Hans York Travel Journal

August News

2011-08-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

Currently I'm writing you from Twin Falls, Idaho. I'm on a 1800 miles drive to Amarillo, TX where I play next Friday. Last week we tracked about 20 songs at David Lange Studio in Tacoma, WA with my longtime German friend Ralf Goeldner on percussion and me on acoustic guitar and vocals. After that we went to Avast Studio in Seattle where we recorded 9 songs with Keith Lowe on bass, Mike Stone on drums, and me this time on my Gibson 335 through a 1965 Fender Deluxe Amp. I'm so thrilled to have producer Evan Brubaker on board and just finished additional parts in his studio in Tacoma. Next week he's recording the horns and Hammond in Seattle with engineer Mell Dettmer. Mell and I worked on my last two albums and several other productions and I hardly can wait until I hear the final versions...All I can say is Rock'n Roll:)

had an intense July in California playing with my friend Ralf and a few shows with Lyquid Amber. For the first time since years I spent two weeks at a music camp in the Sierras without phone and internet, what a change of focus! It was two weeks of heaven and then last day in Camp I learned that my mon had passed away in Germany. After the initial shock I was glad to be in the mountains and amongst friends. It was the most comforting place to be in that moment, but I also wished I could have said goodbye in person, even though I know we don't get to choose those moments. I have fond memories of my last visit in 2009 and always will have her with me close to my heart. Around the time she died I was dancing for the first time in years and my body felt almost weightless, playing with gravity and motion. The Maracatu Rhythms of Northwest Brazil grabbed me and a large Percussion Ensemble filled my heart and soul to the max. I almost had an out of body experience and totally lost myself in moments of intense joy and tears wanting to climb into a bass drums. I could not get enough and was still full of energy after and hour of bliss and dance ecstasy. Now I know that she was dancing with me all the time:) I'm very sad but also know that she's well.

In September I will mostly play in Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona and Nevada and then fly to Germany for a long due family visit and some shows. Really looking forward to seeing my siblings and friends again!

6000 miles and feeling like the Lord of the Rings:)

2011-06-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

I was pretty busy and drove about 6000 miles from Pennsylvania to the entrance of Yellowstone Park in Wyoming, then down to Denver, CO for the weekend. After that to San Jose via Reno. Part of that stretch is probably the most scenic I've seen so far. It is on US 50, which is also called the loneliest Highway in the States. I can second that and was for hours the only car on the road! Have you've ever seen "Lord of the Rings"? Well, at one time I entered a huge valley and had 4 snow covered peaks in every direction. What a sight! After an overnight in Reno I took a scenic route past Lake Tahoe - It was my first time there - beautiful!!! In San Jose I attended my friends wedding and was the grooms man - it was my first "American Wedding" and very impressive if I might say so, especially seeing myself in a Tuxedo:)

After the weeding I started driving East again to Phoenix and then via Las Cruces to Fort Stockton in midst of the West Texan desert. Never thought I would ever play there but...Then on to Austin and finally to Kerrville where I attended this years Festival. Currently I have a few days off and spend it in Austin trying to catch up with booking and various mailings. Live on the road is good and I'm still smiling though I had weird dreams tonight and woke up quite in distress. Luckily I had a chance to talk it through with my buddy James Hurley while driving him to the Austin Airport. After some deep laughs I surely felt way better! This weekend I play in San Antonio and then go back to Kerrville for a show at the Festival. Already looking forward to sleeping in the tent again - well, not really:)

Next Wednesday I'll be driving North to Lubbock for a few days and then via Albuquerque, NM and Prescott, AZ to Anaheim, CA. I'll stay at the California for a while and am looking forward to picking up my friend Ralf from LAX. He's visiting again for 6 weeks playing shows and recording the new HANS YORK album - yes, it finally happens beginning of August. I can't tell you how excited I am - but more of that later. For now I say goodbye and am sending my best wishes from the never ending road:)

Promises of Armadillo and Longhorn hide

2010-11-05T23:48:00.000-07:00

11/5/10 – Fort Stockton, TX

It sure has been a while since I sat down and started writing. Don't know exactly why I do it right now but it just feels good.
This morning it started in Las Cruces, NM, After a very comfortable bed I woke up rested and eager to start the day...,
My friend Lee made a wonderful breakfast while his three, warm shower, bicyclist guests and me watched him while setting the table. Then we talked about the world and enjoyed Cinnamon French Toast topped with a Butter simmered Apple-Banana mix and, last not least, the classic maple syrup. It was quite a breakfast for me...
Right before I wanted to leave the morning party, my CA friends Bev & Greg messaged that they were only 90 miles South along I-10. We set up a PEC (Path Crossing Event) in a Starbucks downtown El Paso, So off I went...
40 minutes later we were chatting and feeling familiar bonds in unknown grounds. They told me about a coffee and tea place in Van Horn called Crossroads Coffee with two couches and friendly owners. I decided that I'm going to visit them too and make a stop on my way to Fort Stockton. Now this particular stretch of I-10 can sometimes be a little disturbing because of all the border control, and the subsequent stop at a Check Point, followed by the questioning of your Citizenship and destination... Though it shouldn’t, it always stresses me a little, but then I'm tempted to ask them where they come from and if they still have family or a sibling oversea...but then...after all it is only a short moment out of hours passing wonderful landscape, endless horizons, white feathered water blue sky, and the shear endless yellow dotted line that I follow.
Just enough time to let my mind play, let it follow its own way, and be the observer in meditation, concentrated and yet loose, obligated to choose one or the other, and then bouncing of the far peaks of the grey mountain range that spans on my right. Segments of “Lord of the Rings” could have been filmed in the Big Bend National Park, the Southwestern corner of Texas along the banks of the Rio Grande bordering Eastern Mexico. Even in bright sunlight the Mountains almost refuse to reflect the light and keep most of it trapped under their barren, colorless, rocky skin.
To my left runs an endless low horizon, two feet long grass that follows ferocious wind, and dark green bushes that roam as far as I’ve ever been. Then behind me the sun keeps falling down and blinds me throwing pure white rays against my mirrors. The light turns quickly red and the last bit bravely bleeds over the fields and finally fades into a starry blue night, loyal, filled with promises of armadillo and longhorn hide, horses and fires, tents, drums and dances under a moonless sky.

Six months and going...

2010-07-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

I'm now six months into my tour and spend the last weeks in bliss driving and visiting the most beautiful places I can imagine - on top of the mountains (Rocky Mountain National Park), in-midst the wonders of the earth (Arches National Park), within sacred grounds (Monument Valley),along humbling vistas (Grand Canyon), and at one of my favorite places in the world (Yosemite) . I took a few days off (well, I was still driving 1500 miles) and just explored and emerged into being an observer, comparing the outer world with the inside and matching my emotions with the weather, the clouds, the rain, the burning sun, and the twilight between the days. What a continent - and I'm part of it - I know it better than my homeland and so the highways float into each other, leaving stripes along their shoulders where hitchhikers entangle themselves in looking for one thumb to expose to the world. Oh my, I'm glad the wheels are spinning and I'm moving. From FL via AL, LA, TX, NM, to CO, and then back through UT and AZ to California - California, oh I missed you!
I picked up my old friend Ralf from the SF airport and he'll be on the road with me for two months. I wasn't sure if we fit everything in my car but I'm a packing monster and did it! Currently we're in Fresno with my family and enjoy the heat and the pool. After this weekends CD release party we're going up to the mountains and spend some time at the Sweetsmill camp. After that we're off to the Bay Area and then the NW.
I have written a few new songs and already tested them on the audience. The reaction was over the top and I'm very pleased with the outcome. I really am looking forward to going into the studio sometime early 2011. By now I have material for almost three new CDs with each song happening - no idea how to select! I want T-Bone as the producer and likely record in New Orleans for sound and groove issues. Let's see, it looks like it is a possibility and with my mind focusing everything is possible!

Fresno, CA, July 9th 2010

Where the heck am I???

2010-05-11T20:53:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up with a headache and had no clue where I was - I mean no clue for at least a minute! The room looked like any other motel room I've seen in the last six months. Finally I got it, I'm in Connecticut on my way to Philadelphia. This time I google it before I put it into my GPS and decide to drive about 100 miles out of the way to miss out on the main traffic close to New York. On top of that I experience various Work Zones. I'm still alright with time but spending it in a car going 15 miles tops is certainly not my idea of fun. I'm still looking forward to the web TV interview with Ray Naylor tonight. He's doing this Grassroots undertaking from his basement in a Philadelphia suburb - you've got to love it. For the first time Ray is doing two interviews in a row, first Christine Havrilla at 8pm then me at 9pm. It's great despite the technical snafu's that keep coming:) I planned on staying but also want to be in Brooklyn tomorrow morning to rehearse with Chris for the evening show in Manhattan. So I drive off into the night towards NYC. Unfortunately it starts pouring down after only 10 minutes and I almost crash the car when a truck passes me and splashes water on my windshield which blinds me for a few seconds even with the wipers on full speed. Hell! now I'm awake - I feel like throwing up and get rid of all the adrenalin that entered my system a second ago. I got to find a Motel soon! Oh, and some food. Dang, it's late and so I'm stuck with Wendy's. Too bad it's on the other side of the street with a divider in between. I have to drive in circles and the rain doesn't make it easier. This is really hard!!! Finally I get there - but now I have to drive back to the Motel. I can't believe that it takes so long for such a short distance!!!. After a long day I finally sit on the bed eating a burger and drinking a coke infused with some Evan Williams and an HBO movie that plays in one of my favorite US Cities - New Orleans:)

Philadelphia, PA, 5/11/2010

Life is Plenty!

