Great times in the UK

Thanks sooo much to all of our English friends and fans that made the trip so easy and fun! I'm stoked to have my new album in CD players 5K miles away, and to have been able to perform for everyone in London, Leeds and beyond. The Ward Drobe in Leeds was fun, nice stage (and a backline drum kit when I bring the full band) my only guaranteed paid gig on the trip, it was amazing to be appreciated both as an artist and to make some $$ at the same trip (imagine that?), not to mention a constant flow of drinks bought for us and some pretty tasty food.

The next day I followed my sleuthing on my family ancestry down to a tiny town called Scrooby, where the local historian was kind enough to pick us up at the train station and show us around the tiny town of 329 residents. Dating back as far as 900 A.D., Scrooby was where my great grandfather (to the 12th degree) helped start the Separtist movement from the Church of England, and ultimately was the religious elder on board the Mayflower and in Plymouth. We saw the old church, his home, and several other centuries old landmarks that were amazing.

Then it was of to Edinburgh, Scotland, were we attended a wedding in a small village nearby and I got to rock my first kilt outfit-awesome. Beautiful countryside, warm and welcoming people, loved it!

Hard being away from the baby for ten days, but all worth it! Can't wait to get over and continue touring other stops in Europe!

UK shows, new album selling over here first

So after a 3 hr. flight delay in SF, I made just in time to play my first venue in London on Sat. 6/26, Lemon Monkey. Made some new fans as well as sold the first few advance copies of my new album, Wrecking Ball at the Concert Hall. Yes that's the title, and I'm releasing it over here first before doing the same in the states in a month or so.
Many thanks to Josephine and Matt for letting us crash for the evening and showing us the true mixology of 69 Colebrook Rd.-amazing!
We then headed South to stay with our family friends, who have treated like royalty for real. Took a day to go down and check out the coastal town of Brighton, which reminded me of a hopping riviera beach town. Full of art and funky shops, def. have to go back. Tonight I just played the 2nd show at a venue which was really 2 venues in one. The Grey Horse is the front bar/stage, and in back is Ram Jam, a sweet little room that holds no more than 100. Had a great time thrown' down some jams there. Seems like a cool and supportive singer/songwriter community in the Kingston area of London. Tomorrow it's off to the north to Leeds, were I'll be the featured artist of the evening at a place called Ward Robe. Lugging a guitar and my merch around is tougher than being here without it, but well worth is so far!!

Thanks to everyone in San Luis Obispo!

Had a blast playing 3 shows in the SLO area. Many thanks to Steve Key for making it happen, and to the folks who came out to support! Here'a a vid that sums up the tour...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcHiDiHZ4ks

Good Times in Humboldt County!

Haven't spent much time in these parts since college, and things haven't changed a whole lot.
With the help of our fantastic hosts Eric and Sunshine, as well as two fun shows, it was well worth the trip. Saturday at Mosgo's was cool because it's basically a cafe, but there's a sound booth, stage lights and an engineer who was ON his game for two hours of my tunes. The staff was nice, and probably some of the best nachos I've had in a while. Sunday Sunshine led a hike above Trinidad beach, which is as beautiful as I remember it (college Humboldt memories are a little foggy!).

Sunday night at Six Rivers Brewery was a little sketch at first, as they failed to mentioned there was no PA system at the venue. No problem, Eric to the rescue. In addition to the baby chicks that were cheeping in the living room where I slept, he also was storing a fat sound system there, which he brought and set up for us-lifesaver. The owner said the Wu Tang Clan used to play there-did they have to bring speakers and mics too?

TOUR is on!

So after a super-fun show in Santa Cruz on the Boardwalk, it's off to Humboldt Co. to play a couple shows. 2nite in Arcata at Mosgo's, and 2morrow nite at Six Rivers Brewery in McKinleyville. If you have fam. or friends in the area, send 'em on down to hear some tunes! For more deets, go to my site or myspace. Pics/vids to follow... -JB