I am back in Minneapolis MN after grabbing a last-minute flight out of Madrid. O’Hare airport was—–harrowing, to say the least. We are all attempting to deal with this very difficult time. At the very least, it is an EXCELLENT time to stay at home, set up a regular practice schedule and Play alot of…

That’s the Spanish equivalent of “shelter in place.” It seems to be the most effective means of checking the spread of this dreadful and fearsomely deadly virus. Here in Madrid, just this morning the government put in place another order to stay inside for the next 15 days, at least. Spain had a very bad…

Here I am, on lock down, at my apartment in Lavapies. Ironically, the weather is magnificent, with temps in the 70s fahrenheit. Spain has been very hard hit and it happened quite suddenly. Hard to believe that when I arrived early Wednesday morning, there was little furor and no panic. That changed rapidly. For the…

Yes, indeed. Since September, I’ve been doing a lot of writing, specifically, for “the book.” Love, Magick, and the Flamenco Guitar it is called, at least as a working title. I’m generally happy and satisfied with the results so far. I think it’s time to pull back, collate all the material—a lot of it is…

Eerie. And frequently recurring 25 year old Matias drives in his cab Looking for a fare Dispatcher’s voice comes over the radio An order for a pickup Its in Morse code Matias copies it, typing On the guitar’s fretboard In a Jeff Beck style Blues improvisation Good God! What have we here? Multi-tasking Or locura?

…the 4 year old remains glued to the black and white TV screen. Les Paul accompanies his wife, singer Mary Ford. He plays a black Gibson Les Paul Custom guitar. The guitar is gorgeous, the playing out-of-this-world. It is the coolest thing young Matias has ever experienced, and, when it’s over: “Mamma, Mamma! I wanna…

…comes out in the flesh. Robertson Davies: one of my FAVORITE authors. As I get on in life, I find his world-view, his philosophy (never stated only implied), his humanity, appeal to me immensely. This work, in which a “daemon” named “Maimas” figures prominently, is captivating. It’s helping me with things I ponder, particularly related…

Some comments on shows I’ve been seeing: Friday, 20 April@ Casa Patas Fundacion—Guadiana. Voice not unpleasant like years before. He has great feel, sentiment, pitch, soniquete. An 8.5 Accompanied by Carlos de Jacoba, who plays with really good swing. A little short of material, a little boring, his bulerias a 9+. 2 boys as palmeros…

Nearly 80 degrees, sunny and divine. I’m at Peyma, my “office,” on calle Embajadores. Great place. Totally unpretentious with good food, drinks, cafe and “menu del dia.” I’m staying with a friend, across the street and up the hill a bit. Playing my Montalvo guitar, from Paracho, Mexico, that’s been at my piso (38 Olivar…

I’m continuing to copy these blog posts, originally written in my old-fashioned notebook, onto the web-site. ….And a huge snowfall in Minneapolis, Minnesota over the weekend (wait! Its mid-April!). I’m at Charles DeGaul Airport (Paris) about to complete the last leg to Madrid, once again. And, glad of it! Only 5 weeks. It is 9am…