I am grateful for the warmth and comraderie that pervades this organization. As I mentioned ealry on in my journal, the talent of everyone here is amazing, but not entirely unexpected. The fact that it has the feel of a large family is what makes it special and helps keep the blues away when you’re far away from home.
Today we go to Humpy’s for a party catered by his favorite Indian restaurant. I’m looking forward to a day with everyone together and nothing but good times to share. Then we hop on a bus for Eastbourne to make up an earlier show that was cancelled. We’re in the home stretch, but there will be plenty more to write about as both Belgium and Paris await.
Speaking of which, we watched the Paris Hilton video on the bus the other night. You know what?...big deal. My girlfriend smokes her.
That’s it for now folks!
Stay tuned,
--Adam
After what was a very low-key birthday for me on Saturday - punctuated by a nice card & cake from Bill our wardrobe man, and a sweet card & gift from Lacey - I settled into the mindset of business-as-usual as we head for the home stretch for the European tour.
I sat quietly in the catering area of the Hippodrome in Birmingham, waiting along with my bandmates & crew for our dinner. It’s a pleasant time where we can relax, talk, share a few laughs, and basically get loose before showtime. To my surprise, a gift bag full of cards was placed before me! I opened each one; the first being a card signed by everyone in the band & crew and with each wonderful sentiment my smile grew bigger. There was also a CD of the top hits of 1963 and a DVD containing news clips of the same year, both appropriately packaged with graphics & images of the time. The last card was a personal card from none other than the man himself wishing me a belated but happy birthday. Incredible! I was then treated to a warm rendition of “Happy Birthday” and gave a very brief speech (I’m sure to everyone’s delight) thanking everybody there for their thoughtfulness and telling them how much it meant to me. If that was all, it would have been enough to keep me walking on a cloud for the rest of the week. But no! During the band introduction spot in the show, Engelbert introduced me and then told the audience it was my birthday, prompting another singing of “Happy Birthday”, this time by Engelbert and the whole audience! It was really exciting and the whole thing was quite touching as well as an evening I’ll not forget.
I am grateful for the warmth and comraderie that pervades this organization. As I mentioned ealry on in my journal, the talent of everyone here is amazing, but not entirely unexpected. The fact that it has the feel of a large family is what makes it special and helps keep the blues away when you’re far away from home.
Today we go to Humpy’s for a party catered by his favorite Indian restaurant. I’m looking forward to a day with everyone together and nothing but good times to share. Then we hop on a bus for Eastbourne to make up an earlier show that was cancelled. We’re in the home stretch, but there will be plenty more to write about as both Belgium and Paris await.
Speaking of which, we watched the Paris Hilton video on the bus the other night. You know what?...big deal. My girlfriend smokes her.
That’s it for now folks!
Stay tuned,
--Adam
Saturday, March 12, 2005
3/12/05
3/12, 9:25am: Well folks, guess who, as of today, is a little older and, hopefully, a little wiser? Though I’m thousands of miles from home, my ever-thoughtful bandmates treated me to a rousing (as rousing can be at 1:30 in the morning) rendition of “Happy Birthday” whilst on our bus ride to Leicester after the show last night.
It was a long day yesterday as we left Nottingham (we had another great show there by the way) for Basingstoke at 10:30am, arrived at the venue at 3:30pm (just in time for soundcheck), did the show and then got right back on the bus at 11:30pm for a 4 hour ride to Leicester. We’re here at the Holiday Inn Leicetser where, after all that, they can’t get the phones to work. Lovely. (Happy birthday to me...happy birthday to me...).
So, with a day off in front of me and on my birthday yet, I contemplate the days agenda. Part of me is, well, exhausted and happy to do absolutely nothing. Another part is saying “Do something you knucklehead!”. I’m sitting here watching some American TV discard called Relic Hunter with Tia Carrera. She’s got a couple of treasures I’d like to discover.
Oy, I really need to get home.
