We're Back in Mexico!

Jazzooo · March-28th-2005, 01:00 AM

Glenda and the dogs and I drove down here a week ago (San Miguel de Allende) to set up our new house, and it's been a whirlwind of great food, incredible sunsets, old and new friends, interesting problems and (so far) lots of great solutions. We've seen Semana Santa pageants and parades, culminating with the ritualistic exploding of giant paper mache versions of local national and worldwide political figures (originally, the Spanish introduced this ritual but there was only one figure, Judas, but Mexican culture explanded it to be political commentary.

I've been playing some great music with old and new friends, working on some new slow-burn instrumental funk while I wait for the mastered version of my new vocal album to arrive.

I'm loving it even more than the last time, Glenda too. I'm too tired to post, but down the road I'll put up a few photos (including ones of dozens of kids rushing in to grab body parts during the above exploding ritual!)

I was so consumed with getting out of town, I completely forgot to post about meeting Tom Storer and his brother while they were visiting San Diego. I don't know if Tom mentioned it either, but I just wanted to say that I had a great time!

Ron Thorne · March-28th-2005, 03:41 AM

I was glad to see this thread for several reasons, Doug. I'm happy that you, Glenda and your animal pals are enjoying your new digs again ... for the first time in this manner, actually.

Also, I thought of you last night when I performed in the home studio of a friend who has dedicated space and financial resources to music performance/recording, especially performance. There were 50-60 people present for the house warming of Sean's new home, and a new incarnation of a band I've been associated with were invited to be among the nine performers for a Salon Party. We each had a very limited timeframe in which to "do our thing." The response to our set was thrilling! We played/sang two bossa novas and one samba, from Jobim and Sergio Mendes. I played the most minimalistic setup I've ever played ... snare drum, Afuché, Ipu, brushes, Caxixi and bar chimes.

Though we didn't announce a name for our band, my idea was: The Cook Inlet Jive and Samba Club.

clinthopson · March-28th-2005, 11:58 AM

Doug,

Happy to see you posting again. I envy you and Glenda's new digs being that I love Mexico so much.

Please keep us informed about your gigs in SMA.

BTW, I asked some folks in Zihuatanejo about Gabriel and he is remembered by many from his Bay Club days.

Valerie · March-28th-2005, 12:50 PM

so glad to hear that you and your beautiful family are once again enjoying your new second home. i think you guys actually bought just in time as i've been seeing more "publicity" lately about San Miguel de Allende. the most recent was over a week or so ago in the sunday l.a. times, i think. if i still have the article, i will send it to your san diego address.

also have been thinking about you lately, doug, and wondering why i don't hear your cd's on klon. is that a naive question for me to ask?!?

big hugs to you, gorgeous glenda, and the beautiful pooches. continue to enjoy!

xoxo

valerie

Jazzooo · March-28th-2005, 01:00 PM

Hi, all! Valerie, I dn't know why they don't play my music on KLON--it isn't because I haven't sent it. Like most radio stations, they get tons of unsolicted projects and if they don't know the artist, they don't listen. Other stations have found plenty to play from Two Days in November, but not KLON. (Sigh.)

Gabriel is back at the beach for a few more weeks, Clint--which leaves me in the position of being the big dog piano player in town, and I'm milking it for all it's worth!

Here's a neat little example of why I am falling in love with this culture:

Last year, I needed to find a studio down here to check out some master recordings for a new project. One of my good friends offered to let me use his studio, which was in the house of a wealthy woman named Alma whose family was in the music business in Mexico City. Alma had built a huge dome which acted as a personal music library, performance space probably 70 people could fit comfortably) and housing for her grand piano (a rarity in San Miguel). She gave Billy free run of the dome to use as his studio--he only takes up about 100 square feet.

Anyway, while out there I met her and gave her a copy of my last album, which I signed for her.

The other day, almost four months later, she calls my name while I'm shopping in the market. We talk for a while: she loves the CD, where am I playing around town, etc. She volunteers to help Glenda find the best fish in town (she runs a catering company).

