Sydney!

This one goes out to Rusty, Richie, Tom and the rest of the Road/Tech crew without whom none of this happen.  Hats off to these guys who show up early and set things up.  They are often faced with adversity, such as moving road cases like this:

up staircases like this!

Did I mention that "Blue Again was nominated for a Grammy?

We had a day off in Sydney, so I had a chance to check the place out.  The first stop was Allen's music.  It was sort of a Kmart of music stores, but still much larger than anything on Maui.  I always enjoy hanging out in these places.  Often times you will hear someone trying out an instrument and playing something really cool.  Sometimes not, but in a large city like Sydney, which hosts a conservatory, it is likely that there are some very skilled players around!

The next stop was the Australian Museum for some culture.  On the way there, I spotted my first Ibis.  They were just hanging out like pigeons in the park waiting for handouts.  How strange they appear.....

A statue of the infamous Captain Cook graces Hyde Park.  In Hawaii he is not the most popular character...

Mick and Rick by the harbor with the Opera House in the backround.

The water taxi took us across the harbor to a place called Doyle's.  The trip took about 15 minutes and provided an excellent perspect ive of Sydney and it's surrounding coastal communities.  Australians love to be outdoors and especially on or near the water.

At Doyle's we dined on Sydney rock Oysters, calamari and fish and chips.  The food was excellent, the view down the harbor toward the city was surreal. Thanks Mick!  The giant fruit bats came out at dusk and swooped around a large fig tree.  We were astounded by their enormity and their freakish vocalizations!  I must get those photos!The return trip was fantastic with the illuminated skyline ahead of us.

While at the museum, I learned of the Johnstone's Crocodile.  It is a rather harmless fresh water animal found in the Northern regions.  They tell me it's good eatin'.

Today we are off to Wollongong which is about a 90 min. drive from Sydney.  We will play our 45 minute set with Michael MacDonald and Boz Scaggs to follow. 5 down, 7 to go! Hello Cleveland!

Down Unda!

After a good wave session at Kuau and a margarita at Milagro's in Paia, it was off to points South!  Way South!  First a stop at Sammy Hagar's bar at the Kahului Airport.

Air New Zealand is the best airline I have flown on thus far. The planes are clean, with plenty of leg room, and the attendants are on it! They served dinner and breakfast, both of which were of above average quality as far as airline food goes. They offered us beer, wine and champagne. The VIP lounge at the airport was also outstanding.  Good food and drink.  A beer at 9AM?  It's 9 AM somewhere! Cheers!

Our journey to Australia brought us through Auckland and then on to Melbourne. After about twenty-two hours of flight we checked into the Crown Hotel. The hotel is across the river from downtown Melbourne and features a casino.  Rick and I went to grab a bite to eat at one of the many riverfront eateries.  The weather was sunny and warm.

Mick is recognized worldwide.  Here he stops in the airport to sign an autograph and chat with a fan.

Keep a walkin'!

The Yarra river runs through Melbourne.   Designated as the Sri Chinmoy "River of Peace," it reminds me of the Charles River in Boston with all the rowing teams in training.   A pedestrian bridge takes you across the river to the downtown area which is an interesting blend of older architecture and newer skyscrapers.  The river represents the peace which flows from one's deeper self out into the ocean, which is the world.  I like that.  Bummer it looks so polluted!

The exchange rate is nearly 1:1 between the US and Aus. dollar.  The prices, however, are a bit higher.  With a thirst for some local brew, I dropped into a liquor store and was blown away by the price of booze.  Beer prices run about double what they do in the States.  I picked up a 6-pack of Cooper Ale for about 15 bucks.  I had been told that the Aussies really enjoy their drink, but I wondered how they could afford it.  The liquor store attendant informed me that many folks spend their whole paychecks on booze, which doesn't seem hard to do!  He was amazed that we only spend a little over a buck a beer for a decent libation.  Looks like a good time to go on the wagon!  Hmmmm.

Tip of the day: Don't bother asking for an "Americano" at the cafe'.  Just say "Strong Latte" and  they will know what you mean.

Today we have a tech-rehearsal to make sure everything is in order for tomorrows gig at the Hi-Fi bar. http://www.thehifi.com.au/events/mick-fleetwood-7631/

Thanks to Tad Craig for lending me his point and shoot!
www.tadcraigphotography.com

Grammy Reflections

We returned home from the Grammy's with a suitcase full of memories, but nothing for the trophy case. Yet!

We did show some face on the Red Carpet however...




To be nominated is in itself an honor and one must acknowledge all of those who work relentlessly at their chosen endeavor and are never recognized.  In my case, I feel as though it is a signal that I am indeed headed on the right track.  Music is a central part of my being and I am among the blessed who are given the opportunity to pursue it as a career.

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity"  Seneca  5BC-65 AD

I also view it as a mandate to continue ahead.  As Mick said in an interview, "it is an affirmation that what you are doing is worthwhile."

We are looking ahead to the Australia/New Zealand Tour which commences on 2/17.  We will   be traveling in Eastern Oz mostly and on both NZ isles.  Part of the time we will be sharing the bill with Michael MacDonald and Boz Scaggs!!  I can't wait to hang with those cats!

http://www.vectorarena.co.nz/index.cfm/PageID/2/EventID/121/Event/Boz+Scaggs,+Michael+McDonald+The+Mick+Fleetwood+Blues+Band+/






Ramblin' Jack Elliot received the Grammy in our category and certainly not without merit.  This was his fifth nomination.  A contemporary of Woody Guthrie and an big influence on Bob Dylan, Jack received his award in true rambling fashion.  Here is a tune I have always enjoyed from his record.  It's an 8 Bar Blues.

