2010-07-09: New York City

Everywhere I go I hear the sound of humming air conditioners, boy, because the Summer's here and the time is right for....well, it's just too hot to pull the Sammy Cahn (ask your parents) rhyming dictionary from the shelf to find a match for "conditioner." Parishioner? Yeah, that will do for now. And I'm not going to wear our your patience by talking about the weather. On the other hand, consider this: residents of Los Angeles (as I was for most of my life) never have a reason to talk about the weather. It's always just slightly warmer than moderate, the air is dry and you can put on a light coat in the evening. But in New York City (and most of the country, this week), you can roll the wet air into a ball and toss it against the wall. Just for fun. Try it out.

The weather and meteorological conditions are extra jarring because one week ago today I was in Norway where the air is cool and crisp and where the sun barely (or never, in the case of Trondheim, my first stop on the mini-tour) sets. Up north was a show at Credo, one of my favorite clubs in the world (best club-based meal in the world, trust me) and then down South was the Visefestival in the small but (to me) very familiar town of Egersund. The latter was a summer camp, of sorts. I spent three days regularly crossing paths with old and new pals (Robyn Hitchcock, Michael West King, Patrick Berkery, Roald Ripland, Steve Hochman) and watching the sun rise at 2am each day. Robyn and I did a show consisting completely of covers the night we both arrived which means very minimal rehearsal. Take that into consideration when you check out the recordings of the show that are already circulating the internet. Nonetheless, it was a blast and I think there might be more such hootenanny collaborations down the line.

And now? Back home, seeking AC for a few more days and then another Atlantic crossing back to Cardiff where Jason and I will be playing a house concert next weekend. More and more of these private gigs are coming in these days and they're always fun, mostly because they're always very different and a good chance to make new friends, new converts and get a glimpse into other worlds in a way you wouldn't get at a club gig.

Speaking of club gigs, the initial dates for my European tour with the Miracle 3 for Fall 2010 just went up on my website. Have a look. It will be our first tour of Europe since 2006 and we'll be playing songs from the new record that comes out that month. Oh, and you can bet that Medicine Show will be heavily represented as well.

And here's a preview of the next missive coming down the pike in August: I'll be previewing a few songs from the new Steve Wynn & The Miracle 3 record and having a competition of sorts: you're all invited to make your own video for one of the songs (it's so easy these days—heck, I might try one myself) and the five best videos makers will get a signed copy of the new CD and a pair of tickets to the show of his or her choice.

But more on all of that later. I'm on my way outside to seek out the coldest AC in Manhattan. Hmmm.....What rhymes with AC? Oh yeah, Jay-Z! An Empire State of Mind indeed.