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Red Elvises
| The road to San Francisco is straight and narrow. Once past Gorman and the Grapevine, everything looks the same. I like to call that part of the 5 freeway "the twilight zone". The haze that surrounds the 5 freeway up through Fresno is usually thick, like a sulfur cloud, heavy and yellow, barely floating above the car's front bumper, making it impossible to see anything except the bugs committing suicide on my windshield, miles of dirt, and the next overpass approaching five miles down the line. When I returned from a short Red Elvises road trip from LA to San Francisco and Petaluma in October, I could not shake the feeling that my world would never |  |
Schramm made an appearance at Slims in San Francisco. I love that guy, the cool cat in the top hat. Roman's back with the band, the power and the passion that he puts into his saxophone riffs leaves nothing more to be desired. His dedication really shows on such songs as “Venice, USA” and “Love Rocket.”
Adam almost incited a riot with "Sad Cowboy Song's" drum solo. My music Manager, who used to swear on Thom Mooney and a set of Zildjians, stood in awe at Adam’s persistence and diligent spectacle delivered both nights.
There is a new guy named Aaron from Portland, Oregon. He's holding up well, taking the place of Schramm on this part of the tour, playing the keyboards, accordion and adding a bonus feature to the show in the form of a trumpet. Did I mention he can play the keyboards and the trumpet at the same time? Crazy!!
Oleg, consistent with his personal standards, showed off that Big Sexy bass and sense of humor. He stopped to take pictures of the audience in Petaluma and sweetly wooed the packed, teaming crowd at Slim's. Igor shared with us the love and passion he and the rest of the band have for this art. There is something magical and beautiful when one can see in a man's eyes the unconditional love he feels for his music. Then and only then one can start to understand why he lives and breathes it, every day of his life.
All I can say is "what a weekend." It was worth the drive from LA.
But wait, there's more!
Believe me when I tell you that I still hadn't come back to reality from that weekend yet when it was confirmed that the guys would be down at Martini Blues in Huntington Beach in the beginning of December. I was still on cloud nine, and drunk on the essence of tour life and the party scene. I knew that they were going to be doing a show in San Diego the next night and I had made the plan to take a mini break and stay over at my ranch in Ramona/Julian, (San Diego) with my boyfriend (he's the guy that made those really cool jackets!).
It was great to have them at Martini Blues, since I live there. Well, not really but I sing there once or twice a week. Anytime you can catch a show in an intimate setting, do it. I love when the guys are in my part of town. I can bring more Red Elvises virgins and fans that wouldn't otherwise get to see them.
Craig Pilo made a guest appearance on drums. Members of my entourage were impressed with his ability to down two to three cups of water while playing a drum solo at the same time. Go Craig!!!
Good audience participation was exemplary in the intimate setting, making the crowd feel welcome. Even my roommate got out on the floor and danced up a storm on "It's a Wonderful Night." Believe me, that's a feat!!!
All in all Martini Blues was a great show with the usual favorites without the crazy crowds of Santa Monica and San Francisco.
Now let’s talk about San Diego. First off, I would like to say that there is nothing like sitting in a cemetery in Ramona in the brisk afternoon, half hung over, 100 miles from home before the show and realizing that your boyfriend's wallet is in Orange County. No ID, no credit card, nothing! A discovery as bleak as the setting we were in. But leave it to me to flirt with Security to get him in to the show (I think the jackets helped too!)
The audience was amazed by having Aaron and Schramm both performing and at one point during "One Way Ticket to Japan" they switched off in a rendition of musical keyboards. And of course there is always the one guy that puts up the wrong finger for "Closet Disco Dancer." Long time Red Elvises friend Alona was there and excited to have a show in her hometown. The theatrics were great.
Check out the picture of Oleg hiding behind his bass. (I wonder if it had anything to do with the 6 plus shots of vodka before the show.) Or the fact that when the bartender filled up his shot glasses to the standard line, each time, Oleg was sure to say "Not enough!" getting the shot glasses fill up the to the lip. CHEERS!!! Good times.
All in all I can honestly say that the past few months have been amazing when it comes to kick ass Red Elvises shows. With Huntington Beach close to home, bringing the opportunity to bring fourteen people to an intimate show and get to see the true essence of the Red Elvises without elbows in sides and heels on toes, San Diego was a whole lot of fun before, during and after the show. (Who knew I was good at pool?) And of course San Francisco, which housed the largest Red Elvises audience I have seen. What a wonderful time. Oh, and before I forget, thanks Oleg and Igor for “Scorchi Chorni” in Petaluma. It's my favorite gypsy song. Reminds me of home, I don't get to hear it enough! See you all at Rusty's for New Year's. Da Svidania, good night.