16th of October 2003

My favourite occupation

Coming close to the end of my american adventure. Spending the day wandering Alphabet City with Geoff, and just bought and old velvet suit (!) in a second hand store. Beautiful sunny day here, perfect for the outdoor cafes and people watching - my favourite occupation.

Had my good friend John Hoare join me for a couple of nights here in NYC and he played some beautiful trumpet for us. He went down a storm here, and made us play differently. I showed him my favourite bars and we got very drunk.

The great Bob Dorough attended our gig last night. He is the composer of "Devil May Care" and, from the new record, "But For Now". A total legend. At 79 years old, he has style and cool to burn. I was frightened to sing his songs in front of him and for the first time in ages I felt really nervous to see that familiar face in the audience. He was so supportive however, he loved our versions of his tunes and my own original stuff (a lot of which is inspired directly by him). We had the honour of hanging out with him after the gig too and I got to ask him about writing, touring and Miles Davis. Cool guy, new friend, GREAT NIGHT!

It is tough to remember what it was like not to be here, and although they say when time goes quickly you have enjoyed yourself - time actually seems to have slowed down here. I think this is because of the total sensory overload that this city shoots at you. We still have a few gigs left and a few parties planned, but it is going to be tough to leave a place that feels like a person somehow.

jc

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