Finally!

After a year and a half, I'm finally in Caracas! I'll probably spend the next week trying to organize all the stuff I have sent here and create a work schedule. It's going to be so different to not have a regular job.
I see that in NYC the temperature is 10 degrees. Here it's 70F. What a relief!
:-)

one week left in NY...

In a week I finally leave to Caracas. I've been super busy trying to arrange all the stuff I have to take and fixing up the NY apartment. It seems like everything is going to work out fine. I just need a couple more friends to visit NY to help me take stuff to Vzla!
My good friend David Peña (bassist for Ensamble Gurrufio) is here visiting and we've been out listening to good music and enjoying long overdue conversations. We're planning some good music projects for when we get back to Caracas!
;-)

Messenger Bass!!

I'm getting my new Messenger bass just before I leave! If you play bass and haven't seen these, you need to check them out: www.messengerbass.com The builder is my friend John Knutson who lives in California. He's an amazing craftsman and has designed the best electric upright bass out there. The perfection in construction detail only matches the outstanding upright bass tone! It feels just like an upright and when amplified sounds just like one too! I've recommended these basses to 5 of my professional bass playing friends in Venezuela and they are extremely happy with their basses. These guys just happen to be the top bass players in Venezuela too, so they're no neophytes. I'd be glad to show mine to anyone in the NY area that is interested. Since John doesn't advertise and has no "show" instruments, this is the only way to play one.
Check it out and if you buy, tell him Mark Brown sent you. I like him to know how much I appreciate his phenomenal work.

two weeks...

My plane ticket is for February 18th. I've already arranged my leave at the school where I've been teaching, and I have someone to take care of my apartment in NY. Now I just need to figure out what to do with all my stuff when I leave.
I'm really looking forward to making progress on my transcriptions when I get to Caracas. I'm going to be busy contacting composers and other musicians who might be able to help or give me ideas. I really need to get a group and start playing too! I've waited way too long and it's eating at me. I have several dozen compositions that I want to try out when I find the right people to play them with. My friends have been great in helping me get my instruments (and other stuff) to Venezuela. Guys like Roberto Koch, Jose Perez, Henry Linarez, Julio Andrade, Pedro Quintero, and David Peña have all helped in carrying some heavy luggage for me! Much appreciated!
:-)