NOLA McCartney Weekend! Pt. 3 and etc.

Owww it hurts to type. The 4 fingertips on my left hand are killin me. This is from playing the 5-string bass "Henry" at Leo's party on Sat. night and then again at rehearsal last night w/Aaron and the singer and Aaron's drummer. We played for over 4 hours. I was worried I might lose out on the audish to Yo-Yo Ma's cousin but in the end Aaron told him not to even show up. I had been working really, really hard at learning the singer's 5 original songs that I had recordings of, making chart notes and everything. I mean I worked on those songs for hours on Saturday. It was great ear-training practice, that's fo' sho', but I have to say I am so out of practice from years of playing mostly country and blues--and his songs have a lot of things like flat 7's, minor 6's, minor 2's and stuff. Also I decided I'd learn them on "Henry" since it's Aaron's bass and I wanted to put it to good use. So I really gave my brain a serious musical workout.

So last night went well for the most part, I believe. Aaron is such a natural, amazing musician and though he loves me, he did scold me later for bragging to him that I knew the singer's original songs note-for-note and it was clear I missed a couple of notes--but I told him I had said that for Yo-Yo Ma's cousin's sake, that I was just letting Aaron know there was no way YYM's C was gonna be the better bass player for the project than me and there was ALSO no way he had learned as much of the material as I had! And anyway, I learned 90% of the original songs so jeez. And the singer likes to do songs like "Going Down" by Freddie King and "I Been Loving You Too Long" by Otis Redding and I can do "Going Down" all day long (we do it in Leo's band) and I knew the weird chord changes in the Otis song!!! Anyway, to be continued I guess... the singer posted something nice about us on his Facebook today so that's encouraging, but Aaron still has to iron out the business side of things. He did tell me that the singer's wife had said she really liked my bright, sunny positive attitude or something like that. Still, no one actually came out and told me I have the gig, so until I hear some finalities on the whole thing I'm gonna let myself take tonight off of this music and with "Henry" and see what happens next... I have my monthly sheriff's meeting tonight anyway so I'll be getting home too late to even do much of anything at all.

All righty, let's see if I can finish the N'awlins recap. Ok so we slept in late on Saturday and I finally got caught up on my damn sleep. Then we went to meet Stefano's sister outside our hotel so we could follow her to the Tulane dorm since Stefano had his niece's new comforter set in his possession (it was bought and shipped to his house, so we'd brought it with us). I'd never been to Tulane before; it's past the Garden District from the French Quarter. 1,700 freshman all moved in on the same day, and though it was well-organized with labeled piles of possessions and stuff and tons and tons of upperclassmen to carry the stuff to the dorm rooms for the new students, it was still a bit of madness b/c it was 1,700 freshmen moving in at the same time! Stefano's sis was completely frazzled; it was just her helping her daughter move in, unpack, make runs to Target and Bed, Bath, and Beyond, etc. etc. whereas her roommate had 2 parents and 2 siblings there to help.

So we got there and it brought back so many memories of moving into the dorms and all that and I just got so excited for Stefano's niece! It was fun seeing all the kids at the beginning of a 4-year adventure, one that I enjoyed and would never trade for anything. I even took pic's to commemorate the moment in pictures! I stayed mostly in the hallway though b/c there were too many people in that tiny dorm room as it was, unpacking, etc. etc. Stefano helped make the bed, he hung a few posters, we gifted the voodoo doll, and then we made plans to meet his sister that evening for dinner at Vincent's.

On the way back to our hotel we had to make a quick stop at Xavier University, as my mom had requested a baseball cap from there, the one with the "X" on it. Parking there was not nearly as much of a hassle as it'd been at Tulane, where we'd had to leave Stefano's car in the nearby neighborhood, about 5 blocks away. I soon realized Xavier is a "black" university, and we kinda stood out, heh heh. But I asked a co-ed where the student union store was and we were right near it. We found the store and found the caps: $38!!! For REAL?!?!?! I called my mom toot suite, not telling her how much they were (or else she'd call the whole thing off) but to ask her what color she wanted. She wanted a black one and I had to try it on b/c all the "X" caps were fitted. $38 later we were outta there!

Before heading back to the hotel I'd wanted to drive past a certain address on N. Rampart st. and take a picture. The reason I wanted to drive by was b/c N. Rampart st. faces Louis Armstrong park, one of the most dangerous places in America, even in broad daylight. I just read this book and since I'm such a ghoul I wanted to see the place where the murder happened, and take a pic of course! Then we went back to the hotel to ditch the car. The hotel had sent us a gift basket the day before, which held sparkling water, a banana, cookies, apples, and an orange. I'd never been given a gift basket at a hotel before, and was totally charmed outta my high heel sandals! Anyway, I'd had the banana and a cookie for breakfast but Stefano had only had coffee, so by the time we got back to the hotel to drop off the car he was famished. He'd said we would definitely go have a muffaletta at the Central Grocery which is one of his own N'awlins traditions, so we headed that way on foot, me with my cup of ice/Coke Zero/Crown.

