September, 2004
Cafe de Paris with Joel Frahm, Tal Ronen, and Franco Pinna
Sept. 30
Today I did a phone interview with Jack Mcray from the post and courier. He interviewed me last year for an article when I brought Los Extranjeros to the South. He is a very hip fellow and into some interesting things inside the music. He’s working on a project to uncover the stories of jazz musicians born in Charleston. Its amazing how many cats got their start in the low country and made a name for themselves on the international music scene. There is a cool website with some interesting links that my friend Sean Dennis runs @ www.charlestonjazz.com Check it out if you get a chance. I’m going to head over to MOTO on the scooter again tonight. With my sweet little baby amp its so easy to cruise the streets on two wheels. I’m going to miss that once the fierce weather sets in (I can already see signs that she’s ready to bear down). I’ll miss the summer but the smell, the slight chill, and the darkness of Autumn always remind me of a new beginning. Programmed by the school schedule I endured for 15 formative years, the Fall I know is a time for first impressions, discovery, and reinvention. I am far more than I appear to be all the strength and power of the universe lies within me.
Sept. 29th
I’m not a quitter, but I am trying to cut back on the caffeine. I’ve gotten to the point that I drink coffee or tea all day long in a steady stream. I think I’ve become addicted, but is it physical or just psychological? Today I didn’t drink one caffinated beverage all day. It is now after midnight and I think its safe to say that I can make it through the rest of the night. Tomorrow I will have to take in stride, but I know that I will feel worlds better by next week. This will have to be my little experiment in moderation.
Sept. 28th
What can I say, when I know that you’ll read this? What can I keep for myself? I woke up to the drumming rain tempting me back to sleep. I wanted to get up, to get to work, to be New York motivated. So I made a compromise. I pressed my head deep into my pillow and I tucked the covers between my legs. I lay there for quite a while, but I didn’t go to sleep. I have allot to accomplish today, but somehow today doesn’t seem to want accomplishment. I guess that’s too bad for today. Time to start swinging.
Sept. 27th.
Drums in the street. Step in line with the band. We’re coming through the crowd to entertain you. You may think we’re too loud. You may think that we’re obnoxious. But, I think you want to make a sound too. Maracatu in the street on Sunday afternoon wore me out and filled me up. I love new york. Or did I say that already?
Sept. 25th ‘04
Walking in the park eating cherry tomatoes, sipping on grape juice, feeling the sun on my face, the sticky sweet sugar on my hands. Green tea lifts me up with its not so subtle injection of caffeine. Sharp, alert, ready for whatever. Today I’ll take in a movie, a gig, and my oldest friends party in Brooklyn. Happy Birthday Taylor.
Sept. 24th ‘04
Krystle your sick, standing on the bench preachin, people gettin hushed and no train slowing you down. Kudos. The room was filled by the rumble of the JMZ, an Argentine pulse, a Midwestern Crooner, and a Country Boy from way down south. That’s a good gig…
Getting ready for South Carolina. Thinking of things I might have forgotten. If your reading this and your down there. Help me spread the word. I’m so excited to go home.
Sept. 23rd ‘04
Ok got me again. I forgot to write yesterday. I was rehearsing with the Finnish Folk Singers and then I had the gig at BOOM. The rehearsal went well. Its a really nice project and in time I think it will bear fruit. We are definitely taking it slow. Rehearsing once a week and taking time on the arrangements, being creative, and trying different things. Looks like we’ll have our first gig at Barbes in October. Please come and see us!! BOOM went smooth, no problems…Franco was there and its really killing to play guitar, percussion, and flute. I had a ball and rode the scooter over the Manhattan bridge for the first time. I was scared at first but once the adrenaline kicked in I enjoyed battling the wind from the peak of this awesome castle. With the Jazz Ambassadors behind me I can now prepare for my Southern Tour and I must say I’m very excited. Its been a while since I’ve seen my friends and family in the South and I miss them all very much. This looks to be a trip to remember. Till tomorrow (if I don’t forget).
Sept. 21st. “04
The Jazz Ambassadors audition happened. We played very well and we all spoke eloquently about the subjects put before us. At this point I will (as always) knock on wood and hope for the best. I know that we did the best we could and I know that we did a damn good job. Whatever happens in the selection process is beyond my power or influence. Whatever happens, it was a great experience. Its been a long time since I’ve been in an audition situation like that and I know that when I apply again in the future it will be much easier.
Sept. 20th ‘04
Well, I slacked off over the weekend and didn’t make it to the diary. The weekend was eventful. I played every night. The gigs went well. On saturday Marie and I lay lay around all day doing nothing and it was amazing. On Sunday I got to play with one of my favorite bassist Massimo and his friend from the Monk Institute drummer Frenc Nemth. Killing musicians and great people too. I’d really like to play with them more often. Today we have the final rehearsal before the Ambassadors audition. The group is sounding great and I’m still excited about the opportunity.
Sept. 17th ‘04
MOTO is an amazing place. I’ve played there now for more than a year and I always enjoy going there. Anyone here or visiting NYC should definitely check it out. Krystle and I were a duo last night and after an initial struggle with the audience in the 1st set, we found our groove in the second. We tried some new things and made it through some less familiar tunes. Marie was there with lots of friends from Charleston and all was well as the JMZ rumbled overhead. Today its errands, some guitar playing, and lots of itunes.
Sept. 16 ‘04
The gig at boom went well last night. There was an episode at the club a couple of weeks ago that has brought my guard up. I now go there expecting anything to happen. Fortunately all was well last night, business as usual, its all in the past. The group was nice, with itai and chris vanvorst vanbast. People are coming back just to see us play (i’ll take that as a compliment). Jazz Ambassadors audition around the corner. knock on wood.
Sept. 15 ‘04
I just learned that the ban on assault weapons like the AK47 have expired and that the government has let the bans expire. I also saw video footage of young americans with their parents shooting at targets. What purpose on earth could such a weapon possibly serve besides being used to kill. Rest assured that if I ever have children I’ll be handing them musical instruments, paint brushes, or encyclopedias. I just hope they won’t have to learn how to dodge bullets.
Sept. 14 ‘04
I’m very inspired by my new friend and band mateKrystle Warren. She has an online diary and I really enjoy checking it out, so I’ve decided to try and pick up a new habit. Things have been sweet lately here in NYC lots of new friends and a ridiculous amount of talent!!! I’m having a really good time with our group Ruby Rosa. The duo I have with Itai is getting better all the time and I’ve learned enough about Brazilian music to fuel a new passion. Scott, Nate, Solomon, and I will be auditioning for the Jazz Ambassadors Program next Tuesday. I’m excited…
