12 minutes until the clock strikes 12 and rather than be out in the maelstrom of Tae Pae Gate which is the Times Square of Chiang Mai, I'm ensconced in the internet place that is right there, with music blasting outside, hundreds of vendors hawking grilled meat, noodles, corn on the cob, deep fried this and that, all kinds of food and all kinds of clothing, knick knacks, tee shirts, yoga pants, the usual deal. The street is closed off and it's a see of Asian faces, some Farang, everybody from babies to old timers. In the sky are hundreds of lanterns, some going up, some coming down... it's a big business on a night like this, must be a hundred or more vendors selling them here. And people light them, pose with them, and set them aloft,carrying their dreams for the new year... or maybe it's just a photo op.
Had a rough day of missing my girlfriend Julie who has been off the grid with friends for a few days, so we didn't have a chance to chat or skype lately and for some reason, it's hard at the new year, I felt pretty lonely there for a few minutes, but that gives way to the next feeling and the next and the next so it's not something I dwell in. But wow, there was an ache there for awhile. I've been reading a great collection of 'the Best Buddhist writing of 2011' and it's really getting me to think in a different way. I'm drawn to Buddhism and this is an excellent way for me to get a foothold. Different articles from different walks of life, each one digestible without having to wade through a serious tome that would feel like work. This feels like knowledge and I'm into it.
Two minutes to go... and I have zero interest in being part of the throng, though I will step out to watch the fireworks, so I guess yeah, I'll be in the throng. I wish I was with my love at midnight, I miss the kiss and the connection. Part of the price for being a road dog, and yup I have to pay it.... And it's OK
Well it says 12:00 so Happy New Year, Sawadii Pii Mai (in Thai) There's the cheer, there's the explosions, I'm sitting indoors with headphones and glasses on... like a nerd... and it's OK
Boom Boom Boom Boom Boom Boom
Better and Better
Musical
vignette... I was playing bass with my Thai musician friend, Apple,
and we were having our customary great time together. This Aussie guy
joins us on penny whistle, he's got an assortment of them and he plays
OK. But he plays too much, never puts the damn thing down. Apple is
singing, he's playing, Apple takes a solo, he's playing, there's a quiet
part of the song, he's playing. After
about a half hour, it was getting to me... but how do you tactfully ask
someone to back off a bit. It's not 'my gig' and who the hell do I
think I am? But it needed to be done, for everybody's sake, including
his. So I quietly suggested that he could play less, that way there is
more impact when he plays, and the music has more dynamics.
He was initially a little put off by my temerity to critique him, but he did back off some, I could see his mind working as he wanted to play all the time, but forced himself to wait. The music got better. I think he understood. Anyhow, last night I'm wrapping up my set in the restaurant, nice crowd of people, another good time. Dash is going to sing 'Those Were The Days My Friend' and here comes the Aussie strolling in with his whistles. The song gets going, he isn't playing because he wasn't invited but then I look over and say F#minor and he's in. And he played with restraint and he got his solo and the people were surprised by the new sound and they applauded for him and for us. Then we played that Oasis tune 'Wonderwall' and once again, he played with restraint, left space and it was great. Ahhhh it should always be so nice...
And it's just getting better and better on that restaurant gig. I'm up to 4 nights a week, I played last night even though I was sick earlier in the day, but between rest and some tiger balm (eucalyptus, I think) under the nose, I was feeling good enough to do the gig. And I'm so glad that I did. It's just ridiculously fun, I am treated like part of the family and they are so appreciative of what I provide... which is 'live music' and the invitation for people to interact. I couldn't be happier with the gig. And then last night this Swiss family was sitting near me, two young kids, some kind of multi racial mix, (I wouldn't have guessed them for Swiss, let's put it that way). And at the end of the night the boy comes to drop a tip in the tip jar and it was a thousand baht note. ($33). I didn't see him do it, but when I checked the jar I found it and asked where it came from. I thanked the family and asked, 'Are you the prime minister or something?' The dad smiled and said no, but they enjoyed the music. Crazy... I made $75 last night playing music in Thailand... and I get to play tonight again... and then it's New Year's Eve. Totally blessed at this point...
