Airport Existence

Hum
it's the
sonic
rumble
overhead juxtaposition

Inside life is a
quiet netherworld of
watches, cameras and magazines on display

A collage of imagery from the world at large
compacted into pages of gloss and newsprint
Shrines of pop culture and news for our temple of TRAVEL

Brightly lit displays of shadows cast upon shiny floors
Voices real and imagined hang overhead
like the monitors which digitally display our imminent departure

Stillness is a fleeting glimpse of tranquility
Streamlined moment away from conveyor belts, customs, carts, ticket counters and immigration control

Baggage checked
Weight now lifted by
other arms freeing me to write,
as I sip a latte and stare
at the clear walls of
air and sky with whom I'll soon become
one

Recent Reads

I feel every good book is like a vitamin, a work out, a healthy meal or anything else you'd put in your body to make it stronger. Like all good habits, effort and patience is required and you won't notice the results right away. But over time, there is a noticeable improvement. In the case of books, the improvement is not in your physical body, but in your thought process and mental well being.

It took years to discover this. As a youth, the impersonal structuralism of the Berkeley Public School System offered little incentive to read, other than for the purpose of fulfilling requirements. A few great authors were encountered (Hawthorne, Dickens, Twain), but the entire concept and purpose of being a literate and independent thinker was left out of the curriculum, as was literature's place in contemporary life.

As an adult, free to choose my own reading material, I've found there is nothing quite like bonding with a good book, one that doesn't just tell a story but challenges conventional ways of thinking and makes an attempt to rise above the sea of mediocrity in which, as a society, we are all drowning. For me, it is these books that inspire, challenge and lift.

Here then, are several I've read lately. All of them were read on my most recent tour over the course of six weeks, with the exception of "Look Homeward Angel" which I read earlier and "Norwegian Wood" which I've read since coming home. There is a short commentary on each.


"Look Homeward Angel" Thomas Wolfe

(No relation to 'Tom Wolfe,' a great living author who I'm a huge fan of).

This book was my main companion in the month of June while on tour in the US this Summer. Words of warning: this is an Epic! A fat magnum opus of ink and wood. It's not a story you can easily rip through. Try to do so and you will rob yourself of experiencing the depth and artistry of the language.

But it's more than worth the time and effort. Every page is glistening with poems, used as threads to weave together a detailed story that is enriching and enlightening. I had to look up some words but enjoyed it as part of the process.

I was inspired to read this by Henry Rollins. who has referred to this novel's main character, Eugene Gant, as a kindred spirit. I felt the same about Henry, and now feel it about Eugene as well.

Tragically, Thomas Wolfe passed away in 1938 at the age of 37.

"Her brown eyes darkened into black as if a bird had flown through them and left the shadow of its wings."


"Seducing The Demon" Erica Jong

I know, I can't seem to shut up about Erica Jong. And don't expect that to change anytime soon. I'm working on reading everything she's written. The reading material for my recent European tour began with two of her books simultaneously.

In this one, she sheds light on various aspects of her life, as a young lit student (who happens to be a really hot chick) and stuggling poet, to overnight success and sudden celebrity. From there she becomes a serious writer wrestling for artistic credibility against the shadow of her initial smash success as well as a public and media which attempts to typecast her.

The book is filled with reflections of the creative process, something all artists at all levels can learn from. Ripe with pearls of wisdom throughout, 'Seducing The Demon' opens the curtain on the real Erica. Reading this, I kept thinking "Erica is metal!"

"Most days I sit at the machine or the yellow pad, doodling and feeling like an abject failure. Ecsatcy eludes me. Even clarity and simplicity elude me. Then one day the cadenzas come. But they only come because of the days of doodling."



"Fanny" Erica Jong

It is an adventure story from the point of view of a female heroine in 18th century England. It is set up like a Shakespearean play, complete with 'Dramatis Personae' and a quick preview of each chapter. The old English tone and vocabulary of the narrative may be intimidating at first, but you get used to it very quickly and find that Fanny's ideas are very modern and relevant to life in the 21st century as we know it.

Like a lot of Erica's work, there are many life lessons throughout. Despite the sensationalism of the story, involving pirates, witches, royalty and famous historical figures, there are many situations where the reader can apply these lessons to their own lives.

I've defended Erica against being overshadowed by the eroticism found in her work, and will continue to do so. But in all honesty, there were a few moments in "Fanny" that were so steamy, I had to put down the book and take some slow deep breaths (in lieu of a cold shower).

"Twas only when I idly toy'd with Fate, instead of fretting and anguishing o'er it, that Fate dropp'd all her most glitt'ring Jewels in my Lap"



"Songbook" Nick Hornby

This was my first book by this author, best known for his novel 'High Fidelity,' which was turned into a well known Hollywood film. Here, a collection of essays is presented, each one describing a favorite song or album. They are the notes of a passionate music fan sharing intimate details of his own life to show why the songs connect to him. Admittedly a lot of these are songs I don't know by indy rock/ alternative artists (Paul Westerberg and Ben Folds Five for example). But his essays inspire a curiosity which makes me think that there could be something for me in these songs too, even if much of it wasn't music I was initially drawn to.



