Alan's From the Road
2006
Tour Diary - December 21, 2006 - Home
Friday, December 22, 2006
I finished my Christmas shopping today…I think.
Just a quick note to say ‘Thanks’ to all hands for putting Courage and Patience and Grit on your Christmas Lists. It’s been in the top 5 DVD sales for a few weeks now.
Thanks as well to everyone who jumped to buy the tickets for Great Big Christmas. This year, its all for the kids as all proceeds go to the Janeway Hospital. Should be a blast.
Stay tuned for that announcement of the dates around St. Patrick’s Day in the U.S.
This is the time of year we all should sit back and count our blessings. Mine are too great to count in one sitting.
Happy Season to you all. Hope to see you soon in the New Year.
Cheers,
Alan
Tour Diary - November 24, 2006 - AC Flights 8830 & 692 YXE-YYZ-YYT
Monday, November 27, 2006
Courage and Patience and Grit hit the stores a few days ago. I feel I can brag about this DVD more than any of our CD’s because I had so little to do with the making of it. I know your thinking I’m being falsely modest as I sing, play, or talk, or all three, in just about every moment of the DVD, but trust me that’ all I did. We’ve done TV shows and DVDs and live CDs in the past and in invariably our performance was somehow altered or compromised or compressed or edited in some unnatural fashion.
You would not believe how many times I’ve stood a mic for a TV shoot when some production assistant or director would ask me if I could lower the stand for the sake of the camera angle or lighting. I always protest explaining that if the mic is lower than usual, I will have to stand and sing differently and politely ask if they couldn’t just move the camera or light instead. Or, my particular favorite; when taping an episode of Rita for CBC TV, a floor director asked if I had to use my usual orange guitar picks and if I would mind if they had the props department die them black so they would not clash with the set. On the same day, another man, who shall remain nameless, asked me if I could look in to camera 3 while singing verse 2.
In my Newfoundland accent, I remember saying;
“Man, you must think playing in this band in some friggin easy. I can barely remember the words to verse two and it use every inch of my brain just to sing on time and in key, while playing an eight string bouzouki that I just bought. So, no, I don’t think I’ll be able to find camera 3 and address it with a wink and a nod and a quarter turn during verse two.”
He hates me to this day.
No such trauma with the making of Courage and Patience and Grit.
Pierre and Francois from Fogo (the company, not the Island where Gideon lived; coincidence eh?), captured the sights and sounds of a GBS show without asking us to do so much as iron our shirts. We had one production meeting, over pints I might add, where they explained that they wanted us to alter nothing, and that they would be as invisible as possible during the shooting days. The result is the most honest portrait of a night out with GBS that I have ever seen. Full of foolish banter and more mistakes than I care to confess, C&P&G could have been filmed on any one of the zillion dates on the Hard and the Easy Tour. Well done Gents.
I will take a moment to smell the Roses and pat myself and the GBS cast on the back for another major release; our third in as many years, I believe. I think that means we have released ten major projects in 13 years.
Does that sound like a lot? It sure didn’t feel like it.
Home for a few weeks to finish producing the Irish Descendants CD then a welcome Christmas break that includes a big charity concert in December. Great Big Christmas is back and this year it is all for the Janeway Children’s Hospital. Every song and drink helps a sick kid.
Guilt free celebration. Gotta like it.
Cheers
Alan
Tour Diary - November 4, 2006 - Home
Monday, November 06, 2006
Currently enjoying a quiet Saturday; a rarity if you play in a band for a living. The Prince is four months old today. Trust me, time does fly.
I just wanted to let all hands know about a few things. As I mentioned here a short while ago, I’ll be in Toronto in a few days for a fundraiser with a bunch of Newfoundland songwriters. Between now and then I’ll be producing the new Irish Descendants CD at Great Big Studio in St. John’s. Myself, Sean, Bob and Darrell played our first gig opening for the ID’s in 1993, so its a thrill to work with Con and the guys on their next project. It’s due out early in the New Year.
Bob just finished working on the new Shanneygannock CD. I’ve heard a bunch of the tunes and Bob did a grand job harnessing the lads’ energy and talents. His playing is all over the CD as well. Very cool. The Shanney CD will be out in a few weeks.
Don’t forget Murray’s band, Great Atomic Power, and the gig at Hugh’s Room in Toronto on November 16th.
Myself and Sean entertained one another a few nights back. The soundtrack for a portion of our soiree was Chris Trapper’s new CD. Chris, as many of you know, was/is the lead singer of the Push Stars who opened for GBS on a number of US Tours. We loved his songs so much that we recorded “Everything Shines” for the Road Rage CD and asked him to come to St. John’s to write with us for the “Sea of No Cares” CD. Together, we wrote the title track, as well as “Clearest Indication” and a few others.
Chris’s new solo CD is grand. It includes a song, “In from the Outside”, on which you can hear Sean, Bob, and I, singing and playing our hearts out. Like all Chris’s tunes, it has wonderful lyrics and the most sing-able chorus. What a pleasure to be asked to contribute to his music. Check it out if you get a chance. There just may be another tune for GBS to cover lurking somewhere amongst the tunes.
An early November wind scared the leaves from the trees on my little street in St. John’s.
Love the Fall.
