March 30 2004
I have the new bass line to Resilience running through my head like a P-Funk freight train looking to crash into some heavy grooved plane of eternal funked-up love...
Daisy's not the only one feeling the caffine glow -- one cappuccino a few hours ago and here I still feel the effects at 11,22 trying to pull that crazy new line out of my head and onto the fret board (my fingers aren't keeping up to my brain, again -- the lick isn't sounding the same...again... but I'll get it out yet, my goal is set: translate the thought into sound, lay the grove down then lift it up at let it fly (like my caffine/music driven mind)). Hmm... I caught a bit of rhythm and rhyme here in my written lines, kind of like it happens on the guitar sometimes -- not just sound, but beat - a line complete meets rhythm and note in a new way... it's how I hope to play... one day.
P-funk is coming to town. WHeeeeeeeee!!!!
LEONARD COHEN and MARRIAGE PROPOSALS
"Suzanne Takes You Down..." that's my best Leonard Impression - kinda sketchy - and I've had 2 big dark roasts here in Seattle so I'm frickin' jumpy, folks -
Ok, it seems singing "Hallelujah/Lover You Should've Come Over" in a Medley makes men weak in the knees. I have never received a marriage proposal quite like this one - the dude threw a napkin on the floor and got down on one knee - "YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING INTO!" I shouted while framed within the Joan Jett mural in the Liquid Lounge in the EMP. "Step away slowly! Don't look back! AHGHHHHH!" All of this in front of my Mom and Aunt. Crimminy.
The gig at the Experience Music Project was super-cool, and I accomplished my mission of delivering our press kits, kissing hands, shaking babies. There weren't many toddlers there, just bikers - (WHAT IS IT WITH ME AND BIKERS?) - perhaps we could go as far as saying they were all babes - dunno.
Today rocks as my friend Scott whom I met in Honalulu is here in Seattle. I believe we will be watching NCAA finals today together - eating popcorn in the stands, yelling obcene things at the cheerleaders, being escorted out by security, drinking pints and pints of lager at the U of dub (W) student bar, toiletpapering the dean's Lexus...oh, wait - that was years ago for me -
There are a few reasons why I'm in a rock band. -
EASY STREET- Seattle, WA
I just took in some NCAA basketball at Washington State U - The Georgia Bulldogs rocked out! They beat Purdue by 3 and it went down to the WIRE - The final is on Monday - LSU vs. Georgia. Go Dawgs. What a spectacle, this American Sport Culture - The cheerleaders were - what? entertaining. One got dropped on her head and this is hard-wood floors, so...yeah.
Today was brunch at Easy Street Records, a record store and restraunt. It was a toss up between The Dolly Parton Stack (pancakes) or the Thin Lizzy - I went for No. 3 - The Green Day (spinach salad). I will work the staff to book PD as a afternoon in-store in June.
This evening will be a gig at the EMP (Experience Music Project). I have been given a mission to get us a gig so I will. Madonna's sister books it along with Joe Henry, her husband (he wrote "don't tell me"). Ye-haw!
I have to put the shout-out to my friend Seth and his gal Dana - Seth turned me onto Jeff Buckley back in University - and both of these cats are really great - they even stuck around until 2am at Club Wasobia (Jamaican restraunt) last time PD were in town - waiting for us to take the stage - this was yet another GONG SHOW- you 2 rock.
Other than that, it's just the same 'ol travel experience I have all the time - wild, crazy, magical, etc...
See you all at the JunoFest.
March 26- Coming Down From It All
It was epic. It was full on! I think that last night was one of the best shows I have ever experienced. The audience was listening to every single word and note, Carolyn was playing like a genius, and my cold let up just in time for the first song. It couldn't have been more perfect. I must admit that I was slightly, no, really hesitant about this show because of my sick factor. But Carolyn gave me the little pep talk before the show and all was good. Playing sports and playing guitar is so similar. It's all about the power of the mind and getting into the right head space no matter what the situation. So thankyou so much to all of the beautiful people who came out last night to watch the show. Thanks Jed for putting on the show and to all of the staff at the Sugarbowl for working hard. Thanks Dave for recording the set after a hard day's work in the salt mine.
