Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Sayonara!

6/29, 11:17pm: Played our final show of the Asian tour tonight at the Tokyo International Forum. It’s a beautiful venue and, by all appearances, quite new. As was the case in Paris when we closed out the European tour, the band wanted to give it one last hurrah and played with energy and enthusiasm. As I looked around the stage during the show, I could see smiles all around as if we all sensed the same mixture of sadness and satisfaction that comes with a final performance. I really feel fortunate to have shared the stage with such great people. After six months on the tour now, I am also grateful for the friendships I have forged along the way.

Some closing thoughts...

Advancements in communication as well as travel have given us reason to utter the words “Small world, isn’t it?”.  And indeed, in many ways, it is. On the other hand, my experiences thus far give me reason to feel that our world remains huge in its diversity. I doubt I will ever feel that more than I do now. I imagine I will come home and settle back into the familiar comforts of my country and all it’s Americanism, but I will never again assume that what I’ve come to know as an American is how it is for the rest of the world.

This broadened scope I have coincides with another event in my life that will also serve to broaden my view of things; my lovely Beth & I are expecting a baby! Due date...late December. Now, for those of you doing the math, that means I didn’t just find out today. Well, you’re right. I didn’t. I did however want to wait on breaking the news until I was sure everything was alright with both mother and baby. And, thank God, all is well. She’s at the end of the first trimester which, I understand, is the most difficult and also the biggest hurdle to see if the little guy (or gal) is going to make it. Beth went in for an ultrasound and says she now knows the gender. I’ve decided to wait until I get home to find out. I’ll let you all know in my next entry. (How’s that for a cliffhanger!)

We have all of July off before we hit the good ol’ USA in August. Some destinations I look forward to: Massachusetts, Las Vegas, and New York (among others).

What does the future hold for me? With a baby on the way and a woman who needs me, my time on the tour could be coming to a temporary close in the next couple of months. I only know that even as that door may close, another one is opening. I intend to step through that open door with eyes wide open; ready to embrace the unconditional love of both my partner and our child and accept the obligations thereof that have come to make me feel like a true citizen of the world. Regardless of where my musical journeys may take me, I will continue this journal -- on or off the road -- and hope that those who have taken the time to read these words will stay along for the ride.

I remain, as always, your friendly neighborhood bassist,
--Adam

Monday, June 27, 2005

Manila, Hong Kong, and One More To Go

6/27, 4:37pm: This will be my next-to-last entry for this leg of the tour as we have only tonight in Hong Kong and one show in Tokyo remaining. I will use my last entry to talk a bit about Tokyo and my final impressions of our month in Asia.

A few days ago we arrived in Hong Kong from Manila. I could not have been happier. Manila was, for me, the least enticing of our destinations. While the people were incredibly friendly and upbeat, I found the city to be an unhealthy (physically & mentally) mix of pollution, chaos, and extreme heat. I don’t think it’s at the top of anyone’s list as a vacation spot and I’ll leave it at that.

The show in Manila was a good one as far as the audience reception was concerned. I don’t think I’ve heard a crowd roar for “My Way” quite as loudly. Engelbert was treated to perhaps his most enthusiastic welcome thus far and I think that did wonders to pump him up. It was a larger hall that I’m guessing sat close to 3000. Worthy of mentioning is the presence of none other than Imelda Marcos herself who was seated front row center and accompanied by a small entourage. Other than that, a rather uneventful night. Band was okay, not great. I was perhaps less than okay since I seemed to be on autopilot again. I think the heat and the fumes from all the car exhausts made me lightheaded. Everybody was a little tightly wound the next morning and I think eager to move on to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong. In a word? Wow! The city is situated on a very busy shipping port that is not only a site in itself, but serves to add a certain majesty to an already spectacular skyline. I hope to get a few pictures (both day & evening) so that I can share the amazing scenery here. Our hotel is situated right on the harbor, adjacent to the convention center, with excellent views of both waterfront and skyline. Quite dramatic! Additionally, the accommodations are first-rate and I get the feeling that much of what happens between East & West -- at least business-wise -- happens right here. If anyone wants to know what Panasonic is coming out with next year, let me know. I’m hangin’ by the pool with these guys tomorrow!

The show in Hong Kong felt funny to me. They had us in a huge cavernous multipurpose building that could’ve doubled as an airplane hangar. The acoustics were horrible and clearly the place wasn’t designed for live music. Nevertheless, the crowd wanted us to do a second encore and practically wouldn’t let us leave. I guess -- bad acoustics and all -- we still came across.

I will be leaving Hong Kong reluctantly tomorrow morning. There is much here to soak in and, since I know I’ve barely scratched the surface, I believe I will return someday.

Tokyo awaits!

Stay tuned,
--Adam

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Sing, Sing, Singapore

6/22, 10:40am: We’re in Singapore now; a beautiful country/city. From what I’ve seen, this is one of the cleanest and safest places in the world. Things are so green and lush here that the buildings seem to have sprouted in between the trees as opposed to the other way around. The weather has not entirely cooperated -- cloudy and very humid with the occasional rain -- but it’s still a pleasure to walk around, sit at a cafe, and take in the surroundings.

