Anatomy of a TRAVEL/GIG DAY

Today was an interesting “travel” day – let me break it down for you:

-We left the hotel this morning in Ilhavo, Portugal @ 5:30am to drive to Porto, Portugal Airport

-Our drivers got lost, but our drummer Terreon Gully was somehow able to navigate them corrrectly the airport in time for our 8:10am flight to Barcelona

-We checked in and proceeded to the gate for our flight. Several minutes before boarding, we were informed that the flight was cancelled due to a “labor action” with Portugalia Airlines (although our tickets said TAP Airline!!!)

-Our tour manager/sound engineer extrodianaire Conan Reynolds stood in a ghastly line and had us rebooked on the next availible flights – a connection thru Lisbon that left Porto at 2:20pm and arrived in Barcelona at 7:10pm. Keep in mind our gig was scheduled for 10pm in Tarragona, which is a two hour drive from the Barcelona airport

-We all proceeded to the Star Alliance lounge and fell asleep in the moderately comfortable seating until it was time to board our flight

-Then several amazing things hapenned: both our flights were on time, and we received all of baggage without delay! We were estatic if not quite tired.

-We me our hosts at “arrivals” in Barcelona and proceeded to the vehicles for the transfer to Terragona, an approximately two hour drive. Everyone feel asleep on the drive, and we arrived at the hotel at about 8pm, not refreshed in the least.

-Big props and shout out to Conan who proceeded directly to the venue to setup and prep the stage and sound for us. We had about an hour at the hotel, and then transferred to the venue for a brief soundcheck and nibble on “dinner” in the dressing room

-Then another incredible thing happened: the gig was GREAT!!! Dianne’s singing was amazing, the band was killing – everyone somehow summonsed up the energy to put on a great show. Much respect to Dianne, Reginald, Terreon, Romero, Anna, and Conan.

I have to say that although at this current time (2:45am) I am thoroughly exhausted, I am honored and exceedingly grateful to be able to make a living playing music with extraordinary musicians for appreciative audiences around the world, in locales that I would have never gotten the chance to experience had it not been for my association with the art form of JAZZ MUSIC.

Peace,  PM