2010-05-02T13:29:00.000-07:00

What a week!!! From the clear view peaks of the emotional mountains in WV to the deep down grind in the City of the Cities. It takes a long time through the windy roads of West Virginia to drive down into the valley. I'm playing at the Fredericksburg Songwriter Showcase. It is in the same building as an old music store where I'm invited to play a 1936 Gibson amongst other treasures. Before I have to split to get to the sound check I'm invited into the back room to enjoy a cold Micro Brew IPA after a 6h drive - Welcome in Virginia! Nice folks and a great evening that spills over to Bob's house. He hosts the showcase since decades and has developed wonderful listening room. We sit talk, and play music until about 2am.
Early morning rise to drive 9h to Western Massachusetts. My GPS, I trust it since it became very stressful to constantly question its integrity, leads me straight through NYC - over the Brooklyn bridge into Manhatten!!! Oh boy - after some deep breaths I start to laugh - stand up against the beast! I already paid toll and learned my lesson - when on the East Coast have cash in your pocket! After three hours of crawling through Brooklyn, over the bridge into Manhatten and past the East river upstate NY, I finally arrive in Sheffield I was 12h in the car - nonstop, well, a gas Station doesn't count, right?. The concert that night I won't mention, just that it kicked me into the ground and brought me close to tears. Wow, I haven't been so low for a long time - glad I have friends out there and cell reception! The same night I drove another two hours and brought the count to 14h total - a new record! A few hours in a motel before I play at the Unity of Central Massachusetts. Then Chinese take out, Sam Adams Imperial White, and watching Master and Commander:)

Life is Plenty

Worchester, MA, 5/2/2010

Where is a Banjo when you need it?

2010-04-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

Just spent three wonderful days in DC. I remember recording at XM radio years ago with "Two Loons for Tea". We played in Manhatten after midnight and then had a night drive to DC and a morning recording and then flying back to Seattle. This time around I got what I needed - some time to look around and explore! I so appreciate the architecture and spacial distributions of the Mall and all the Monuments. Three days of sunshine certainly did not hurt. I played a little show for the staff of the Library of Congress and it was wonderful. I got my own dedicated folder at the American Folklife Center!!! Not to forget a 2h personal tour where I saw the original Gutenberg Bible, The Jefferson Collection, the Gershwin brothers piano and typewriter, Rodin sculptures, and I got to sing at the Coolidge Auditorium, one of the best sounding concert venues in the country:) I was about a feet above ground for the rest of the day and in love with life. Yesterday I drove all the way out to Thomas, WV right into the boonies - Oh my what a change of scenery. I played a show for 4 folks at the Purple Fiddle and for the first time in years I had the feeling that I'm the wrong act - where is a Banjo when you need it...Anyways after three of the four left I had a nice conversation, sold a CD, and made a new fan. John, the owner took me out to a Tavern where they serve the beer in jars and jam mountain music until dawn - great place to do a social study:)
Today the sun is out and I'm sitting at a Cafe listening to J.S. Bach and doing some promotional work besides letting my mind wander around. Got to go back to the venue and pack my staff so I can get on the road towards Fredericksburg, VA where I play tonight.

Thomas, WV 4/30/2010

Bratwurst, Sauerbraten, Spätzle, Gulasch, Rotkraut, and Kartoffelsalat

2010-04-27T06:20:00.000-07:00

What a weekend! Driving through wonderful West Virginia Mountains Thursday, Friday and visiting Morgantown and the beautiful Lake Floyd for shows. Saturday I was playing in Hampton, VA. Long, long drive for hours over the mountains, up and down and up and down. Kinda like a roller coaster but way slower:) After eight hours I arrived in time for a little food before the concert. An hour before the show the house was buzzing with folks and I was buzzing too. What a great concert and response - I was breaking several personal records and shot myself straight up to the royal blue and soared with the eagles. The after party lasted 'till 4:30 am and then it took me about an hour to get rid of all the adrenalin in my body:) In the morning I had to get up early and drove to Virginia Beach where I played at Christ Unity Oceanside. The fabulous Tom Baker was the speaker and I had a great time playing a few songs. After that I drove back to Hampton and we had a birthday party for Kelly's German friends with Bratwurst, Sauerbraten, Spätzle, Gulasch, Rotkraut, and Kartoffelsalat - can somebody kick me and see if I'm dreaming??? Yesterday I drove to DC and was excited driving into the city for the first time. Today I play at the Library of Congress at the American Folklife Center. After that I get a tour:) Live is gooooooooooood!

Washington, DC, 4/27/2010

West Virginia Mountain Mama

2010-04-22T16:24:00.000-07:00

I Just arrived in Morgentown, WV after driving 7h through VA and WV hinterland:) It was great though I'm a little tired now. On the way I got myself a gadget that connects my iPhone to the car stereo and for the first time since 5 months on the road I can listen to my music, lectures and books. No idea why I haven't done that earlier?
Just before I got here I was in a big traffic jam when Joni Mitchell came on with her Blue album - my absolute favorite. It never ceases to amaze me what music can do with the mind. Somehow I'm feeling blue now! not exactly what I had in mind but I take it as well as the moments of joy being alive and traveling through such beautiful countryside. I hope I'm able to push the clouds aside a little before I play or even while. The venue (SO.ZO) is right next to the University and the folks are very nice and open so I should have a good concert:)

Morgantown, WV, April 22, 2010

Spring and Family

2010-04-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

Last week in NC spring started to draw my attention to its vivid colors and satin like appearances all over the place. While sitting on the back porch of a big log home hidden away in the country I was writing and playing music all day while the sweet scents of white, pink, yellow, and red blossoms tickled one particular stubborn nose hair. It seemed more than the years before or maybe I'm just more open and exposed - I almost felt pregnant for that matter - not that I really would know exactly how that feels but...
Leaving this place was not easy but I knew that I'm driving to Virginia where I have my only family in the US, my niece Sybille - We grew up together and she's the first born of my late brother Wolfgang. We're only a year apart despite the fact that I'm called UNCLE!!! While driving into Virginia Spring seemed to intensify - more? can that be? Oh yes, it can! Especially when you see it day to day how the peach blossoms fill a whole tree and burst out their song. On Easter I was invited to play at a sunrise service at my nieces church. It was very early but I really enjoyed it despite the chill that was still in the morning air. After that I visited a UU Church in Blacksburg, VA and had a great reception and made new friends.
I'll stay until Friday with my niece and her family and enjoy being a real part of it:) Yesterday I baked a bread and made a special salmon dish - oh how yummy:)
What can I say - I think I love eating! Today now I'll be a tourist for the day and check out the Roanoke Star and the D-Day Museum...

Roanoke, VA 4/7/2010

New Harmony and a way of living

2010-03-20T10:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been a while since I sat down and found the time to write. Yesterday was my birthday and after getting up way too early in Northwestern Ohio, I drove close to 8 hours to Evansville, IN for an interview at WUEV 91.5 FM. I enjoyed my time at this little University Radio station but boy was I tired! The last days/nights had been kinda rough and I was looking forward to a nice Birthday concert that evening. After visiting with my friend Heidi at the Penny Lane Coffeehouse I drove another 30 miles to New Harmony, an artists community and one of the hidden treasures in the US. Wonderful folks, a sweet little concert space and a coconut cake! What else can one ask for! During the long drive down from OH I was glad that I have an iPhone and could indulge in checking my facebook for Birthday greetings. Usually I don't make a big fuzz out of that but it was the first birthday since 10 years that I was not with my family and I certainly felt that I'm alone now, so appreciated even more all the little comments and it made me smile in between yawning:) I'm on tour now for roughly three months and know that I won't have a home base before sometime 2011. It's my little golden Honda for now I guess. I'm glad that I make friends wherever I go and that I can keep a positive mind set despite feeling lost at times. For that I have to thank my mom I guess - she's a wonderful spirit and always looks at the bright side of things.
Driving through Ohio was a little strange the other day - beautiful yes but the radio!!! I could get three stations - Christian, Classic Rock, and Talk Radio featuring Rush Limbaugh!!!! OMG - It's hard not to want to blow him to pieces!!! Glad I'm a peaceful man with a lot of compassion though with Rush it is failing, that is simply right wing propaganda and hurtful to listen to.
Luckily I do grassroots and meet wonderful folks wherever I go doing exactly what I'm supposed to do. In these troubled times with a lot of confused and angry people out there Music and Arts are more important than ever in our history! We need to heal this rift that keeps us separated from each other and the power of sound can make an angry heart soft and open again to see that we have way more in common than meets the eye.
It's time for a New Harmony!!!

Evansville, IN 3/20/2010

Hardly anybody gets to see that

2010-02-26T21:57:00.000-08:00

Ever experienced the Tennessee hinterland? Well - I thought to leave early from Murfreesboro, TN so I get to Murphy, NC early enough to take a walk and get some exercise before playing at Doyle's. About 30 miles before my destination they closed the main road due to a rock slide - I had to triple back and it turned out to be a three hours detour along rural roads with no shoulder and heavy duty holes that could easily destroy even the best tire! Part of me loves that because I know that hardly anybody gets to see that, but I always wonder what folks do out there - I mean where do they work? where do they buy their groceries and in what quantities, where do they hang out together? How is life off the grid in all these run down trailers?
Well, in some way part of me feels just the same driving across the continent in my little Japanese half house over and over again. It becomes familiar when we repeat it, home when we keep it, our own when we take and accept it.

Murphy, NC 2/27/2010

Open for the real adventure

2010-02-24T18:39:00.000-08:00

Pictures on walls and figures on shelves, beautiful sounds, a guitar well held, inspire to aspire a walk through the fire and phoenix the desire from the ashes to the flesh. A flash of light is then reversed into the darkness driven by a mass, a great thirst that wants to quench the universe but to burst again and lighten up the sky - why?

How would I know if only my eyes see while my heart watches...

I'm hiding out in a little motel in Jackson, TN and keep decompressing after an ever intoxicating week at the National Folk Alliance in Memphis. I never quite know why I'm exposing myself to such mixed feelings and ups and downs but to loosen my ego and let it slip away for a little time, leaving me open for the real adventure - not knowing - trusting with intend without running after things that always seem like bright orange carrots just a swing away.

