The last quarter of 2018 has been a rollercoaster so far. We are almost finished with our 14th album, which we have decided to retitle “Free Today,” for the last track written in Malibu last fall. My heart is with those in Malibu this Thanksgiving after the devastation that ravaged the lives of so many of my friends and former neighbors. Changes and turmoil abound, yet there is much to be thankful for. Our new track, “Jesus is Coming (to the Wrong Side of Town)” seems sadly poignant this season.
Our all-star LA band featuring the legendary Scarlet Rivera played Hunnypot’s Halloween bash at the Mint LA on October 29th, a favorite room of ours and one I’ve been playing for some time now. There was a great crowd and guests Jeff Gray and Mb Gordy put our set over the top. We saw many friends, including several members of the Composer’s Breakfast Club of Malibu, the Heavy Hitters contingent, Pussycat Doll Jessica Sutta with beau Mikey Marquart of Ambrose, pals Alan Martin and John Noonan and of course John Anderson and the Hunnypot crew. A good time was had by all.
My visit to LA and Malibu just before the fires brought a wave of energy. New ventures in New York and LA emerged and the hyper growth of Boston-based ventures I’ve been working with portend a very busy year-end into 2019. Momentum and travel are the watchwords for the coming year. I am thankful for the past and hopeful about the future.
The van Gogh Brothers wrap up 2019 live shows at Vincent’s Worcester, of course, our fav haunt in Massachusetts, on Thanksgiving Saturday, the 24th. Full band + John Sands on drums. We’ve had a great year, and are super-excited about our new record and tracks. Hope to see you at Vincent’s!
Travel abounds with trips to New Orleans and the Southwest, including LA, all before year end. The gypsy life is in the stars and I look forward to it— and especially to getting back to Malibu in December and January. Point Dume is finally repopulating after the fires and I’m longing to rejoin my friends after the recent tragedy.
I wish you all a safe and joyful Holiday Season. We only get to do this once, so make sure you follow your heart.