Jazzy, Brexit may have complicated the situation as it means a lot more paperwork for foreign acts. But if acts are playing London and not getting to any other towns, that could just be the economics that I was talking about. There are few venues outside of London that can pay enough to support a tour of relatively unknown musicians. It's much more difficult to see obscure or unusual music being played in person these days. And that's true all around the world.
Greg, I think the plan is to have one rehearsal at the start of this tour, most likely in London. But that's an expensive proposition as both Rocco and I will need to get there a day early, have a hotel room, and probably rent a rehearsal studio. In the meantime, Gary has made some well-written charts and shared audio demos of his compositions and arrangements. We play along, take notes, sometimes rewrite our own charts, and hopefully by the time we get together it will all kinda works. But you never know. There's always the blues. HA!!
Keith, I've played the Birchmere several times over the years and it's definitely on that east coast circuit which a lot of great bands get to play. But this band includes two Brits and one Italian which makes it complicated - especially right now. (Don't get me started). I know Husband scored a long-term "Artist" Visa a while back so he may still be able to come over for work. Not sure about the other two guys. It's gonna be interesting to see if I can get my own paperwork together for this fall run. Yikes.
Gary has found somebody who's interested in recording this combo so there may eventually be some lasting record of it happening. We will see.
Best to everybody,
Jimmy J