After a few days of pecking away 12 hours on the keyboard I'm getting ready to face the world again and am looking forward to my show this Friday in Murphy, NC...

Jackson, TN 2/24/2010

What makes sense in Austin?

2010-02-06T07:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I left Houston and drove the 3h to Austin for a little gig at Mozart's Coffee Roasters. He would have probably turned in his grave...It's actually a nice cafe right on the lake but boy - why play music there? Can't be the $80 guarantee that is unusual for a Coffeehouse. Somebody shouting "Triple Soy Latte for Isabel" or "Darjeeling Tea for Michael" out of the top of their lungs while at the same time the espresso machine is roaring and three parties of Asian teenagers talk the latest fashion with high pitchy voices that are hard to drone out. Boy do I feel out of place - Why would anybody want to drink coffee at 10:30 pm? I don't get it. I'm glad when the clock hits 11 and I can pack up. Three trips to the car and off it goes back to the Motel 6 I checked in this afternoon. I'm tired and haven't really eaten anything yet. Can't decide to stop and have a bite so I just go back.
Then this darn key won't work - the lobby is packed with folks wanting a cheap Motel. After a while I get a new key - still not working! I'm close to losing it partly because it's cold out there and I'm freezing and tired! They have to bring a black box to surgically let me in my room. By now it's 1 AM and I'm done for the day. I really hope I have a few folks come out to my house concert today. So far I still have to play anything in Austin that makes sense!

Austin, TX 2/6/2010

The Saints of New Orleans

2010-02-02T08:04:00.000-08:00

Today is my last day in Florida and I have to say goodbye. One more time does the glowing fireball greet me through the palm leaves while the salty air finds its way to my heart - I sure will be back! The last days I spend at the Paradise Inn in Pensacola Beach and had time to relax and do a lot of work typing away and planning future routes. Now I'm on my way to pre Mardi Gras and Saints crazed New Orleans in football fever. It's an amazing city that takes a token from everyone that loves it. Next time I got to spend a week or so but for this time around I just skim the surface.
This morning I finally got a show for my birthday in March and will visit a wonderful enclave in New Harmony, Indiana. I'm very excited about that and think it's the perfect way to cross over into a new year. Ok - my stomach says it wants some nourishment - now. Well then...

Pensacola Beach, FL 2/2/2010

Mantra of Chenrezi

2010-01-24T23:41:00.000-08:00

My thoughts are as dark as the night would like to be while driving along #1, an almost straight dim road down South, away from the blinking red, white, and blue that patrols the sleepless rock-flooded vein. An endless line of streetlamps forces the dark into a blurry twilight and even the Om Mani Padme Hung, Mantra of Chenrezi, does not seem to stop the fall. Tired and exhausted from sitting in a lonely car, pouring out soul on a daily basis does make it easy to get trapped in a never ending monologue.
There in safe distance another coupon run down Motel with a yellow sink, stained with cigarette burns and sad stories you only hear sitting on a wooden bar stool long after midnight, gazing into a rhythmically moving liquid and breathing slowly from mouth to nose. Too many black hours sitting behind a wheel slightly above ground and massive as a full grown Redwood in motion. Action of given forces like gravitation leading the trajectory - oh sleep - oh sleep - oh sleep now...zzzzzhmmm

Homestead, FL 1/24/2010

The old time pyramid set on Adagio

2010-01-21T08:21:00.000-08:00

Another day lost in paradise - PLEASE - do NOT send HELP! The days float by between pecking away on the computer, playing music and cooking for friends - row, row, row your boat...I know this can't last but it is just right for now. Let me turn another time and snooze until I absolutely have to wake up. I'm amazed that we sleep one third of our life but hardly know what we dream or take any of it serious. I dreamed up my world that I know for sure. I remember all the hours sitting on the oil furnace during a cold winter in my home town, my guitar always strapped around my shoulders and the gentle breeze of the steady breath mimicking the click and clack of an old time pyramid set on Adagio. Dancing snowflakes in front of the window - a beautiful winter waltz before my eyes, never missing a beat and then, when they were tired they'd land on the white fuzzy carpet that covered the slanted roof, bowing one last time saying "Merci beaucoup".
Deep down in the backyards of our childhood there lies the design of future dreams carefully stitched into the quilts of time - no second guessing, just the desire to embrace and play whatever deck was dealt, knowing there's always another game, another winter, another dream:)

Jensen Beach, FL 1/21/2010

The Artist's Way

2010-01-16T12:17:00.000-08:00

There are swaying palm trees just outside the window - I know I can touch them and rub my face gently against the smooth cool orange-green part of their skin. I'm a tree-hugger alright, there is no way around it and I know they like that too.
This morning I woke up in a light flooded room with five different melodies in my head feeling star trecked like Data trying to picard his Captain. There were still images in my head of the coastal route down to Jensen Beach. Open water has such a strong pull on my soul - I must have been a sailor in the past or lived along a shore breathing in the salty air and having the sensation of mussels and clams jumping from bud to bud detecting the six elements of taste perception.
Keeping my heart open and excited is a blessing as well as a challenge - I love my life despite the pains of leaving my family in a place far from here. The older I get the more intense become these fleeting moments of bumps on my skin and the golden hairs pointing towards the sky as if they want to shoot out and play with the wind. Being present is the only way, the Artist's way, means turning away from fear and expectation and embracing the unknown journey of a cosmic millisecond. Having packed my life in a golden Japanese box with wheels makes it easier staying in the here and now - if not now then when? as my friend Freebo sang yesterday enchanting his audience in his kind and gentle way.
It is intoxicating feeling love that is not pointed in a specific direction but radiates like a sun and brings its light to the darkest corners, unfolding the simple beauty of breathing and being alive. There - I see a strange white long necked bird walking across the parking lot - come on - take off, let me see you fly and carry my thoughts with you across the endless water that is all around us

Jensen Beach, FL 1/16/2010

Sleep now Honey Pie

2010-01-14T23:01:00.000-08:00

My first breakfast in a Cuban Cafe - One sided Mirror windows and the sweet taste of an espresso Havana style. Toasted bread with a carrot-habanero-onion spread before an island sandwich with fries...
On the table across the room two busy man from different corners of the earth. One is tapping a fast, nonstop beat while the other seems to chew a dark brown cube of beef with big white teeth rhythmically in quarter time. Right behind me facing each other sits police in a mixed pair looking forward to quench their thrust with a glass of ice water. In the open door walk two soldiers of the sky in uniform ready to fly.
Take out lunch can make strangers to friends and you've got to love how a warm meal can start a Union.
Soon I float into the car and down the highway South past farms, lakes, old hippie trees and grooves of citrus. I see blurry water through the passenger window of my golden wagon and it pulls me to the right. I have to stop and breathe - say it again - I have to stop and breathe.
The day has a few more hours and I decide to look for a place to stay maybe even walk in somewhere and play... Maybe not tonight though - I need to enter the digital world and connect dots on a map so I know what to do - at least for a little while. Cheap holiday night a Motel room. I wish I knew what to do to cockroaches. I sure killed some in my life but they're part of it too... well, close enough! I think I'm ready for the Ventura Highway in the sunshine and free wind blowing through my imaginary hair. go sleep now honey pie you legend of the silver screen and don't make me crazy.

Ocala, FL 1/14/2010

Doesn't it always come different then expected?

2010-01-13T22:28:00.000-08:00

Today started out great and the highway ran itself into the Sunshine State. Pine trees lined along two lanes and most of the time the only direction visible was towards the East. Listening to how the Universe expands and speeds up into the next dimension, I was cruising along below the limit. Then I called Amelia Island where I was supposed to stay and play this Friday - Joe was sorry that he was forced to close down the Inn for good and I was sorry for both of us. I was looking forward to staying at the Hotel for a few days before playing a concert. I had it all laid out - the mornings I'd work on bookings and promotion - then a walk on the Beach, lunch outside sitting on an old garden stool overlooking the main street, and then back to work... Doesn't it always come different then expected?
At least you can rely on the passing time and now after 8 hours of driving the sun ran out of sky and my eyes started to get tired. It was time to make a decision and quickly get a cheap room somewhere close. I forgot that I hardly watch TV, and only in Motels get sucked into the cable and since yesterday every station seems to report from Earthquake struck Haiti. It really puts things into perspective and leads my thoughts away from little me.

I'm looking forward to waking up tomorrow to a sunny world and hope its star reaches deep inside, giving strength to start again fresh with a lighter pallet of colors.

Jacksonville, FL 1/13/2010

Alabama the Beautiful

2010-01-12T23:40:00.000-08:00

I woke up at 6am on a couch in New Orleans. The sun peaked through the curtains and filled the room with yellow light. It's a shotgun she said - a house you can shoot through the front door and poke a hole into the back door. I loved this way to describe architecture...
After breakfast I sat on the street corner and talked to my mom back in Germany. It's a beautiful day and the balconies in the French Quarter lay their first shadow down on Bourbon Street. A walk does good after all that driving. Willie Nelson plays at the House of Blues - dang I'll miss it!
Then it's time to get back in the car and the routine. Crossing rivers into Mississippi then Beautiful Alabama. I'm playing in Mobile and it's a first. Haven't done a Tuesday Coffee Shop for a while and it's a little strange to play for folks that check their email but then I get in the mood and play for two hours straight - oh music is so good for the soul. My highlight though is a conversation with John after the show, another moment to make a friend out there in the unknown. Then a short drive to Daphne and a late dinner in a coupon Motel close to I10. Tomorrow is another 450 miles day, picking up speaker stands for my new PA in Jacksonville and then off to Fernandina Beach:)

