Precious Life & The Puss Puss Cafe...

Me & one of my precious friends, Leah.

Whoa, it's been waaay too long since I've been able to write. You know by now the gypsy year has been extended. Perhaps it's better to say I'm on my walk-about. Whatever this is, life constantly amazes me as do the the people I know & those I meet everyday. We're truly an incredible species! I am often surprised, terrified, and encouraged simultaneously.

I'll try to connect the dots here since the last post. Geez, what a long breath between writing time. The big Zurich event was a bust. Not that all was lost. It was more of a theatre event with wide open spaces and not much music. One might think it a bonus since I went there to sing, but when I checked out the place all was too uncovered for me. I have learned to protect my voice by choosing spaces with great acoustics. It's really important. Plus I can sing forever without strain. With that in mind, I searched for my spot. Zurich is the "big city" where buskers aren't often seen playing. Made me nervous, but I pressed onward. Eventually I found the perfect spot: Helmhaus, a cathedral ceiling, fountain springing edifice serving as entry to a museum. I had no clue about the museum the first day I went to sing. I was just chirping along when out of the corner of my eye I spotted a security guard. Well, I was mid-song and I wasn't about to stop. He would just have to wait because I was certain he wanted me to cease and disappear (Someone said I'm quite special for Swiss-land. I informed her I am special everywhere.) True it was. While the museum was open I was nicht allowed to sing there where the fabulous high ceiling caressed my voice. Where I could whisper and still be heard. So I just went across the street. Good sound, but not the same Helmhaus sound. Funny thing 'cause I could still be heard in the domed entry of that coveted entry. You really have to be here to get it. This part of the city is one big echo chamber, but rules are rules and the Swiss take the rules seriously. In the end I kept the museum schedule in check and showed up as they closed so I could sing for a couple of hours. For most buskers access to the masses is more important than anything else. I'm still more fond of places. People will either come or not, but I want a quality space where I can rehearse my music. It's one of the reasons I stand apart from the norm and also why there's still magic in the music for me. The real buskers have gimics: a puppet, balloons, dancing bears, something. I have my voice, a gift from the heavens. I hope never to loose the gratitude.

After about 10 days in Zurich, I returned to Basel for Basel Lebt- an outdoor festival celebrating the ethnic diversity of the city. The Curly Monster (aka Mark Kelly) and I were booked to perform for 2 days. What a blast! The Curly one was staying at the villa, so Dex had us in the studio one morning to plunk out a few tunes. Then we headed to the fest to play some more. One night we hung out with the event organizers after closing. I disappeared to use the WC and heard jazz wafting over the Rhine. I knew a friend was playing a party close by, so took a chance it might be him and peeked in the hall. There was a jazz band playing. Sure enough George was there and asked me to sit in with them. Great acoustics, once again, no need for a mic. It was the end of a wedding celebration and the guests wouldn't let me leave. I was in heaven singing with the band, had forgotten the others, and was singing away when I looked up to see the Curly one and another wild looking, dred toting acquaintance at the door. Registering the panic on George's face that the party might turn into hippie heaven if the rest of our gang appeared, I exited graciously and died laughing with my pals on the way back to our own less conservative fun. Neither friend had ever heard me in my jazz element. They were speechless. See at the festival Mark & I did originals and only a couple of bastardized jazz standards (Summertime & Hit the Road, Jack), so this was a new dimension for them. Jazz is my foundation. Cool for me they witnessed me in my element. The more I try to run from it, the more it is in my face. That's life. Isn't it?

Konrad & Erika, Basel Lebt organisers.

I was invited to teach at a music camp for kids ages 9 to 15. Yea, I know... me teaching and children even? Believe me it was an eye-opener in a bazillion ways. First they were all little Swiss Germans so they speak German, Swiss German, and I don't yet. Funny how quickly one learns to communicate when dealing with 18 rambunctious youths. My few phrases- nein, das ist verboten, das ist nicht erlaubt, super- came in real handy. Plus I had the benefit of a translator. Then there was the time I let them have it. The incomprehensible English poured out of me in a steady stream, but my intentions were no less than clear. Everyone got the picture: Mz nice had exited the house (we were living in a big, old country house in the French part of Swiss-land). Afterward things were a bit easier. For some reason I thought these little privileged ones would be angels. Apparently, I was the only angel in the house. Well, me and Sasha, our caterer for the week. In the end we focused on the younger ones who were so enthusiastic about the music they insisted on creating up til the very last minute. Their energy was contagious! I wrote a song (If You Wanna B With Me) with them day before our final concert when the parents would come to witness. We performed it, and though there were flaws ( I played keyboard on the piece) everyone was committed. They made me so proud! (I wanted to upload it here for you, but there were issues. Next time)

Some of my favorite campers, the little ones.

Out for a campers' picnic in the cow pasture. Sasha checking the food bags.

I learned so much in that week. I kept emphasizing how the whole body plays a part in the music. Telling the kids how they should sing while playing their instruments as training for their future solo music careers. Then I sat at that keyboard with a true panic. It is very difficult to play and sing. I gained a whole new respect for many artists I hadn't quite liked previously. No names here, but if you know me well you can guess who a few of them are/were. Being at the camp was something I needed to experience. Everytime I say yes there are blessings falling from the sky. WOW!!!

What can I say? I believe I am doing exactly what I should be doing in this moment of my life. Everything isn't always easy and dreamy, but there's magic each day. Perhaps I adjusted my attitude so I could see my charmed existence more clearly. I can't really speak about the difference at this moment. Guess that'll come in the memoirs? Ha, Ha, Ha! I know you can hear me laughing loudly as certainly I can hear a few comments from your end. Anything is possible. I'm still here. Right?

Thomas & Sammy making my dreams come true...

I met Sammy, the drummer, at the camp. We had late nights of music and wine with the other organizers while we listened out for teenagers breaking curfew. So fun! Lots of on-the-spot-creating. I love that shit! Sammy and I bonded as first time teachers for these particular campers. He had studied at Berkeley- yup the Boston music one- and we shared wonderful stories about jazz. Needless to say the days were long 'cause we'd stay up half the night and have to show at the breakfast table at 8am. Whew!!! Anyhoo...(loquacious, eh?) Sam invited me to play at his uncle's 50th. Uncle Robby lives at the top of a castle. Can we say, "dreams come true"? Not only was it a gorgeous day and I was singing in a castle, I also met a new pianist. Thomas is delicious too. Wonderful player, funny, and willing to put up with my need to stretch jazz beyond recognizable boundaries. Sweet!

Now my band has a few gigs, a name-Puss Puss Cafe- and a place to record. Ooo weee. Can it get much better? Hell yes! There's so much work to be done, but I can see things coming together a bit more these days. I believe we have a time in our lives when we blossom. Just like the flowers . Perhaps this is my time?

Whenever people ask me if I miss the States, my reply is the same: I miss my family and friends. The fact that you are sending me love and support on the vine of the Universe keeps me strong. So, I have a request: please send healing vibes and love energy to one of my most precious friends, Leah, who discovered after giving birth to her 3rd baby, Oliver, that she has stage 4 breast cancer. I trust in our collective power and energy. Leah's strength, sense of humor, and love has been an encouragement to me for a long time. Let's send her a surge of courage and wishes for good health. Thank you! I can feel it already.

Puss Puss Cafe opened a new club in Luzern, thanks to pal Konrad.

Keep Shining! Peace, Joy, Loads of Love...