I had an ideal day off today. Granted, ever day is a day off for me when I'm not on the road but this one was particularly good.

I got up early and watched the Pacers stomp the Sixers. It's not easy watching Pacers games out here on the West Coast so I'm always happy when I catch one. Then I went to the gym (yup, got another gym membership recently) where I had a good workout watching the incredible George Mason/UConn NCAA game. Afterwards I went to my buddy Pasta's for a poker game (which I lost but playing cards is always fun). Then Carrie and I joined some friends for dinner at the Valley's best BBQ place, Hoggly Woggly's. Then Pasta and I headed to Simi Valley to watch my boy Corey play hockey. I love going to his games, they are always a lot of fun. After the game we headed to a bar called Ireland's where a friend of ours runs a kareoke night. No, I did not sing, but I had a good time hanging out.

And here I am, gonna fart around on the computer for a while and hit the sack.

"I didn't have to use my A-K, I'd have to say it was a good day ..."

I finally saw V last night. Have to admit I was a little disappointed. I should've seen it coming, I was way too attached to the original comic book. Don't get me wrong, I thought it was a really good movie. But it pulled too many punches. I don't mind changing the story around, that is a necessary evil when adapting a story (I loved how they attributed the futuristic fascist government to the US's current war). And while some of the changes seemed small they really changed the original intent of the comic and messed with the themes.

Before the movie was released the author of the comic Alan Moore asked that his name be removed from the movie entirely. Now I see why.

But don't get me wrong. I highly recommend it, it's great. I just had really high hopes for it.

As I left the theater I thought to myself 'whatever happened to original ideas? Why does everything have to be adapted? Give me Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Syriana, Being John Malkovich, Fargo, etc. Comic book adaptations, book adaptations, biopics, etc. ... They usually disappoint.

But a little birdie sent me the Capote DVD yesterday. I'll reserve judgment until I watch it ...

I love YouTube

We arrived in Michigan today. It's cold. I forget how cold cold can be, but boy is it cold. It's only been a few months since I was in NYC but it still feels like I haven't been in a winter like this for years. LA has spoiled me.

The gigs with the Houston Symphony were really great. It was a lot of fun playing with such a great orchestra. The musicians were terrific and the music sounded fresher to me than it has in years (change is a good thing!). In addition to playing with a great orchestra I also ate way too much good food. Steve has many 'cousins' that he grew up with in Houston that own fabulous restaurants ... Namely barbecue and Italian, my weaknesses. Better hit the hotel gym tomorrow!

So the news is out: The first Lower Level CD Release Show has been booked! Friday, May 26 at the Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis, Indiana. The show starts at 7:30PM for the low, low cover charge of $12. I can't even tell you how hyped I am. My boys Rob and Jeff who are members of the Butterfat Trio with me are coming down to play the show. It will be a lot of fun. So all of you Indy types, start spreading the word. Any advice on how to advertise the show would be much appreciated.

Well I'm off for another tour. This one won't be that hectic; Houston until Sunday then a trip to East Lansing, MI for a show on Tuesday. Then home.

I just got home from the gym. It's currently 1:10 AM. That's right, I'm joining a 24 hr. Fitness. Its the closest gym to my place. Plus, I figure when joining a gym, the less excuses the better. I'm never going to get to tell myself "ahh man, I missed going to the gym today, they're closed already."

V for Vendetta comes out soon boys and girls!

Big news regarding Lower Level shows coming soon as well, stay on the lookout.

As we all know Dubya's approval rating is at an all-time low. But this article lets us know that support for him among Republicans is diminishing as well.

Almost no one likes the job he is doing. I why it took so long for them to see the light?

And I've heard excuses for everything; it wasn't his fault the Katrina relief was botched, it wasn't his fault that he started a war based on false information, it wasn't his fault, even it's not his fault his approval numbers are low (that's a REAL stretch). I geuss the blatant crony-ism he exhibited in his Supreme Court nominations and the port security debacle that WREAKED of back-handed Arab/Bush family kickbacks finally made his own party realize that he is one helluva bad president.

***********

My busy weekend is over. I'm pretty tired. I have a few days off before heading to Houston to play with the Houston Symphony, I'm really looking forward to that.

Today I make the 2.5-3 hour drive to Palm Springs for a gig with Tyrell. I drive right home after the gig only to get up early and catch a 10 AM plane to Carmel for another gig tomorrow night. To top it all off we are playing with a couple of new horn players which means our soundchecks will be really long as we'll have to rehears the set.

No rest for the wicked baby!

Click here to see a music video of the Disney song "Bella Note" featuring yours truly. Laugh at the cheesy hilarity that ensues.

I am beside myself.

This morning I turn on my phone to find a voicemail waiting for me. No one usually calls me that early so I was wondering what it was.

It turns out the voicemail was from Dr. Joseph Scagnoli the Associate Director of the School of Music at Ball State University. He informed me that the University has chosen me for an Alumni Citation of Achievement and would like me to come to the University on April 24th to be honored along with the other award winners. Evidently my bass professor from my BSU days nominated me for the award and I was chosen by an alumni panel to receive it.

ME? Are they sure?! I'm only 29 years old and my alma mater wants to honor me? This is pretty crazy. I can't believe it. I must admit this is a pretty proud moment for me.

Needless to say I will be there with bells on. I haven't been back to Ball State since the year after I graduated ('98). What a trip that will be.

The photo shoot went really well. Here are some contenders for my new 8x10s.





I think we got some really good shots.

I have been absolutely addicted to this game Bookworm. Click with caution, it has the potential to eat up massive amounts of your time.

I've been trying to book a CD release show here in LA, easier said than done. Being a bandleader can be rough.

Speaking of addictive games I've been playing some poker lately and doing okay for myself.

Later on today I'm taking more promo shots with my boy Vinnie. He has the impossible task of trying to make me look good, he's done it before, let's see if he can do it again.

Still owed on the taxes. A couple of G's actually, and that's after making four quarterly payments. I did well last year, it was bound to happen.