He was initially a little put off by my temerity to critique him, but he did back off some, I could see his mind working as he wanted to play all the time, but forced himself to wait. The music got better. I think he understood. Anyhow, last night I'm wrapping up my set in the restaurant, nice crowd of people, another good time. Dash is going to sing 'Those Were The Days My Friend' and here comes the Aussie strolling in with his whistles. The song gets going, he isn't playing because he wasn't invited but then I look over and say F#minor and he's in. And he played with restraint and he got his solo and the people were surprised by the new sound and they applauded for him and for us. Then we played that Oasis tune 'Wonderwall' and once again, he played with restraint, left space and it was great. Ahhhh it should always be so nice...
And it's just getting better and better on that restaurant gig. I'm up to 4 nights a week, I played last night even though I was sick earlier in the day, but between rest and some tiger balm (eucalyptus, I think) under the nose, I was feeling good enough to do the gig. And I'm so glad that I did. It's just ridiculously fun, I am treated like part of the family and they are so appreciative of what I provide... which is 'live music' and the invitation for people to interact. I couldn't be happier with the gig. And then last night this Swiss family was sitting near me, two young kids, some kind of multi racial mix, (I wouldn't have guessed them for Swiss, let's put it that way). And at the end of the night the boy comes to drop a tip in the tip jar and it was a thousand baht note. ($33). I didn't see him do it, but when I checked the jar I found it and asked where it came from. I thanked the family and asked, 'Are you the prime minister or something?' The dad smiled and said no, but they enjoyed the music. Crazy... I made $75 last night playing music in Thailand... and I get to play tonight again... and then it's New Year's Eve. Totally blessed at this point...
From the Island of Malta....
I had a hysterical night last night at the restaurant, it didn't start out that way, but the flow seems to be one of increasing looseness over the course of the evening. I always start out the same way, playing a couple of instrumental guitar songs that I've written over the years, then work into some mellow love song type stuff, and eventually into 'whatever'. It seems like people are there to enjoy their food and their company, not to be assaulted by and attention seeking musician, so I try and accompany 'date night' with the songs I choose.
But as the evening goes on, the tables change, folks get a few drinks in them, they start responding, I start getting a little more raucous and let's see what happens. Last night, Noi was sitting at the table next to me with her kinda BF Jay and our mutual friend John. She really likes it when I interact with her customers so she told one older couple that 'he likes suggestions, do you have a request?' The guy said, 'Amazing Grace'. (didn't expect that, but I played it). And since I don't really know the verse, I asked for some help, and he sang it. Then I invited him up to the mic and he sang it there, got some applause. Turns out he's a Baptist minister, so that was a cool moment. Of course I had to tell him the story about how I was playing piano during one of those interfaith services and the song was Amazing Grace. I jazzed it up some, got some gospel thing going on the keys and afterward a little old lady came up and said, 'I can tell you're a baptist by the way you play piano'. I thanked her for the compliment.
And there was a table of 4 right in front of me, turns out they're from Malta and they were pretty cool, just good energy. I told them that the first I ever heard of Malta was on Heavyweight Wrestling in the 60's there was a bad guy named 'Baron Mikel Sikluna' FROM THE ISLAND OF MALTA and he was a giant evil bastard who cheated and hurt the good guys. They whipped out their Iphones and found him, came up to the mic to show me his picture, I feigned terror and we all laughed. And then somehow I started making up a song about Malta, starting with the Baron, and then asking them for instance, 'what's a common name for a girl in Malta?' 'Maria' both girls said, so I made up a song about going to be with Maria in Malta and if I married her did I have to give her father a goat, that sort of thing. Then we changed it to I'll get him a new boat, and that was better :-). Mostly it was just silliness but it was totally live, full of laughter and tremendously fun energy. I made their night, they made my night, kind of thing.
Both of the guys were graphic designers so there was just some creative spark at that table. They had asked for a Johnny Cash song and I did parts of a couple of them, ending with Ring of Fire. And it burns burns burns... One of the guys said, burns like curry... and now we're off on that tangent. And it occurred to me that the ring of fire could be uh a bunghole of fire after the curry... It looks stupid now, but at the moment, we were hysterical. Same way with my buddy John, who is in a disastrous relationship but can't seem to extricate himself. That turned into a little improvisation as well, and I totally nailed it... Noi is like 'You have to write that down', but no, it was gone, it's one of those things that happens in the moment if the force is with you. To write it down is to kill it. John loved it, it was just one of those moments.