March 24, 2004
After spilling a hot bowl of chili on my crotch, I realized how much I miss being on tour. Carolyn and I sat in the van, smelling the chili and burning flesh, remeniscing over the times when we would eat Wendy's chili after a long drive through Northern Ontario. We might as well have been in Northern Ontario. The Hughes gas station looked like it could have been sitting anywhere in North America. The garbage on the street, mixing with the sand and old snow. North Dakota, Thunderbay, Texas. We could have been anywhere.
Rehearsal was most excellent. We all sat in the groove much better today. Kim said it was because she didn't drink 6 cups of coffee before she arrived. Carolyn is getting better at headbanging without playing off the kick drum. She is working on a new choreographed routine for "Kartouche" which involves her hair drying technique. The bass player from Metallica would be envious.
I am on CJSR Radio in Edmonton tomorrow at 10 am if anyone wants to tune in. Mr. Chris Martin behind the microphone.
Also, tomorrow is the big Sugar Bowl show with Carolyn and myself. I know that the Bag Ladies are coming for sure.
March 22, 2004
I am sick too! Suspicious. I almost horked up a lung last night. I have to perform on thursday so I am being very smart now about chilling out and drinking lots of OJ and eating lots of raw garlic. Mmm. Did you know that apparently garlic is medicenely effective only if a person eats it raw? The best way to take it is to chop it up super fine, let it sit for 1 minute, and then swallow it with water. That was a tip from Sam Graci , "The Food Connection".
We have another rehearsal tonight. Our Juno set is looking super hot and is mostly our rocky bluesy stuff. There may even be a little cover action on a White Stripes tune.
March 21, 2004
I'm sick. But besides that, things are good.
I had a few words with the paper cutter at Staples on Thursday. They weren't very nice words. I spent about a half hour doing ten minutes worth of slicing little promotional cards for our Longriders show.
Enough whining.
Practice yesterday was really, really good. It had been a long time since I've been able to feel that bass love. We rocked it full on until Kim's tummy decided it was time to call it a night (about 2 hours). Yea. I was kind of loud... banging out the shots on "Don't Leave Me Here", the head somehow shook off my 6x10 cabinet. I tried to break its fall with my leg. Hmmm.... not too bright of an idea. The leg and the cabinet both luckily escaped without injury. We were hoping to go again today, but Kim's hurting some. She was very solid last night, though, so I think things are going to be good.
Oh, Wow.
Jann Arden said "it's not the singer, it's the song" - I agree - 95% of my material is about people I've loved intensly - I have fashioned a career writing songs about loves past/present - Now I've discovered someone wrote about me. WELL! FINALLY! geeeeeez! Thank you very much - "Cigarettes and You" - good tune. Good thing I don't smoke? - "Tiki Room" is my answer to "Cigarettes and You". Khartouche, If Need Be, Positive Blue Funk, In New York, Counted in the End, C'mon (Ode to a Bartender), P.T. Barnum, 5 Mile Man (on a 10 Mile Trail): I sense a pattern here. Dunno - that's all I got - I'm off to sing "Suite Judy Blue Eyes" and "Leather and Lace" at the H2O lounge - Karaoke rulz.
March 16, 2003
Today we had a photo shoot for the public library's new music launch. I am not sure exactly what it was for but Daisy knows. Anyhow, it was soooo cold and Carolyn was only wearing jeans and a sleeveless top. She froze her .... off. It was rock and roll in Canada. I have almost booked all of our shows for June so they should be up on the calendar soon. We will be in and around Vancouver for the final two weeks of June into July. Hoorah.
March 15th, 2004
Just to let you all know, we are on top of things but not that on top. Carolyn's entry below is actually from March 15th. She is a little tired. Love you C.