Stefano was so hungry he ordered an entire muffaletta! I had 1/4 plus chips, and then 1/2 of another 1/4 so the total math is beyond me now. We also stopped into the little store on Decatur where I had bought my mom Posada earrings back during the NYE trip of '08-'09 and this time I bought her some Frida Kahlo earrings. I dropped a dime on my mom that day! Walking back through the French Quarter we got more of those fun jello shots, and I wanted to stop into a bar and hear this awesome funky band but it was really astoundingly loud and Stefano couldn't handle it, to my disappointment. We walked back to the hotel in the 100+ degree heat and cooled off a little before heading up to the pool. The pool had a bunch of people around and in it this time, and we overheard that a lot of them were parents moving their kids into college that weekend. We managed to snag the very last pool chairs and it was so so SO hot that I kept dipping myself into the pool before Stefano had enough and went back inside. I went inside soon after b/c it started to get overcast and rain threatened.

(BTW, while I headed inside my cell rang and it was my neighbor AB who told me we'd had 2 units broken into on Friday and they knew who it was [the turd grandson of one of the old biddies who lives there] and what could/should they do about this, blah blah. I said call HPD! Then I asked him to keep an eye on my place for me. Ugh. Glad I'd left my car there in my space though.)

So we cleaned up, washed up, rested a little, then got picked up at our hotel by Stefano's sis. My feet were absolutely killing me (earlier I'd worn these new brown sandals that I thought were more broken in than they were, to my great misjudgment, so I'd switched to my black sandals which were broken in, but the brown sandals had already damaged my feet) so I was glad we decided not to ride the streetcar down to the restaurant. Plus I'd already learned my lesson about that streetcar the last time I was in N'awlins during the NYE trip of '08-09 and how we'd waited so annoyingly long for the return streetcar we all just ended up taking a cab back to the Quarter! (Except for the studs J1 and J2 who jogged back.) Vincent's restaurant was really dark and cozy and wonderfully romantic and Stefano's sis was so ready for her dirty martini. Stefano and I had wine and we all grubbed seriously, so much so that I couldn't even look at the dessert menu. Besides, Cafe du Monde was in our future!

Back at the sis' hotel we dropped off her car and walked to Cafe du Monde. My feet were hurting so bad though so I had to go a little slow. By the time we got to the Cafe we were all hot and sweaty; by now it was probably only about 97 degrees. The beignets were as delightful as they always are and we sat inside, where I'd never even stepped foot in before! I didn't even finish my beignet though, as that's how hot it was outside and that's how full I still was. We walked around the Quarter a little more and I had to buy some gifts for my neighbor AB as well as a coworker. Then we made our way back to our hotels and bid Stefano's sis adieu. Stefano and I had debated going to see some live music at one of N'awlins' many must-attend venues, and I'd been in regular text message contact with an incredible bass player I know that lives there, getting his many valuable venue suggestions... but by the time we got back to the hotel we just had no motivation to head back out. Besides, Stefano kept saying how now that his little niece is there we have ample reasons to return to N'awlins again and again over the next 4 yrs!

So the next morning I got up early enough to actually to do a little elliptical machine in the exercise room, which was much-needed after all those jello shots and Crown and grubbing. We checked out around 11am and went to meet Stefano's niece and her roommate at Camellia's, a popular Tulane neighborhood eatery. There was a line out the door but apparently it is always like that; the girls had walked over which took them about 20 min. and the poor things were dripping w/sweat! Then we still had to wait in a long line out the door. But it was kinda quaint, what with there being no tables inside, only counter dining so that was different and fun, sorta. After lunch we drove the girls back to Tulane and said goodbye, then we had 1 final task: touring the Lower 9th Ward, which Stefano wanted to see.

The Lower 9th is east of the Quarter and the iPhone maps showed me how to navigate us there. We just did some random driving around until at one point Stefano asked, "Should I turn here?" and I said "sure." And suddenly we found ourselves driving right past Fats Domino's house on Caffin St.! I spotted it and told Stefano to stop, and we pulled over and got some pic's, natch. It was pretty cool to see! Finally we headed west and back home to Texas. We stopped outside of Beaumont for some cajun food; Stefano's oysters on the 1/2 shell were not nearly as big as they'd been in N'awlins!

Yawn... I didn't get much sleep last night and I was so late getting back home from Aaron's that Stefano was already asleep by the time I got home, so last night was a rare Sunday night we didn't spend together. Tomorrow night is a night off for me (I really need to go on a run, I haven't had time to run in 2 weeks at least) and then Weds. is rehearsal. Leo told me mere hours ago that he forgot we have a gig on Sunday night in Pearland and I had already put myself on the schedule to go work w/the Marine Division, so it appears I'll be doing that from around noon-7pm, then I have to rush home, shower/change since I'll be covered in sweat and sand, and get to the gig by 10pm since we play at 10:30. But I need the $ for my GK head I'm planning on buying in the next couple weeks!

NOLA McCartney Weekend! Pt. 2

So ok, Stefano and I made it N'awlins FINALLY and got to our hotel which was SO lovely. Man... oh man! Unfortunately Stefano had been chain smoking all motherfuckin' day which was actually starting to get on my nerves, I have to say, for several reasons:

1. When he chain smokes I know that means he is extremely anxious/uptight about something and that consequently makes me a little uptight wondering what's going on. (In this case it was trying to make it to N'awlins in good time.)
2. The stank in the damn car
3. His rolling the car windows down and it was literally about 110 degrees outside

So we checked into our room and he called his sister who was staying in a nearby hotel. We made plans to meet her and her daughter and then go lunch at Mother's, one of my fave places to eat and which was located a mere 2 blocks from our hotel! But on the way to try and find them Stefano was trying to light yet another damn cigarette and he dropped his iPhone on the sidewalk. The screen went white and nothing could fix it. Fortunately we actually ran into his sister and her daughter on the damn street, so that was quite fortuitous! Because it was a Friday afternoon Mother's did not have a line out the door and down the street for once, and we only had to wait a few minutes for a table. It's been years since I ate there and it was fun to get to go back!

