Tag: DIY Musician

Stimulants, Attack Birds, and a Lovely Pie: Sydney

By my calculations, there are upwards of a metric bunch of restaurants called Bar Italia around the world. But my absolute favourite, and without doubt the only one ever I’ve been to, is Bar Italia. That place is great. It’s in the Sydney suburb of Leichhardt, which despite being named after an explorer from Prussia … Continue reading Stimulants, Attack Birds, and a Lovely Pie: Sydney

A bumpy Landing (or Man Has Challenging Taxi Ride; Eventually Finds Hotel)

It was humid and smoggy and I was collapsing beside a 6 lane freeway when it occurred to me I might be in over my head. The smart thing to do in a (very) strange country is to jump in a cab outside the airport and ride to the hotel in style, but that’s too … Continue reading A bumpy Landing (or Man Has Challenging Taxi Ride; Eventually Finds Hotel)

Food & Whine: NYC-Hong Kong

I’m sitting on a plane between Hong Kong and Beijing, belly full of flaccid noodles and a white wine my peerless palate informs me is the July vintage. The tour’s just begun and I’m complaining already. There are so many insults flung at the modern air traveler, I don’t know why I always focus on … Continue reading Food & Whine: NYC-Hong Kong

An Impermanent Residency

I may have just finished one of the shortest residencies in jazz history. I mean real short. I’m not complaining- it was fun- but even our current president’s managed to keep his job longer than this, and his racism is WAY less veiled than mine. VERY BAD! Anyway, it started with my annual trip to … Continue reading An Impermanent Residency

Barbies, Big Bands, and Bolting from Bar Tabs: Sydney, Week 2

Note: this all happened ages ago. N When we left each other last, I was dealing with my 40th birthday with calm, philosophical, zen-like acceptance. And four jugs of Illusion and a tattoo. This dubious landmark fell, as have so many before it, on New Year’s Day; and as this was a big one, my … Continue reading Barbies, Big Bands, and Bolting from Bar Tabs: Sydney, Week 2

Little Italy, Big Fish,and Skank in a Chinese Brothel: Sydney, Week 1

Note: the word "now" in the first sentence refers to a time about two weeks ago. Pretend I posted this then, and you're just reading it now. I know, you've been busy... I’m writing to you now (that was it) on a Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong to New York. They’ve got a good … Continue reading Little Italy, Big Fish,and Skank in a Chinese Brothel: Sydney, Week 1

Bonkers in Honkers Part 2

When I left you, we were about to start playing at Hong Kong’s Lyric Theater- technically the reason for us being there. For an out-of-touch bebop musician like me, a relatively big pop show like this is unfamiliar territory. I’m used to playing with two or three cohorts, minimal amplification, minimal audience, almost nothing in … Continue reading Bonkers in Honkers Part 2

Bonkers in Honkers Part 1

The following was written in Hong Kong, but posted in Sydney. I'm really not very good at this. Enjoy! If you’ve been enduring my incessant social mediafying, you’ll know we’re about half way through our Hong Kong escapade, and I thought a rundown was in order. I’m here with a gang of killer musicians from … Continue reading Bonkers in Honkers Part 1

A Curse Unleashed; Working for Doughnuts; and a Dahlia by Any Other Name

I’m back, safe and sound with the muggers and drug dealers in NYC. My people. The last leg of our little NW adventure took place in charming Portland. It’s rare on a tour like this to spend a few days in one town, but that’s how it worked out, and I was well pleased. I … Continue reading A Curse Unleashed; Working for Doughnuts; and a Dahlia by Any Other Name

Uppity youngsters, a sentimental Journey, and a belt rings a Belltown

Back on the tour bus, with a whole new entourage. Glad I didn't learn the names of the last one. So confusing- I don't know how Willie Nelson does it! And these groupies really seem to have no idea what the job entails. Very poor.  I'm headed down to Portland, Oregon from      the … Continue reading Uppity youngsters, a sentimental Journey, and a belt rings a Belltown