David Sinclair has solved world hunger with an acorn theory. (We see millions on the ground here, and have even been struck by them falling from trees!) Martin Rose is brilliant with multiple languages and makes more mixed language puns in one day than most like to make or hear in a lifetime. Stefan Rapp (not Raab-though I would love to be on his show soon!!) smiles more on stage than he used to so we wonder if he's being mischievous. I am in dire need of a hair cut...but where to find three hours!?
Denmark and Holland are often thought of as the same...by some North Americans. The Danish and the Dutch have few similarities in my experience. Except in both, there are lots of sheep and cows and strong winds and lots of water which seems to give birth to a lot of sailors, sail boats and windmills. (Many more windmills in Denmark actually!) I have Dutch family and I am so grateful to have a few short days with them while we are in Holland to do a concert in Zwolle, NL. I got to eat fresh apples and pears from the trees and have Fla and Hagel on toast. I look Dutch and I like it:). Denmark had us doing shows with various other bands which can work sometimes; but not so much this time (the draw for fans must be triple if you have three bands right?...the math didn't work out like this:(. Though meeting other touring musicians is something I love.
We picked up Stefan Rapp in Fulda last week and started with an in-store show in Fulda where I got to visit with some folks whom I had met already 7 years ago! Three guitars together (no bass), means that the orchestration of the music must be meticulous and our ears and minds must stretch. Parts must be punchy, colourful and dynamic and not get in each others way. Plus the song itself must still have the mood and build it is meant to portray...so it comes across with genuine feeling, and some weight.
Visiting AER was a last minute add on to our stops along the way. A treat! We played with the amps, guitars and pedals they brilliantly design. (We have 3 of their amps on our stage- and it has saved our asses on a few occasions!!)
For a few days we had our tour angel, Hans Kraus, join. He takes pictures, tours us around areas like Nurnberg - which he knows well, and takes care of the CD sales. In Kassel, Lüder shows us the Wasserschloss where fairy tales like Rapunzel and Snow White originally come from. A playground for creativity no doubt, with its towers and castle doors. We can't tour like a tourist often, so for many reasons this was special. I bought a Dolly Parton CD and enjoyed its deep mood and playfulness...a little like the sweet villages we drive through. I went for a run in the woods around Bamberg. I got carried away and ran for an hour longer than planned. If you're a tourist wanting to see the best of Germany according to me...Bamberg is a must see-do-feel (but don't get lost in the woods when you have limited time!!) There is so much to see, do, hear and feel...and I am tired now. For extra fuel Ron is coming tomorrow for tour help and mood. It's a miracle to fit all of us, our spirits and dirty laundry in this tour 'car'. Little miracles everywhere.
Comments