It was a nice lunch and we all split the famous bread pudding. Then we made plans for the next day to go and help his niece move into her dorm at Tulane. I was feeling very excited for her--the big adventure of college right before her! Then Stefano and I had to go to the AT&T store to seek help for his phone but they directed us to the nearest Apple Store, at the mall in Metarie!!! Lame, man. So we had to go get his car from the hotel and scoot over to Metarie. Fortunately I had Job #1's iPhone w/me and I was having a good time playing w/the maps feature which is very groovy! The mall expedition only took about an hour and a half (the Apple store was packed) but they replaced his screen for free, which was awesome since the warranty had already expired, so he lucked out!

We went back to civilization and our hotel and decided it was time for the rooftop pool! Since the sky had been threatening rain when we pulled into town there was no one up there, so we had the whole pool and hot tub and roof all to ourselves! We spent time in the hot tub b/c the pool was kinda cold. It was decadent and sooooooo wonderful. After that we got ready to go out to the Vieux Carre, natch. Stefano hadn't been to N'awlins in about 12 yrs. so I had to navigate us around initially when we set out on foot; I always remember where everything is every time I land in the French Quarter area. It's almost instinct! I took my cup of ice/Coke Zero/Crown with me.

On our to-do list was go buy a voodoo doll for his niece, so of course we headed to the Marie Laveau shop. I always pay a visit every time I'm in town anyway. We also had drinks at the famous Old Absinthe House on Bourbon, where I don't think I'd ever been before?! I had their mojito which was KILLER, even if it did cost $12 fuckin dollars!!! Hey, it was an experience. Later we stopped in a dacquiri place (I was kicking myself for leaving my notorious famous green cup from the NYE Trip of '08-'09 at home in Houston!) and got these wonderful jello shots that came in these huge plastic syringes--2/$5! Hell of a deal!!!

We walked all over the Quarter and of course we went down to the river to worship it and take my customary river picture. Back on Bourbon St. I got Stefano some silver beads (they were thrown and landed in the street) but I was so incredibly tired I really couldn't stay out too late. I was going on fumes, man, on about 15 hrs of sleep the past 4 nights, TOTAL. On the way back to the hotel we stopped in some restaurant and he got some oysters on the 1/2 shell and I got some nachos; then we headed home and I passed OUT.

Ok, Pt. 3 gonna hafta wait. I'm at Job #2 and need to head home to Stefano. Last night I played a last-minute gig w/his band and I'm so glad b/c I need the $ for my Gallien-Kruger head that I need to buy in a couple weeks from Rozzy, who's giving me an incredible deal. The Leo Trio's legendary gig that was scheduled for this Saturday got cancelled and I was counting on that $ so I truly appreciate Stefano's band calling me for their backup last night! The gig also included drinks, food, and even dessert (pecan cobbler ala mode!). Busy fucking weekend coming up, I gotta totally learn these songs tomorrow for sure, and Leo's gonna throw a party tomorrow night in lieu of our gig. Oh yeah and I also have some Sheriff Personnel work to do--haven't forgotten that's another job of mine! Sunday is busy with a benefit for one of our most beloved local musicians and then I've got the audition w/Aaron and the famous singer. Praying I get it, I have to say!

NOLA McCartney Weekend! Pt. 1

Oh HELL yeah we had a Stellar Mccartney weekend in NOLA! And I have to say, San Antonio on Thurs. w/my pater familias and his friend "Little Bitty" was great too. I am SO glad I went with them, even if I'd only had 4 hrs of sleep the night before. Last week was just crazy. I had a killer awesome time on Weds. night too w/Aaron's crazy ass and our friends! Jeez, where do I start...?

So Weds. at the LCC was packed! Sooo many hippies and what looked like a bunch of college studes too. Young folks. I saw several musician friends and I also ran into my ex-boyfriend who was playing bass with the featured band, Pot Roast. He was not in a good mood when I got there so I just said "See you on the dance floor" and split to find Aaron and Co. I found him in front of the stage jamming out to the opening band, then I found the girls. Philipo and Migl had said they'd be along later. After a couple drinks and a couple smokes Aaron disappeared and then all of a sudden commandeered the stage away from the featured band and announced that me and the fiddle player girl were to get up there. I just stood there b/c my bass was in the car and my ex was not looking happy onstage about Aaron's shenanigans. But then he slowly unstrapped the bass and so me and the fiddle player headed up and I was sure to thank my ex very sweetly as I passed him and put on his bass. Then we ROCKED OUT! I had a cigar in my mouth and I just left it there since everything happened kinda suddenly. We played 2 songs and the whole place was dancing and loving it. It was AWESOME!