Just to back up a bit, we played the Isle of Man a few days ago and I had a nice time at what was a beautiful change of scenery. Isle of Man is a smallish island - about 35x12 miles - off the coast of Liverpool. In addition tobeing the home of the famous tail-less Manx cat, it is also host to a world famous Grand Prix event as well as other motor sports. The countryside was beautiful and during the bus ride from the airport to our hotel we took in miles and miles of farmland stocked with mostly sheep and the cutest little lambs you ever saw. Add to that some of the nicest weather we’ve encountered so far and you’ve got a couple of days of what felt like a real vacation.
On that note, I’m going to peel myself off the bed and grab some breakfast. It’s either that or continue to avail myself of Tia Carrera’s, um, talents. (Happy birthday to me...happy birthday to me!).
Off to breakfast!
Until next time,
--Adam
It was a long day yesterday as we left Nottingham (we had another great show there by the way) for Basingstoke at 10:30am, arrived at the venue at 3:30pm (just in time for soundcheck), did the show and then got right back on the bus at 11:30pm for a 4 hour ride to Leicester. We’re here at the Holiday Inn Leicetser where, after all that, they can’t get the phones to work. Lovely. (Happy birthday to me...happy birthday to me...).
So, with a day off in front of me and on my birthday yet, I contemplate the days agenda. Part of me is, well, exhausted and happy to do absolutely nothing. Another part is saying “Do something you knucklehead!”. I’m sitting here watching some American TV discard called Relic Hunter with Tia Carrera. She’s got a couple of treasures I’d like to discover.
Oy, I really need to get home.
Just to back up a bit, we played the Isle of Man a few days ago and I had a nice time at what was a beautiful change of scenery. Isle of Man is a smallish island - about 35x12 miles - off the coast of Liverpool. In addition tobeing the home of the famous tail-less Manx cat, it is also host to a world famous Grand Prix event as well as other motor sports. The countryside was beautiful and during the bus ride from the airport to our hotel we took in miles and miles of farmland stocked with mostly sheep and the cutest little lambs you ever saw. Add to that some of the nicest weather we’ve encountered so far and you’ve got a couple of days of what felt like a real vacation.
On that note, I’m going to peel myself off the bed and grab some breakfast. It’s either that or continue to avail myself of Tia Carrera’s, um, talents. (Happy birthday to me...happy birthday to me!).
Off to breakfast!
Until next time,
--Adam
Monday, March 7, 2005
EH & Band rock Liverpool!
3/7: The last couple of days have been great! Last night, we played Liverpool
(that's right home of The Beatles - more on that later)
and had what could easily be our best show yet. Why? What are you asking me for?!
If I knew the answer to that, I'd play a great show every night! Seriously though,
I can attribute it to two significant changes. One, is a new stage setup that allowed for a
whole different perspective on how we all hear & see each other. Up until now, the drums
were always set up in the middle towards the rear of the stage and on a very high riser.
Additionally, there was always one of those clear plastic enlosures (there's a name for it but
I can't think of it) that isolated the sound of the drums so all you would get is whatever the
headphones would give you; little or no live sound at all (and what you did get
was always delayed by the enclosure). Anyhow, the horns are now where the drums used
to be and the drums are now stage left, to my left, on a shorter drum riser and sans the
"drum aquarium". What a difference! Second, over time, I had made some polite grumblings
about having to hear everything (particularly myself) through headphones and how nice it
would be to have a monitor for myself to pump the bass through. Lo & behold...
last night, there it was. I was treated to solid, floor-shaking bottom end for the first time
since we started the tour. Hallelulyah!
The whole band really responded to the new surroundings and Humpy, despite still feeling
the after-effects of the flu, seemed to have a skip in his step and a bigger-than-usual-smile
as well. We all fed off each other's good vibes and took the show to what I believe was
another level. Jeff - our MD, who I respect immensely - agreed that it was our best effort yet.