Daphne, AL 1/12/2010

Leaving Houston for New Orleans

2010-01-11T22:48:00.000-08:00

After a wonderful house concert yesterday at Marti's house, Willie and me go a little lost in the Woodlands but we made it back safe to Houston. We stayed up talking until about 3am. I could certainly feel it this morning while packing the car. Then I started the drive to New Orleans. Still in Houston I got into a major traffic jam and it took about 2 hours to clear the city. It was a long, long drive and when the sun set I was really tired and not sure how I'm gonna get through the show at the Neutral Ground. I got there right before showtime. My energy was low but I was able to get some sparks back and had a nice evening and mad some new friends out there. I love New Orleans - it's so...I'm missing the words, I guess I'm really tired. Tomorrow I'm playing in Alabama for the first time - adventure:)

New Orleans, 1/11/2010

Burning away the dark clouds

2010-01-09T10:25:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that I slept until 11:30am. I wore my Peruvian hat (warm and fuzzy) and now have a real bad hair day but who cares. The sun is out!!! it is still cold but very bright. Amazing what that does to me. It's like burning away the dark clouds in my soul - I'm glad I'm in the South at the time. I remember my first seasonal depression in Seattle and never ever want to feel that again. Today is going to be a good day and after finishing my coffee here at Starbucks I'm driving to a Pharmacy getting some Benadryl and Cough medicine for Willie. He's still on the edge and we have a house concert tonight.
Despite the Starbucks Imperium and my mixed feelings about supporting them I must say that they have the best music playing. Between Elliott Smith, Nick Drake, Rickie Lee Jones, Tower of Power, Aretha, and A.C. Jobim I'm in Earvana:)

Houston, TX 1/9/2010

Rocky Start

2010-01-08T14:23:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting a a Starbucks drinking a hot chocolate - I never do that, I guess I need comfort:) My first show for this year was canceled yesterday and I was a little down on that but then we got invited for dinner and over some wonderful pasta and wine the world started to look a little brighter. It's really cold here in Houston and I hope it warms up a little! Willie is fighting a cold and I made a Chicken soup first thing in the morning. Tonight we're playing at the JP Hopshouse and I'm looking forward to my first show of the new Year. By Monday I have to buy a new PA system, the one that I'm traveling with belongs to a friend in New Orleans and I return it when passing through next week. I just heard from a good friend back in Germany that he left his wife and four boys before Christmas - dang! another one! Well, in many regards 2010 can only get better!

Houston, TX 1/8/2010

Resting in Houston

2010-01-06T11:45:00.000-08:00

After driving 9h for several days I made it to Houston and stay with my friends Willie B. and Mo. It feels good to have a few days without driving. This from tomorrow on I have shows every night until next Tuesday. The Houston shows are all with my buddy Willie and I'm looking forward to that. Last night we had a wonderful 4 course dinner at the Stitelers where we play a house concert this Saturday. We paired every course with the right wine and it was a culinary journey - still thinking about that withe asparagus soup with the Chardonnay - oh my!!!
Overall my energy is a little low but I know I will be back once I start playing. It will take a while to digest all the changes in my life. It is amazing how many folks and friends out there go through similar times. Maybe it is just the way I focus on it right now but it seems that the end of 2009 is not only the end of the first decade in the 21st century but a pivotal point in Life for many out there...
OK - enough philosophy - I got to get back to the real world and get some more shows...

In the middle of nowhere

2010-01-03T18:55:00.000-08:00

I left Tombstone early in the morning. After about 10 miles I reached a Border Patrol Checkpoint where everybody is stopped and maybe searched. I have my whole life in the car so I really was not looking forward to the possibility of unpacking... Luckily I was waved through and kept on driving, crossing over into NM and then (after another checkpoint!!!) into West Texas. It's beautiful there but in the middle of nowhere! I was wondering what would happen if I broke down. Most of that stretch of I10 is without cell phone reach - well got to keep thinking positive! After about cruising for 9 hours I reached Fort Stockton, the only stop with Motels for miles and miles to come. I got some Chinese buffet and just mixed Evan Williams with a Coke:) Now I'm on my bed in a Motel 6 watching the third "Lord of the Rings".
Tomorrow I have about 520 miles to Houston and see my friends Willie and Mo:) Looking forward to some company after three days in Motels...

Fort Stockton, TX 1/3/2010

Great Start into 2010

2010-01-02T08:42:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful start into 2010 with a blue moon in Laguna Beach, CA. The corona was spectacular and I've never seen anything like it. The next one will be in 2029 (Blue moon means two full moons during the same month:) We had a great party and I cooked 5 pound of mussels - hmmm yam! The next morning I left the coast and started the drive East. I thought I could make it to Phoenix but was way too tired and stopped in Blythe, CA. Today I'll try to get to Las Cruces, NM but it's a stretch...

Blythe, CA 1/2/2010

One year one the road

2009-12-29T08:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I left Fresno and my family to be on the road for bout a year straight. It was the hardest thing I've ever done but I know there was no way around it. How can one handle relationship and being on the road as a profession? I know it's an old story and it repeats. It makes me think about all the sailors and the day they walk on that ship...
Gladly I have enough time driving around to digest what just happened and then nothing is static - just when we think we know it is changing again. I've been out there for max 4 months straight but never for a year - without a home base. There are certainly moments where I'm scared but I'll let it pass by and follow the bubbles...

San Jose, CA Dec 29, 2009

On the road 2010

2009-11-23T18:26:00.000-08:00

I'm currently in Seattle and am getting ready to leave the NW for good. I'll spend Christmas with my family in CA and after that drive out to Florida with several shows on the way. Most of 2010 I'll spend on the road until I'll settle into Austin, TX maybe in Nov/Dec 2010

The end of my car

2009-02-25T23:18:00.000-08:00

Leaving Memphis I hardly get in a gear - I knew this was going to happen because the transmission made trouble since I left Lubbock a couple of weeks ago. Now I’m on my way back there for another concert and wonder if I ever make it. It’s touch and go and I brake down about 8 miles before I reach my friends house in Ransom Canyon. What a drag! well I’m still lucky, it could have happened somewhere in Arkansas...

After running two stop lights (I could not stop anymore because I knew that at this point it was impossible to get in a gear) I stop at the third one because I had a police car behind me (He probably saw me going through the other ones). That’s it!!! I’m dead in the water. The policeman is nice and helps me pushing the car to the side of the road where I wait for my friend to pick me up.

They drop me early next morning to wait for the tow truck. It’s a beautiful sunrise.

One last good look

After about 2 hours the truck comes and takes it away!

That is that! Oh well, I know something will come after that - or not?

Time to say goodbye

2009-02-21T23:08:00.000-08:00

Time flies here with all these wonderful folks and music all day/night long. I take in as much as i can and am sad that by tomorrow everything is over.

One last listen

Memphis Folk Alliance:)

2009-02-18T23:52:00.000-08:00

Yiha, I made it, despite an almost broken transmission! Here I’m driving over the bridge into Memphis.

Once there it’s as crazy as always

Glad to see old friend Bill

and then the evening hotel room sessions

It must have been 5am before I hit the bed, sharing a room with four other musicians it feels like I’m seventeen again:)

On my way to Memphis

2009-02-17T23:52:00.000-08:00

Long drive to day...Somehow it takes me forever to get out of Houston and it seems my GPS has the flu. It’s guiding me through weird small places.

Sometime late I just take the next motel I can find

Early morning in Spring, TX

2009-02-15T23:56:00.000-08:00

I have to get up really early after almost staying up to 5 am. This morning I play in Spring at the Creative Life Center. Geoffry, the music director, and Rev. Jesse greet me warmly and I instantly forget how tired I am.

Geoffry is a wonderful piano player and next time I go and visit we’re going to play together.

Never seen a Reverend playing the congas so well:)

After the service I have to pack up fast and drive back to Houston for the Stiteler House concert at Chris and Susies house. They have a great house in a wonderful neighborhood.

Willie and me play the same format than yesterday

After that we - who would guess - paaaaarty

Fred and Linda's House Concert

2009-02-14T23:45:00.000-08:00

Today Willie and me share a house concert at his friends Fred and Linda. I’m glad that we have a packed house after a few low key shows.

They are great listeners

Willie starts the first set and I finish it and the second set we play together which is a lot of fun!

It’s a successful evening and I’m fully satisfied.

The Bugle Boy in La Grange

2009-02-13T23:40:00.000-08:00

Never Realized that ZZ Top had a song called La Grange. It’s a little town halfway between Houston and Austin. The Bugle Boy is a great little listening room and one of the best of it’s kind in Texas. Once I get there I park the car downtown and walk around.

After a little snack I drive to the venue

It’s a wonderful space but I don’t have a lot of people there...

I play for Lane, the owner, the staff and a few folks that made it but I do a whole concert and everybody loves it:)

Anderson Fair

2009-02-12T23:33:00.000-08:00

Tonight I’m playing the Anderson Fair with my friends Ken Gaines, Butch Morgan, and Wayne Wilkerson. Here is Butch warming up.

We are playing in the round

After a good show I drive back to Willie’s where I have a nice guest room.

Willie is a master of hat’s:)

Driving to Houston

2009-02-11T23:18:00.000-08:00

Today I have a show in Houston which is a bout a 4.5 hour drive. After I wake up I stroll though Marble Falls and get a hair cut - always an adventure in a small town. I haven’t had breakfast yet so I go back to the River City Grille for lunch and sit out on the deck looking over the Columbia River

The drive is very nice. I love the bridge structures once I get closer to Houston.

My car is starting to give me some trouble and I suspect the transmission. I really hope to make it at least to memphis next week. I’m staying with my friends Willie and Mo. Willie drives me to the show at the Hopshouse. Love Houston at dusk...

Here is the house band who opens up the evening.

Here are Willie, Mo, and me afterwards...

Willie wants to show me another club and off we go - this one has just a green door...

We play a game - I forgot the name but it’s like curling on a long table:)

After that we drive back home and I have good night sleep.

More Folk Alliance

2009-02-10T23:59:00.000-08:00

In the morning I take a little walk down to Beale Street but it's friggin' cold!!!

I need to get back to the hotel where it’s warm - brrrrrrrr!

It’s a full day of listening and playing

Always loved that pyramid!

my buddies from California

Then the sun goes down over Tennessee

Another great evening...