And how awesome to have that kind of freedom in a gig, when the boss loves what you're doing, encourages it, calls out songs, which I dutifully play. It's a two hour gig, but since the place is packed when I'm supposedly done, I just keep going and they pay me for that extra hour. Last night I made a whopping $52 which is nothing in the states, but is really good for here, and I added up everything and in the last 10 days, I'm down a total of $5. I'm paying my way through music, and that is incredibly satisfying... I feel proud of that. But shhhh I'm not allowed to earn money here.
Sick today, it's been coming on for a day or two, now fully into my sinus, my voice is half gone, might have to miss tonight and possibly tomorrow... darn it. But I feel good inside in spite of it. Maybe it will clear up enough to perform, seems like less than a 50percent chance... but let's see what happens...
But as the evening goes on, the tables change, folks get a few drinks in them, they start responding, I start getting a little more raucous and let's see what happens. Last night, Noi was sitting at the table next to me with her kinda BF Jay and our mutual friend John. She really likes it when I interact with her customers so she told one older couple that 'he likes suggestions, do you have a request?' The guy said, 'Amazing Grace'. (didn't expect that, but I played it). And since I don't really know the verse, I asked for some help, and he sang it. Then I invited him up to the mic and he sang it there, got some applause. Turns out he's a Baptist minister, so that was a cool moment. Of course I had to tell him the story about how I was playing piano during one of those interfaith services and the song was Amazing Grace. I jazzed it up some, got some gospel thing going on the keys and afterward a little old lady came up and said, 'I can tell you're a baptist by the way you play piano'. I thanked her for the compliment.
And there was a table of 4 right in front of me, turns out they're from Malta and they were pretty cool, just good energy. I told them that the first I ever heard of Malta was on Heavyweight Wrestling in the 60's there was a bad guy named 'Baron Mikel Sikluna' FROM THE ISLAND OF MALTA and he was a giant evil bastard who cheated and hurt the good guys. They whipped out their Iphones and found him, came up to the mic to show me his picture, I feigned terror and we all laughed. And then somehow I started making up a song about Malta, starting with the Baron, and then asking them for instance, 'what's a common name for a girl in Malta?' 'Maria' both girls said, so I made up a song about going to be with Maria in Malta and if I married her did I have to give her father a goat, that sort of thing. Then we changed it to I'll get him a new boat, and that was better :-). Mostly it was just silliness but it was totally live, full of laughter and tremendously fun energy. I made their night, they made my night, kind of thing.
Both of the guys were graphic designers so there was just some creative spark at that table. They had asked for a Johnny Cash song and I did parts of a couple of them, ending with Ring of Fire. And it burns burns burns... One of the guys said, burns like curry... and now we're off on that tangent. And it occurred to me that the ring of fire could be uh a bunghole of fire after the curry... It looks stupid now, but at the moment, we were hysterical. Same way with my buddy John, who is in a disastrous relationship but can't seem to extricate himself. That turned into a little improvisation as well, and I totally nailed it... Noi is like 'You have to write that down', but no, it was gone, it's one of those things that happens in the moment if the force is with you. To write it down is to kill it. John loved it, it was just one of those moments.
And how awesome to have that kind of freedom in a gig, when the boss loves what you're doing, encourages it, calls out songs, which I dutifully play. It's a two hour gig, but since the place is packed when I'm supposedly done, I just keep going and they pay me for that extra hour. Last night I made a whopping $52 which is nothing in the states, but is really good for here, and I added up everything and in the last 10 days, I'm down a total of $5. I'm paying my way through music, and that is incredibly satisfying... I feel proud of that. But shhhh I'm not allowed to earn money here.
Sick today, it's been coming on for a day or two, now fully into my sinus, my voice is half gone, might have to miss tonight and possibly tomorrow... darn it. But I feel good inside in spite of it. Maybe it will clear up enough to perform, seems like less than a 50percent chance... but let's see what happens...