Check this out.  We were seated in front of Taylor Swift when she was called up for her first Grammy.  Watch closely.

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Road to the Grammy's/House of Blues

The House of Blues on the Sunset strip is said by many to be LA's premier live music venue.  It has three floors, a full-size balcony and several bars. The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band played there on Thurs Jan. 28th. as part of a Haitian Earthquake Benefit.
http://www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/sunsetstrip/

There was some talk of guest artists such as Billy Gibbons and Slash, but our start time kept getting pushed back.  We went on close to midnight and played a rockin' but abbreviated set.

One highlight for me was to play the house's Hammond B-3 organ.  It is a unique beast.  Each one a little different.  I visited my friend Gene Argel a few days before leaving Maui to get a few tips on how to drive it.  "You gotta relax on this thing" is what he said.  He was right.  The is very little action on these things, so extraneous finger movements can end up sounding like slop (unless that's what you're going for!) and as I found out, you must be careful around the "preset" keys.  If you hit one by mistake, you may end up with a totally different sound then you wanted, or none at all.  The latter is what happened in my case.  I hit the stage, went to hit the keys and NOTHING!  Quickly, however, I noticed the errant key and dialed it up in time for the down beat.  What a pleasure to play through such an expressive instrument.  You simply cannot beat electro-mechanical with digital.  The rotating Leslie speaker is a must!!!

With any luck, I will be playing more of these in the future!

Another highlight was re-connecting with the lovely Hesper and her friends.  Thanks for hanging out so late on a Thursday!shaka!

                                                                           

Mick's Custom Cocktail Kit

Lenny and Mick

Vodoo doll

     

Road to the Grammy's/Hollywood

If New York is the city that never sleeps, then Hollywood is the city that can't stop talking about itself . The endless chatter, the traffic, the "in your face" backround music. Slow down Hollywood, take a deep breath...put down that phone...well on second thought, don't...you might hurt yourself.

Lenny meets a new friend. You can have a photo with Bugs Bunny, but he's gonna turn around and ask for money!! Another hustle, and this town is full of them!

We arrived on Wed. night at the Roosevelt Hotel. It is right on Hollywood Blvd. Built in 1927, it was the sight of the first Academy Awards.

A martini at the LIBRARY LOUNGE was the first order of business! Thanks Carl!

All the cool cats hang out at the Tropicana Bar, the site of many movies.

Lenny and I found a cool pizza joint. Great sauce! Cheap eats! OK, there is hope.

Night scene on Hollwood Blvd. First pink stretch Hummer Limo I've ever seen!

By day...

Your name here...

Mick Fleetwood Blues Band performed at Shep Gordon's annual New Year's Eve party at Mala in Wailea. This year proved to be just as much fun as last year with such notables as Chad and Mike from Nickleback, Alice Cooper and John Mayall (pictured) sitting in. Mayall, who's band spawned the careers of many British Blues musicians (Mick included!), sang two tunes. I can't remember the name of the first, but I do recall him showing me the piano part at sound check. It was a sort of Boogaloo thing. The second tune was "Help Me" by Sonny Boy Williamson, a minor blues. Mayall was real cool and personable. He played some harps that Mick had hanging around his house. He broke it down in true Mayall fashion. He is a consummate performer who knows how to entertain!

Alice Cooper was great as well. His self-deprecating comments were hilarious! "I never play these songs like the album" he said. To which Mick replied "Don't worry, I'll make sure of that." We rocked " School's Out" and I think "No more Mr Nice Guy" and rung in the New Year. Due to resort regulations (the fun police) we had to stop shortly after midnight.

Chad Kroeger sang the hell out of "Born on the Bayou." I don't know anybody who can come close to John Fogerty, but he can.

Alice Cooper with the "Cooperettes"

So the next big news is that "Blue Again" has been nominated for a Grammy in the category "Best Traditional Blues Album." We are all very excited to have even been nominated. On Jan 28 we will play the House of Blues in Hollywood to benefit the Haitian earthquake victims. Then two nights off before the Grammy's. Look out LA!

Back on Maui

Back on Maui.  Anyone know what day it is?  Funny how everyone here says "you're back already?" Time seems to accelerate here.  Blink and a week goes by. We arrived at baggage claim to the sound of people rejoicing Obama's victory.  From my experience overseas, I can guess that the rest of the world is quite excited as well.  People over there really don't like Bush.  It's embarassing.

 The first thing I did when I hit the island is drop in on Dave, at Milagros.  He always makes a big fat Martini and keeps me up to date on the musical events on Maui.  Good to hear that the shows he promoted were successful.  It's not easy getting people out here on the island.  Cheers Dave!!

      The second thing I did was drop into Simmer, my surf shop employer.  A 9'0 longbaord caught my eye...used to belong to Ray, who lived and surfed and sailed in Kuau, but recently passed on.  Looking forward to catching many waves with Ray's old stick!

      Maui has greeted me with 6 straight days of wind and waves.  It was exactly what I needed after a somewhat sedentary lifestyle on the road. Unbelievably, I'm in bed by 10pm....still on euro time perhaps.  We'll see how long that lasts...

I picked up a waterproof digital camera.  As soon as i figure it out, I will be sharing some action video soon!