Marble Falls

2009-02-10T23:08:00.000-08:00

Today I’m leaving Lubbock and drive to Marble Falls down in the Hill Country.
It’s good to be driving again, I just love it!

I’m passing through all these little places and sometimes it feels like I’m 20 or 30 years back in time...

It’s nice to get out of Texas flat land into the hills.

I’m playing as the featured Artist in a songwriter series at the River City Grille in Marble Falls, right next to the Colorado river.

The series is hosted by Mike Blakely andd John Greenberg who open up the evening with a hot set of music:)

After a full day of driving and then playing I’m ready to go to sleep

Time flies

2009-02-05T22:07:00.000-08:00

I learn that this weeks Friday concert was cancelled - well, I can stay a little longer in Ransom Canyon. Time flies between practicing, reading and cooking.
Tonight Danny’s mom and sister come by for dinner.

We have a great time and enjoy the evening and the meal

Concert on the Lake

2009-01-31T23:58:00.000-08:00

Today I play at the ranch house on Lake Ransom. I have a good crowd of about 140 folks.

I should have taken way more photos but got side tracked...

Ransom House Concert

2009-01-30T23:54:00.000-08:00

Looks like I moved in...

The last days went by so fast and the weekend brings a few concerts. It’s a beautiful day and I take a walk along the lake.

From afar I can see the famous metal house through the trees. A few years ago I drove by and took a close up.

Later we set up the chairs...

Monika and Danny have prepared a great table of food for the guests.

It’s a nice concert with lots of folks and a wonderful intro to the weekend.

11 hours to Lubbock, TX

2009-01-26T23:14:00.000-08:00

It’s cold up here in the mountains and I sleep a little longer than I had anticipated - might have been the beer:) Today it’s about an 11 hours drive to Lubbock TX - so let’s go. first into New Mexico.

Checking out if there is any message for me from outer space...

I come through many little villages because I’m not taking the main highway. So I take a few shots right outside my window...

I drive through land that looks like the moon - it feels like that too. I’m still in NM when the sun goes down.

The last three hours are the hardest! It has gotten real cold and dark. My wipers freeze and the icy fog does not make it easier. I’m driving now for ten hours and on top of the fog and ice there is a sudden Blizzard! Damn! I’m toast and need to get there soon...I finally arrive in Lubbock and now have to make my way out to the Canyon where i stay with my friends Danny and Monika.

New Vision Center and the way out East

2009-01-25T23:07:00.000-08:00

This morning I have to get up at 6 am and drive to the New Vision Spiritual Center. I love the early hours!

I play a couple of songs with their band. It’s fun and unfortunately I forget to take pix:( After that I start the drive out East to Lubbock, TX. The total is about 17 hours and I’ll do it in two days.

I take I 60...

Gotto love that!

By the time I reach Showlow in the Arizona mountains I’m totally friend and ready for some mexican food, TV and a beer:) and that all while I write some emails...

Breaking a record in Scottsdale

2009-01-24T23:45:00.000-08:00

Today I play at Angels, Serenity in Scottsdale and I’m looking forward to the drive up there. One last pic with Annie before I’ll leave.

The famous Arizona sky...

getting closer

When I get there I’m tired (wonder why). Wow, I break a record and NOBODY shows up for the concert? Well, after some consideration I realized that it was perfect! I could hang out with Lisa and her daughter Ali and made great new friends!

I can stay with them tonight - I have to get up at 6 am to get to a gig!!!!
So I better turn in...

Concert with Annie

2009-01-23T23:44:00.000-08:00

Today I have a concert with Annie. It’s at the music school where she teaches.

We have a great show and a good crowd. After that we go out for a beer with some of her friends.

Sunny Arizona

2009-01-22T23:38:00.000-08:00

When I leave Moorpark in the morning it rains - I thought it never does that in Southern California??? That sign always scared me - It says Palm Springs or Other Desert Cities! - who the heck wants to go there?

As long as I’m still in CA the weather is baaaad

But then, see for yourself:)

It’s a good 9 hour drive and the sun sets when I see the Phoenix skyline

My friends Annie and Stevie welcome me in their home

Mainstreet Songwriter Showcase

2009-01-20T23:36:00.000-08:00

Today I play at the Mainstreet Songwriter Showcase in Woodland Hills
It’s so good to see some of my friends came out for me:)

It getting late and James, Melinda and me are driving back. I'll stay another day and then I'll leave for Phoenix, AZ

Namm Show & Moorpark

2009-01-19T23:31:00.000-08:00

Today I’m visiting some friends at the Namm Show in Anaheim. It reminds me aboput the Frankfurt Music Fair...

Live is great:)

After that I’m driving to Santa Monica to meet my friend Eric. We hang at a Pizza place and chat for a while.

Then I drive to Moorpark where I stay with my friends James and Melinda.
So good to see them again...

Living Traditions in Anaheim

2009-01-17T23:14:00.000-08:00

Today we’re playing in Anaheim and open for Houston Jones at the Licing Tradition Concert Series. In the morning Nan, Myra and me take a walk down to the Beach. Here is Nan getting ready.

Myra is be so cute:)

Nan takes us there through little hidden pathways...

The houses are just grand and I dream about living there one day...

Always loved house painting...

There we are, the famous Venice Beach

I know I should work out and get fit again!

Dream away

Care for music?

After that we rest a bit before we drive to Anaheim for our show. Here are the presenters Steve and Michele Dulson. Steve is an Englishman and happy because I found his favorite beer (Old Peculiar:)

Here are the folks of Houston Jones, The Dulsons and my band after the concert.

After that we drive an hour back to Venice and fall into our beds...

Altadena & Venice

2009-01-16T23:08:00.000-08:00

Today we drive down to Altadena to play at the Coffee Gallery Backstage again. I’m already looking forward and enjoy the drive down 101.

getting closer - am I stupid or what? - I took the picture but not the Exit???
Well, luckily there are a lot of roads leading to...

The show is very nice though we don’t have as many folks as I had hoped for but it’s still ok:) Here are some of our friends...

After the concert Myra and me are driving to Venice where we stay with friends.
I like driving through L.A. at night

Am I tired! So after a little midnight snack I’m ready to go to bed...

Ocean View and a wonderful House Cocert

2009-01-15T23:59:00.000-08:00

I’m in Cayucos, CA and the morning is beautiful so I take a walk on the beach...

When I return to Judy’s house Myra just arrived, no there is only Dusty missing and the band is complete

The dogs are waiting too

Oh, here he is...

We have a little snack and hang out. Before the sun goes down we go back to the beach.

Oh my is that cool...

Then we get ready for the house concert - we have a great crowd and the place is packed!!!

Judy did a great job promoting and is a loyal fan:)

Then it’s time for bed...

Monterey and another sundown on the Pacific Ocean

2009-01-13T23:22:00.000-08:00

I stay in Ben Lomond close to Santa Cruz. The next day I ‘m driving further down the coast and make a stop in Monterey where I visit the Aquarium and the Cannery.

Then it’s time to drive some more. Tonight I’m gonna visit with Judy in Cayucos where I play a house concert on Thursday.

Got to make another stop and look at the ocean

One more sundown before I drive the last leg.

San Francisco

2009-01-12T23:11:00.000-08:00

Today I’m driving to San Francisco to spend the day walking and exploring. It’s a great drive down the coast.

I want to visit the Exploratorium and love the outside as much as everything inside.

Unfortunately it’s closed on Mondays so I take a long walk along the Marina and look at houses and boats

Here you can see the Golden Gate in the distance.

The worlds most famous prison - Alcatraz

Then I walk down to the beach and sit down for a while

I always dreamt about living in San Francisco, it seems the best compromise between a big city and a small town. Here are some houses that I really love.

Then it’s time to drive down south and look for a place for the night..

Muir Woods

2009-01-11T10:07:00.000-08:00

Time to say goodbye - today I want to drive down South and visit the Muir Woods. I remember being there years ago when I arrived in San Francisco. It’s just a few miles past the Golden gate next to Mount Tamelpais.

So good to take a walk in one of the oldest forests in the world...

After that I drive down the coast to Stinson Beach and spend some time gazing at the horizon.

It’s a beautiful day and life is good after all.

Got to see the sundown!

Then I have a little bite and stay in a B&B around the corner:)

Back in time

2009-01-10T10:06:00.000-08:00

I have a few days off and stay with Tom and Suzy. We chat all day long and then he takes me for a ride back in time.

Oh my what a trip, it’s beautiful!

Good that I came prepared with my winter clothes. As soon as the sun fades it’s getting real cold.

Making Friends in Sebastopol

2009-01-09T22:05:00.000-08:00

Today I’m driving North to Sebastopol to play the first concert for the new year. I’m excited to cross the Golden Gate again. No matter how many times I did that, it’s always something special.

Past the House Boats of Sausalito - that’s where they filmed parts of Harry and Sally.

Here is Tom, the host - we are soul brothers and our birthday is only hours apart from each other:)

I should take a nap before the concert:)

Tom and his wife Suzy have a wonderful house and a great guest room:)

Time to put the chairs in the living room.

Tom and his son Kyle built this outdoor Pizza oven from scratch - so Kyle has prepared some doe and is now making Pizza for the potluck before the show.

For this first stretch of the tour along the coast I have Myra on cello with me. Later on Dusty will also come and play when we’re down in L.A.

Santa Cruz

2009-01-07T22:04:00.000-08:00

Today I’m leaving the valley and drive to the coast. I want to visit with the Folks of the Santa Cruz Guitar Co. so that they can have a look at my guitar and make it road ready. Here is the bunch including owner Richard Hoover. They were so nice and gave me new tuners, re-fretted the neck and did various little things to improve it - all for a few CDs - you got to love this!

After that I visit my friends Bev & Greg in Santa Rosa. Here is Greg prepping the kitchen - I volunteered to cook a nice dinner:)

After dinner we play some music...

And then...

