Notes from the Moccasin Tour.
I write you from a kitchen in Chicago, filled with pac-man lunch trays, ceramic tchotchkes, and a three-tiered copper basket full of garlic bulbs. The ever-present coffee cup sits to my left, and even though this city is not mine, somehow the tiniest of routines invoke the feeling of home. I'm back out on the road for some shows with Eef Barzelay, of Clem Snide fame & fortune. Each night he beats the shit out of a pink Barbie toy piano and plays songs about pedophiles, pre-millenialists (as he likes to call them), and everything else in between. We played at Schuba's last night, the first show I've had on tour yet where I felt entirely comfortable onstage and able to cut loose a little bit.
Yesterday we had the the whole day in Chicago to ourselves, and we've been staying with my friend Donna in Hamlin Park. There's a frosted backyard with brussel sprouts budding on thick frothy vines, dying habanero plants and the odd marigold demanding your attention with its bright petals along the brick footpath. It's so calm here you feel oblivious to the city, and the sky this afternoon's overcast. Jenn, who graciously agreed to come on board this tour last minute and keep me company on the long homeric drives from New York to Nashville. She and I have taken to eating ungodly quantities of food--spicy sour pho in toronto, hash browns and french toast in northampton, applewood smoked barbeque tofu just the other evening here in chicago, oh! so much food! We've taken to eating almost 4 meals a day--basil-laden margherita slices of pizza, spinach and tofu benedict, and also, so much good coffee.
There's been no real rhyme or reason to these days--we bought and smuggled maple syrup over the border, and best of all, yesterday were pampered with sangria and (oh...i'm embarassed to say....) an afternoon at the spa. I had first been enticed on tour with Damien, when he got a neck massage and came back to the van looking like a swaddled babe. I never treat myself to such luxuries, but we were seduced by the aromatherapy and clean white linens. Our faces and feet were massaged and we all gave in to the upgrades (oxygen blast, fruit acid wash...oh...shame!) There is something about when they're treating you to such unbridled, divine pleasure that I believe it's near impossible to disagree to any propositions. Would it be alright if we pulled out your toenails? If we put a hold on your credit card? We emerged only an hour later looking bright as newborns and calm as ever. We felt so happy and squealed over the complimentary tea, olives, and sweetcakes in the women's lounge. Really, I shouldn't tell you this story, because it might give way to the idea that as musicians we lead glamorous and indulgent lives. I'm sure some of us certainly do, but yesterday was a rare exception for me! Jenn & I have had a very girly tour, and I'm trying not to get too comfortable with it, because it's been just too wonderful to have her along. We make a lot of good detours and have met so many great people (and visited old friends, too). Last night after the show, Donna, Jenn & I messed around with a skeleton and a photo booth. Results soon to come, I'm sure!
Anyhow, I'm anxious to get back to New York again. This is my favorite time of year there, and I miss going to the greenmarkets and cooking and of course, my little white piano. I'll write you a more detailed acount of the food we've had on tour, too...which I think is almost as interesting as the shows themselves. Until next time, be warm, eat well, and sing your hearts out!
xox.casey
Yesterday we had the the whole day in Chicago to ourselves, and we've been staying with my friend Donna in Hamlin Park. There's a frosted backyard with brussel sprouts budding on thick frothy vines, dying habanero plants and the odd marigold demanding your attention with its bright petals along the brick footpath. It's so calm here you feel oblivious to the city, and the sky this afternoon's overcast. Jenn, who graciously agreed to come on board this tour last minute and keep me company on the long homeric drives from New York to Nashville. She and I have taken to eating ungodly quantities of food--spicy sour pho in toronto, hash browns and french toast in northampton, applewood smoked barbeque tofu just the other evening here in chicago, oh! so much food! We've taken to eating almost 4 meals a day--basil-laden margherita slices of pizza, spinach and tofu benedict, and also, so much good coffee.
There's been no real rhyme or reason to these days--we bought and smuggled maple syrup over the border, and best of all, yesterday were pampered with sangria and (oh...i'm embarassed to say....) an afternoon at the spa. I had first been enticed on tour with Damien, when he got a neck massage and came back to the van looking like a swaddled babe. I never treat myself to such luxuries, but we were seduced by the aromatherapy and clean white linens. Our faces and feet were massaged and we all gave in to the upgrades (oxygen blast, fruit acid wash...oh...shame!) There is something about when they're treating you to such unbridled, divine pleasure that I believe it's near impossible to disagree to any propositions. Would it be alright if we pulled out your toenails? If we put a hold on your credit card? We emerged only an hour later looking bright as newborns and calm as ever. We felt so happy and squealed over the complimentary tea, olives, and sweetcakes in the women's lounge. Really, I shouldn't tell you this story, because it might give way to the idea that as musicians we lead glamorous and indulgent lives. I'm sure some of us certainly do, but yesterday was a rare exception for me! Jenn & I have had a very girly tour, and I'm trying not to get too comfortable with it, because it's been just too wonderful to have her along. We make a lot of good detours and have met so many great people (and visited old friends, too). Last night after the show, Donna, Jenn & I messed around with a skeleton and a photo booth. Results soon to come, I'm sure!
Anyhow, I'm anxious to get back to New York again. This is my favorite time of year there, and I miss going to the greenmarkets and cooking and of course, my little white piano. I'll write you a more detailed acount of the food we've had on tour, too...which I think is almost as interesting as the shows themselves. Until next time, be warm, eat well, and sing your hearts out!
xox.casey
posted by Musings at 10:14 AM
1 Comments:
your writing is nice to read. it makes living seem so... real. great details and word pictures. i feel like i'm next to you maybe?
you're music is good too.
thanks. maybe check mine out or something.. you don't have to though.
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