Atlanta, GA

My anticipation meter was pegged as I walked onto the stage in Atlanta last night. There were quite a few close friends in the audience including Gary Hicks, Dana Harding and Steve Philips, all members of my band, Entertaining the Fish. None of these guys had ever seen Yanni, other than on public television. What they think really matters to me so I wanted to play my best.

This tour has helped me understand with crystal clarity that in order to play my best I have to remind myself to hold back a bit. I have to guard against overplaying in the excitement of the moment. Practice may make perfect but being surrounded and reassured by such outstanding musicianship has probably helped more than anything. I am moved every night by the incredible improvisational solo work of Karen, Pedro, Ming, Bradley, Samvel, Rick, Victor, Walter and Charlie. I look around sometimes and it hits me - hey, I'm up here with these people too, and they say nice stuff about my solo work as well. It feels great - so to the question people ask the most, "Are you enjoying yourself?", the answer is yes, sometimes I can hardly believe it. Don't tell Yanni but I'd probably pay HIM for this opportunity.

The show went well. I was happy with my solos and even happier to hear that my friends and family in attendance loved it! Hopefully Gary, Dana and Steve will get inspired to get busy on our next recording project (hint, hint) which is a Christmas CD. The plan is to hit the studio as soon as I get off the road in mid-June.

I'll have an even larger cheering section for tonight's show. My wife and daughter will see the show for the first time. We plan on spending today goofing off in Nashville. ¶ 5:08 PM