Before the show that day, Leo (guitar), Patch (percussion/vocals), and I took a trip to The Beatles Museum in Liverpool. It was a fantastic
exhibit located right on the Albert Docks near the waterfront. It was truly a multi-media experience with listening stations featuring commentary by
John Lennon's sister, George Martin, Allan-something (a former manager from the very early days), and Paul McCartney himself. There was a re-creation
of the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool where they honed their craft in the early 60's. There was plenty of video footage - much I hadn 't seen before - and
photographs to see. All in all, combined with touching memorials to both John & George, it affected me on several levels and I'm glad I went.
Liverpool, which I had imagined to be a smallish and somewhat rundown city will remain a favorite place for me.
Day-off today. Tomorrow...the something-something theater or hall or whatever (I can't keep track anymore) in the town of Douglas on the Isle of Man (where I am now)!
Stay tuned music fans!
--Adam
(that's right home of The Beatles - more on that later)
and had what could easily be our best show yet. Why? What are you asking me for?!
If I knew the answer to that, I'd play a great show every night! Seriously though,
I can attribute it to two significant changes. One, is a new stage setup that allowed for a
whole different perspective on how we all hear & see each other. Up until now, the drums
were always set up in the middle towards the rear of the stage and on a very high riser.
Additionally, there was always one of those clear plastic enlosures (there's a name for it but
I can't think of it) that isolated the sound of the drums so all you would get is whatever the
headphones would give you; little or no live sound at all (and what you did get
was always delayed by the enclosure). Anyhow, the horns are now where the drums used
to be and the drums are now stage left, to my left, on a shorter drum riser and sans the
"drum aquarium". What a difference! Second, over time, I had made some polite grumblings
about having to hear everything (particularly myself) through headphones and how nice it
would be to have a monitor for myself to pump the bass through. Lo & behold...
last night, there it was. I was treated to solid, floor-shaking bottom end for the first time
since we started the tour. Hallelulyah!
The whole band really responded to the new surroundings and Humpy, despite still feeling
the after-effects of the flu, seemed to have a skip in his step and a bigger-than-usual-smile
as well. We all fed off each other's good vibes and took the show to what I believe was
another level. Jeff - our MD, who I respect immensely - agreed that it was our best effort yet.
Before the show that day, Leo (guitar), Patch (percussion/vocals), and I took a trip to The Beatles Museum in Liverpool. It was a fantastic
exhibit located right on the Albert Docks near the waterfront. It was truly a multi-media experience with listening stations featuring commentary by
John Lennon's sister, George Martin, Allan-something (a former manager from the very early days), and Paul McCartney himself. There was a re-creation
of the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool where they honed their craft in the early 60's. There was plenty of video footage - much I hadn 't seen before - and
photographs to see. All in all, combined with touching memorials to both John & George, it affected me on several levels and I'm glad I went.
Liverpool, which I had imagined to be a smallish and somewhat rundown city will remain a favorite place for me.
Day-off today. Tomorrow...the something-something theater or hall or whatever (I can't keep track anymore) in the town of Douglas on the Isle of Man (where I am now)!
Stay tuned music fans!
--Adam
Saturday, March 5, 2005
Hello, Goodbye Manchester
3/5, 5:58am: I’m writing feeling hot (the radiator in my room is in overdrive) and slightly
hungover. The beer here is rated at 5% alcohol and I’m finding it doesn’t take more than 1 or 2 to hit me. I had three. Thank goodness - with my clock being so screwy - that I get sleepy before I can do any further damage.
Pertinent to all that is the fact that we have tomorrow (well, actually today now) off as we travel to Liverpool and, as we had kind of a ragged show last night, I wanted to get a little loose with a few fellows from the band. Felt good and we all agreed to let it go. I decided, as I’m sure my bandmates did, to make ammends at the next show.
We played a beautiful hall in Manchester. It’s the largest one we’ve played so far - over 2500 capacity - and Humpy, as he always seems to do, packed ‘em in. Though the effects of the flu were apparent, he dazzled the audience with his usual charm and I doubt anyone out there knew he was under the weather. A true professional.