Now, I'm getting really horny to play an aoucstic piano so last night I sent her an email asking if I could come to practice once in a while. Here is her response:

"Dear Doug,

Come whenever you want to come to practice. For me is fine. If your wife wants to come with you, is also perfect. You can come anytime, just call me before to tell the maids to let you in, ok?? because sometimes as I told you, Im in Mexico City or also in San Miguel.

Anytime, this is your house and of course Im glad that somebody can come and play in the piano because nobody is using it.

Just call me, ok?

If another time you go and play with Gil and Cartas or in other place, just let me know, I will try to go.

And this is your house, ok?

See you around here,

Alma C"

You don't get a lot of responses more generous than that!

clinthopson · March-28th-2005, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzooo

Hi, all! Valerie, I dn't know why they don't play my music on KLON--it isn't because I haven't sent it. Like most radio stations, they get tons of unsolicted projects and if they don't know the artist, they don't listen. Other stations have found plenty to play from Two Days in November, but not KLON. (Sigh.)

Hey Doug,

I just got off the phone with my daughter-in-law and she was telling me about the program for marketing Jerry's (JC's) new disc. They have the same publicist who worked with her when they put Norah Jones out for the world. I asked her if he also did radio promotion. She told me that they use a different outfit for that, Groov Marketing. They seem to get most of their artists played on jazz radio, including KKJZ. You may want to check them out.

BTW, KLON is now KKJZ.

Valerie · March-28th-2005, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clinthopson

BTW, KLON is now KKJZ.

my bad! should really be called "junk" most of the time, but that's another thread!

jazzooo: shall i send you the article on allende?

xoxo

clinthopson · March-28th-2005, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valerie

my bad! should really be called "junk" most of the time, but that's another thread!

jazzooo: shall i send you the article on allende?

xoxo

Aw Valerie. I seems to me that they have improved their playlist since their last fund raising drive. I emailed them (with no response of course) that after supporting the station since the beginning I was stopping our donations because of their top 40 mentality, the exhorbitant salaries they are paying the station manager and administrative types and Joni Caryl's amatuerish work.

Scott Willis, Sam Fields and (most of the time) Helen Borgers play a broad selection of jazz. There's a new voice, Chuck something, who has been filing in and is very good and knows his stuff. Maybe they'll can Jonibaby and put him on in the am. The station does pretty much stick to straight ahead, but that's what they always have been. And for old moi, that's fine and dandy.

I hope they play my son's disc when it's released this summer.

Then, I'll certainly open my checkbook and watch the moths fly out.

Jazzooo · March-28th-2005, 05:35 PM

Sure, Valerie--that would be interesting if you don't mind.

Believe me, I understand that paying someone to flog your album at radio stations is the only way to go, but a) it's expensive and b) it's not surefire. I don't know--seems like the world could stand hearing from unknown artists a bit more than they do, but as is often said WTFDIK?

graypencil · March-29th-2005, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzooo

Believe me, I understand that paying someone to flog your album at radio stations is the only way to go, but a) it's expensive and b) it's not surefire. I don't know--seems like the world could stand hearing from unknown artists a bit more than they do, but as is often said WTFDIK?

I'm with Doug ..when I first released CZ, I was flooded with e-mails from jazz promoters wanting to help me get airplay .. to the tune of an average of 2K /2.5K per month!

If I had that kind of bread, I'd have plowed it into a real string session for my CD!

therefore, I took the lo-tech approach and bombarded the promo list of DJs and stations that Origin supplied me with ..all things considered, I managed to get some airplay.

BTW: Doug ..my home station KPLU wont play my CD either ..the PD decided it was "too intense " foir their format (?) and the DJs there ( several of whom I know ) hands are tied from thereon out.

However, Jim Wilke ( who does a syndicated show for PRI out of the same station ) was very generous in giiving me some air time ..

Have fun in Mexico ..and have a few margaritas and some ceviche for me!

clinthopson · March-29th-2005, 01:50 PM

Phil,

KKJZ has played your cd a numbers of times, especially after the Grammy nomination.

I imagine that my son can afford the "floggers" since they have the Norah money.

chuckyd4 · March-29th-2005, 02:12 PM

Hi Doug -

Don't think I ever checked in on the other thread, but I remember reading it fairly often, because I loved the pictures of your new place in Mexico, and it sounded like such a great adventure. Glad to hear you guys are able to follow up and really get things going down there.

