MUSINGS

The tour with the good Dr. continues tonight in Portland at The Blue Monk. Sorry I haven't been posting. Things have been very very busy. We had a great show up in Cranbrook. The audience was really hard to read and we thought that maybe they weren't enjoying it but judging by how many CDs were purchased I think they dug the show. The 11 hour drive home from Cranbrook was a lot to take but the fact that Dr. Lonnie didn't complain once made it easier. He has always been great to deal with but this tour he has been exceptional especially given some of the nasty drives.

We played in Seattle last night at The Triple Door. This is a first class joint from top to bottom. They really have it together and the band sounded good. It wasn't my best night but all in all it was good and a nice crowd to of about 128 people which is pretty decent. We drove to Portland today and arrived at KMHD Radio in Gresham where Dr. Lonnie did an interview. It was fun hanging out at the station and it was nice to see that they are familiar with Cellar Live and play a lot of our stuff. The director of development Calvin Walker gave the label a very very nice plug which is very cool. We arrived at our hotel at around 3:00 and what a hotel it is. I can't even explain in but check it out on the web at www.jupiterhotel.com. I can't even begin to explain this place but its wicked!

The gig at the Monk tonight musically was happening but crowd wise it was super disappointing. Only about 25 people which is pretty low considering that we hadn't had a crowd less than 85 the whole tour. The folks that were there dug it and I'm proud to say that the band played as if the room was full. We're hoping for a bigger turn out tomorrow and I think it will be. The Monk is a great place and the food is happening. I had the Spaghetti and Meatballs which is a signature Blue Monk dish.

Im feeling blessed to play with these great musicians. Especially Bernie! Man he is really knocking me out more than he ever has. I don't know what it is but he is really sounding wonderful. Bill Coon never ceases to amaze me. it doesn't matter what the situation he sounds amazing! Taggart.....shit, to share the stage with him and constantly having to be on your toes is tough. Basically if you're going to play saxophone with him on the same stage you better make sure you're at your best at all times. I kind of work better under those conditions. Its been great! I counted the time I have shared the same stage with Dr. and its be 41! Wow.

The greatest thing about this tour is its been all jazz all the time. No funk which i have enjoyed. We have been playing On A Misty Night, My Little Suede Shoes, Just Squeeze Me, Willow Weep For Me, Its You Or No One, Billie's Bounce, Body And Soul, In A Sentimental Mood etc. Its my first jazz tour!