Is it enough?
Is it enough? That's the question that comes up for me lately, as I wonder about my life here. I think I'm basically happy and healthy, taking good care of myself, making it to yoga most mornings, feeling strong and more flexible than before. I'm playing a lot of music, sharing it with the folks at the two venues I at which I appear. I'm spending time with friends, shooting the bull with the old timers over coffee, enjoying good food and camaraderie with the folks at the restaurant. I'm working on music, spending quality time in front of the microphone and in the bedroom practicing. I'm avoiding the depressing Oregon winter, getting sun, swimming in the pool, picking up a little (very little) Thai language. Is it enough?
And now that I think about it, the very premise of the inquiry is flawed, as it assumes a valuing and a judgment about how one lives. The very asking of the question skews the material and places it into a western, ego involved container about success or failure or living up to one's potential or some other mediated mind trip about life. What about just being there? being here? Seems like a plan. Or as artist Terry McIlrath once commented to me as I was goofing on myself about the success/failure paradigm, 'Can't you just muck around and have some fun?'
So if I were to somehow let go of the questioning about 'is it enough', then it just is. And it can breathe, and relax and appreciate. It just is. And instead of that cliche 'It is what it is', how bout, 'It just is'.
And now that I think about it, the very premise of the inquiry is flawed, as it assumes a valuing and a judgment about how one lives. The very asking of the question skews the material and places it into a western, ego involved container about success or failure or living up to one's potential or some other mediated mind trip about life. What about just being there? being here? Seems like a plan. Or as artist Terry McIlrath once commented to me as I was goofing on myself about the success/failure paradigm, 'Can't you just muck around and have some fun?'
So if I were to somehow let go of the questioning about 'is it enough', then it just is. And it can breathe, and relax and appreciate. It just is. And instead of that cliche 'It is what it is', how bout, 'It just is'.
Keeping On keeping on
Aside from the lack of sleep... I can't seem to make it more than 4 hours in one stretch, I'm doing well. Big night at the restaurant tonight, made $42 which is pretty darn good for 3 hours work, and they asked if I would play both nights of the weekend for as long as I'm here, which means I'll be working 4 evenings a week. It's truly the linchpin of my stay in Chiang Mai, all the more so now, and chances are I'm going to ride that wave for the next month or so. Aside from basically paying my expenses while I'm here, I'm getting great experience as a solo act, my voice and playing are as good as they've ever been, and it's like I've found a home, a place to be, a place to eat good food, it's a win win win win. And they really appreciate what I provide, which is good music and a fun personality. It's the perfect gig while I'm here.... grateful grateful for it.
Well that sucked...
Yup, that sucked last night, but there was a bright spot nonetheless. The sucky part was the fact that I was totally pumped to make music last night... follow up the Christmas Eve fun with even more. Oh yes, the dreaded 'expectations' got me again. I was all ready, had thought it through, but it wasn't to be. These three fine musicians have been rehearsing and they have come up with an insular band that isn't really looking to do anything except hog the stage and make their music. Last night, one of them, Pavel wasn't available so I filled in and got to do the thing I do... involve the audience, help orchestrate the show. This time, no way. They were doing their thing, and even though there were a bunch of players who wanted to contribute, they just kept playing and playing as if no one else mattered. Bang... I got out of there with a bit of a bad vibe.
And I had a dream that I went to talk to them about it, give some feedback about how they hogged the show and didn't give anyone else a chance. And my feedback was met with total rejection, I was totally wrong, totally dismissed, it was so real. I was kind of amazed that they couldn't even begin to see what I was talking about, but it was such a strong slap down that I received. I ended up skulking out of the bar, feeling totally misunderstood and victimized. And when I woke up in bed and realized that it was just a dream, that I hadn't called them on it, it was such a relief.