With that in mind, I am unquestionably ready to go home. Malaysia was not a high point for me or the band (in as much as the show is concerned). I first joined up with this tour back in December of last year when they flew me out to do a couple of shows in Kuala Lumpur. It was a fascinating city and the weather, though very hot, was nice to take in. Though our location was different, I had expected more of the same and, with 5 days there, I was eager to arrive. To coin an oft-used American phrase; it sucked. Big time. If the Petronas Towers are the highest twin-towers in the world, then the Genting Highlands Resort just might be the highest pile of shit in the world. 1000’s of Asians flock to this rat hole to wander aimlessly through a maze of bad restaurants, shops, and arcades only to return to the filthiest hotel rooms I have yet to encounter. On top of all that, we had just come off a horrible show in Bangkok and were treated to an equally bad one on the first of two shows in Genting. Now, to be fair to my colleagues, the band was up to playing great and having another in a string of good shows. Unfortunately, Hurricane Humpy blew through the proceedings and turned the place into a disaster area. Engelbert is a fantastic singer & performer, so why not derive some pleasure from that wonderful gift, do the show, sing your heart out, and let the soundguys and the MD do their jobs? That kind of ranting & raving not only looks bad to the audience, but it sucks the enthusiasm out of all concerned.

Thankfully, a second show in Malaysia -- at a 5000 seat arena -- was a triumph in all respects and we were able to leave on somewhat of a high note. The short 45 minute flight to Singapore found everyone happy, a little tired, and anxious to move on.

On a personal note, I find myself healthier and in better shape than I possibly have ever been. Despite my passion for food, I’ve eschewed the buffets for the most part and have taken to eating smaller meals and putting my fork down sooner than I used to. I’ve treated myself to a massage on a couple of occasions after working out and I’ve gotten a few comments from the ladies working on me that I look 10 years younger than my age. They’re probably supposed to say that, but it was nice to hear anyway. One actually said I was too skinny! I haven’t heard that in a long, long time.

Musically speaking (or should I say “bassikly speaking”!), I find myself playing better. I expected my chops to atrophy a little -- and maybe on a creative/intuitive level they have (I’ll find out when I get home and have to play more interactive music) -- but I think the discipline of working within the parameters of the show has made me more conscious of the notes I choose, when & where to use them, and even how long or short (as in articulation) to play them. I not only feel -- even at 42 -- I have a greater understanding of my role as a bassist, but also how influential I can be in that role. It’s a great feeling and a new source of inspiration for me. I no longer have the need to play a great solo at some point in the gig (in any gig, for that matter) in order to feel I’ve made a valid contribution. Another lesson learned, in a lifetime of lessons, that was learned late but learned nonetheless.

On that note, I will say goodbye until we meet again.

Stay tuned!
--Adam

Monday, June 13, 2005

Sri Lanka to Bangkok

6/13, 5:13pm: An ancient Chinese proverb says: “Man who go to bed with itchy ass, wake up with smelly finger.” Well, I’ve arrived in Bangkok feeling as if I’ve left behind one giant itchy ass. I must say though, in all due respect, that the people of India and Sri Lanka were gracious hosts -- so eager to please -- and I did find the tropical island of Sri Lanka much to my liking. Nevertheless, I did not shed a tear as our plane lifted off the runway at approximately 3am this morning. Additionally, I’m happy to report that I’ve organized a special UN envoy to come to India and supply the country with free toilet paper...double-ply. Although the subject of doodie has become a favorite topic of discussion among the band & crew -- what with Delhi Belly (think Montezuma’s Revenge) becoming a problem for some (though, thankfully, not me) -- I will move on to more savory areas of discussion.

Driving from the airport to our hotel in Bangkok, I couldn’t escape the feeling that I’d awoken from some strange dream. Things here are modern and up to date much like any western city. Phone service is reliable and without the bizarre number sequences I encountered previously. The roads and main highways all have the look and clarity of direction that one would expect from in this day & age. However, it occurs to me -- even as I write this -- that there might be some charm and sense of adventure in rumbling over dark, unrefined avenues where people, vehicles, and animals mingle so freely. Yes, I do believe that.

I think the image that is etched in my mind about Colombo (Sri Lanka) is the sight of machine gun stations in & around the airport. There were also soldiers at almost every major intersection armed with AK-47s. The AK-47 is a name and an image that, for me , has always been synonymous with communism, rebels, coups, uprisings...basically the symbol and tool of choice for anything or anyone anti-American. To see these rifles literally feet away from you in the hands of such seemingly young people, was startling. On the flip side of that was the extreme lushness of the landscape and the striking optimism of the people (a quality that seemed absent in the people of India). I believe there is much Sri Lanka can offer as a destination for vacationers but also as a part of the world community. There has been ongoing civil war -- the nature of which eludes me -- that has lasted for 20 years or so. I know that if their resources were directed elsewhere and they could put this thing behind them, a truly wonderful country would emerge.

