It's Christmas Time in the City

But it doesn't feel like Christmas. I don't know why. Maybe because the weather isn't cold and there's been no snow. Maybe it's because last year I lived a block away from Rockefeller Center and this year I live in a quieter neighborhood.

Or maybe it's a testament to how much your family means to you during the holidays. I'm ready to go home. For the first time in a long time I'm road weary and would like nothing better but to be on my couch with my dog at the moment.

But the Christmas party was a smashing success as it was last year. I made some food that was a real hit (bruschetta with goat cheese and caramelized onion, roasted nuts with herb butter, mulled wine, etc.). Unfortunately I didn't eat much of it but drank on an empty stomach. From what I hear I called Jason a few times at three in the morning. He was unlucky enough to be one of the last people I talked to on my phone. HA! Sorry 'bout that one bro. In spite of that the party was a lot of fun.

Last night I saw what I can only describe as a jazz dream band-Jeff 'Tain' Watts, Dave Kikoski, Marcus Strickland, and the one and only Christian McBride. If you know who these guys are then you know how thoroughly killing it was. Christian has a blog on his website, he told me he's posting today about the James Brown concert and he talks about me a bit. Can't wait to read that.

Alright, I have some Christmas shopping to do. I'm still not sure on what I should get my wife ... maybe I'll just shop when I get back to L.A. ...