Kingtone

You know, if it weren’t for the fact that there is so little money in touring (unless you are Prince who gets millions for a 2.5 hour set), it might be nice to be on tour all the time. Then again, one would miss the amenities of home, like a nice bed, home cooked food, friends, lovers, pets, etc.

However, when you are driving around the country with people that you like to spend time with and even better, like to perform with, it is an alluring thought. I am currently on a short west coast tour with two New Yawka’s, Rob Price and David Grollman. We started this mini-tour in Oakland, CA at 21 Grand, an art space that programs and supports arty and outside music. Our set was lighter than usual and peppered with moments of comedy that folks seemed to appreciate. As a first show it was quite good. One person commented that one moment it felt like being in a David Lynch movie and the next a comic strip. That works.

We played a deliciously violent set of improv last night in Sacramento, CA - home of friend and fellow musician, Ross Hammond. Fab guitarist, tireless worker and instigator for improv and experimental music there, he invited us to stop by and have a play.

Right now, we’re hanging out in Reno, with a show tonight. The weather is quite nice but there doesn’t seem to be much to do. Probably just what the casinos want. In fact, Rob has already won and lost $50 and David has lost $8. I have not set foot in one.

I love SPLITLIP and the people in it,
Jon Brumit,
Wayne Grim,
Suki O’Kane
and from time to time, the one and only
Jeff Hobbs.

We played in Sacramento last night at the Prescott Showcase of new, improv and jazz music hosted by our friend Ross Hammond. For some reason SPLITLIP has played more shows to fewer people in Sacto than anywhere else. But the shows are always interesting there, so the few who make it get the goods.

Things felt really great onstage and we could have played on all night or as Suki said, ‘until the electricity runs out.’

A great overheard comment (during a lull in one of our pieces):

‘Do these people have any talent?’

And the following Q&A w/ Ross transpired -

Q: ‘What do you think their influences are?’
A: ‘I wouldn’t know where to start.’

ALBUM next year, we should hope…(the wonderful Michael Zelner recorded this and most of our shows, so…)