Road Trip (Part 1) - "Week One Summed"

(Let the blog begin.)

It all began February 1, 2010. I left Mansfield, MA for the greener pastures of Los Angeles, CA.

The route, however, would not be direct. Shocking. I know.

First stop - Wakefield, RI. Contact: Stocks Paradox (he asked to be nameless). Duration: 1 Night.
Goal: To pick up my surfboard and get drunk.

Sounds easy. Even I could do it. Nope. No chance. Three days later and sans surfboard I left for New York City. Eventful my time was.

Drinking was the easy part. Hit off the Mews for some beers. Walked home drunk. The next day Stocks and I hung out, played the guitar, came across some vapor and chilled. Hit off all the local eateries one needs to hit off. Around 6PM, as I readied myself to leave, I realized that I did not have the necessary straps to get my board strapped to the roof. Solid. I'm staying a second night. Luckily, we realize this shortly after we had passed the liquor store. One decision was needed - turn around. It was made. We hit the joint up and bought some Yellow Tail Shiraz. Stocks has some gay in him. He knows it. I'm straight enough for the both of us. I know it. Thanks be to God.

It's a small world. You know the song. If you don't, you at least should know that it's true. At the packy (liquor store for you none New Englanders (i.e. not cool)), I ran into an old high school buddy, surfer, and great bassist. Plan was this time fail-proof. Meet at the Mews, since both parties could walk there, after work around 10PM. Done and done. It was good catch up. Walked home drunk.

The next day was solid. The plan was set. Breakfast, buy straps, hit off the music store buy a slide, get lunch, chill, and head for NYC at night.

We did not factor in, however, meeting Marley. No, honestly, not a Rasta reference (that was factored in). Marley was a blues guitarist and worker at the music store. Marley was also a girl. She was a great musician, and in touch with the local scene. Yes, there is a local music scene in Providence (PVD). And, surprisingly, it's good. She said I couldn't go on my road trip without first seeing Paul Geremia, a "local legend." And then, after his show - Super Chief Trio - for some New Orleans upbeat music. I was down. Stocks was feeling less gay.

Paul is an amazing musician who rocked it out in the old '20s, '30s, 40s, etc style blues - all finger picking, harmonica, and a solid voice with as many miles it had on it as stories it had in it. Had some great stories and some great past performances with legends of their day (i.e. the likes of Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf).

Super Chief Trio, when you closed your eyes and just listened, was classic. The trombonist and sometimes singer had a classic 1950's style female voice. Flawless. Pitch perfect and straight out of the radio. The drummer had a great vibe, and the guitarist was nasty. The bassist was solid; the keyboardist was the weak link. Solid keyboard player, but boring, blah voice. Still, if in the PVD area and feel like going to Nick-a-nees on Wednesday, check them out. I highly recommend it. Especially her. While there, maybe pass the word along to the keyboardist. I was too drunk to broach the subject.

And, to top the music night off. A car ride home that involved the real Bob Marley, kaya, and Bob Marley's "Legends." I was feeling it. I was killing it. No doubt. Just ask Stocks.

On Thursday, just like I planned, I headed to NYC for the last time before I head to LA to see my friends. It was indeed sans surfboard. The straps I bought were so loud when the wind hit them that I would have killed myself if I was forced to make my way across the country with them. I turned back after a stop at Wal-mart to pick up some shades and shipped my surfboard to Los Angeles.

UPS is expensive. With two weeks notice, I could have bought my board a one-way plane ticket on Southwest and had it cost cheaper. Ridiculousness. The board will get there before me though. Lucky.

Second stop: NYC. Contact: Various. Purpose: To chill and say goodbyes. Intended Duration: ~7 days.

New York City was what it is. Fun. Drunk. Dirty. Beautiful. Lots of friends seen. A great two shows at Joe's Pub by Freshlyground (www.freshlyground.com).

Zolani's voice is amazing as ever. One-of-a-kind. Check it out. Look for their new CD to be out on February 14, 2010 on Sony Africa. Amazing is all I can say.

Sick dinner at Franny's on Tuesday night. A must see in New York. Amazing rustic Italian food - simple, delicious, and always perfectly prepared. Also, helps when you were flat mates with the head Chef and he's there eating with you (www.frannysbrooklyn.com).

PS - girls at Frannys are very attractive, higher than normal. Whatever that means.

Now I'm going to go brace for the storm.