The Living Rockumentary

Gig Diary for the "Space to Pace Tour 2004"

Friday: I got up at 6:40 to be at work for 8. I worked 8-2:15. I was home by 2:25. Fed the cat, packed my bag, and at 2:40, was putting my stuff in Henning's car. Phew.
No wonder why I fell asleep as we were turning on to route 495. I woke up 15 minutes later, refreshed and ready to listen to the new SFTD for the second time. We were making mental notes and anyway, driving is the best way to listen to music. I think I shall always remember that ride to Portland.
In Portland the big building displayed the temperature: 8 degrees.
We found the Space, greeted Jose, met some folks, ordered pizza, soundchecked and hung out in the green room while Jose told us all about the planned hijinx: the raffle, the scuba wear, the smurfs...
I won't repeat any of Ken's commentary, but I will agree that The Hot Tarts were very enjoyable. Cindy the drummer was great, and she also complimented my playing. Ken says "Weinburg" I say "Watts". No upstanding drummer would enjoy being compared to Weinburg. (There goes my chance at being a late night talk show drummer--that's fine, I can't smile for that long).
Our show: energetic (when Ken and I are a rhythm section, there's a lot of egging on), loud, probably a little sloppy. Though Jose said that mine and Ken's harmonies were dead on. I was tired and not feeling all there. But I loved, loved the vibe in the room. People laughing, hugging, smiling....I so wish it was warm out because Portland is a nice walking town.
Cut to: Days Inn. Sharing beds, watching TV, lights out.
Cut to: morning. Room is way too hot. I turn down heat. First one up, I shower and dress. Others follow. Ken and I go down to the contintal breakfast. SO MUCH MORE than a waxy apple, a green banana, grey coffee and a hard bagel. This was a feast. I had a nice banana, an english muffin, oatmeal, juice and coffee and a danish. We watched the news on a big screen TV. Henning soon joined us
We regrouped in the room and checked out. Good byes in the parking lot, pictures taken, and we're off on a chilly chilly sunny morning.
Cut to:
Portsmouth: Campaign '04. What excitement! I'm fairly wrapped up in this election, though I haven't chosen a favorite. I had 24 hours of Edwards-mania after hearing him on the Press Club or something. I initially liked Kerry (like months ago) but, but... I began to really like Dean, but now the press is treating him like he's insane...and Kucinich is too cool for the mainstream. Wanting him to be president is like wanting (name your cult band) to sell 12 million records.
So we went to Bull Moose and I bought wimpy, lush Brit pop of yesterday and today: the aforementioned latest Belle and Sebastian and "Idea" (1968) by the Bee Gees (Nice Price!)
I was back in Northampton at 3:45 pm. I made dinner at 4:30, talked to Andrea and lied down for a couple minutes before heading off to PACE. I woke up and it was 6:20. I was supposed to be at PACE at 6.
I was groggy, my stomach felt funny and it was cold.
I thought everyone must be angry at me for being late. After setting up, I got a cup of mint tea and began to relax on the big comfy couch. I didn't feel like I was about to rock.
But rock we did. And it sounded so nice onstage. I played PACE with the Figments 2 years ago, when it was new--we may have been the first rock band there. Trace Meek is friends w/ the owners. Like David said, it used to sound and look like a gallery, now it sounds and looks like a theater. I love the warm sound of a theater. We all wanna play there again. I thought our set was very good. The new songs went off w/out a hitch.
This morning, I wondered, how many people under my age know "It's So Funny How We Don't Talk Anymore" by Cliff Richard? Ken, lord knows I wish I knew more words to that song, else I would have sung more than that one line. What a great song.
It was good to see all the folks that showed up. SFH were very good to watch and hear. They have such a curious collective vibe. They project inward, like we're watching the meeting of a secret society. I think SFTD are the opposite. I've been in bands that are both. Last night must have wreaked havoc on Max's psyche and fingers.

(Remember Psyche and Fingers? Tuesday nights at 9 on CBS from '79-81? They could really bring America together. )

Dave put his egg in his mouth and the world gasped. Later he wiggled his hips while playing the ride cymbal standing up.

Afterwards, all I could say was EDR EDR EDR. So, Ken, Tony and I went to the Easthampton Diner Restaurant and I got pecan pie and ice cream.
We discussed time, creativity, books lack of time, lack of focus and the Old Grey Whistle Test.
Next weekend will be more travelling and hijinx.

You gotta drive to Provincetown, if you really want to melt the snow, I know we can.