Early Bird

2009-01-04T22:03:00.000-08:00

I have to be in Hayward at 9am. It’s about a three hour drive from Fresno (when it’s foggy) so I have to get up very early. I hate to break the flow of sleeping in but...The mix between dark, cold and foggy was certainly a challenge.

Decisions, decisions, decisions...

Here is the little Starr King Church where I play this morning. It’s a very cool UU church and the minister loves my music, so she centered the whole service around it which was great.

I had planned to stay in the Bay Area and visit Phil but couldn’t reach him so I decided to drive back to Fresno and spend a few more days there. I took a nice way home and loved the valley.

Dang! I missed the turning point - 240000 miles and still running good!

Kings Canyon

2008-12-28T22:00:00.001-08:00

The Lyquid Amber concert went well on the 27th and a day after that Abby and me drove up to Kings Canyon to have a getaway for a night.

The trip up the mountains is beautiful and the blue sky was stunning.

Talk about trees, big trees, big, big trees, some of them over 2000 years old. That’s got to make you humble to meet the oldest living beings on the planet!

One tree that fell down was hollow and used as a stable in old western times, as well as a Saloon:)

Feels good to be out there together...

We had to get some duckfeet:) They were high tech and I thought about the indians and how they had snowshoes forever.

I need to touch him/her/it!

After a wonderful dinner we went back to our room and played cards until late.

Leaving Seattle

2008-12-24T09:56:00.000-08:00

Leaving Seattle this time was more complicated than I anticipated and due to the heaviest winter in 50 years I postponed my departure day by day. Finally I just had to drive to meet up with my family in California. So One last look into the backyard...

I’ve never seen such big icicles in Seattle. The same was on the street inches of ice beneath a snow cover. I reached Tacoma before my chains broke and messed up my tires. After replacing the tires I still could not find any chains. Going back to Seattle was out of the question so I drove further South through Portland. What a mess, I should not have done that but...keep on driving...

I made it to a little village in Oregon where I stayed the night. That was my first Christmas eve all by myself in a motel with Chinese take out and three bottles of Arrogant Bastard Ale. The next day I still had to get over the Siskiyous Pass which was chains only! With the help of Abby and Evo on the internet I found a little gas station that had a few pairs left so I was good to go.

After I entered Northern California the snow went away but there were heavy cloud on the horizon being up to no good!

It took until late night before I reached Fresno close to midnight on Dec 25th. What a start!

Back home to Seattle

2008-11-02T22:22:00.000-08:00

In the morning I play a service at the Yakima Unity Church. Last time I forgot to take pictures as did I this time - no idea why. It’s very nice folks and I enjoy it quite a bit. Then it’s time to do the last bit of the road. It’s a beautiful day and I hope it stays that way.

I guess not! Well after all I’m driving to Seattle...

Over the Snoqualmie pass

Darn it, it’s raining dogs and cats...

I arrive in Seattle short before nightfall

Someone is happy that I’m back:)

A day in Yakima

2008-11-01T23:15:00.000-07:00

I sleep in a realize how tired I actually was! The day goes by way to fast and then it’s time to drive downtown to the place I’m playing. It’s in a Railroad car and a great mix out of Cafe and Bar with a Beer selection that rivals anything I’ve seen so far. Here is Leo helping me carrying my little PA inside.

Just one out of three walls!

Leo is so kind and buys me half a case of first class beer before we say goodbye to the owners.

Tomorrow I’ll be going back home to Seattle and am looking forward to seeing my family again

Back to Washington State

2008-10-31T23:08:00.000-07:00

Today I’m driving back into Washington. I’ll visit with my friend Leo in Yakima where I play a show tomorrow and on Sunday. I’m Already looking forward to seeing him and his family! But first I got to say goodbye to CJ after a three hour chat and a superb breakfast - I wanted to get started way sooner but...

I got to get used to the rain again - It’s the first since Germany.

Driving again along the Columbia River

Made it!!! Well, how a bout a game or two?

Well, let’s take a walk first after sitting in the car for 7 hours.

Nice piece of land Leo got there:)

After that we chat and play until I can’t move my jaws any longer and have to sleep!

Music on the Vine

2008-10-30T23:58:00.000-07:00

I spend most the day right in Twin Falls at an Internet Cafe to take care of biz.

It’s a short drive today, only about 30 miles. I’m still going slow so I have to deal with the anger of some truck drivers. This one wants to kiss my behind...

“Music on the Vine” is a sweet wine bar and from all the exchange that I had with the owner and a friend that helped to make this happen, I’m sure it’s going to be a great evening.

Here is Bruce, one of the owners

And Nancy who helped me getting this show:)

Bruce has me stay at a wonderful Bed & Breakfast - It’s out in the country and I have trouble finding it in the middle of the night but when I do I’m totally amazed! CJ, the owner off “Wild Rose Manor” has created a truly wonderful hideaway...

I’ll sleep like a baby!!!

The Great Salt Lake

2008-10-29T23:57:00.000-07:00

I’m so hungry and get a mexican omlet at the downtown diner - Oh my is that bad - I wonder how someone can mess up eggs...

I had planned to drive to Nampa, today via Salt Lake on a route that I drove several times. Then I realize that I haven’t seen the Great Salt Lake yet so I turn West and change my plans. It looks like it snowed but that’s salt!

Isn’t that beautiful?

Well, just until the traffic hits

The rest of the drive is pretty eventless and late that evening I stop in Twin Falls, ID and take a motel. Tomorrow I have a show in Caldwell and am already looking forward to playing again.

Natural Bridges

2008-10-28T23:50:00.000-07:00

Today I’m going to drive to the see the Natural Bridges National Monument. Utah is quite surprising and I like it more and more. Still ways to go...

Getting closer, lets see what’s next

I should be there any minute:)

Yes, just as I thought it would be - well, never mind...

Next time I’m staying several days here and hike through the canyon!

I’m really here...

...ready for a nap

After an hour or so I start driving out of the park

Where is this going?

Beautiful Columbia River - wish myself 200 years back:)

I find a little run down Motel in a little town in Utah and call it a day!

Utah how beautiful

2008-10-27T22:57:00.000-07:00

In the morning I have breakfast at my favorite little cafe in Williams before I head back to Flagstaff and then North into Utah

I don’t know why but I have a craving for a cigarillo - I get one in Flagstaff and smoke it for a little bit before I quit!

I’m coming closer to Monument valley and all Western movies I ever saw rise up into my mind

The road is endless

One

Two

Three

And all together:

Back driving

And saying goodbye...

Somehow a view like that inspires me - anything is possible!

Coming to Mexican Hat, a little village that got the name from this particular stone formation

When I come to Bluff, UT I decide to stay and get a motel. But first I eat some Frybread and enjoy the view

I put all my stuff in the room and start working on emails again.

Bluff is a nice little village with a historic site and I take a walk before it gets too dark.

Then I go back to the motel and go straight to bed - I’m sooo tired.

Leaving Phoenix

2008-10-26T22:45:00.000-07:00

Today’s a travel day and I’m leaving Phoenix after a good breakfast and saying goodbye to all my friends at FAR West. It has been a great three days and now I’m back on the road

I think I’ll drive up to Williams, AZ

It’s an uneventful drive and I get a nice little motel in town and some Mexican food. Then I become a vegetable and chill in front of the TV...

Tomorrow I planned on going back to the Grand Canyon and visiting the Skybridge, but after researching I decide to skip that and rather drive into Utah and see Monument valley...

FAR West

2008-10-25T22:30:00.000-07:00

It’s a great conference and it feels like a family reunion... I only took a few pictures because I really wanted to be in the moment. It was wonderful and inspiring all the way through. Here are at least a few impressions...

Last Dayy in Germany

2008-10-23T22:19:00.000-07:00

Today’s my last day. I take it easy and stay at Ralf’s for a while doing some email and web stuff.

After that I meet with Elke and we go for a hike with her dog:)

Tonight I’m invited to the Tigerpalast and visit the past. I played there for several years and the steady income allowed me to record my first and second German solo album. As soon as I got that done I left! Here I’m on my way in the subway.

It certainly feels weird sitting in that place but I enjoy the moment

They just had their 20th anniversary so a lot of the old artists came back - it’s certainly a flash back!

After that we have a little get together in the Tiger bar. Around 1 am we’re going back to Ralf’s place and keep on partying. I’m planning to stay up as long as I can so I can sleep in the plane.

By the time I want to lay down I realize it is already 6am and time to go to the airport. Oh my am I tired!

Here I’m standing on the airport forever staring at the board

I fly to Dallas almost 11 hours and after that to Phoenix. It used to be fun but now it’s a drag sitting in those chairs with no legroom whatsoever!

When I arrive in Phoenix it’s still Thursday and I pick up my car at my friends house and am off to the conference.

Back in time

2008-10-22T23:20:00.000-07:00

Today I’m on my own and decide to go for another walk through Frankfurt. I used to do that more than a decade ago and feel like I’m back in time. Off it goes!

First I walking through Bornheim...

Always loved to look up

Or sometimes sideways:)

Autumn has reached its peak and the leaves are falling...

I’m walking past Tigerpast, a Variety Theatre I used to play for several years.

Right on the other end of the street is the jail - sometimes it felt like I mixed up the buildings.

Downtown on my way to the Römer

I can see it!

Here we go:)

That’s the city hall.

Old and new are creatively integrated. Here is the Schirn Kunsthalle where I saw many great exhibitions. The one that made the deepest impression was of the Russion artist Kandinsky.

Some of these walls date back more than 1800 years. They are the reason this place is called Römer (Roman)

That’s also a good example of old versus new...

The river Main

I crossed this bridge many, many times.

I remember sittin on the river bank dreaming up a storm.

On the way back I have to go via subway, I just love it. Ok, let’s go underground:)

Get a ticket

Find my way

Frankfurt has great public transportation and you get pretty much any place you want.

A secret photo...

And back into the daylight

One last look back - Today is my last day and I’ll fly back to Phoenix early tomorrow...

