The vibes virtuoso keeps us up-to-date while on his latest tour of Western Australia.
Day 1: Adelaide to Geraldton
The first thing to say is that this mini diary will be full of typos as I’m writing it on my iPhone and my finger-tips seem to be bigger than the letters! So don’t hold the bad grammar against me!
Left home this morning to fly Ade-Geraldton (WA). Taxi man was very helpful and even helped me lift my 32kg vibe cases I travel with. Didn’t talk too much, which I always appreciate. Checked in with Qantas and had to explain twice what a vibraphone was to airport staff – received very confused and slightly concerned looks. Then had a 15-minute conversation with a friendly Qantas bloke on whether the musicians allowance gives you 2 or 3 extra pieces of luggage. Apparently it’s 2, except sometimes its 3 in “some circumstances” – clear as mud! Saw Julie my accompanist at the gate – always a relief to know your pianist has made the flight!
The long flight gave me a chance to look over the music for the first half of the programme. Had a long 3-hour stop over in Perth (flights to Geraldton are only early morning or evening). Looked over music for second half of the programme. As I play from memory I like to make sure its fresh in the mind before a gig. Julie did yoga in a corner until a weird guy sat right next to her listening loudly to youtube videos, which freaked her out. Julie disappears towards shops.
Looking over music on the plane
As I’m boarding flight to Geraldton I notice a lot of heavily tattooed, strong looking blokes on the plane – wondering if they will come to the show? Can’t see Julie. She eventually arrives on a special convey (with some others) looking flustered saying something about how she didn’t hear the boarding call. Last time I saw her she was at the pub with some locals… hmm.
Arrived in Geraldton just on sunset. I hired a small hatch-back Corolla this time because it’s cheaper than the SUVs. Wasn’t sure if we could fit everything in, but we just did it – Yes! Had a quick walk around on ocean front and saw the port. There are some big ships here. Will find out more about the town tomorrow, probably. Saw my poster in the street. Nice lady at hotel gave us a free drink voucher – redeemed with a Becks beer. Rehearsals and workshops tomorrow.