Manchester is quite a city. I guess the equivalent in the US would be a city like Detroit or Pittsburgh. Very industrial, but with a strong younger presence of college students and musician/artist types. Also, they love their soccer here. Manchester United is a world- reknowned football club and they take it quite seriously. They also take their drinking quite seriously here. I’ve never seen so many people out in the street - until early hours of the AM - lit up and carousing about. It’s quite a thing to see & hear. Let’s just say they’re very vocal, though I can’t make much out of the bellowing. Though it seems to be mostly in good fun, the parade of intermittent police cars with sirens wailing gave me the impression that things can, and do, get ugly.
During the day, I enjoyed walking about the place. There’s a lot of energy and there was a pretty well-stocked music store down the street for me to explore. A bit more “blue-collar” than London, it offers the same urban experiences but with a different flavor. I like it here and would suggest both cities (London & Manchester), as well as Portsmouth, as destinations to anyone visiting England.
Got to chat with our sax player, John Michalak, in the dressing room yesterday during a lull in the proceedings. In addition to sharing a few laughs as we exchanged high school band memories, I found out he’s worked with an interesting and impressive list of showbiz personalities. Along with Engelbert, he’s worked with Julio Eglesias, KC & The Sunshine Band, and David Lee Roth. John hails from Florida and is a proud papa of a 2 year old boy. He’s also a nice guy and a good musician.
Guess that’s it for now folks. I understand Engelbert’s son, Brad Dorsey, with be singing a few tunes in some upcoing shows with us. I heard a demo of his on the bus the other day and it’s quite apparent the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. I look forward to playing with him.
Thanks for tuning in! Until next time...
--Adam
hungover. The beer here is rated at 5% alcohol and I’m finding it doesn’t take more than 1 or 2 to hit me. I had three. Thank goodness - with my clock being so screwy - that I get sleepy before I can do any further damage.
Pertinent to all that is the fact that we have tomorrow (well, actually today now) off as we travel to Liverpool and, as we had kind of a ragged show last night, I wanted to get a little loose with a few fellows from the band. Felt good and we all agreed to let it go. I decided, as I’m sure my bandmates did, to make ammends at the next show.
We played a beautiful hall in Manchester. It’s the largest one we’ve played so far - over 2500 capacity - and Humpy, as he always seems to do, packed ‘em in. Though the effects of the flu were apparent, he dazzled the audience with his usual charm and I doubt anyone out there knew he was under the weather. A true professional.
Manchester is quite a city. I guess the equivalent in the US would be a city like Detroit or Pittsburgh. Very industrial, but with a strong younger presence of college students and musician/artist types. Also, they love their soccer here. Manchester United is a world- reknowned football club and they take it quite seriously. They also take their drinking quite seriously here. I’ve never seen so many people out in the street - until early hours of the AM - lit up and carousing about. It’s quite a thing to see & hear. Let’s just say they’re very vocal, though I can’t make much out of the bellowing. Though it seems to be mostly in good fun, the parade of intermittent police cars with sirens wailing gave me the impression that things can, and do, get ugly.
During the day, I enjoyed walking about the place. There’s a lot of energy and there was a pretty well-stocked music store down the street for me to explore. A bit more “blue-collar” than London, it offers the same urban experiences but with a different flavor. I like it here and would suggest both cities (London & Manchester), as well as Portsmouth, as destinations to anyone visiting England.
Got to chat with our sax player, John Michalak, in the dressing room yesterday during a lull in the proceedings. In addition to sharing a few laughs as we exchanged high school band memories, I found out he’s worked with an interesting and impressive list of showbiz personalities. Along with Engelbert, he’s worked with Julio Eglesias, KC & The Sunshine Band, and David Lee Roth. John hails from Florida and is a proud papa of a 2 year old boy. He’s also a nice guy and a good musician.
