All The Things!

Well. I'm still here. Still putting one foot in front of the other. It's been about 10 months since I made my move to NYC and some how... miraculously. I am still here. Alive. Breathing. Thriving? Maybe. That remains to be seen. 

I was reminded tonight of why I came here. When you live in New York, your sense of personal space needs to be thrown out the window. There isn't room. There is no real privacy. Most people wear earbuds or head phones just to get through it. Just to not be bothered. So here I am with a giant man's chest in my face, hoping not to swallow his tie, and I see it. The Q train slowly makes it's turn north just after Queensboro Plaza Station and I see the sun as it starts to set. As the train moves the silhouette of the Chrysler Building comes into view. It slowly slides to the south when it's bigger iconic brother comes up from behind... the Empire State Building. And in a that moment, I didn't care that the giant's phone was practically up my nose. I remembered. I remembered why I love it here. And I smiled, inside and out. 

It's as if this gamble of mine could actually, eventually pay off. This grand city may punch me square in the nose from time to time. But, while it does that, it also seems to pat me on the back and make me feel welcome. Like anything is possible. And it is. 

I want "ALL THE THINGS". In fact, I have already done a lot. My good friend Michael put things in

 perspective for me a few weeks ago. He mentioned that he was watching a TV show. Anthony Bourdain, I think. On the show he was talking to a musician in another country. He asked the musician what is one thing he wants to do in his life. The musician replied, "Play a show in New York City". I would imagine there are millions of musicians who want the same thing. I have already done that, multiple times. I'm lucky. There are also millions upon millions of people who want to visit New York. I live here. I'm not bragging, really. I am living a dream that millions wish they could (and some will!). 

No matter where I am, if I see the Empire State Building I stop and look up (and probably take a picture). It reminds me of how unreal it is to be living here. I'm grateful. And, I am hopeful. And, from time to time squashed between a giant and a Chinaman waiting to get off and catch the 7 train. 

Music, Music... I hear music....

If you don't have the privilege of playing music, especially music you create or help create, I am not sure I can put into words the feeling I had this past weekend. If you do play music, I don't think I need to have the words. 

                                                                 king's x "over my head"

It started Thursday afternoon. I met Dave Tanner and Troy Van Horn at Penn Station in New York. They had gotten up at a time that can only be described as unfair to get to New York to have a rehearsal before three shows three days in a row in Boston, Manhattan and Brooklyn. And when I say "a" rehearsal, that is exactly what I mean... one. Singular. Keep in mind, we hadn't even seen each other in about five months, so none of us knew whether we could even still play the songs. There was also the fact that we didn't have a familiar person to play drums with us. Now, we have had several drummers. All very good, and all very accomplished. This time, none of them were available. All three of us knew how ugly it could get, and how quickly it could get there. We decided on a local New York drummer Rob Mitzner who had played on the same bill as us about a year earlier. We had met and made acquaintance then, so I hit him up on Facebook, and after a few calendar checks he said he was available. The only think left was to see how we all played together, and how quickly we could get used to each other.

                                                           all hail the navigator monkey

Rob was generous enough to allow us to come to his rehearsal space in Brooklyn. So, Dave, Troy and I hopped on the F train and headed to Gowanus, Brooklyn. We set up, and plugged in. None of us knew what to expect, I think we were all a little worried about it feeling right. Sometimes it takes some time to feel each other out. But, almost instantly, we were in that good place. It certainly didn't seem like there had been 5 months space. And in no way did it seem like the first time we were playing the songs with Rob. He had them down. Of course he did. At one point, I think Troy even said, "Can we play the show...NOW!"

                                                                   giant bear deer

Music is just one of those things in which chemistry is important. It just feels better or "more right" with certain people. At least that is my experience. 

At this point, I could probably delve into every little detail of each show, but the truth is that is really secondary to what the weekend meant to me. Boston for the most part was good. Arlene's had transcendent moments, and could have very well been our best show as a band, my scratchy sickly voice not withstanding. Really. Sunday was just about three guys playing music. 

But the best part... the best part was hanging out with Dave. What a great guy he is. Diplomatic and patient. He is a lot of things I am not. Maybe that's why things work well. He is just one of the best people I know. He deserves more than he gets, and if there is a way to get him those things, I am going to find it. I have played music with Troy for about 3 years now. In that time, we really hadn't gotten to spend a lot of time together. But, after a few days and a few changed flights back home. I am honored to count him as a friend. He is one of the smartest people I have the pleasure to know. And his musical knowledge is off the charts. I can learn a lot from him, and I plan to. I had only met Rob in passing a few times. But, after seeing him jump in with our friends with both feet, no stand offishness that you could expect, I look forward to getting to know him better and hope he joins us for future shows or outings. 

I love music. I love singing and playing guitar. I love writing songs and melodies. I love saying just what I want to say in side that musical wrapper. But, honestly, the best part of this past weekend were the human beings standing next to me while I did all those things. I hope we do it again. And I hope it's really soon. 

                                                              me, Dave, Troy and Rob

It's only the beginning... and there are no wrong answers... music is life. 

Albert 

Hello, my friends, hello...

I know it's been awhile, I apologize. In case you didn't know, I have had a big change in my life. I moved to the big city, Gotham, the Big Apple... New York City.

I can't say it was a dream of mine for my entire life. In fact, though I loved to watch movies made in New York, I never really thought of moving there... until I visited. After a few days into that visit, I knew I had to be in New York City. I loved the pace. I love the "energy". I felt focused and at home. A year and a half later, I was here. It's only been a few months, but I still love it.

It can be a hard place to live. It's unforgiving and if you aren't careful, it will beat you down. No mercy. But, if you fight back, it rewards you. Kind of like life in general, just intensified. I love it.

I love the subways. The diversity of people. They way the endless ear buds connected to endless ears make their owners move in such different ways. Without shame. Some dance. Some lip sync with abandon. All individuals.

I have never seen so many boots worn by all different types of women. And, it's amazing how a winter coat can become a status symbol.

Anything can happen, which is a big reason why I moved here in the first place.

Yes, there are assholes, just like anywhere else. But, surprisingly, people are nice. Store clerks remember you after a few visits, and actually in some ways became a new sort of friend that you miss if you don't see for awhile.

I just now feel as if my feet are starting to get under me. That I can actually make it. Time will tell.

I feel better than I have in years. I move more. I've already worn out my shoes that I bought 4 months ago.

Anyway, the moral here, if there is one, is go for it.

Whatever it is you want to do, do it. Experience it. Jump right in. Be open for life to tell you to make a change, and listen when it does.

There are no mistakes. You are better off taking the chance then staying safe... always.

Be yourself with no reservation. Take the steps as they come and keep your eyes on what you want.

You'll get there.

I feel like I am. Finally.

Music is Life,

Albert

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