Not Mexico in particular (though I have been dying to visit for years), but I have often thought about picking up and moving to a country where my dollars would go farther and I liked the people more than in the States. Your story (though I am certainly in no place to be buying houses right now) makes me dream even more about that. That e-mail was great!!!! And it sounds like you have been making so many great contacts down there.

All of which is to say - hurry up with the pictures of the exploding papier mache!!!!

Ron Thorne · March-29th-2005, 04:27 PM

Yeah, chuckyd4 is right, we need more photos ... pronto. Please. As if we need to be more envious than we already are at this point.

Jazzooo · March-30th-2005, 12:51 AM

Ok, I'll work on the photos tomorrow--some of them are pretty classic!

Chucky, it's really a wonderful romantic thing to do, at least for us. And yes, the fact that we are eating killer dinners for about $12 doesn't hurt!

Today, I played some hard core jazz with Ken Basman (remember that guitarist, Clint?) I played Fender bass, and we used the best drummer in town--not terribly strong yet, but he will be. I want to make some music down here that hasn't been heard yet, and some slow-burn Scofield-type funk fits the bill. If we could only find a decent bassist, I'd play a little portable Hammond and small Leslie and we would burn this town to the ground! So far, the prospects are slim for bassists--two guys basically, one well-trained and tight, and the other with tons of feel but lacking in skills and motivation.

Better start working on my callouses!

clinthopson · March-30th-2005, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzooo

So far, the prospects are slim for bassists--two guys basically, one well-trained and tight, and the other with tons of feel but lacking in skills and motivation.

Better start working on my callouses!

Doug, I remember that young Mexican guy we heard with Gabriel and Ken, he sounded pretty good to my uneducated ears. Is he one with feeling?

Jazzooo · March-30th-2005, 04:49 PM

"Doug, I remember that young Mexican guy we heard with Gabriel and Ken, he sounded pretty good to my uneducated ears. Is he one with feeling?"

Nope. He's the guy who can read. He's pretty stiff for the kind of stuff I want to do, Clint. I'll play jazz with him any day, but for the funkier side of thangs...

Jazzooo · March-31st-2005, 12:40 AM

Wow--what a nice evening, and one that demonstrates the kind of synchronicity you can achieve in a small town like this:

I was sitting on the computer all day today, stressing over my new album--the mastering engineer had sent me hi s first attempt and I was pretty horrified by some aspects. We went back and forth and finally connected, and by 5 I was relaxed and optimistic again. So, off to celebrate!

A great dinner in a beautiful courtyard, then we swung by the outdoor Italian restaurant where buddies Gil and Cartas are playing. The owner invited Glenda and me for dinner tomorrow night--the one night a week they have fresh mussels--and then I'll play for my supper on Sat.

WE hang with the guys and then take off, and who do we run into on the steeet? Alma, the woman whose email I quoted above! It was the first time she and Glenda met and the talk was all about food, ending with Alma (who is a black belt caterer) inviting us to her home for some Chilis en Nogada, our favorite dish.

As we left her, we passed a restaurant where we'd been told our favorite young chef from the last visit had moved. We were both about to say "Let's go insde and see if Fernando is working" and who walks out the front door? Fernando! We had a great visit, the walked back to the car, stopping in to watch a brave but sad Salsa band and several salsa dancers at Finnegan's.

Pictures tomorrow-- was too consumed today to get into uploading.

Valerie · March-31st-2005, 05:18 PM

jazzooo and glenda: i cannot tell you guys how much i'm "getting off" on these posts!!! everything just sounds so "special". "Divine," even!! the warmth and love and camaraderie and good vibes are felt all the way to santa monica!!

enjoy, my friends!

xoxo

Jazzooo · April-1st-2005, 07:15 PM

THanks, Val--you ain't seen nothing yet.

I only have a second before we leave for dinner, but here are some snaps of the trip down here...

First Duffy 'jumping' into the back of the Explorer (he always gets an assist)...

Then settling in for the drive...

And of course, my faithful co-pilot, Phoebe...

More coming up--including the lovely Glenda, the streets of San Miguel de Allende, the exploding Judases from Semana Santa, my recording sessions...