Guess that’s it for now folks. I understand Engelbert’s son, Brad Dorsey, with be singing a few tunes in some upcoing shows with us. I heard a demo of his on the bus the other day and it’s quite apparent the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. I look forward to playing with him.
Thanks for tuning in! Until next time...
--Adam
Tuesday, March 1, 2005
FYI
A little helpful information for those of you who are new to the site and want to see where it all started; you can view the earlier entries by clicking on the blue highlighted link entitled, you guessed it!, "VIEW OLDER ENTRIES". It's located at the top of the page.
Once there, there is a drop down menu that will allow you to choose the month you wish to go to. The entries go as far back as January '05.
Found out yesterday at soundcheck that Engelbert has the flu and is cancelling the next two shows. So, with bags and instrument in hand, it's off to Portsmouth for 3 days off! After that, it's gigs in Manchester, Leicester, other 'sters, 'hams, and 'bournes, then off to Belgium, Antwerp and Paris to close out this part of the tour.
During yet another early AM spent futzing about, I discovered the magic of "Garage Band"; a music writing/recording program that came installed on my iBook G4. It appears to have potential as a great practice tool. More on all that in my next entry.
I want to thank all of those who have enjoyed my humble little musings and for the positive feedback you have given me. It goes a long way towards encouraging me to continue.
Best wishes, and stay tuned!
--Adam
Once there, there is a drop down menu that will allow you to choose the month you wish to go to. The entries go as far back as January '05.
Found out yesterday at soundcheck that Engelbert has the flu and is cancelling the next two shows. So, with bags and instrument in hand, it's off to Portsmouth for 3 days off! After that, it's gigs in Manchester, Leicester, other 'sters, 'hams, and 'bournes, then off to Belgium, Antwerp and Paris to close out this part of the tour.
During yet another early AM spent futzing about, I discovered the magic of "Garage Band"; a music writing/recording program that came installed on my iBook G4. It appears to have potential as a great practice tool. More on all that in my next entry.
I want to thank all of those who have enjoyed my humble little musings and for the positive feedback you have given me. It goes a long way towards encouraging me to continue.
Best wishes, and stay tuned!
--Adam
God Bless America
3/1, 9:37am: The Declaration of Independence stands as one of the greatest written documents of all time. However, our founding fathers - God bless them all - forgot to make one other proclamation. It should have read as follows: “...and we the people, being of sound mind and body, also would like to mention how tired we are of eating your greasy-ass English breakfast every day of the week. Would it kill ya to throw out a bowl of cereal now &then? How ‘bout some oatmeal or a bagel? We’re definitely running our own gig from now on. Thanks, but see ya later your Majesty.”
In honor of that unfortunate omission, and after having what could quite possibly be described as the most disgusting meal of my life, I am in my room sitting down to a bowl of Cheerios. I can feel my arteries thanking me with every mouthful.
On a more pertinent note, there’s a rumour going ‘round that tonight’s show might be cancelled. Engelbert is feeling a bit under the weather. Max kindly offered to pinch hit but about half way through “Man Without Love” he began coughing uncontrollably. I said he should try it without the cigarette in his mouth, but the damage had already been done; he was out of the running.
I have some laundry in the sink and then it’s off with my book for some tea and relaxation in the hotel lounge. Ahh, life is good.
I love you all!
--Adam
In honor of that unfortunate omission, and after having what could quite possibly be described as the most disgusting meal of my life, I am in my room sitting down to a bowl of Cheerios. I can feel my arteries thanking me with every mouthful.
On a more pertinent note, there’s a rumour going ‘round that tonight’s show might be cancelled. Engelbert is feeling a bit under the weather. Max kindly offered to pinch hit but about half way through “Man Without Love” he began coughing uncontrollably. I said he should try it without the cigarette in his mouth, but the damage had already been done; he was out of the running.
I have some laundry in the sink and then it’s off with my book for some tea and relaxation in the hotel lounge. Ahh, life is good.
I love you all!
--Adam
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