Carry a guitar around Chiang Mai and it's amazing the kinds of situations that you encounter... I had a desire to check out a beautiful temple I had passed on one of my walks through town, so I headed in that direction to find it again. It's called Wat Chomphu and it's not only lovely, it's quiet and secluded with a nice courtyard and several buildings around it. I think there is a community of monks who are based there. I played some quiet music in the courtyard, to the amusement of some older ladies and some monks. As the sun set, one of the monks rang the bell and a prayer service began with chanting and praying on their knees. I stopped playing and listened a bit, then headed back toward my guest house.
Passed by White Orchid Massage, where I was introduced a couple of years ago by my friend Toby, and I know several of the women who work there. They call me 'Richard Gere', and since I had my guitar, I played a little bit of a couple of songs... one of mine, 'Chillin' in Chiang Mai', and the Clapton song, 'Lovely Tonight' which is the go-to tune if you want the ladies to smile and sing along. It was a nice scene.
Headed to my favorite Pad Thai street spot where I've gone for a couple of years, I'm the only westerner who goes there, but they know me and are glad to see me. A young Thai guy showed up with a guitar and after we ate, we got talking a bit and jammed on a song or two. The husband of the cook was really into it and asked him if we had played together before... he was kind of incredulous that people could just start playing, but I said, 'it's a language, and the kid translated to the old man.
Went over to Dash Restaurant, where I had a little dessert and then listened to the Thai guy who plays there on alternate nights. He's good, uses some technology, has a good act. But when he was done, they wanted me to play some and it turned into an hour long, sit around the tables and sing together, with some Americans, Canadians, Dutch customers, lots of fun and I get to be the life of the party... humbly, of course, but I just have the skill to hear what they're singing and to pick it up.... And a few of my tunes in there as well... just another night of music and fun.
Capped off with a stop by CU Corner where I got to play some gypsy jazz with Daniel, the awesome French guitar master who I've played with before... Then he took a break and I was asked to lead some songs with two young jazzer musicians Pavel and Cristof, both good players who could follow my jazzy stuff. We played til about midnight and then I split for home... Kind of a typical night in town... carry a guitar around and it just unfolds... Sweet....