On a musical note, the band is in a groove not unlike a sports team that is on a winning streak. We just can’t seem to lose! And this, after I had a less than stellar night our last show. I really felt like my mind wasn’t in the game and I was on autopilot. And it’s funny because you start to talk to yourself: “Wow, I’m really coasting here. Why can’t I get dialed in? Gee, I can’t believe I just played that note. Hmmm, I’m standing here in front of 2000 people and blankly staring into the audience talking to myself. Okay, smile, let them see what a great time you’re having. Ugh, I bet I look like an idiot. Try looking serious & determined. Damn, another mistake! Shit.” And so it went.

No worries; tomorrow is our show in Bangkok and with that change in scenery comes a chance for a musical awakening as well.

Until next time...

Your friendly neighborhood bass player,
--Adam

Wednesday, June 8, 2005

India

6/8, 5:40PM: Dateline-Bangalore, India. We started our Asian tour last week and there is so much I’ve already experienced. Though I fear the written word may not accurately portray the overwhelming assault on the senses that India brings, I am compelled to share what has already been an experience I shall never forget.

First, the 14 hour flight from L.A. to Hong Kong...I can’t believe I’m going to say this but, it wasn’t that hard. As my number one favorite guy, Jeff Sturges (our MD) likes to say, my road chops are up! An 8 hour L.A. to London run?...like a stroll to the corner market to me now. The key is time management and always go for the aisle seat. If you’re near the window, every time you have to get up you have to bother the other one or two people to get up and let you out. A few trips to the toilet and the annoyance factor goes way up. Middle seat?...no room! You’ve got people on either side and you can’t stretch out into the aisle or use the wall next to you to lean against. It’s a no-win situation. Now, the aisle allows freedom of movement both for leaving your seat as often as you need and for letting your limbs and shoulder expand beyond the limitations of the seat. It’s perfect and it gives you a sense that you’re not being squished.

After a day layover in Hong Kong, we flew to Delhi, India. A brief 4 hour flight that was punctuated by the showing of a fun movie with John Travolta called “Be Cool”. I had read the book by Elmore Leonard so it was neat seeing how the roles were cast.

India...where to begin? Well, I guess the first thing that struck me was the incredible heat. Following that very quickly was the smell. Intense heat and the smell of urine; not exactly travel brochure material. The bus ride from the airport to the hotel was an eye-opener. Now, mind you, it’s 2am and it’s still over 90 degrees outside! The bus ride itself, with the seemingly chaotic way in which traffic flows (or doesn’t flow), was an adventure. Buses, cars, motorcycles, pedestrians, bicycles, and these very small 3-wheeled taxis, all co-mingle to form a river of movement that pushes and pulls in different -- and often opposite -- directions. Horns are used liberally and I’m not sure with what intention or effect. Amidst all this chaos is the occasionally alarming sight of a cow or goat standing untouched and seemingly unaffected.

The heat is so thick and stifling that people can be seen literally lying on the sidewalk sleeping. It’s also not unusual to see someone relieving themselves in public. There are trenches that run along the sidewalk -- basically an open sewer -- where people urinate and, I guess, drop a deuce when the moment arrives. I’ve seen people also just squat in an open lot. I inquired, as I’ve been known to do, about how they clean up. There is no toilet paper, so they use their hand. In particular, their left hand, as is Indian custom. Small pitchers of water are kept nearby to rinse your hand off. Thus, it is considered a great insult here to shake someone’s hand with your left hand or to serve them food with your left hand. I must say, with no apprehension, that I’m inclined to agree.

The extent of the poverty here, with vast slums that consist of large networks of cramped open-air dwellings with no electricity and which resemble a giant stone & aluminum house of cards, and the aggressive begging from children & adults alike, is alarming. And yet, I sense in these people a great dignity, and a strong pride in the Indian culture. There is great beauty in their music, clothing, art, and architecture. One gets the feeling that India is like the talented athlete that never quite realized his potential.

As for my accommodations; nothing but first-rate, with the most exceedingly helpful and friendly workers & staff you could imagine. There isn’t a need that goes unsatisfied or a wish that goes unfulfilled. I’ve been immersing myself in a routine of gym followed by pool. The weather is great for getting some sun, jumping in the pool (which has always been the perfect temperature) to cool off, and then getting out and feeling nice and warm as you let the sun dry you off. The hotels we’ve been at here all have quite a history and I must say I feel like I’m leading some sort of exotic lifestyle.

The tour has been getting quite a lot of press here both on TV and in print. Saw myself on the evening news when they aired a concert clip, which was kind of cool. I also saw a picture of Engelbert from last night’s concert in today’s paper. I was barely discernible in the background but it was still kind of fun to see. We played in Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) last night and gave one of our strongest shows in a while. I thought Engelbert was particularly on and he gave a very exciting performance. It’s still a thrill for me to play behind him.

All in all, this has been an experience of great contrasts both physically and emotionally. With several countries still ahead, I can only assume this is just the beginning.

Until next time...

Your friendly neighborhood bassist,
--Adam