It's all about ego. I was so bummed that I didn't get to do my thing, and I couldn't really enjoy what was happening... a room full of nice people having a Christmas party. Nope, it was all about me not getting what I wanted and that totally colored, even destroyed the experience. I mean there is some legitimacy to what I was feeling... I know there were other players there who wanted to contribute as well, but the strong feeling I got was that I was being mistreated... or rather my ego was being mistreated. And I guess I'm not at the evolutionary point where I can just let it ride and dig what is. But at least I didn't compound it by calling them on it... The dream says... 'Don't do that'. (much as I fucking want to...) So instead of it being a big fuckin' deal, I guess it's just a case of 'well that sucked'. Let's move on. Yes let's.
And I had a dream that I went to talk to them about it, give some feedback about how they hogged the show and didn't give anyone else a chance. And my feedback was met with total rejection, I was totally wrong, totally dismissed, it was so real. I was kind of amazed that they couldn't even begin to see what I was talking about, but it was such a strong slap down that I received. I ended up skulking out of the bar, feeling totally misunderstood and victimized. And when I woke up in bed and realized that it was just a dream, that I hadn't called them on it, it was such a relief.
It's all about ego. I was so bummed that I didn't get to do my thing, and I couldn't really enjoy what was happening... a room full of nice people having a Christmas party. Nope, it was all about me not getting what I wanted and that totally colored, even destroyed the experience. I mean there is some legitimacy to what I was feeling... I know there were other players there who wanted to contribute as well, but the strong feeling I got was that I was being mistreated... or rather my ego was being mistreated. And I guess I'm not at the evolutionary point where I can just let it ride and dig what is. But at least I didn't compound it by calling them on it... The dream says... 'Don't do that'. (much as I fucking want to...) So instead of it being a big fuckin' deal, I guess it's just a case of 'well that sucked'. Let's move on. Yes let's.
Have a Namaste Christmas
I'm glad yoga class happened this morning, wasn't sure since the teacher is from Holland and maybe he wanted to take a day off for Christmas, but there he was, with a full house (10 or so is all that can fit in the studio). Great class, and much needed after not enough sleep (again) and some moderate alcohol consumption last night. And why was I drinking, Mr Healthier than Thou.... because I was having a freaking great time playing late night at the CU Corner.
The timing was perfect, I went to Noi's 60th birthday party, had a great meal of ham and pineapple, fried rice, scalloped potatoes, caesar salad, hung out with the folks, played a few songs after dinner for a couple of small groups... fun stuff. The best thing I did at that party was to wrangle everybody together for 5 minutes so that we could focus on Noi, say some words, light the candles and have a 'moment'. The party was outside, her house is on the site of the reastaurant, and it was busy out there with a full house of customers. We could hear a lot of background noise including the sounds from the guy playing music. And we just hadn't gathered. So I took it upon myself to encourage (OK insist) that we adjourn to the inside of the house for a little focus. A couple of folks said 'let's just do it here', but no, that wasn't the spot... too noisy, so I did that thing I do. Take over and push the envelope a bit. It was the right thing to do. A few people spoke, we sang happy birthday.. .had 'the moment'. I don't mind the resistance... it's my job (self appointed)
I got to CU around 10:45 just as Pavel was called to another gig. He's the guy who usually fronts the ensemble, sings and plays great, but when he was called away, Daniel saw me and asked if I would play. Absolutely! and what a great group, Daniel playing his gypsy jazz (with charts so I could accompany), Cristofe on bass, like Daniel, and Frenchman, and an American dude, Drew on bongos and percussion. I sang and played rhythm guitar (with a few leads too). A perfect scene, the music was cooking, I pulled out some of my tunes that these jazz cats could follow and the audience was way into it. Lots of applause, some hollering and merriment. A Ukranian dude was pouring shots of his special Ukranian whiskey that he brought for the occasion and Thaew bought me a Sangsom (rum) and soda, so I was buzzing pretty good, and jamming hard. And we were dynamic, leaving room for each other, getting quiet, getting loud, having a total blast. Thaew had us quit at 12:30 to keep the neighbors from complaining, but tonight is Christmas and anything goes. We're gonna rip it up. First a barbecue which she invited me to, then music all night. among friends and fans, what is better?
