CROSS COUNTRY TOUR - SOUTHERN CORRIDOR

Our second cross-country tour concentrated on the southwest and ended up in northern California. A big highlight on that tour was our double-bill with Anson and Sam at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix AZ. The Rockets were in top form as always, despite a turn-over in the rhythm section. The tone of Sam's voice and harp are just amazing, deep and soulful, and never weak or faltering, no matter how grueling their travel schedule. And of course I jumped at the chance to join them onstage for a finale, allowing me to have a two-way conversation with Anson on our Fender Strats. The southwest is home turf for these Texans, so they always attract a crowd of swing dancers. Some of these folks have unbelievably fancy footwork! Even club owner Bob Coritor could be seen steppin' out on the dance floor several times. We shoulda high-tailed it outta there right after the show, but like typical blues folk we had to have our own after-hours party, and catch up on everything that's been going on since our last show together in January. I can't believe Anson's baby is gonna be a year old!

We played another show in Las Vegas at Boulder Station, and it's always so satisfying to see the strength of the blues in a town like Vegas. Getting in the night before, we had an opportunity to really make the scene. First we tried to catch George Carlin's show at the MGM Grand, but it was sold out...damn! We are big Carlin fans, and he is after all one of the major voices of my generation.

So next we thought we'd see if we could meet Sigfreid and Roy , and maybe pet the tigers. I'm still trying to decide who my favorite is: Sigfreid, or Roy...but they are so elusive, so exclusive, they must be stuck-up! Even the white tigers snubbed us...oh well.

But I'll be honest, folks, the Vegas of today is just too mega-Disneyland for me. I preferred old Vegas; when Frank was king, and the mob ran the show. Oh well ..I'll just have to rent a lot of old episodes of the Sopranos when I get home.

Other tour stand-outs:Our show at one of my all time favorite spots, Moes Alley in Santa Cruz, and a small outdoor festival in Seaside California. Featuring multicultural performances and an emphasis on lots of activities for children. I would love to see more of these events around the country. Right-on Seaside!!