March 22, 2004
Things come full circle.
I'm going back to work at the coffee shop I first got a job at five years ago, when I moved to Edmonton to join the Daisies. It is nice to have friends that can hook us up with the flexible type of work that a touring musician needs. Many of my musician friends are either in the same boat as me, picking up short-term employment to get through the times when we're not touring, or else have found other creative ways of dealing with the financial realities of working in the music industry. Some have started their own businesses to give more flexibility to their "day job" schedule. Of course, it is inevitable that some shows have to be refused because of the necessity of devoting a great deal of time and energy to their businesses. I wonder if they ever find that their creative flow also becomes somewhat stifled under the inevitable mountain of paperwork that every small-business owner must face.
I say that I am a musician, but in reality I must be so many more things to keep the music dream alive -- cook, barista, server, warehouse employee, security system installer, general labourer... the list goes on. Student. I do have a back-up plan (be it somewhat ambiguous and changing) to success in the industry. If everything falls apart, I'll finish off my General Studies degree and either take off to teach English in Asia or do a two-year education after-degree and take off to teach regular school. Definitely back-up. Maybe I'd just be able to travel and pick up gigs...
I am very lucky to be where I am today. I love my band, am positive about our potential for the future, and really don't mind coming back to where I once belonged. It's worth the uncertainty, and it's worth the dedication.
March 12, 2004
We got our Visa application in on time. So now we have to wait for 120 days to see if we are allowed to enter the U.S. I really hope so because I have big plans for some new pottery in Helena.
We had a great acoustic rehearsal tonight. Kim did really well and then started feeling a bit ill near the end. We played our rock set totally acoustic and it gave us ideas. Hmmm. A new acoustic album. Kim beat the crap out of her rubber kit and I thought... bongos. No, she would kill me if I asked her to play bongos. We wrote our set for the Juno showcase. Pure balls to the wall. I am so excited to play in front of people it hurts. Only a few more weeks and then it's time. We have also decided to release our CBC show on CD so stay tuned for that as well.
Our deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones in the recent terrorist attacks in Spain. I read the newspaper this morning and started crying my heart out in a public cafe. I want to play for peace this year and every year after.
March 11, 2004
I am about to lose my mind. We are trying to get oue U.S. Visa Applications in on time and that's today. I haven't got back the main contract that I need so I am practicing zen. We are going to the Helena Music Festival in July and then over to Oregon and Washington. One of my most favorite cities on the coast is Eugene, OR. It is a full on college town with an ample supply of trails, hills, organic food markets, espresso stands, and music loving people. Portland has been a tough one for us. During the last show, the sound man got fired just before we went on, and then the cook had to run the P.A. Rough. Well, now I must fly across the bridge on my bike and do the do.
Well, The Mayor Liked It--All Good
Tonite was a trippy gig, I sang in Edmonton City Hall for the Poverty's Purse Benefit - it was phenominal. Brigitte Ryan MC'd the fashion show bit- she's frickin' funny, i wish people would just get out of their heads and LISTEN to this woman as she's BRILLIANT. She is co-host on The Big Breakfast - she is also a playright, musician, director, actor - she does it all and very well - check out "A Winter's Tale" and you'll see. PD will be on the BB for a FULL HOUR April 1st - I hope I get back in time from Seattle for that. I want to play "twister" with Steve Antle. Why? Just Because. A 7 am TV call, contorting my body over his sounds somewhat pleasing- TUNE IN! - ANY OLD HOO - Mayor Bill Smith was leaving his office while I was singin' away and that was completly strange- all I could think of were my unpaid parking tickets and the Edmonton Eskimos - he used to play for them. Uh- where was I? Yeah- Shannon Tyler of Mix 96 was there to MC the event and I have to tell you people, she is top-notch and has always helped us out the last few years. What else do I have to report? Yes. City Hall is beautiful and it was a pleasure - thank you to Jane Slessor and Mike (no more Irish Car Bombs for me at Black Dog!) for everything. You are good people. Daisy's over and out and off to the next gig - lookout, Seattle.
