Fresno

It's a beautiful day here in Fresno where we had a lazy day off yesterday. As I write this note a cool breeze is blowing through my hotel window. We have a show here tonight and will then travel to Bakersfield.

I spent the better part of yesterday practicing and doing a little work on my linear chromatic hammer dulcimer. I've temporarily removed all the markings from the two main bridges in an attempt to grasp intervalic relationships by feel and sound, rather than by sight. It's not as complicated as it sounds. So far the results have been positive. I improvised for a couple of hours and played some licks I never would have if I had been choosing notes I new to be 'correct' based on the markings. It is sort of like coloring outside of the lines, or on a blank sheet of paper.

Zachary Carrettin and I spent a little time yesterday and again today going over potential music for an exciting gig we’ll be doing along with Hussain Jiffry and the Chattanooga Symphony next May. More on that later . . . Right now I’m going to have a spot of tea with David before we head to the arena here in Fresno.

(I posted a few new pictures today. These are more pics that I took in Reno on the 14th. Use the Photographs link.) ¶ 5:20 PM