The sky is so close

2008-10-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

Today is a walking day - yes, you can actually walk the city and I have done that many times when I was still living here but now it’s special.
Out of the house and around the corner...

Here is Ralf walking down Berger Strasse

There is a green ring around the heart of the city and it looks lovely

Here we reach Konstablerwache and the East end of the pedestrian zone.

We were on our way to Cafe Karin, a great breakfast place that I frequented fairly often.

After a sublime cheese and sausage breakfast we can’t help but drinking our first beer and I take a secret shot of the interior...

The beer and breakfast do a good job and we’re ready to walk on. Here’s an old Volvo that caught my attention

Just around the next corner...

I have to see the Alte Oper for sure. My goal is to play there within the next 5 years!

I think that’s the wallpaper of my cell phone:) I always loved looking towards the sky!

We planned to go on the Main Tower and oversee the city. Great idea on a day like that!

Two old buddies:)

Here one can see the station. I lived around that area for years.

The river Main is a wonderful waterway and along the Southbank is the Museums Ufer, a strip with all kinds of Museums that are lit when it’s dark. I once lived on the top floor of a building right across the river and could see that every night.

The sky is so close

Finally we’re back on the ground and still walking

Like many other cities Frankfurt is a constant construction scene

This is Eschersheimer Turm right downtown:)

Back to the Green belt and it’s sculptures. Ralf!!! take off your hand! Bad Boy:)

On our way back we drop into the Chines Garden. I used to sit there for hours and watch the older men playing chess with big figures

or look out the window and dream

wow that was a walk!!! Later that afternoon we drive out to Offenbach to visit some friends. I run out of batteries and so the last pic was the Bockenheimer Warte.

Frankfurt how lovely

2008-10-19T23:33:00.000-07:00

In the morning after a lot of Aspirin we go back to the studio and I pack up my stuff. First I’m gonna drive to Neunkirchen, my hometown, and say goodbye to my mom and then I drive with Ralf and Jessica to Frankfurt where I’m gonna stay until my flight back to Phoenix.

It’s so exciting to drive into my old stumping ground. I love Frankfurt for it’s architecture and lifestyle...

Wonder when this disc will run away

That’s down at the Messe

The way down to the Subway

Here we are up on the 5th floor, the attic, where Ralf lives. I love the view!

In the evening we go out and meet with our buddy Daniel. We were infamous as the “Gregglers”. Man I miss ‘em a lot and it’s good to have a little time together again.

I have a “special” room to sleep in. It’s Ralf’s drum cabin.
Never done that!

Last Concert in Germany

2008-10-18T23:17:00.000-07:00

Today is my last show in Germany at Michel’s drum school where he also has the studio we worked in for the last couple of weeks. In the morning Stefan and me take a walk through the city.

That’s the view right outside the studio

Stefan walking

Got to love this one!

The old Zweibrücken castle

We walk over a flee market while Stefan buys some kitchen stuff I play around with it

There is old Bismark:)

It was good to walk around after sitting so much. My friends Monika and Helmut came all the way from Cologne for the concert and await us back at the house.

I got to get ready and off it goes. Here are some impressions. I’m so glad that all my family came out again!

It was a great show and the party afterwards was off the scale. Even Edy gave up - usually he’s the last to stand!

Ralf and his friend Jessica came from Frankfurt

By 6am we all walked back to the house...

Full Moon

2008-10-17T22:09:00.000-07:00

In the morning I walk to the studio and take a shot of the old Park brewery.

Today Michel has a little gig as “Bänkel Sänger” where he stands in front of the City Hall and sings old songs...

I just love guitars...

Later Andrea comes by and the guys have a cigarette outside.

“Listen to the moon” - it’s a great night and that is the full moon up there lighting up an old church.

Prison Walls

2008-10-16T21:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a part of a song I wrote back in the US (“Who’s gonna trust you now“)
Michel and me translated it to our native dialect.

Another day of recording guitars. Here is Vince with an old Höfner.

In the evening I work with Michel alone and after the session we go for a beer.
On our way we pass the Zweibrücken prison and I take some shots of Michel in front of the prison wall.

After that we make a little trip to Neunkirchen, where we go to a blues jam.

A night cap

An then

Italian Dinner

2008-10-14T21:01:00.000-07:00

After a full day in the studio. Michel, Carla and me go and visit Andrea at his little home in Mauschbach. As Italian the variety of noodles is a given.

And hardly any left overs...

On last shot in front of a picture of the Italian city of Sienna.

Then we go home and sleep.....zzzzzz

Any way you want

2008-10-13T21:52:00.000-07:00

Back in the studio we work on a new song, first all acoustic because if that works, it works any way you want it.

The italian bass player Andrea - what a sweet guy:)

In the evening we meet the rest of the family in the tavern that is just across the street.

Me and my god-daughter Carla

Here is the whole bunch again...

Family time

2008-10-12T21:51:00.000-07:00

Today I see my sister Ulrike and her family for brunch. My niece Julia and her husband Pascal are visiting from Lyon, France.

This is the house across the street where my sister lives. Great colors and lots of spiders:)

Here is the whole bunch starting with my aunt Brigitte on the left, My brother in law Karl-Heinz, Pascal, Julia, Ulrike, and my mom.

After that I drive back to Zweibrücken for another week of producing. Autumn is beautiful here and I love the drive.

In the evening we all go for a dinner. Here is Gaby and her daughter Carla

My buddy Michel

And carla again:)

Little adventures

2008-10-11T03:13:00.000-07:00

Tonight I play in in a pub in Homburg and am excited to switch rolls again and become the performer. I stay with Michel and his family all week and am glad that my mom gave me her old VW Golf so I have some wheels and am independent.

During the day we do some overdubs in the studio. I really love the clean sound with a Strat and an Vox amp!!!

Later we drive to Homburg where I play. Here is my old buddy Rüdiger, a wonderful guitarist with Michel smiling:)

My aunt Brigitte comes too and I see her for the first time since 4 years:)

It’s a nice show and it’s packed. A lot of folks came due to the newspaper article.

For sure I jam with my bro:)

My second family, Gaby & Michel!

No question that it got late! Once everybody left I’m still chatting with Chris, the owner of the Pub. Then I leave and realize that I gave Michel my car key and he didn’t return it - Dang!!!! It’s 1:30 AM, cold, and foggy and I’m lucky that my phone works. I call my friends and Gaby drives back to bring me the keys - thers a;ways a little adventure:) The drive home to Neunkirchen is very challenging because it’s fricking foggy like hell and I have no clue which way to go. It’s only 10 miles but...

Blueshimmel

2008-10-07T23:58:00.000-07:00

Time to visit my old friend Michel and start producing his band “Blueshimmel” It’ll be their 5th album and I’m looking forward to it. I drive out to Zweibrücken past familiar signs...

That’s Michel in his VW bus...

Drummer Benny - what a funny and sweet guy!

Here is the Italian bassist Andrea with his collection

The Band Blueshimmel (Andrea, Vince, Michel, and Benny)

Looking out...

My workspace - like the sixties:)

Impressions

Got to love Pro Tools:)

The studio is in Michel’s Drum School (TamTam). Here we’re starting to jam some new ideas, first acoustically to see if they have make sense:)

After a long days work there is only one more thing to do!

Michel and me are the last ones and have certainly too much booze to drive so we walk home (it’s so nice that one can actually do that here!). I was fascinated by the old street lamp and the light it threw onto the tree.

Another day back home

2008-10-05T23:23:00.000-07:00

That’s how I envision my mom when she calls me in Seattle. I’m so glad she’s still around and so lively. It’s a blessing and I’m really grateful for that!

Let’s go for walk...I’m ready...

I grew up with a little stoney backyard, not a lot of green. Maybe that’s why we always went out to the woods and the mountains of Austria southern Germany.

My mom and me visit the little lake where I learned to walk. I always said “Adda Entscha, Audo” which means something like “let’s drive out and walk around where that ducks are”

That tree sure saw me and my attempts to stay balanced more than four decades ago...

No ducks but a lovely swan:)

One last look.

In the evening I make a little tour around the taverns I used to go when I was still living here. It was mostly depressing but at the last one I got lucky met old friends:)

The ones that are already gone

2008-10-04T21:11:00.000-07:00

Ralf left for Frankfurt and so I take my mom out to the graveyard to visit the ones that are already gone. It’s a nice and quiet walk and we stop first at my dad’s grave. He passed away in ‘84.

My thoughts are with the ones that are already gone.

Here lies my brother Wolfgang who passed away in ‘03. I was already in theUS just getting started and unable to fly back to grieve with my family. In those moments I realize how far I am away from my old home...

Here is my mom sitting close to here parents Otto and Lina, her brother Walter, and her niece Nicole, my cousin that left us all way too early.

After visiting the lost ones my mom and me drive around aimlessly and quietly enjoy the company of each other.

The countryside brings back old memories and mom is inspired:)
So good to listen to her stories!

Here is the the tower and entrance to the Bexbacher Rosengarten. My dad used to bring me out here as a little child and I have very fond memories.

Here is the little airport where we used to fly kites on Sundays when there was no air traffic. We had a 100 yard line on the kite and send up little paper messages:)

Villa Medici

2008-10-03T23:48:00.000-07:00

This evening Me, my mom and Ralf went for a unbelievable dinner at “Villa Medici” I never thought there would be anything like that in Neunkirchen!
Here is my mom looking over the menu - I really thought there is no way to decide:)

Ralf is in heaven.

That’s after - just happy faces:)

Walking old familiar ground

2008-10-02T15:47:00.000-07:00

Here I’m walking with my old friend Ralf on familiar ground up Hüttenberg Street towards the my grandma’s house.

Here it is #60:) The whole family used to go there every Sunday to play games all day long, eat and chat until late...

On the way back to the house I spend the first 18 years of my live. I walked this way so many times...