After the 2 songs and we left the stage dudes were high-fiving me as I went back to our table. A few minutes later Philipo finally showed up, 20 min. late! I only hung out w/him and his friends for a short time b/c I was exhausted from lack of sleep all week and I absolutely had to get home and get ready for N'awlins since I was gonna be gone all day on Thurs. I went home and tried to get as much done as I could (had to dye my roots for example, ugh, get my clothes ready to pack, etc.) and got to bed close to 3. Drunk Aaron and girls wanted me to come over and drink champagne but I just couldn't.

So Thursday I worked a 1/2 day and left work at 1pm, wearing a black sundress which I thought would be comfortable to travel in and also serve nicely at the church. Before meeting my dad I had to make a liquor run for us and a beer run for him. Then I met him and Little at my dad's girlfriend's house where for traveling inspiration we watched my dad's footage of Steve Jordan at Canto al Pueblo in 1977, where he did "Squeezebox Man" which I to this very day still remember seeing! Then we hit the road.

My dad Laszlo was in rare form. Tons of stories, tons of bad jokes... it was a lotta fun I have to say. He started in on the beer immediately and after we stopped for a gas/bathroom break I got my typical cup with ice and Coke Zero, some Cheetos to snack on, and cracked open the Crown. I was also busy in the backseat texting a bunch of dudes, from Aaron to Leo to Migl. Aaron and I spoke for a bit and he offered me a free motorcycle, a 1200 CC Harley Roadster. He's so nuts. By the time we made it to the west side of San Antone I was a little buzzed. We got to the church plenty early and I spotted one of Steve Jordan's sons outside, so my dad approached him and asked/reminded him about videotaping everything. (He'd already been in phone conversations with them about this previously.) It was ok'd, my dad got his cameras ready, I went into the church to get a choice pew seat behind the family, and I lit a candle in honor of Esteban.

I had my drink with me in the church, but it's ok b/c it was a Catholic church. As Wendell Holmes is fond of saying, "Jesus made water into wine, not the other way around!" Later my dad's associate Carmela showed up--since she moved to SA a couple yrs ago we all miss her so it was good to see her. We predicted the church would be SRO and we were right so I'm glad we got there early enough to get choice seats. My dad indeed filmed everything, including the scene outside (which I missed b/c I was guarding our pew) of the family walking from the house to the church. The sons had set up their instruments and the band played a few songs. I was worried I'd start crying, even though my dad had said that this event was going to be a celebration, and sure enough I did tear up during one of the damn songs. I kept looking around to see if there was anyone there I'd recognize, such as famous Tejano musicians, and my dad said Mingo Saldivar was there, who I LOVE!!!

After the memorial mass we repaired to the adjacent hall for food and camaraderie. The food was tuna sandwiches on white bread, bags of chips, veggies and dip, bean soup, and soft drinks and beer. I got some for me and my dad. My dad said later that this is exactly the kind of post-funeral food for Chicanos in San Antonio. Little Bitty said he'd thought they might serve mole or something but my dad said that's what high-spanics would serve; these people were salt of the earth people! I was excited to get my picture taken with Mingo; also I met Esteban's longtime bass player, this rich white guy from Rochester NY who abandoned his life of wealth and Yankee privilege to move down to San Antonio over 30 yrs ago to play with Tejano musicians. He took a shining to me and I took a pic w/him too.

Finally we headed east, towards home. I was still soooo tired and managed to catch a few minutes of sleep. We arrived in Houston around 1:30 am, I got to Stefano's house close to 2, and we tried to sleep but we were both kind of wired up. I think we nodded off close to 3 and the alarm went off at 5 freakin' AM since Stefano was determined to be in N'awlins by lunchtime!!!

We grabbed kolaches on the way out of our neighborhood and I was still a little wired up, telling Stefano about the rest of my San Antonio adventures, but I managed to nod off for about an hour. Then we began drinking a little of the leftover Crown and there was no way I'd be able to sleep anymore b/c now the party was ON! At one point we made a pit stop so I could get my cup of ice/Coke Zero and I bought a black cowboy hat w/flower design on it; I knew J2 would be so proud! Unfortunately we hit some bad traffic due to an accident after Baton Rouge, annoyingly b/c that's soooo close to N'awlins we could taste it, and the Crown was making me have to find a bathroom which there was no obvious one on our detour, so I told Stefano to pull over and I'd venture into a cornfield. Normally I would never do such a thing but the Crown made me drunk and desperate and plus, I pretended I was James Jamerson needing to take a leak on one of his many road trips to gigs far and wide. Stefano joined me and said "I hope there's no snakes around here" and I said "No way would any snakes have the nerve to bite the legendary James Jamerson!" forgetting momentarily that I was not, in fact, James Jamerson.

Ok, to be continued next post. I am still beat this week but now it's just b/c I've been shedding seriously all week on Aaron's purple 5-string Fender bass, which I took home and have named "Henry" after Taj Mahal (real name Henry St. Clair). I have to do some serious shedding and learn several songs before Sunday and I have to learn some of Aaron's 17 songs he gave me on CD as well. I've no time for much else, including sleeping.

Happy New Years! Again!

So it looks like I'm gwina make it New Year's Eve for the 3rd time this week tonight. As I gchatted to J2 earlier, "Times is WILD."

