Sweet Home Corporate Retail

When I arrived in Nashville the night before last I discovered that I had forgot to pack a pair of jeans. In fact, I had no pants at all save for a pair of sweats and my suitpants. I guess its my first time on the road or something. I needed a new pair of jeans anyway so I ventured out to find one. I've discovered during my years of travel that there are two ways to get a true local experience in a new city; one is finding a local dive bar and the other is using public transportation. After the hotel concierge told me that a cab ride to the nearest mall was $20+ I soon realized I was in for a true local experience here in Nashville. The bus ride was quite easy and cheap (tax dollars working successfully!) and the people were nice.

When I got to the mall a feeling of homey familiarity came over me. Banana Republic, J Crew, Starbucks, Abercrombie & Fitch, Pottery Barn, Sharper Image ... all the familiar places I visited growing up, home in L.A., and nearly every town I've ever been to on the road. It was like seeing an old friend from home while traveling "Oh hey Gap! I thought I might run in to you here. Good to see you again, man! I see you're still sporting those pre-wrinkled shirts and cheap-ass polos, but who are these new sweater vests in your life these days?" My old buddy Gap sold me a pair of boot cut jeans and I was on my way. I even made new friends with a gentleman who doesn't leave the south much Dillard's. I got some great clothes there as well (I love shopping in the South, it's much easier to find my size than in L.A. if you knowutumsayin'). The mall trip was great and a great cure for homesickness. But I guess that's the point of these nation-wide corporate chains isn't it? People have a much easier time with familiarity than they do new experiences.

So far Nashville has been great. Playing with Symphony Orchestras are among the best gigs I do, fun musical experiences and great resume builders. And the assault of country music has been bearable.