"Couples" John Updike

An incriminating view of marriage in the early 60's, this book caused a firestorm for it's eroticism and frankness. The most memorable scenes take place at a series of parties involving typical suburban neighborhood couples in New England. At these parties and gatherings, the mixing and mingling of males and females occasionally leads to affairs. Although it's a different time period, there are many recognizable behaviors here. Many of us have witnessed or experienced situations where the mixing of males and females causes tension. It is a timeless, poetic novel, but, like "Look Homeward Angel," you'll need to set aside some time to read this, as well as a dictionary.

A great word I learned from this: 'Uxorious,' which is what many of us refer to as 'pussy whipped.'



"The Hours" Michael Cunningham

I had seen the film with Nicole Kidman (who is all but unrecognizable as the main character, author Virginia Woolf). but it hadn't occurred to me to read the book until I received it as a gift. It was a quick read, but very fulfilling. While most novels take place of the course of years, this one takes place in a few short hours, on different days, in three different time periods. They way the stories are woven together are incredible as is the way this author breaks down a scene by describing the most minute details. It is based on a Virginia Woolf novel, 'Ms. Dalloway,' which I'm planning to pick up, read and then re-read "The Hours." Unknowingly, this was the first of three books I would read with suicide as the main premise.



"A Long Way Down" Nick Hornby

With two weeks left to go on the just completed European tour, I needed a new book. We'd just arrived in the UK and I could finally pick up some books in English. I found this in a used bookstore in NewCastle. Having liked "Songbook" so much, I figured I'd give Mr. Hornby's fiction a chance. Besides, there was a quote from actor Johnny Depp saying how much he loved it.

I was not disappointed. It is possibly the funniest book I've ever read. There were times I just couldn't read it in my bunk for fear of waking up the bus with my laughter. And yes, it's all about suicide. Go figure. You'll just have to read it for yourself to believe it.



"Norwegian Wood" Hiruki Murikami

I've come to find out that some fans of Hiruki Murikami's early work regard this book the way early Metallica fans view the "Black Album:" as the first 'mainstream' work by an artist who initially went against the grain. This book turned him from author with a cult following to a multi-million seller and uber-celebrity in Japan, so much so that he had to flee his country for several years.

Nonetheless, I truly enjoyed this story, which centers on a tragic suicide of a friend which causes the narrator to rethink his life. The main character is someone I relate to a lot: a young sensitive, intellectually curious soul who appreciates rock and jazz and doesn't understand the behavior of his peers or fit in with their cliques. Despite it being a coming of age tale in the late 60's in Japan, there are many behaviors described which could take place in present day America. The herd mentality of ignorant youths living in groups is universal.



"What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" Hiruki Murikami

This is the author's essays and journals about running and its connection to his writing. A perfect book for me. It has inspired me to write more and run farther. I'm looking forward to reading many more of Hiruki Murakami's books.

Goodbye Les Paul

The words "Les Paul," for those of us who grew up after the 60's, brought to mind the guitar that bore his name. This guitar was symbolic of the of the notorious rock bands who wielded it, such as Led Zeppelin, The Who, Kiss and Guns'n'Roses. Although these bands were infamous for being role models of bad behavior, you could put any of the guitarists in a room with Les Paul, the man, and you'd suddenly see a polite, well behaved young man being respectful to an elder.

For earlier generations, the words "Les Paul" conjured images of a gentle, humble, self deprecating man on TV and Radio, a genius inventor and master musician and one half of the hit entertainment duo Les Paul & Mary Ford. While Les Paul, the guitar, will live on well into the future, Les Paul, the man, sadly, is not immortal. Les passed away yesterday at the age of 94.



My first 'real' guitar was a Cherry Sunburst Gibson Les Paul. The guitar I've done the most shows and recordings on is a gold top reissue Gibson Les Paul (like the one at right in the picture). The guitar I'm currently playing, a Heritage signature model (which I'll write about soon), is based on the Les Paul and built in the factory where most of the classic Les Pauls were built in the 60's and 70's. Visiting New York and eventually moving there in 90's allowed me to find out more about the man behind these guitars.

Les's Monday night gigs at the Iridium (and Fat Tuesdays' in the 90's), were a landmark of New York City nightlife. If you were into music on any level, hearing Les was something you absolutely had to do whether visiting or as a resident. Like another iconic entertainer, David Letterman, he became a symbol of the hipness and high standards of New York City, despite being a Midwesterner with none of the stereotypical character traits associated with New Yorkers.

I had the fortune of hearing Les four times in my life. Two of those times, I waited in line to meet Les, after the show. The first time, I had him sign my Les Paul CD box set and the second time, I had him sign the 'gold top,' which had been recently acquired. He wasn't aware of who I was but I didn't care. I was happy just to be a fan. Like the main character in Erica Jong's novel 'Fanny' who says "Persons of superior character treat everyone with similar good humor," Les treated everyone with equal respect. Good humor was a large part of who he was.

