This is my first entry in over 5 months. Since my last entry, I ended a 2-year relationship, went on a month-long US tour with Danish soul group playing bass guitar, moved away from a wonderful Venice villa into a new spot, started recording my first "real" solo album, scored 2 short films, put my daughter in college, my son in high school and completed a 10-day tour of Japan with Carlos Nino's Turn on the Sunlight group. As much as I'd like to fill you in on the rest, it is my first tour of Japan and all of the personal insights thereof that will be the focus of this blog.
Japan! Nihon! Nippon! I already miss you very much. In you, I have met the country of my dreams. I love America (and France) with all of my heart but Japan is something special. I didn't know a nation of people could exude such warmth, love and hospitality. The Japanese are some of the most gracious human beings I have ever met. I became obsessed with bowing, salutations, politeness and FOOD. I learned that Japan is much more than sushi. I discovered different versions of Udon noodles and tried regional dishes I would have never thought Japan could call "comfort food." And the local music and musicians I encountered in Fujinomiya, Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, Tokyo and Sapporo were nothing short of phenomenal. Yes, Japan has its own sound and artistry separate from what we are doing here in America. Trust me. My favorite of the Japanese groups I experienced is TENNISCOATS featuring lead singer Saya. Her voice floored me. I didn't know what hit me. She is experimentally otherwordly yet familiarly grounded in her execution. I am converted.
I thank Carlos Nino and Jesse Peterson for having me in the TURN ON THE SUNLIGHT group and am also very grateful to Mr. Hara and staff at Disc Corde Records and the unshakable and awesome road manager/A&R Hashim.
I so look forward to returning to Nihon soon.
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