Long Beach August 13, 2004admin No CommentI got off the plane and slept at the airport hotel, instead of at home & went straight to the festival grounds. Yes, this is called hit the ground running. We just closed out a busy 5 week tour in Europe, but being home & in familiar territory somehow has it’s own way of refreshing you & making you ready to hit it. Long Beach does that nicely, so many familiar faces, even big Dudley the security chief backstage. And dear sweet Pat Prescott (of “The Wave w/ Dave” Koz) who has become a pillar & cornerstone of this yearly gathering, brings a classic classy touch that lets everybody know they’re in the right place. Peter White has just finished his set & Pat gives me one of her cool eloquent introductions – we’re on. Even though it’s late & they’ve been there all day, the Long Beach Jazz Festival audience greets me with a roar & we give ’em the oldies, the middies & the newies too. An encore for desert & everyone is full & satisfied. The only thing I’m worried about is whether or not I embarrassed my son Ryan on his birthday by mentioning it from the stage & pointing him & his girlfriend out as they danced down front. OH, YES!! Kem came to say hello. I didn’t even know he was in town. We talked & shared some mutual admiration laughter & even some ideas about the future, etc, etc. Can you guess? What a night. Thanks Pat & LB Jazz & Kem. And thanks y’all!!! — A.J. diaryShare : Tweet
Monte Carlo August 12, 2004admin No CommentWe did 2 wonderful nights at the sporting club with it’s fabulous Casino Showroom that has 25 feet high floor to ceiling window panels that can be closed or opened to the balmy night air. From 10 years ago I remember the stunning signs of staggering wealth. It’s still the same. Ferraris & Maseratis everywhere & private yachts that look like cruise ships. It’s fun to dream!! We did both nights on a beautifully equipped elegant stage with 2 other bands just before us. The Sporting Club Orchestra with violas & cellos and a good young singer form Denmark named Hannah. The other band was Brazillian & just burnin!!! And when they joined us on stage for an all out jam on “Mas Que Nada”, the place was like New Year’s Eve. Ha-Ha-Ha!!! I know it was New Year’s Eve for Debbie, who had friends that came from Paris to hang out with her & have a good time. Debbie was heard to say, “I need a nap!!!!” ME TOO!!!! The tour is over on the continent, but we’ll hit the ground running in America. Better sleep hard & fast on the plane. — A.J. diaryShare : Tweet