I am outta my damn mind (then again this is nothing new) with the schedule I've given myself this week: it's chockfull and jam packed of work and partying. It started Monday night. I've been in discussions with this certain awesome guitar player, Aaron, who is a local bonafide and national superstar. We're the same age and have known each other for over 12 years and I have always always always been a huge fan of his. So he hit me up recently about possibly playing with him and another local superstar who has achieved some national fame and I was just like, "Not yes, but HELL yes!" I needed to get the CD's however to start listening to the stuff for my upcoming audish. But both our schedules are so crazy insane we were texting about possible meeting times this week and nothing was working out. Finally we realized that while we were texting each other at that very time was a good time, so I zoomed over to his place to meet him.

He pulled up outside when I pulled up and he had this cute girl with him, but that's not surprising at all since Aaron is very much a heartthrob too. We went inside and he began burning CD's and also serving us champagne (he only drinks champagne which I think is so funny). He has recently started learning to play the fiddle (and is already awesome at it!!!) and had it out, so of course I had to pick it up and do a little "Faded Love" for him. The cute girl took some kind of shining to me, said I look just like her BFF. I'm all like, "oh is she also stunningly beautiful and fascinating etc etc?" I ended up hanging out with them for about an hour and a half and we were just blabbing and telling stories and I was playing on Aaron's guitar and the chick was playing with my hair and we were drinking champagne.

When I got home he sent me a text msg saying that I "astounded" him and his friend, that I'm "the most wonderful" person to be around, that I "paint bright colors", that his friend "almost cried" when I had to leave. I can't even explain how touching that was to hear!!! I was blown away and now of course I'm just praying that is a good sign for me to GET THIS GIG. I was a little wound up from everything so when my old college buddy Tommy up in Dallas sent me a txt msg I just gave him a call and we talked for almost 2 hours.

Yesterday morning I had to leave work for a bit (after getting in late due to my late night before) to have the AC guy over as apparently I've had a leak for about 4-5 days now. But when you are NEVER home like me these things--like a weird dripping noise in the downstairs hallway--take time to register in my pea brain. I called the same AC guys that Mr. Wonderful Stefano uses and they were able to take care of me quickly, efficiently, and very friend-ly. I had to go meet Aaron again briefly so I ran over there and he had a present for me. When I'd been at his place on Monday night I saw his rhyming dictionary and had mentioned that I need one for my songwriting. Well he had one for me, his dogeared old one that he used to use!!! I was SO. FREAKIN. TOUCHED. Then I ran him by the convenience store so he could get more champagne (heh), then we told each other how much we love each other, then I got back to work toot suite.

So I had a board meeting last night at this Italian restaurant and I had a $21 piece of lasagna. Actually it was very good. The restaurant is one parking lot over from a couple cool music places I've hung out at a time or two and I'd seen earlier on Facebook that LDB (Li'l Drummer Boy) was going to be there later to see a good reggae band. I decided that he and I needed to catch up so we made plans to meet there for a drink. However when my dinner was over it was still an hour til we were gonna meet, so I texted him to hurry it up but he suggested we meet at another bar down the street. I headed down there and killed some time by going in the next-door hip used clothing store and SCORED! 2 hot new dresses for gigs. Short, sparkly, sexy, the whole shmear.

Finally LDB showed up and we went to this bar neither of us had been to before. I began drinking the double coco rums on the rocks. He's been so incredibly busy playing in a new band, touring a lot, going to Iraq to play, even. It was good to catch up with him but then his ex-girlfriend showed up and he was a little distracted, so I decided I didn't want to go see the reggae band anymore and I headed home to behave myself and rest up for this crazy ass week. But NOOOO!!! Right when I got home Philipo texted me that he and a buddy were going to the blues jam. Oh crap. I have little resistance to this kind of thing. He called me to try to talk me into it and that wasn't hard to do. I got all dolled up and got ready to go but then figured I'd call Aaron to see what he was up to. He answered the phone with "I need you!!! Here! Now!" so I called Philipo and said we'd go have a drink w/Aaron and his friends at a bar before going to the blues jam.

We met at the bar and I met Philipo's friend Migl, an old pal from high school, and found Aaron on the patio with 4 chicks! But the girls were all soooo nice to me and fawned over me when Aaron told them all about me. 1 of the chicks is a badass professional touring violinist and I fawned over her! I was glad there were a bunch of chicks for Philipo and his friend to look at, although we all began chattering and clucking like women do. Aaron couldn't even get a word in edgewise, heh heh. But after a couple drinks Philipo and Migl and I were anxious to get to the next event, a jazz jam we'd decided to try instead of the blues jam. Aaron and Co. said they'd join us--Yay!

Anyway, suffice it to say by the time we got there the jazz jam had shut down, so we ended up going to the blues jam down the street anyway. More coco rum, more drinks for everyone, lots of musical camaraderie, and Aaron taking my sandal off and kissing my feet in front of everyone, twice. Finally Aaron, Philipo, and I were the last jammers of the night and it was Hella Fun! The girls loved us. We shut that damn place down!

So the rest of the week should go like this: Rehearsal tonight. And Aaron called me earlier to insist I come out and party with him and the girls again tonight. Who am I to try and say no to that?! Then when I get home I have GOT to pack and get ready for N'awlins b/c tomorrow my father has convinced me to go to San Antonio for the day for the funeral/memorial of the great Esteban "Steve" Jordan! I'm sure we'll get back to Houston around 1am, midnight if I'm lucky, and Stefano and I are hitting the road at 6am on Friday.

