I took a bunch of photos today, but they're all on the camera & would take me a while to download & resize. I'm heading to bed...maybe tomorrow I'll have time.

'Sounds like a blast so far and sure wish I could be there. Stuck in Gotham and longing for Pacific paradise and a cool hang...

quote:

I've got acoustic chops as an accompanist, but the leads these cats were pulling out of the ether was simply astounding

Just got home.....Tom is way too modest...he is simply awesome. His soothing voice and clean, crisp guitar licks (both live and on CD) sent me home on a cloud! Thank you so much for the CD, Tom!

What a weekend, more to come!

Jeff
www.theunmentionables.com

This message has been edited. Last edited by: holliwil,

Just got back to the motel. What a day - from acoustic theory about room modes from Chris, Cliff's pointers on dynamics & arranging the band, & a long heartfelt discussion on goals & plans for the future. Did I mention the music? It was another day of unbelievable music! I can't believe the talent that I had the honor to hear today. We even heard Kim Stone tonight. (We didn't tell you all that Steve Miller was here Sunday & Monday, did we? He's a very genuine man that even jammed with us Monday. You should have heard him sing "Nature Boy".)

I'm so tired I can't see straight. Gotta sign off - more tomorrow. Thanks to all for a fabulous bash!

There was something for everyone......to envy!!

Truly a magic place, the Hidden Barn Studio is awesome from both an engineering and acoustic perspective. Adorned inside by Brock's awesome photograpy of beautiful nude models, it was filled this long weekend with more talent and brilliance than I ever expected to see in one place.

One thing I suspected that was confirmed, the spirit of this forum is a real, tangible thing. Everyone I got to hang with was so genuine and accomodating. Any good thoughts you've ever had about anyone around here are right on the money.

Cliff-at-Bose: What a truly nice person, and a wonderful entertainer!

Ken-at-Bose: A real people-person, and a master of moderation. A real testament to the human spirit.

Chris-at-Bose: Absolutely Brilliant, and one of the best speakers I've ever known. (no pun intended).

ST- Caring, brilliant, attention to detail, rapier wit. Everything you'd expect and more.

Jazzhorn (Ken)- Holy Cow!!! What a player! And a really nice guy.

Alan Steinberger: You are amazing! My new inspiration for honing my craft. You and Mary Ann were wonderful.

Aaron Stone: I was mesmerized by this guy! One of the best drummers I've ever seen.

Brian Nova: A performer far beyond my expectations. Truly one of the greatest.

Steve Miller: When you sang "Nature Boy", your vocal presence reached deep down into my soul, and filled me with memories of some of my earliest vinyl. Too sweet!

The Joseph: What an amazing soul with a pure talent for the collective spirit! (also one helluva guitar player)!

Pete (Drumr): You and Julie are two of the most beautiful people I've ever met! Thanks for everything.

Rob: Thanks for hanging with me, the waterfall hike was excellent, as well as all the stimulating discussion.

DanS: A very caring and technically brilliant person. I really enjoyed hearing you on bass guitar.

Ronjazz: Too cool, and too funny. You kept me in stitches! And what a smokin' player!! So glad to know you. Romanza!!!!

Dean Randall: Truly one of the nicest guys I've ever met, and a great horn player to boot!

Chad in Houston: What a great guy! I had a great time listening to you play and briefly jamming with you.

I'm sure I've missed someone, I would love to have spent more time with all of you. This was truly a religious experience for me, thanks again to Bose, Barclay, and the Big Sur Natives.

Jeff
www.theunmentionables.com

This message has been edited. Last edited by: holliwil,

Finally back on I80 heading east around Fairfield. Totally jazzed & calling friends to talk about some of the more philosophical & ethereal aspects of the trip & discussions. Big Sur Natives on the car system - life is pretty good. I sure wish you all could have been there.

Noel, if you're home do you want to have a quick lunch when I pass through?

I would have loved to Tom but my dads in the hospital and my wife took of work so we could go see him. He’s ok for now but he is 87 and been having a few problems the last few years…. Sorry! Maybe I can make the next one. Oddly enough I am more likely to be able to make it if I have to jump on a plane to get there. Did you get any pictures of the event it self? I am looking forward to all the stories…..

