29th of September 2003

adjectives

Well, here I am in NYC, a year after having first been offered this gig. So much has happened in this last year that finally being here seems to have come around far too quickly. The pressure seems to be pretty heavy, you appear to have a responsibility to the tradition that exists in the Oak Room which is essentially more accustomed to cabaret performances. But names such as Harry Connick, Diana Krall and Peter Cincotti, coupled with adjectives such as "amazing", "assured" and "mature" are being thrown around. I guess I'm seen as something of a rebel by not just doing standards and not coming from the music school background. The room we're playing in is so small that I'll have to be careful not to scare them away. Also, all the emphasis seems to be on the first performance because all the reviewers come in on this day. This one hour will make or break the run for then next three weeks. Being in the hands of critics is a fairly scary prospect.

As usual for this city, last night's catfish dinner was the biggest thing I've ever seen and could have filled a family of four. I went to bed, knackered and full of food only to wake up at six thirty, my body clock awaking me cruelly. This is the first time in ages I don't have to get up for anything. I'm gonna have some serious lie-ins as soon as the jet lag dissapears.....

I've been spending the day, wandering the streets of Greenwich Village, having the odd cold beer (Sam Adams - new to me and delicious) and thinking about the set. First gig tomorrow night.

jc

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