In Paris, working with Cristóbal Soto

About a month and a half ago I got a call from Cristóbal Soto asking me how my book of venezuelan transcriptions was going. I told him that progress was slow, being isolated in New York. He then made the mistake of offering to help and about 30 minutes later I had my plane ticket to Paris!
I came to Paris for nine days to work with Cristóbal and enjoy the hospitality of his wonderful family, who very kindly offered their home to me. My visit has been very productive. Not only have I added many new songs to the book but Cristóbal has guided me regarding the musicological aspects of the book and stressed the importance of verifying sources of information. He is also putting me in contact with people who will be able to help me with different aspects of the book in the future.
Cristóbal is one of the important figures in venezuelan music. He lived in Venezuela for many years and worked with most of the musicians that have made a difference. He was a founding member of Ensamble Gurrufío and is an excellent multi-instrumentalist. He is always interested in learning more about the music and he generously shares what he knows in a clear and unselfish way.
One of the most important things I've achieved on this visit is to establish a working relationship with Cristóbal that will be very useful to me in the future; not only regarding the book, but also in the development of a friendship that is grounded in my admiration of his efforts, achievments and kind personality.