As I was lying in bed last night I started thinking about all the stuff we could play that doesn't need rehearsal, and came up with plenty. Feliz Navidad should be fun, also this naughty one I wrote to the Alice's Restaurant progression... it's called 'Who grabbed your ass?'. Also this one called 'American Song' which is written to the Shine on Harvest Moon progression. That's the thing about jazz guys, it the music runs along a familiar pattern, they can just step in after hearing it once, and off we go. This 'American Song' is actually about that very thing. Here's the lyric... can't wait to share it tonight
D7 G7
There's a kind of music that everybody knows
C7 F
Can't say where it started but I sure know where it goes
D7 G7
Right around a circle, come on and get aboard
Bb Bdim F D7 G7 C7 F
Like a freight train line to a simpler time you'll find an American song
Beethoven used this harmony, ain't nothing new under the sun
V1 chord goes to the 11chord, V goes to the 1
And if you play it ragtime all your friends can swing along
That's what I do anytime I'm blue I play an American song
Up a lazy river with Sweet Georgia Brown
Shine on harvest moon, lighting up the whole darn town
Paul McCartney took a crack at it when he wrote Rocky Raccoon
Not bad, Paul, but still and all it's just an American tune
The timing was perfect, I went to Noi's 60th birthday party, had a great meal of ham and pineapple, fried rice, scalloped potatoes, caesar salad, hung out with the folks, played a few songs after dinner for a couple of small groups... fun stuff. The best thing I did at that party was to wrangle everybody together for 5 minutes so that we could focus on Noi, say some words, light the candles and have a 'moment'. The party was outside, her house is on the site of the reastaurant, and it was busy out there with a full house of customers. We could hear a lot of background noise including the sounds from the guy playing music. And we just hadn't gathered. So I took it upon myself to encourage (OK insist) that we adjourn to the inside of the house for a little focus. A couple of folks said 'let's just do it here', but no, that wasn't the spot... too noisy, so I did that thing I do. Take over and push the envelope a bit. It was the right thing to do. A few people spoke, we sang happy birthday.. .had 'the moment'. I don't mind the resistance... it's my job (self appointed)
I got to CU around 10:45 just as Pavel was called to another gig. He's the guy who usually fronts the ensemble, sings and plays great, but when he was called away, Daniel saw me and asked if I would play. Absolutely! and what a great group, Daniel playing his gypsy jazz (with charts so I could accompany), Cristofe on bass, like Daniel, and Frenchman, and an American dude, Drew on bongos and percussion. I sang and played rhythm guitar (with a few leads too). A perfect scene, the music was cooking, I pulled out some of my tunes that these jazz cats could follow and the audience was way into it. Lots of applause, some hollering and merriment. A Ukranian dude was pouring shots of his special Ukranian whiskey that he brought for the occasion and Thaew bought me a Sangsom (rum) and soda, so I was buzzing pretty good, and jamming hard. And we were dynamic, leaving room for each other, getting quiet, getting loud, having a total blast. Thaew had us quit at 12:30 to keep the neighbors from complaining, but tonight is Christmas and anything goes. We're gonna rip it up. First a barbecue which she invited me to, then music all night. among friends and fans, what is better?
As I was lying in bed last night I started thinking about all the stuff we could play that doesn't need rehearsal, and came up with plenty. Feliz Navidad should be fun, also this naughty one I wrote to the Alice's Restaurant progression... it's called 'Who grabbed your ass?'. Also this one called 'American Song' which is written to the Shine on Harvest Moon progression. That's the thing about jazz guys, it the music runs along a familiar pattern, they can just step in after hearing it once, and off we go. This 'American Song' is actually about that very thing. Here's the lyric... can't wait to share it tonight
D7 G7
There's a kind of music that everybody knows
C7 F
Can't say where it started but I sure know where it goes
D7 G7
Right around a circle, come on and get aboard
Bb Bdim F D7 G7 C7 F
Like a freight train line to a simpler time you'll find an American song
Beethoven used this harmony, ain't nothing new under the sun
V1 chord goes to the 11chord, V goes to the 1
And if you play it ragtime all your friends can swing along
That's what I do anytime I'm blue I play an American song
Up a lazy river with Sweet Georgia Brown
Shine on harvest moon, lighting up the whole darn town
Paul McCartney took a crack at it when he wrote Rocky Raccoon
Not bad, Paul, but still and all it's just an American tune
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