What the hell. You live once!

Green Diamond Weekend

I saw green diamonds for my 1st time ever yesterday at the Science museum! Li'l bro and Stefano and I were there for the exhibit on "Magic" which was of course, way groovy. We've always loved magic in my family, in fact I was an amateur child magician for a brief time, heh heh. After the magic exhibit I just HAD to stop in the Gem Vault to look at the rocks and crystals and of course, the fine jewelry on display. It was so dark and beautiful in there and the glass cases had peoples' greasy nose prints on them. At one point I heard someone say "How many dicks I gotta suck to get some o' this???" Well, actually it may have been me that said that. When I came across the green diamond jewelry I insisted my brother take a look at it, and asked where Stefano was? "Hiding", my brother said.

Today I am in much pain from Krav Maga on Sat. morning. I'm also in pain from the death of the greatest accordion player ever to breathe air, Esteban Jordan. I have a few blog posts dedicated to him here. Anyway, as if I haven't talked to enough reporters lately yet another one contacted me this afternoon for some of my memories regarding Esteban Jordan for an article. That's b/c I was posting on Facebook all weekend about him and a music writer who I'm FB friends with sent my name to his colleague, which was kinda cool of him to do. I told the writer he probably wants to talk to my dad too, and he agreed. So we'll see what happens when this article comes out.

Speaking of articles coming out, my dad called me last night to give me a heads-up on the article that will shortly be coming out about him. It'll be published in this Sunday's paper--I'll be out of town of course but I'm sure I can buy a copy on the way in from New Orleans (if not in New Orleans itself, you never know) and Stefano takes the paper so it'll be waiting at his house when we get back anyway. My dad said he has suggested to the writer that she also do a profile of Leo b/c Leo is so fascinating, and he said he wants to also suggest a profile of me. I said I am not interested in that at all. I know I'm vain and an attention whore, but I actually don't need my personal shit out there for the world to see. I don't need my library coworkers and fellow cops knowing certain things about me. NO THANK YOU. Seriously. It would be one thing if I were only a musician but b/c I work so many damn jobs I just can't cross that line, psychologically for myself. But then Leo called me (and he never calls, we only text each other!) to say that he won't do a profile of himself unless George and I participate. I said I couldn't guarantee my participation unless it was stricly as his bass player, with NO personal stuff mentioned. We had a pretty intense conversation about this. He did say it was a great opportunity and one that most people never get, and that's true yet... I just admire celebrities and musicians who remain so private and mysterious and do minimal press. People like Dylan, Springsteen, and even Clapton that jerk. That's how I feel and that's the end of the discussion.

So it was also a green diamond weekend b/c Stefano and I were SOOOO decadent. We grubbed at the Belgian bistro on Fri. night. Then we went to the Dessert Gallery (which is owned by a woman he grew up with) where we had to spend $20 b/c I had a certificate for that amount! I'll have cookies for the next few days! On Saturday he offered to cook for me dinner whatever I wanted, but b/c I had spent 2 hrs doing Krav Maga and it was so hot outside I just wasn't hungry and inspired. In the end we decided on turkey sausage links w/peppers and onions, spinach/cheese tortellini on the side, Caeser salad, and french bread and we ate and ate. I got tipsy on just 3 glasses of Reisling b/c frankly, I'm out of practice with the drinking these days, having been sick for almost 2 weeks. Then I slept for like 10 hrs b/c I was sooo wiped out.

We are so freakin' excited about our New Orleans trip this weekend! Gonna be FUNNNNNNN! This week should fly by b/c I'm so busy: board meeting tomorrow night, rehearsal Weds. night, and Thursday night we pack and get ready to leave at 6am on Fri. morning.

Back Amongst the Living

While mucus production is still excessively high, it was low enough for me to go back to work yesterday. Still, I did come in late and left early since I'm still not at 100%. Fortunately last night Leo had to cancel rehearsal which I was SO glad about, as I was NOT looking forward to heading out to do that and much preferred another night on the couch. Which I got and needed, frankly.

Today I'm feeling much better, finally OFF the Benadryl though still on the Afrin. I had to be up in the motherfuckin' dark to get to the academy early for an all day class on Gang ID. Turds! I learned soooo much though. Needed knowledge, too. Saw lots of video and photos of tattoos, graffiti, hand signals, etc. Tonight Mr. Wonderful Stefano and I are gwine to eat at our fave Belgian bistro. Up early tomorrow for Krav Maga class, which I haven't been to in months, although they haven't held it for months. I hope to both beat up on some deputies, and get beat up by some!

Cough Cough

Ugh! I'm still running with mucus! What is UP with this weird summer cold? I managed to hold it together for my 2 gigs on Saturday. Sunday I even went out and danced a little at Big Walter's 96th birthday party. Then Sunday night, BAM! The mucus came out in full force. I was scared to sleep, worried I'd drown/suffocate. Poor Mr. Wonderful was by my side the whole time though he managed to sleep. I kept waking up to blow my nose. Then I had to get up way early to take my mom to the Dr. Then I went home and lay on the couch but had an appt. with the Dermatologist at 1:45. She said my skin is looking better and it is, for once. Then she said I could get a chemical peel, so I did! Whoooo! That'll wake you up!!! It cost $135 and I'll know in a few days if it's worth it. Meanwhile I have to stay completely out of the sun and be very careful washing my face and everything.

