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08.12.2004 -
Hi everyone! I
am in Zurich as I write this very excited to be going home tomorrow
night after the show in Copenhagen. It's been another wonderful tour.
Europe v. USA?
It's impossible to say. I love being in the US but there's something
about Europe (could I be a diplomat?). What I like about Europe is the
diversity from one country to the next. Europe and USA are virtually
the same size yet there are dozens of languages and cultures to be
found here. I think the highlight would have to be Italy. The Italian
audiences have been fantastic. So energetic and generally up for it.
Of course there have been other great shows but Italy tops it for me.
Plus I love the food. Another reason I loved it so much was because my
wife and kid came to Milan for a few days. I am always is a good mood
when they are around. We had an interesting experience walking into a
restaurant. We walked in and I asked the girl at the entrance if we
could have a table for two and a half and could she provide a high
chair for the baby. She gave me this incredulous look whereupon the
owner of the restaurant whisked me aside and told me the woman I was
speaking to was from the Lebanese Royal family, either the Princess or
Queen. This would explain why there were security people (big scary
Russian guys) giving me funny looks and why there was a fleet of limos
outside. Anyway, we had a great meal and then went shopping. I saw
some shoes I really liked and asked the lady if she had them in a 43
or 9. She gave me a quizzical look and gently informed me they were
women's shoes. We exited the store immediately and my wife hasn't
stopped laughing. The only comeback from that was to take her
shopping. More rock and roll. Put it this way: kind of like buying a
new car. It was quite romantic because when we saw it, she said she
didn't think she could wear it so we walked out empty handed. When we
got back to the hotel I secretly went to the concierge and asked him
to go and get it (with my card) and have it delivered to her while I
was at the sound check for the show. This worked a treat! I get such a
kick out of these little games.
For the
British leg of this tour we rode on a bus. This was a new experience
for us because we normally use a private plane for each journey.
Either a G4 (Gulfstream) or a Falcon. These planes are the height of
luxury and go like rockets. It's really downhill from there. But being
on the bus was fun or different. I sat in the front with the driver
and had a chance to reflect on where we have been, where we are now
and the road ahead. Here are some thoughts.
We are lucky
because we see all kinds of people, cultures and places. But people
are what get me going. I always learn something new everywhere I go.
Because we play everywhere we are exposed not only to fans but
musicians as well. Some of them very serious. Sting bands have always
attracted these types and this tour is no different. I have received
so many incredible CDs from such people and some of them have blown me
away. We all receive many CDs or demos but truth be known, seldom
listen to them. Now I do because I want to and am genuinely
interested. But the real reason is because when I used to send
material to musicians I aspired to they never responded. What is that
about!? Wouldn’t it be arrogant of me to ignore other musicians,
because had I not listened to them I wouldn't have heard some of this
great music? We should support each other. Please keep them coming.
I have also
met some ordinary people (i.e. non-musicians) who have moved me. I am
always interested in meeting teachers. It is no easy job but judging
by those of you who I have met it looks like you have a good life and
a rewarding one. Is it? I have met social workers, doctors, nurses (Hi
Nurse Clare), lawyers, accountants, plumbers, actors, police, etc. But
the top of the list and most inspiring is mothers. Or Domestic
Engineers. This is a job and role worth admiring (especially if it
doubles with any of the above). You guys are the best and have my
total admiration. You work your asses off and know about life. You are
my heroes. I have five kids and have gone (operative word) to follow
my dreams while you (so to speak) have looked after them. Sorry guys,
but our wives deserve more than is imaginable. It is ALWAYS worth
treating and rewarding her. Plus it's fun. Go for it!
I had a
conversation with someone I am very close to about the dynamics of
performance. I asked him a question: "GIVEN THE CHOICE would you
rather go to sleep having done the performance of your life, where
everything worked exactly the way you wanted but the audience was
lukewarm or go to sleep having done a lukewarm performance with
mistakes but the audience were moved beyond your imagination and an
emotional connection was made". My friend chose the former and I the
latter. This made for a very interesting debate which went in all
directions but was definitely food for thought. I am interested to
know what your thoughts are on this question applied to your
profession or walk of life. Please write to me.
The last few
months I have been working on the same piece of Bach music. It's a
fuge from the lute suites. I was so in love with the opening bars (or
measures) that I just couldn't leave it there. It's been hard because
it goes on forever. I love the process of learning a new tune. It's
like meditation or yoga or both. I just could not stop myself from
discovering the following bars of music and then the next and the
next. I have another half page to learn and am so excited about it. I
suppose you could equate that to a great book. You cherish the moment
you will have some time to go further. But this is ****ing difficult
to play and well worth the effort. It's kind of like learning a
prayer. This one feels more like the Koran yet it's only (only!) five
minutes long. (It's amazing that some people do know the Koran from an
early age). Anyway this is my new prayer. When learning a new piece,
poem, prayer yoga or anything by heart it is important to first just
learn it in a kind of methodical way, then and only then find the
essence or meaning of it, try and make it your own or even try and
imagine it was written for you. Thanks Bach for this gift. Actually,
Bach is kind of like my friend or companion on this tour. He doesn't
ask nor expect anything from me but is always there when I need him.
Kind of like God.
I am going on
too much. Thanks for reading. It’s that time of year again. I really
wish the best for all of you and your loved ones. I would like to say
hi to Epiphany, Michelle, Anna, Frango Girl, Irene (the boss), Levke,
Edith, Poems, Nurse Clare, Sistermoon, Trish and Dee aka the Mi Fe
crew. I love you guys!
Off to the Far
East in January. Can't wait. I love being there and I look forward to
sharing my experiences with you all who I love so much.
Yours,
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