Valerie · April-1st-2005, 07:31 PM

nice pictures above! those pooches are so adorable! at least i see a bit of gorgeous glenda's hand!! looking forward to the next installment.

this will probably one of the very few threads i'll look at from now on, given what's going on here at JC and my low tolerance of it all!

Jazzooo · April-2nd-2005, 02:29 AM

From the sublime to the ridiculous...

Came home from dinner tonight, only to find that the shower upstairs had been running for a looong time, flooding about 20% of our upstairs! See, the elctrician cut a water line today, but came back after we'd left and fixed it...but the shower had been on when the water had been cut off and no one thought about this.

Then, just make things funnier, I pull out the new wet/dry vaccum and in conjunction with the dozens of towels on the ground and the mops, I started sucking the water up. Filled the whole damn vaccuume up with water, then decided to empty it into the shower...oops, for got that the last thing I'd vaccuumed up was a huge broken globe of glass! The shower stuffed up, and I had to vaccuum all the glass again!

But anyway...here is a photo of the dogs hard at work...

And a wonderful one of Glenda with Phoebe--note the drugged out look in PHoebe's eyes. We give her car sickness meds and they get her pretty stoned!

Finally, a loca gallery actually had a stuffed calf the other day, and I couldn't help but pose Duffy next to it...the similarities are unnerving.

Jazzooo · April-2nd-2005, 02:33 AM

One more--

A beauty shot of GLenda, Duffy and me in our kitchen, shot with a timer.

height="375" alt="G, D and Duffy Kitchen GREAT" />

I'll get to some interesting cultural stuff next time.

Jazzooo · April-2nd-2005, 12:47 PM

Here are a couple of shots taken at the Jardin, the big outdoor living room in the center of town. There is usually music playing, people selling food and other things, others just sitting and reading newspapers or vegging out:

And finally, me in the Jardin on Palm Sunday (holding woven palm fronds and Diet Coke or Coka Light)

I promise, I'll post the exploding Judases soon.

Jazzooo · April-3rd-2005, 01:38 AM

Here's a couple from just before Easter--Glenda took them:

Purple, White and Orange are the colors of suffering...

This little angel knocks me out...

Phoebe standing guard at our place...

And Duffy posing as a ceramic statue...

Jazzooo · April-3rd-2005, 01:42 AM

Me with my friend, guitarist Gil Guitierrez (standing) in Paul Voudouris's studio laying down a solo on Gil's new CD...

And performing later that night...Clint, this is the group I wish you'd seen!

Jazzooo · April-3rd-2005, 03:05 AM

Mariachis suited up and waiting for a gig...

Glenda and the pups cooling their heels in a favorite restaurant...

And the Jacarandas in full bloom--there are hundreds of these beautiful trees all over the city right now!

Jazzooo · April-3rd-2005, 07:38 PM

Just didn't want you guys to miss some of the good ones...

clinthopson · April-4th-2005, 12:44 PM

Great pics, DOug, they brought back some fine memories of SMA.

I have a similar high altitude shot of the town and the Parroquia. Beautiful , isn't it?

vibes · April-4th-2005, 12:58 PM

Doug, thank you for sharing those pictures. They're great.

Jazzooo · April-4th-2005, 03:23 PM

Glad you're all digging the snaps. I think GLenda's eye as a photographer is really good, and it doesn't hurt that anywhere you point the camera, there's something worth photographing.

I am so sick right now that I can't even use 'o freaking sick.' I have to say I am so fucking sick--that's how sick I feel! Nolt tourista, but some respiratory thing--I've had a dry cough for about a week, no other symptoms but a little fatigue. Many people here are allergic to the jacaranda blooms and I thought that was it, but now I've got a terrible headache, lots of phlegm, and I'm sleeping like crazy. Got a doctor appointment in a couple of hours and I'll keep you posted. I'm sure it's not life-threatening, but it's annoying as hell.

It's all compounded by the amoun of construction here in the casa--the electricians have been here chip,chip, chipping awayl to install new outlets, but that's nothing compared to the 2-week job starting Wed to fill in the pool in the center of the house. TWO WEEKS. We might check ourselves into a hotel or hospital that accepts pets.

Gotta sleep for now.