So Saturday was fun if tiring. I woke up at 9 but was moving real slow due to my cold; I kept having to wipe my damn nose every 30 seconds so naturally I was running late. I managed to pick up the dozen cupcakes in a decent time though and get to the gig just in time to tune and warm up a little. Stefano helped me out by going to pick up little brother. The guys were nowhere to be found when I arrived, in fact they were at the bar next door having drinks. But I had a lot of people show up and I was very happy about that! My mom, stepdad, dad, his girlfriend were there. Also my friend F. and his kids. Also JFu and her baby. And Stefano's friend and his son were also there. I had 13 people there just for me, not bad for an in-store and we had a decent sized crowd in front of us--thank God. My dad videotaped some of our performance though he made me upset a little bit by telling Leo that Leo used to have a good bass player, and now he's got me. See what I have to put up with?

After the show we enjoyed cupcakes, signed CD's, loaded up, and went to the bar next door so I could get some Brandy which I thought would help my cold. We hung out there for awhile, the band and Leo's girlfriend, an artist friend of ours and his dad. Leo was getting drunk though and getting into philosophical arguments with me. Soon Stefano and I split to go drop off my car at home and take his car and our gear to the next gig with Sonny Boy. Sonny Boy saw my 120-watt Fender combo amp and made a remark that I'd probably want a more powerful rig for an outdoor gig such as this one, with more depth. I didn't say anything but was thinking, Jeez, criticize me already and also, Damn, this is my ONLY rig!!! Anyway, we had gotten there early enough to go inside the restaurant and eat and cool off a little so we did.

I had never played with Sonny Boy or the guitarist and drummer he had there, though I of course knew them through the local blues scene. Sonny Boy had told me previously we had to do the song "Big Mamou" so I looked it up on YouTube and got it down (see? I do my homework). After the 1st couple songs he called Stefano up to sit in with us and Stefano ended up playing the whole 3 sets with us. We had fun and none of the songs were too challenging, a few minor slips aside. I thought I was pretty solid and I even knew songs such as "Sugar Coated Love", "Wade in the Water" and "Walking to My Baby" although the Rolling Stones' "Miss You" gave me a little trouble since I hate that song. I played a funky bass line on it and thought it was ok. There were plenty people out there watching us, dancing, and having a grand old time. It was actually pretty fun and it was awesome getting to stand next to Stefano and play with him! Later on crazy Leo showed up in his kilt and skates and, clearly drunk, began dancing alone right in front of us. Philipo also showed up and I made him go get water for the whole band. My dad's girlfriend was also nice to drop by too.

I got bit by some kind of insect while playing--not a mosquito? The bites are small and red and still itch today! But all in all it was a fun gig though Leo at one point yelled for us to "Play something you know!" and I had to threaten to kick his ass in front of everyone. When the gig was over I complimented Sonny Boy on being such a good bandleader and he said there were some bad chord changes but he thought he handled it like a pro. I was like, ?!?!? I mean, the guitarist--who's played with Sonny Boy before, BTW!--missed a couple chord changes that even ***I*** caught! I was a little upset and told Stefano that Sonny Boy didn't need to be so down on the band and that if that's the way he feels, see if I play another gig with him! Stefano said not to take it personally, that Stefano missed some changes too. Whatever. The next day the guitarist, the drummer, AND Sonny Boy all posted nice things to me on my Facebook page. I responded to the guitarist's and the drummer's and left Sonny Boy's alone.

Sunday we slept in reaaaaal late and then I decided I needed to replace the dead geranium and cactus on my patio (both were murdered and that's all I care to say) so we went and bought some kind of succulent plant and some other kind that don't require much watering. Then Stefano had a hankering for Vietnamese sanniches so we went and got some ($2.50 each!!!) before heading to Big Walter's bday party. Tons of our blues musician colleagues were there and it was fun and I even danced a few songs, also drank some Johnny Walker Red since the bartender said straight booze is best for a cold.

Yesterday a reporter from the Houston Comical called me to say she's doing a story on my dad and would I answer a few questions. I had voicemailed her b/c I don't answer #'s I don't recognize. When I heard what she wanted that gave me time to think about: 1. If I should even call her back, and 2. If I did call her back, things I would not be willing to talk about. So I did call her back after discussing it with Stefano and I decided I would not discuss anything personal such as about my family.

Her questions were: 1. What kind of dad was he? 2. What kind of person is he? and 3. Something about what contributions I think he's made to Houston, the filmmaking community, etc. So for #1 I said "I can't comment on that." She said my dad told her that he was a "pretty bad dad." I repeated that I couldn't comment. (Seriously--this subject is strictly for my psychiatrist's office, if I had one. And for my book that I'll write someday, Daddy Dearest!) For #2 I said "Unique." She asked me to expand on that if I could and I said something like he's a real charismatic Houston character. For #3 I did in fact state some good things about my dad, his films, his work, his regard/respect by all in the filmmaking community, etc. Then she asked if me and my dad were "friends" and I didn't respond b/c I knew that if I said something like "I wouldn't say we're friends" then THAT would be the quote! I know how those damn reporters operate!!! She continued on, asking if we had a relationship and I said yes, that we support each other by attending each other's events, he comes to my concerts and I attend his things, etc. Then she ended by asking if I wished he would live his life differently, like not living on the edge so much, saving his money, things like that and I said "He has his reasons for living his life the way he does and I don't question it." Sooooo... we'll see how this article turns out. Should be interesting.

