Friday, October 12th, 2001
Gothic Theater - Denver, CO

DENVER, CO

The set list I've been using these last two nights is a combination of standards and original material from older CDs and then a few new pieces that will be recorded on my next album. Again, this trio with guitar and without a drummer is certainly a different and wonderful sound for me. Nothing's wrong. In fact, on this tour, it feels as though the job of being a concert musician actually has some merit. When I put on my clothes before the concert, I feel as though there is some reason for the courage of getting on the planes and being away from home in this frightening time. The audiences have been so warm and friendly and the music and musicians inspired. There is a strong connection these days between all those participating in the music. And yet, there's so much about what is happening on the news that makes one want to spend time with one's family. My new recording should be out in June. Would anybody notice if i took six months off starting in December?

SANTA FE, NM

Thursday, October 11th, 2001
James Little Theater - Santa Fe, NM
In spite of the news, or perhaps because of it, the crowds have been plentiful and warm and accepting on this little tour. The Santa Fe Jazz Festival is a wonderful festival... The weather in Santa Fe was bright and sunny with a distinct chill. I'm traveling right now with a drummerless trio... its Neal Alger on guitar, Michael Arnopol on bass and myself. This trio offers so many harmonic and rhythmic possibilites that its liberating. I thought i would notice the lack of a drummer, but I've been only delighted with this trio. It is hard to sleep at night if one turns on the news, although my brother-in-law, Bill, who works at the CDC assures me that its actually very difficult to contract anthrax.

HOUSTON, TEXAS

Wednesday, September 26th, 2001
Sambuca - Houston, Texas
Because we have had to be at the airports so much earlier, these travel days are very long. This is a photo of the guys in Houston waiting for the flight to Dallas. Some of these new travel imperatives must be planned more carefully in the future.. Later flights and separate pickups. The piano in Houston is one I'd like to forget as soon as possible. The high point of this gig is that my friends Erin and Marianna drove to see me from Austin and saved my life with an enormous, texas snifter sized cognac to loosen damaged arm and hand muscles after the gig.

Tuesday, September 26th, 2001
Sambuca - Atlanta, Georgia

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

My American Airlines flight today had 9 people on it. It's the first flight I've taken since the tragedy. Musicians, like everybody else, are frightened.. frightened that they'll lose their means of making a living and frightened that they won't.

Sambuca is a lovely club. The weather in Atlanta is gorgeous.. sunny and about 70 degrees. There IS something about the South i've always loved. We played as a quartet tonight...for two set gigs now i like to use a quartet. This trio behind me is so good. It's just a pleasure to lift my hands off of the piano and listen to their musicianship and subtlety. Jim Gailloreto on sax, Michael Arnopol on bass and Eric Montzka on drums. Tomorrow Houston.

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

Thursday, September 25th, 2001
St. Paul, Minnesota
We canceled the trip to Monterey and drove to St. Paul. The room was overflow even though Bush was giving his speech that night. My favorite lady, Jane, was there in the front row as always...dressed to the nines in matching dress, coat, and hat.