Even the first time I heard him, nearly twenty years ago, there was always a feeling that it could be the last time. How much longer can he keep this up? Yet here he was on stage, cracking jokes and doing what he loved to do into his 90's. Les was 'shredding' before there was such a term and never stopped. On stage and in the autograph line, he would talk about his playing and inventions like comedy stories, never losing his good will and sense of humor. Yet these creations, which he talked about as if he'd come up with a new trash can lid, included multitracking, delay, reverb and the solidbody guitar, totally changing the fields of audio and music as we know it.

Les put the concept of 'retirement' to shame, proving that if you love what you do, there is no need for it. He saw retirement as premature death and stayed fully alive until it was truly time to go. We should all look to Les as an example, not just as someone who maximized his talents and creativity but someone who lived life to the fullest as well. While it is always sad to see a life lost, in Les' case, it is truly a life worth celebrating.

Home

Another tour has come and gone. Now in a place I couldn't imagine being a mere few days ago: home.

No bus engine revving. No smell of exhaust, ashtrays, empty beer bottles. No waiting in catering lines while Scandinavian black metal screams from a nearby stage.

Sitting at my desk. Sun creeping in from the windows, painting it's reflective light upon the white cream colored walls, bare feet touching hardwood floor. Distant sound of traffic, quiet like a hummingbird. Real birds chiming in.

My just activated hand-held Satellite radio now emanates the symphonies of Mozart, Bruckner and Schubert. Music to sip tea to and not think about music.

Piles of mail, things to organize, errands to run, more writing, calls, projects. But for right now, relax, rejuvenate, reflect, recover.

Dillinger Escape Plan

Lately I've been in the blessed position of meeting artists I admire who are also fans of my own work. The most recent example took place at a music festival in Poland. Despite their being based one state over from me in nearby New Jersey, it was my first time hearing my favorite new heavy band: Dillinger Escape plan.

A couple of the guys told me they were very familiar with my metal and jazz work and said I represent the type of musician they relate to. That's quite an honor and the respect is mutual.

DEP's music is completely different, unique and a bit scary. It's not for everyone. Watching them from the side of the stage, I hear many different sounds and textures, and it's never clear what they're going to do next. One minute there is a creepy, sonic loop playing on it's own evoking the mood of an Alfred Hitchcock film. The next minute, ferocious blast beats in odd time with screaming vocals. From there, a hypnotic groove riff, then a weird, prog rock like clean rhythm and back to odd time chaos.

At times I'm reminded of avant garde jazz sax player (and 'Mr. Bungle' producer) John Zorn. There are shades of Zorn's project "Naked City" which featured jazz artist Bill Frisell thrashing and wailing his guitar to Japanese psycho art vocalist Yamatsuka Eye of 'The Boredoms.' Other times, I'm reminded of the band that played immediately after DEP, Sweden's Meshuggah, who I'm also a big fan of. These two bands are at the forefront of a movement known as 'math metal.'

Then there is DEP's stage show. Put simply, they go absolutely fucking mad. Running to and from the stage monitors, jumping on the speaker cabinets, knocking them over, and kicking road cases off the side of the stage. As bystanders, we have to be careful where we stand, for there is a sense of danger, as if anything could happen at any second.

It is clear that this band feels the music and is not acting. It's one of the best performances I've seen in a long time. But much as I'd like to stay, we're on next and I need to warm up, so I head back to our dressing room next to the stage, where one of our crew members is in there setting up some equipment. The music bleeds through with a fury as he yells out to me:

"What's the deal with this band?"

"They're awsome!" I say. " Did you check 'em out?"

"Yeah. Not getting it at all."

"They're really good. It's just challenging listening. You have to pay close attention for it to makes sense."

"Whatever! I don't get it." he says in a tone of voice which implies that the band can't be any good because he doesn't think they're good.

You don't deserve to get it. I think to myself.

He leaves the room just as the spouse of one of our band members comes in and says "Didya hear them? They're kinda playin' the same thing over and over."

"They're really not." I say. "You just have to listen closely. It's not like other music. You have to pay attention"

"I don't know." she says as if posing a question. "It's just sounds all 'duh-duh-duh-duh-duh' to me."

I say nothing more. I'm done with futile attempts at enlightenment. I've run out of energy and patience. Besides I have a show to do.

I'm reminded of the story of Igor Stravinksy debuting his masterpiece "The Rite Of Spring." Audiences are said to have booed and walked out in protest. I'm also reminded of an essay by Frank Zappa, where he defends the modern conductor/composer Pierre Boulez, whom audiences, including prominent figures in the classical music world, have dismissed and walked out on."C'mon people." he says of Boulez in his book.* "This is one of the REAL guys."

Fortunately, enough people are taking their heads out of their proverbial asses and listening to something different for a change. There is an audience out there in the hall and in the public that is 'getting' Dillinger Escape Plan, enough to enable them to tour steadily to a large crowds of rabid fans.

Thinking about it later, I'm kind of glad most in my touring camp don't get it. Here's a band I can claim as my own as a fan. Usually everyone else is fawning over music just doesn't interest me. Now others are scratching their heads and walking away perplexed, while I'm on the side of the stage smiling, banging my head and cheering. Come to think of it, I wouldn't have it any other way.




*The Real Frank Zappa Book (Fireside)