Here it is - We used to have an old chestnut tree right in from of the house but the roots were in the neighbors garden and one day they cut it down - I was living in Frankfurt at the time and can’t say how I felt when I came back and saw what happened!

Old times and memories

2008-09-30T20:35:00.000-07:00

Oh my, there is still the poster of my first album hanging at my mom’s house. Lost pictures are coming back...

My mom’s great and even with 86 she’s tackling the computer and email...

So long ago, I must have been 16. This is a family picture with me on the right, my brothers Wolfgang and Norbert and my sister Ulrike.

There’s a whole gallery of memories

How I loved my piano - my mom can still play some of my favorite songs...

That’s our living room

Later we take a little drive around Saarland

Here is part of the old Neunkirchen Steal factory which is now a National landmark.

Driving back to my hometown

2008-09-29T23:35:00.000-07:00

Today Ralf is going to drive me back to my home town and will stay there with me for a few days. Before that Stefan and me are going out to the market place for breakfast and then for a nice last walk through old town...

Where the heck is Mendelssohnstrasse?

It’s different than driving through Seattle...

Leaving the valley

Ralf has the latest GPS with real time display - even the big street signs:)

The weather is not happening but the sunset looks great even in strange colors

Ralf is fascinated by my moms little unit to check blood pressure.

Mom is telling stories of the past when she was a young woman during war times...

Then it’s time to go to sleep...

Monday Morning

2008-09-28T23:34:00.000-07:00

I was very conservative regarding on how much beer I drank last night and so I feel great, even with just a few hours of sleep. I’m looking forward to a grand breakfast.

Here’s the cheese

And, and, and...

Not to forget the home made cheese cake

My brother Norbert and my sister Ulrike

Mom is a good listener:)

My old friend Gebby

It was great to get to know Akim who I only met via myspace:)

After the family leaves to drive back to the Saarland I stay for the night and we take it easy...

First Concert in Germany

2008-09-27T23:22:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness - I feel as if I was run over by a truck - In half an hour all my family arrives and so I have to get up but...Maybe some fresh air?

Here’s my mami and me trying to keep my eyes open:)

It’s a beautiful day and we sit outside in the sun. Here’s my sister

The hours run by and all of a sudden the concert is on. I have a nice crowd and play solo during the first set. I must admit that I was quite nervous and did not know how the folks take in my sound but after the first applause it was clear that I’m going to have the time of my life. The second set I start with the help of my old buddy Ralf on percussion

After a few songs Elke joins us:)

I play five encores and am ready to party! Here is Ralf, Jessica and my old friend Liane.

Elke and Roland

Akim who came all the way from Osnabrück and Charlotte.

Again we stay up late and by the time I’m in my bed it is again 5am

Touchdown in the good ol' motherland:)

2008-09-26T23:21:00.000-07:00

After an excruciating long flight the plane finally touches down in Frankfurt
Wow am I nervous! It’s been a while and I have no clue what to expect.
My friend Stefan picks me up and we drive out to his house where I also play the first concert.

It’s good to see the old, familiar signs and names.

Stefan is a good and fast driver and we’re on our way to 160 km/h - how fun!

First thing is a stop at the Groß-Umstadt market place where we sit outside and enjoy a German breakfast with cheese, eggs, and sausage:)

What a view! So good to finally stretch my legs...

That’s such a view...

What did you say?

Let’s walk around and digest...

Old meets new...

How about walk through here...

I love this space at Stefan’s and Sabiene’s house.

Setting up the chairs for the concert

Sabiene and Gebby...

We party hard into the next morning to overcome the jet lag.
Stefan and me are the last ones standing and go to bed at 5am.

Two days flight two Germany

2008-09-25T23:50:00.000-07:00

As to be expected I’m way to nervous to have a good sleep. After all I’m flying back to germany for the first time in four years. I’m getting up early because my friends drop me off the airport. and save me a long Taxi ride. One last look around if I forgot something...

Check in is fast and after that I’m looking for a quiet place to do some emails. I have close to five hours before my flight out to Chicago and then from there to Frankfurt.. I find an empty gate and sit down.

Flying used to be fun but now it is so crowded that it’s painful, especially for someone with these long legs...

It’s a four hour flight out to Illinois and then a two hour wait before the next plane to Frankfurt. That is a nine hour flight and it will be Friday morning when I arrive in Frankfurt.

Phoenix via Sedona

2008-09-24T23:19:00.000-07:00

I’m planning to visit Sedona on my drive down to Phoenix. I loved the red rocks from the first time I saw them. I get up early again, pack and get going.

Fist I drive to Flagstaff to get a haircut... In the distance I see Humphrey’s Peak, the tallest mountain peak in Arizona (12643 feet or 3856m)

I love the way down to Sedona...

There is a big forrest fire going on - someone smoking...

First time I see the Red Rocks after many years.

From there it goes further South towards Phoenix. The landscape is typical Arizona desert.

Strange to drive into hot Phoenix (105 degrees), especially after Sedona.

I stay with my friend Dimitri, a Romanian violinist that I met a year ago. They live in the South of Phoenix in a nice neighborhood.

The Grand Canyon

2008-09-23T22:44:00.000-07:00

After a quick breakfast I’m ready to drive up about an hour to the Grand Canyon. I’ve been there several times now but it is always an adventure.
It’s another beautiful day.

Maybe I should charter an airplane and fly above the canyon:)

Always fascinating! I’m stunned that one can go right to the edge. There is nothing that holds you back from jumping into a new dimension...

Here I’m back in Williams - I’ve never seen this little Bed & Breakfast place, maybe I’ll try that next time around.

Time to do some more email stuff - man, it’s hard to keep up with everything while on the road...

Hardy Breakfast and a long drive into Arizona

2008-09-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

I get up around 7:30 am. We’re invited for breakfast to Wendy’s parents Frank and Sandy. She made her famous gravy - oh my - what a start! After that I start the drive to Williams, AZ. and enjoy the drive from Cerrillos to Albuquerque.

I make a little stop in Albuquerque to do some email and bank stuff. Have seen that mountain:)

Then I’m on I40 on my way out West

It’s a long boring drive and only starts to become interesting the closer I get to Arizona.

Almost missed the nice Arizona sign...

Once in Williams I get a room and go out to get some food. Tomorrow I’ll drive up to the Grand Canyon.

Mushroom Cloud and a Sea of Blood:)

2008-09-21T23:59:00.000-07:00

Today is Sunday and I’m driving to Cerrillos, NM to stay with my friends Wendy and Todd. It’s about 420 miles and I better get going...

After about an hour I realize that I left my main bag in the motel. I can’t believe that, I never have done anything like it. The content is more than $1000 and I get a good dose of adrenalin. I call them and find out that it is still in the room. So I turn around and get it. I’m pretty grumpy and have not yet had anything to eat and the imagination that I just added 120 miles to the trip is fairly annoying.
Oh well, let’s try that again...

After several hours I cross into New Mexico.

The sky is wide.

And it’s getting dark

All of a sudden I look out the window and see the coolest sky I’ve ever experienced. I wish I had a camera that could actually capture what my eyes see. It’s like a mushroom cloud over a sea of blood!

My friends expect me and give me a warm welcome and a good dinner and beer:)

we chat until late and watch a couple of very cool music DVDs before it’s time for bed. Tomorrow is another long driving day...

Back into the National Park

2008-09-20T23:57:00.000-07:00

Tonight I play in Aurora, close to Denver. First I plan to drive there after breakfast and work on emails but then I decide to go back to the Rocky Mountain National Park and do a little hike. It’s way to beautiful out there to sit on the computer.

But first I take a little walk and enjoy the view

It’s interesting how things look different when approached from another direction...

I’m getting close to Estes Park

What a beautiful day

I decide to drive up to bear Lake, a route that I haven’t explored yet.

I love this season and the colors that come with it.

Especially against the blue sky:)

Bear lake

I wish I was a painter...

Here is a feisty little chipmunk munching away:)

Finally I have to get back on the road and drive to Denver. On the way down the mountain I stop at a winery and do a little tasting. I did not know that they make wine here in Colorado. Then I’m back in the valley and the weather gets gray again.

What a contrast!

Here is a glimpse of the Denver skyline - I wish I were back in the mountains!

The concert tonight is in a little church...

Here is Connie. She’s a gem and host of Parkhouse Concerts.

There is a total of 6 folks in the audience and I’m struggling a little but everybody is very nice and appreciative.

Across the Rockie Mountain National Park

2008-09-19T23:56:00.000-07:00

It’s still raining when I wake up. Before I leave the motel I ask about the Trail Ridge pass and if it’s open - They say probably not but I’ll gonna give it a try and at least have a breakfast at Grand Lake. I’ll pack up and get going.

Bye Bye Canyon Motel:)

The weather at Grand Lake is not very promising. I ask the Lady at the Cafe and she has a # to call and finds out that the pass is open.

Who would have thought that the sun comes out so fast.

The road winds up over 11000 feet.

All I need is a view like that and my heart opens up...

Care for a little snow?

On the way back down the weather changes in an instant and big dark clouds show up.

Just around the corner it is almost clear again:)

How I love that!

Slowly getting back down.

Here I’m back in the valley and on my way to Lafayette where I play a concert in a Cohousing Community.

This is the common house of the Nyland Community. It was one of the first in the US and is built on 42 acres surrounded by close to 70 acres open space.

I’m staying in their guest room and take a quick nap.

The concert is great and I have a wonderful audience.

Into Colorado and the first rain

2008-09-18T22:04:00.000-07:00

In the morning I drive to the historic part of Rock Springs

I can’t believe I find a Cafe with espresso and internet - the cafe is also a bike store:) Where the heck am I?

I’m driving East on I 80 and then turn South into Colorado onto I 40 towards Hot Sulphur Springs.

The sky turns dark and I hit the first rain since I left Seattle.

Just a few more miles through the canyon and I can stop

I find a little motel and call it a day. Tomorrow I have a show in Lafayette and will drive across the Rocky Mountains...