New York: Hot & Steamy!
What a weekend! I had an amazing time playing a few shows with the trio this past weekend in New York. We were hired to play private events on both nights and had an absolute blast, but man… was it hot and humid! Even though I grew up in Long Island, I just wasn’t used to the heat or the humidity after living in Northern California for so long. I mean, it was summer out there, for sure. Thinking about taking a shower? Don’t… you’ll need to take one again just five minutes after you get out. Just save the water…
One thing about playing New York is that I get to enjoy Mom's home cooked meals! Tasty!
Anyway, we played great, enjoyed having Malcolm Gold fill in on bass (he always rips it up big time), and even debuted a few newer songs I’ve been working on. All in all, a great time… Tomorrow, it’s off to do a few shows down the California coast from San Francisco down to Long Beach and back. As soon as I get back, it’s back to New York to do some shows and check out Nashville, too. In the mean time, I’ve got a little writing inspiration after some time away from California and I’m using it to write, uh… country! We’ll see how that all turns out, but this will be the second or third distinctly country style song I’ve written recently… don’t know what’s gotten into me, but maybe it’s  a good thing I’ll be checking out Nashville soon.
Just had to document this: I've got two Taylor 814ce's in hard cases in one overhead bin with room to spare on a 757. Doesn't fit, huh? Hmmph!
Flying there and back, we were met with all sorts of obstacles and hurdles to overcome. It was a true test of my patience and diplomacy skills. I’d like to think that I handled myself admirably (I managed to get two guitars and a bag of cymbals above deck in the overhead bins each way) but at times, let me tell you, it was trying on the spirit. The fact of the matter is: it’s just plain hard to travel with instruments these days on a major carrier. Actually, let me rephrase that… it’s hard to pass through the TSA guardian wall with instruments. I mean, those guys mean business! “Only two carry-on pieces allowed! Sir that laptop counts as a carry-on piece… no, cymbals are not considered a musical instrument. You can’t bring those on board…” What the?! Oh well… live and learn, right? 