I had a wonderful time in Joshua Tree, but I admit that I was looking forward to getting to LA to wash the dust off and shine my shoes, which I did promptly after I awoke on Monday morning.  I stayed with friends in Venice so I caught a bus down to the 3rd St. Promenade in Santa Monica where there is a shoe shine booth.  Apparently  the fellow shining my shoes is about to be in a film with Duke Ellington,… no small feat.  I was impressed.

(Duke Ellington died in 1974).

While in LA I got a treatment from The Musician’s Physician – Dr. Sarah Murphy.  She gave me acupuncture and advised me on supplements that would be good for me on the road.  Thank you Dr. Murphy.

As much as I enjoy being on the road, it is taxing on my body.  I don’t get near enough sleep or exercise.

That evening I accompanied Marianne Dissard for her set at the Hotel Cafe.

After that we drove downtown to the Redwood Bar where I was to perform a set before Delaney Davidson from New Zealand and Eric McFadden.

When I walked into the bar a fellow named Craig Rose immediately introduced himself to me.  Turns out he and his wife have been following my music for years.  They were excited to see me.  They called all their friends and filled the venue up.  The show ended up being a total blast.

The bookers were there and they want me to come back to do a residency there.  It’s exactly what I’m looking for as I’ve decided that I’m spending most of December, January, and February in Southern California.  I’ll be living with my buddy Vordo in Topanga Canyon.

Vordo and I late night at the Redwood.

After my set, Delaney Davidson played a set.  Please check him out.  He’s brilliant.

Toward the end of his set he called Eric McFadden and I up.  We did some Howlin’ Wolf and some of Delaney’s originals.  The three of us fit well together.  We’re hoping to make an album as a trio.

Eric McFadden, Marianne Dissard, Delaney Davidson and myself.

We stayed the night at my friend Vordo’s house.  It was nice to see the house I’ll be living in this winter.  It is lovely.  I’m looking forward to building my network in L.A.