I'm taking tomorrow off from work again, just to recuperate from today. I spent all day on the couch, watching movies and catching up on DVR. I need to finish some of my damn library books, as always.

Sick, Man, Sick!

As in moi. I got a cold or something. I haven't had a cold in years. The Dayquil in my kitchen cabinet dated from 2007 so I had to rush out and get some more. I took a Benadryl last night along with a couple shots of Johnny Walker Red to desperately try to stave this thing off but here we are. I'm also on Zyrtec (made me sleepy, dammit) and Afrin. I am drugged up! But I gotta get bright since tomorrow is gonna be an even longer day than I thought. That's b/c I got called today to play a gig tomorrow night at this huge event in the Heights, White Linen Nights. It's straight forward blues and pays enough $ for 3 Crave cupcake trips, so I couldn't turn it down! So now my stepdad is gonna have to come pick my mom up as I'm completely booked now, all day long.

Rest tonight. Mr. Wonderful is gonna make mussels. I'm already starving as the chicken soup doesn't stick to the ribs. I also got another interesting call today about a gig with the local son of a national legend. I would love to nail this audish! (audition) Although this son was a finalist on American Idol I really really really loved his singing. I hope to meet him and jam with him soon. We'll seeeeeeeeee...

These Arms of Mine

Listening to the Roy Buchanan version of this, and in fact, these arms of mine are gonna be full of Mr. Wonderful very shortly as he's coming over when I'm done with Job #2. It's gonna be a Thursday night sleepover! And tomorrow I get to work from home... thank Jesus! We got new iPhones at work so I brought one home to learn how the thing works. Mr. Wonderful Stefano wants me to get one but I am not sure when my TMobile contract is up. Ok, that's on the To-Do list tomorrow: find out!

Saturday is a big day. First I gotta get up early enough to go get a bunch of Crave cupcakes to take to our in-store gig. At rehearsal last night the guys started talking about them b/c I've been raving about them on Facebook all week so I promised to bring some for the band and their ladies. I also gotta get some for me Ma and me bro, plus Stefano and then I need at least 2 for myself. At $3.50 each I'm gonna be in over $30 for cupcakes! Worth it!!!!!! I also told Philipo I'd bring him one. Hopefully we'll have a good crowd at the in-store... when Stefano's band played theirs there weren't many people in attendance and I want there to be PEOPLE in front of us. Of course various friends/family/hangers on have confirmed their attendance but that can never be counted on.

After the in-store is a friend of the family's event, some war veteran thing, and we'll all go. Then I gotta drop my mom off in Pasadena, hopefully run by and see my Popo as he's still in the hospital, then get back to Stefano. Saturday night will be spent relaxing and in his arms all night. Sunday we've got a local blues legend piano player's 96th birthday party at our fave blues club and that's gonna be crazy large huge with much of the Houston blues scene out for the music and celebration. So I guess going to see the magic exhibit at the museum w/li'l bro is gonna have to wait another week. I need more days in my weekends.

Harmonicasm!

So here's a lovely review of Saturday's festivities. I even got mentioned, though I blanche a little at being called "Steve's girlfriend." Why wasn't HE called "Adela's boyfriend"??? Hmmmm??? Anyway, lots of fun things about this review and the photos which include lots of friends of mine. Jonn the guitarist is my new fascination: I just met him last October (the same night I met LTK aka JR) and he plays with NO pedals and NO picks! Yes, I said NO PICKS! I could watch him for hours!!! In fact, Stefano stopped using pedals thanks to Jonn's influence. Also there is mention of the drummer J.D. who is SO HOT and who I had a couple dates with about 10 years ago. (Nothing intense developed b/c I started dating Marvin.) J.D. is a truly awesomely nice guy and an incredible (left-handed) drummer. I was so tickled that I got to finally play with Jonn and that I also got to play with J.D. again who is definitely among the top 2 drummers I love to play with.

Other highlights of the day for me were taking a break after Mr. Wonderful's band played to go to Crave, one of the most wonderful places on earth. I have been wanting to go there a long time and it's actually right by Job #2 but I just never found a convenient time to scoot over there. I got the White Chocolate Macadamia Nut cupcake and it was ORGASMIC. I also got a strawberry one for Sunday. Stefano got the Coconut and the Pumpkin. Man.... oh man!!!

Unfortunately (or fortunately as the case may more accurately be) my liver was still worn out from Thursday so I only had 2 glasses of wine that entire day. Plus I was feeling kind of PMSy, which rarely happens for me, but there you go. The cupcake was enough for me that day. I didn't drink at all on Friday or on Sunday. I did pilates at home on Sunday evening and that is some good stuff. Earlier on Sunday me and li'l bro headed down to Pasadena to see my poor grandfather, Popo, as he is in the hospital with a touch of pneumonia and a UTI. He was fast asleep due to being given a Benadryl earlier--don't I know what that's like! Anyway, we woke him up long enough for him to see our faces and he passed out again. I expect we'll go see him again this weekend.