I'm passing by you now. Can you feel the love?

We had a great photographer taking photos. You'll see some very soon.

I'm in traffic.

Passing over Donner Pass & heading into Nevada. I hope this good feeling lasts the whole way home.

You should also hear about holliwill. (Did I just mispell that? I can't check on my Treo.) He is great guy with a kind face & chops of his own. I only heard you play a little, man, but it was good stuff.

Hopefully more guys will chime in as they return home later.

Just passing out of Sparks/Reno. I lose data coverage for 2 or 3 hours. I have nothing pithy to say.

quote:

You should also hear about holliwill.

Thanks Tom!
I wish I could have spent some quality time with you, next time I'll make it a priority.

I think my favorite cut on your album is "Bristlecone Pine".....it makes me long for Colorado (I hope to be bowhunting elk there in September again). Godspeed!

Jeff
www.theunmentionables.com

Thanks, Jeff. Let's do lunch in CO when you're out here if it works out.

I just heard from ST. He's home safe & sound & having a nap.

I'm past Battle Mt., NV, & headed for Salt Lake. I'm taking road shots again, but I won't presume anyone wants to see grainy, out-of-focus cell phone shots - kind of anticlimactic.

Tell you what, driving back up Highway one in a rented piece-of-crap Taurus with Hot Chocolate in the player, with Joseph's serenely beautiful nylon string-synth creations over kim Stone's insistent singing on the fretless bass capped an experience I will never stop learning from, much like my lessons years ago with the great guitar theoretician William G. Leavitt. We were great in spite of our human-ness, flaws, needs and weaknesses. And I mean We WERE GREAT! Even Steve Miller was GREAT! AGAIN!

Just fabulous.

Not that I don't have some issues...

I wonder if Cliff had fun. Jeez, I never saw anybody take such delight in everything and everyone. Tom, if you check in, you had the most wonderful touch of Willie in "Stardust", which I know your Dad was grooving with. You got to me, man.

Thanks, Ron. You're a class act, man. You got some guitar skills that I'd give my eyeteeth for.

I think Cliff had a good time. He was digging that Yamaha piano in the corner. I talked with him quite a bit & thoroughly enjoyed him. He's so accomplished & yet so humble.

Decided to stop in Wendover, NV 'cause the rooms were cheap & the light & I were fading. I'll post some pics if anyone wants to see them from today's drive. There's nothing special.

Of course we want to see a picture or two Tom.We all rode with you out to Big Sur.The experience would not be complete without a road trip picture of something on the way back.Be safe,drive safe & wear your seatbelt.

Hey Guys,

I just wanted too take a moment and tell you how much fun we had at Big Sur! I also want to apologize for having to leave so early, but I had to get back for a gig or I would still be there! But I truly enjoyed meeting you all, listning to not only the wonderful discussions, but to all the musicians there as well, and sharing in some wonderful music and art. Ken, Cliff, Kyle and Chris at Bose, thank you so much for your gift to all us musicians. To Ken (jaazhorn), Alan, Aaron, Dan, Pete, RonJazz, Tom, Dave, Dean, Chad & my man ST, I am so happy to have met you guys, and I hope we can do this AT LEAST once a year. Also, a big aloha to Barclay and the Big Sur Natives for their wonderful hospitality.

I learned much from all of you there, and I hope you will keep in touch and if you ever make down to the Palm Spings area, please give me a call.

Your Brother in Music,
Brian Nova

quote:

Originally posted by dancingdogmuse:
Of course we want to see a picture or two Tom.We all rode with you out to Big Sur.The experience would not be complete without a road trip picture of something on the way back.Be safe,drive safe & wear your seatbelt.

Sorry. I guess I underestimated how much everyone would have liked to be on this trip. Here's a couple quick shots. I've got to get on the road. I woke up early & I want to get through Salt Lake before rush hour.

Leaving - driving up the coast in Hwy 1.