March 8, 2004
Good news. We are heading to southern B.C. in the end of June. I think it will be the Railway Club around or on the 25th. Yay! I really miss the coast. Then we will be heading over to the islands and finally down into the U.S.
I am confirmed to tour in Germany and Holland for the month of April. I shall miss Canada but this opportunity is too grand to pass up. I shall be flying with my bike and guitar and together we shall face the challenges of touring in Europe. I have a few gigs playing slide guitar for a metal band called "Wounded Knee". Their music is like calculus equations. Full on arpeggios from hell. Is that how you spell arpeggios? Dunno. I am quite looking forward to the challenge. And if United Airlines loses my bike or my guitar I shall SCREAM! Then i am doing some solo, acoustic shows where I will play with so much passion that my fingers will bleed and everyone will buy me beer and invite me over for weiner schnitzel. It's happened before. If they don't, Bratwurst and Brot (bread) is only 2 Euros. Nicht so teuer (Not so expensive).
We are into rehearsing again now that Kim is in almost full form. It is rubber kit time. rrrrr. We need to be fully epic for the Junofest. Epic is my new word. It's like full on. Okay, time to go to bed. My battle scar sciactica is acting up.
March 7, 2004
It is +4 degrees celcius today and I am on my way to the Tibetan Freedom Concert. I am playing along side some very talented musicians of whom I have never met before. I feel ready and I am honored to be apart of such a worthy fundraiser. A few days ago I watched the film "Himilaya" and was reminded of the beauty and power lurking throughout those mountains. Also, I was reminded of the beauty of the Tibetan people and their culture. I want to visit this place but understand that it is $700 US to visit this particular area for a week. Yikes. Right Vivian. It is time for "Balls to the Wall" rock. I will do what I can to contribute to the fight for a free Tibet.
March 5, 2004
Two great things about today:
1) Lunch at Allegro (100th Ave, just of 109th St). Wow. Yummy. Mushroom soup that ranked up there with Sorrentino's, and an absolutely amazing grilled veggie sandwich. Great service too.
2) A lecture entitled "Islam, Israel and Diversity" given by Irshad Manji. It was followed by a question period / open discussion that got more than a few attendees' blood boiling. Viva la activism, viva la diversite, viva la franglaise...
Kim and I are jamming tomorrow. She's got her rubber kit set up in her apartment, and has been going at it for a couple days now. Good. Really good... soon we'll be ready for the stage once again.
You find your kin ...
The NuSong Cafe at Cafe LaGarre was a great experience because my song "P.T Barnum" finally found it's audience. I met some lovely peeps who perform with Jim Rose's clan who are affiliated with the Kamakaze Freak Show (pd hung with them in Europe, I remember a wonderful falafal lunch sitting beside John who is in the Guiness Book of World Records 2002 - i won't tell you for what, it's not appropriate at this time) - ANY OLD HOO - yeah - they got it, they dug it - my job as a performer was successful - it was not easy as my mic wasn't up too snuff so I spent most of the night singing without it. I remember Bernadette Peters filling the Jube without a mic - I digress. It was silent in that cafe when I sang - the owner Clay told me everyone kept moving foreward in their seats - he also told me what my voice did to him but again, that's not appropriate here. Solo gigs are King - they bring me back to the essence of captivating people with voice and music. If you can do that, you can do anything...
March 2, 2004
It's kind of weird -- it seems we are either all full of things to say, or quite altogether empty. I don't feel that I've much to say... this may be a good time, then, for some actual communication. Time to talk with someone with whom one has a connection beyond words. Blah... all human connection is beyond language, it's just perceptions and whatnot that keep us from bringing such subconscious realizations into reality. Man, I'm really devoid of website banter. Functioning elsewhere than in that place where I can sit down and divulge the sweet band-related details of yet another wonderful day (really written without sarcasm -- I typingly swear).