Feb 11, 2006
Welcome, friend. It is so nice to see you. Have a sit. Lets catch up - s'been too long.
If I slip, catch me before I fall.
San Francisco is nice this time of year. Presumably here to play some shows - 2 nights at the Boom Boom Room (last weekend) and a handful of support dates w/Derek Trucks, there is always meaning and intent hiding within the grooves. Sometimes you have to play them backward to hear them. Sometimes you have to slow the record down to 78 rpm. After a recap of this weeks events, which include a delerious, death-defying headbonk on the icy pavement in Tahoe ( only minutes before I came dangerously close to choking on a bite of food the size of a small house payment) I have determined that Chinese New Year is a good time for me to watch my ass.
But if death came a knockin' and I was less than receptive to its' eventual certainty, it should come as no suprise to anyone who knows what's up in Maliworld.
Besides the obvious - I have a powerful blessing from my Medicine Man, the Rev. Goat Carson, that basically says ' look busy Papa...we AIN'T goin' out like THAT' - besides that, there are too many things on my plate that need to be finished. Good works, these. I simply need to take smaller bites and chew them a bit more.
Playing with Derek is a joy that is hard to fathom. One day I hope to fully comprehend the range of emotions that his playing ignites in my musical soul. For now, I am content to just soak it in and dig the moment. Two openers this past week, two more next week and sit-ins last night and again tonight. Watch for Derek on the upcoming Clapton worldtour, and keep your fingers crossed for some " assorted love songs". Did I mention that he, his band and his crew are the nicest people in the entire music biz?
Robbie Kidd is back on drums. Need I say more? In fact I do, because for most of this year (beyond?) we are joined by Bay Area bassman and badass gentleman, Kevin T. White, on extended loan from our buddy, the over-talented Chuck Prophet. This is the trio as God intended it - with equal parts stoopid and swagger, tension and thunder, menace and manna... and enough grease to deep-fry your frazzled, thumpin' and bumpin' brain into submission. Do not try to adjust your set. We are controlling this transmission.
There are some Atlanta shows with Galactic coming up (to be posted soon) - and so much more.
And check this column, too, as I will be weighing in regularly about all manner of things, including:
What I am listening to currently (lots of 60s vinyl).
Pawn shop guitar/studio gear and thrift store finds.
Decent places to eat while traveling.
Ruthie Foster (see Links), whose new record I am produci
Summer Festivals and where I will be playing (see Calender).
And just what the hell IS going on with my new record.
Stay posted. Big love, Papa
