Here is a toon from last Sunday's Jazz Vespers gig:

The "gearing up" has begun! Also, the encouragement continues. Tonite, all of the loose ends came together in our rehearsal preparation for "Do You Hear What I Hear"; our show at the local theatre in 2 weeks. Actually, it was pretty amazing, and quite spiritual. I've been told (and hear) over and over again that I can get people to express/create beyond themselves. I expressed that poorly, my version would be: I think I (often) know the limits of how far I can get someone to "stretch" in a motivational setting. And, I can (often) accurately envision that which is yet to exist. That's the part of me that keeps showing up, but I (perhaps) have never properly harnessed. Safe to say, we are all "jazzed" after tonite. The solo jazz vespers gig, this past Sunday, was also a successful "stretch", for me. Solo creative playing is my long view focus now (not much change, really). It's all good.

Late on Wednesday evening. As I sit in my office (no doors, and the sound in my house travels very well) I am hearing the sound of all 3 of my kids playing the new "Guitar Hero" derivative game: "Rock Band" together. All things considered, pretty cool! Part of the pleasure, perhaps, is in actually being home, with my family all together (in recent times, not a constant, or a given). My oldest had his first long solo drive back from North Carolina today (having been gone the better part of a week). Combine that with recent travels, and the 5 of us haven't found ourselves in one place very often. It is "Thanksgiving" time, and not difficult to be thankful.

Just received this from Gary (Midiri band bassist and tech crew), taken last Sunday at the Norris Center, in greater L.A. (Ca). This trip was at the tail end of an intense few weeks. For the next few days, i will enjoy some "breathing room" in my schedule, then after Thanksgiving, it really kicks in. All in my local area, however, so it will be (or seem) more manageable. Last night I had a gig with Vessa (and Max Murray), which impressed on me that I have been (largely) out of the local scene for about a month. I was ushered back in, however, with the irrepressible Vessa (closest I will ever come to accompanying Jerry Lewis), and Max - who can actually "keep up" with her (no hope for me there, I just become the straight man - no reference to the gig being in Rehoboth intended). I was not entirely joking when I suggested that the two of them pay a visit to a comedy club. I'll try to remember to add Max's name (on my schedule) to any gig with Vessa that he is on as well, so you'll have the inside scoop. My next public gig is Sunday 11/25 at the Jazz Vespers of the First Presbyterian Church in Pitman, NJ (which will stand in contrast to last night). I'm looking forward to the opportunity to express improvisationaly, solo piano, and am looking to push my own envelope a little bit. Come on out, if you can!

Back out in Calif. With the Midiri boys, this time for 2 shows (2 sets each) at the Norris Theater. Am starting this in-between the shows, but waiting to go on any minute. The band continues to establish itself ever more deeply in this "circuit". The traveling is fun, but will look forward to time off from it. We fly home tomorrow, then not again until Feb. It then will slowly gear up, and once we hitting the fall (‘08), will have reached a level beyond my experience to-date. Am continuing to encounter encouragements across the board. As of today, I have already met my CD sales goal for the month (thanks in large measure to my new friend Harald).
Last night, because of an "accidental" 2 hour nap in the late afternoon (we arrived at LAX at 10am), I was not prepared to sleep, and didn’t get to bed until about 5am. Get things done when you can. A little sleepy, but having fun today.

Late Monday night, and now my first you tube video to pass 1000 views!




This video has made, perhaps, the strongest "connection" of all, and really, more than anything, illustrates what I'm most looking for: that which reaches and touches across divides. Am I a dreamer, or what? Ok, so sue me! On second thought, let's negotiate.......