More Photos

5/23, 8:32pm: There's an oft-used phrase, "A picture is worth a thousand words." Well, if pictures can also be like medicine, then seeing the faces of my friends in the band is healing me for sure.

After the deep-down unleashing of my thoughts & concerns last night, I found the simple act of looking at the smiling faces in these photos went a long way in giving me a sense of optimism. Knowing these people as I have come to know them bolsters my spirit and makes me anxious to hit the road again...wherever that may be.

God bless the good ol' USA!

Enjoy,
--Adam 

Please Release Me?

5/22, 11:30pm: As it’s been a while since I’ve added an entry here, I thought I would take a moment to put thoughts to paper (as it were).

While the past few weeks have been extremely enjoyable - with great shows & experiences in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Detroit, Louisville, and Cleveland (where I write this now) - I am filled with a sense of foreboding. I wanted this new entry to be light, hopefully funny, and filled with some of the joy I felt playing in such great cities with such great and talented people. (Not to mention describing the euphoria of flying 1st class for the first time in my life! It'll have to wait.) We have a long leg of the tour coming up which will take us to parts of Southeast Asia that, quite frankly, have me very concerned. Therefore, I’m afraid this will be short on merriment.

Took a look at a U.S. Government travel warning for Indonesia - one of our destinations - and it’s more than a little scary. I can’t help but wonder if this has been taken into consideration by the people behind the planning of this tour. I love playing music and I am excited at the prospect of visiting interesting places. I’m also grateful for having the opportunity to share the stage with such a dynamic performer. Must I risk my health, or worse, my life, to bring “Please Release Me” to the people of Jakarta? Even more to the point; is it smart to do so and why do I feel I’m the only one asking these questions? Would the people who booked this trip make the same trip themselves? I wonder. I can’t think of a time when I’ve been more ambivalent about going somewhere.

When one encounters these kinds of questions, dilemmas, quandaries, etc., the usual responses of “You’ve gotta live your life!”, or “Life’s too short to go through life worrying about these things.”, or, the old favorite “If you give in to fear, they win!” is generously offered by friends & acquaintances alike. Well shit man, when does common sense get a turn at sitting in the front seat?! My uneasiness is equaled only by my anger over the recklessness of it all.

Finally, and on a more upbeat note, I feel such a closeness to many of my bandmates as well as others within the EH crew & staff. I’m hoping - no, I’m counting - on that very closeness and mutual concern for one another to get us through this in good spirits and in good health. If I must do this, I can’t think of better people I’d rather have at my side.

Guess, that’s all. We go home tomorrow morning for a much-needed 10-12 days off. During that time I have some gigs, appointments to keep, friends & loved ones to be with and I’m going to cherish every minute of it all.

Until next time...
--Adam

A Lady Doesn't Blow On Some Other Guy's Dice

5/9, 9:16am: Hello music fans! We just wrapped up a four night run in Las Vegas at our home away from home, The Orleans Hotel. The Orleans, as far as I know, is the only major hotel that’s situated off the Vegas Strip. It’s the last stop for the shuttle from the airport, but it’s also pleasantly situated a short distance away from the gridlock that has become Las Vegas Blvd. To a tourist arriving here from another country, I would imagine that Las Vegas represents the essence of American excess, ambition, and entrepreneurship. Whatever it is you’re looking for, it’s here in abundance 24/7. Too bad I’m not much of a gambler. Then again, maybe just as well. With all the free time we have, I could do an awful lot of damage.
After dropping $20 at slots and $30 at blackjack -- big spender huh? -- I had my fill. I heard one of our guys left here over $400 heavier at the kraps table. Nice to see one of the band doing well.

Right now, we’re on a bus headed for Pala, CA; a town near San Diego. It’s another casino, probably similar to the one we were at in Canada. I like casinos. You’ve got  all your needs and wants either a phone call or an elevator ride away. Now if they could just install a button on the room phone that says “Girlfriend”.

For a while, I’ve been looking to buy a ring for my left hand so that I would have a sparkly thing on my fingers that would catch the light when I play. Well, in the gift shop in The Orleans, I found just what I was looking for! They had a nice selection of just the kind of stuff that would make Sammy Davis Jr. proud. I bought a gold (well, gold-colored) ring with a face that had a blue stone surrounded by diamonds (or, diamond-like material). For $14 I had all the bling I needed. Now, as my fingers travel up & down the neck of my bass, the crowd is treated to a fabulous light show! I think Engelbert’s jealous.

On a personal note, I had the pleasure of having my Dad & his lady friend here for all four nights of the show. I regret not spending more time together, but I think he enjoyed himself and he caught the show at a time when we seem to really be in a groove.

Patch, our multi-talented percussionist (and my Dad’s favorite), had his family with him for a couple days; his wife and daughter. With such a lovely family, I can see why he’s always smiling!

On that note, I will sign off feeling very fortunate to have such a fulfilling life. In the months to come, I will have much more to write about in that area. Stay tuned!

Until next time...
--Adam

Photos: Europe 2005

Hi Music Fans,

This is a seperate entry just for photos from the European leg of the tour. Haven't taken the time to label each one yet, but I'll get on it soon so you can put names to the faces (and places!).

Your friendly neighborhood bassist,
--Adam