USA Wrap

Well it’s my last day in Nashville – my last day in the States too. So many new friends, new places and new experiences. I’m sad to leave but will be glad to get back – it’ll be good to see family, friends – one of my being my four-legged one. No, not a horsey. My dog, Clara, who’s been staying with her mother, aunt and 3 of her siblings.

Flagstaff

I haven’t even begun to blog about the amazing retreat, staying at the Couch-surfing http://www.couchsurfing.org/ ‘Batcave’ in San Francisco, fear and loathing in LA or even the glitzy party to which I was invited – from the hotel elevator as I was returning to my room. About 200 people and I was the soul representative of the white brotherhood.

Possibly the most honest man in San Francisco

The places I’ve played still don’t include the Bluebird Café http://www.bluebirdcafe.com/

but do include Kulak’s Woodshed http://kulakswoodshed.com/ in Hollywood, The Sequoia Retreat Centre http://www.sequoiaretreatcenter.com/ – near Ben Lomond, Northern California, Mission Bart Station – San Francisco (by special request) and, in Nashville – Douglas Corner http://www.douglascorner.com/ , The Commodore Grill http://www.myspace.com/commodoregrill , Bobbies Idle Hour http://www.myspace.com/bobbysidlehour , Dan McGuinness’s http://www.danmcguinnesspub.com/nashville/ , and Picks Hall of Fame http://www.myspace.com/picksnashville . Also got to write a song with Thomm Jutz http://www.thommjutz.com/ and Jamie Cutler http://www.myspace.com/jamiecutharper – we all love it too.

Douglas Corner - in the top 3 open mic sessions

The people I’ve met too – mainly at Dan McGuinness’s, a popular Music Row hangout with a wonderful staff and amazing food. Ireland could use an Irish Pub like this. People I’ve met and enjoyed here include Ralph http://www.ascap.com/nashville/murphy/ – Murphy’s Laws of Song-writing, Jim Horn http://www.myspace.com/jimhornmusicservices – world’s most recorded Sax player – from Frank Sinatra you the Beatles (all four on their solo projects too). Pat McInerney http://www.myspace.com/ptmdrums (Nanci Griffith’s Band) who kindly introduced me to Thomm.

Old friends – Shine like Diamonds. Being snowbound for 3 days can test a friendship too. Thank you Tony and Sue Norris for a wonderful time in Flagstaff http://www.tonynorris.com/

Avalon and the 4 Brothers - Seqoia Retreat Centre

It’s as if the big doors here open more easily than the little ones in Ireland – I’m thinking one day, I’ll have to move here.

I’m noticing there’re a lot of links here – it’s been a lot of fun.

Still looking up in Nashville

Lastly – but by no means least, I’d like to mention a little old lady who’s been following me around and also having a ball. She’s really been the Tour Manager, connecting all the dots and ensuring a safe ride. Her name’s Eileen O’Neill – and she died in September 2009 – good to have you on board Ma