Cheers
Alan
Tour Diary - October 25, 2006 - John’s, Newfoundland - Home
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Fulfilled a bit of a lifelong goal last night and officially performed onstage with my favorite songwriter, Ron Hynes. Ron was the leader of the Wonderful Grand Band, a Provincial Super group in the 1970’s and 80’s. They had a weekly Music and Comedy TV show that we watched religiously. None of us knew it at the time, but every episode of this show reminded us that the great songs, drama, comedy, and art came from our own tiny backyards. Quite a lesson.
Ron has gone on to record several full length albums, won Juno Awards, ECMA’s and a million other songwriting awards. There’s a lot of great songwriters in the world, but no one can capture the heart of a moment; the tiniest moment at that, like Ron Hynes.
We were asked to do the benefit for the Artists Emergency Fund, which is made availale to local artists who find themselves I a tough spot. I told Ron I wanted to sing one of his tunes, “No Kathleen”. He explained that he loved “Boston and St. John’s”, and we were off to the races.
It went well and I’m not sure how to explain the rush hearing the voice of one f of my songwriting heroes singing one of my songs. Very cool.
For those of you in the Toronto area, I’m doing another benefit night in November. The Company Theatre is owned by my longtime friend, Allan Hawco. Some of you might know him as the actor dude in the “Clearest Indication” video. His theatre company, like most, does one big fundraiser each year and I’m very excited to be hosting a buffet of Newfoundland entertainment. The details are below. Hope some of you can make it.
Lots of leaves in St. John’s. My favorite season is upon us.
Cheers
Alan
Tour Diary October 15, 2006 Concord, New Hampshire On the bus
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
So it turns out that in all my previous visits to Portland, I had somehow managed to miss the most beautiful section of the city. I’ve wandered the cool hilly streets of the harbour town for hours in the past and assumed I had the place covered. So I was surprised and delighted yesterday to find myself strolling in the old port, roaming in and out of the shops in the preserved brick buildings.
We played the Merrill Auditorium which may be the most beautiful theatre I’ve ever seen. After the show we went to an Irish Pub near the waterfront and had a grand night.
Tonight’s show is the last night of a short five day run. I would not be surprised if the future held more tours like this as it is tough to leave home for three or four weeks at a time.
All hands are looking forward to the release of the new GBS DVD, Courage & Patience & Grit. It hits the stores in November and features two full sets of music on DVD, an audio only CD, and four music videos. Hope y’all like it.
An overnight drive to Montreal and we should be on the Rock by lunch time.
Thanks to everyone for coming out this week.
Cheers
Alan
Tour Diary - October 13, 2006 - Lebanon, New Hampshire - On the Bus
Monday, October 16, 2006
I was sound asleep when the bus rolled from Providence at about 5am and we stopped a few hours later at a truck stop. The Men’s Room at this particular rest stop was not unlike a million other public washrooms we’ve all seen a million times. I can’t speak for the Ladies Rooms as I’ve rarely spent any time in them. Though I confess I have a recurring habit of absentmindedly strolling into the wrong washroom and coming face to face with mothers and daughters as they exit the stalls causing all involved to jump with horror sending me running red faced back to the hall and into my appropriate gender assigned pee spot.
These Men’s Rooms all have long rows of urinals and sinks with bored and sleepy looking travelers and truckers sidled up to them doing number ones and splashing water on their faces while inspecting the bags under their eyes in the long fingerprinted mirrors. The stalls in these places are always covered in graffiti. I’ve never understood this phenomenon. I understand the Urban notion of making personal, political rebellious statements on brick walls. “Van Halen Rules!!” on the side of an overpass may not increase civic beauty, but as an ardent fan I can see why someone under the right influence might grab a can of spray paint and pay homage to Ed. But I cannot for the life of me figure out why someone would write on the wall of a bathroom stall.
Ever since University this has puzzled me. I recall long lines of statements and responses on some philosophical or existential debate. Who does this? Who needs a bathroom wall as a platform for discussion? Moreover, if you wanted the world to know that Rhonda or Betty or Charles enjoys odd sexual habits, why use the Men’s Room wall to announce it?
These are the mysteries of my life.
Grand night in Providence as Lupo’s has moved from the old K-Mart-ish building into a cool old theatre.
Lebanon looks lovely in the Fall.
Cheers
Alan
Tour Diary - October 12, 2006 - Providence, RI - The Bus
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Mom on the Road! Yes, I picked up Mom at four am and we made our way to St. John’s Airport. She confessed that she could not sleep as the excitement kept her awake all night. It was not her first time on a plane as she’s flown a half dozen times before, but this her first time on a trip with the band.
I used my AC Upgrade Certificates and got Mom her first jaunt in Business Class. She asked if she had to pay for the tea and was thrilled to find out that she could have all she wanted for nothing.
We dashed trough US Customs at Pearson Airport and made it just in time to catch our flight to Albany. We boarded the Beechcraft 10-seater plane and I saw my Mom’s eyes bulge. I had taken her from first class on one of Air Canada’s biggest planes to what I suspect is the smallest aircraft in the airline’s fleet. We both settled in and enjoyed the rattle and hum, the swaying and bouncing of the chirper little flight across the border.
Mom’s sister Maude lives in Saratoga, near Albany and we surprised her with an early visit. Aunt Maude is a grand gal who loves a song and a laugh and despite her decades away from the Rock has not lost her Newfoundland accent or attitude.
Quite a thrill to re-unite two sisters for the first time in a few years, I must say.
Last nights crowd did not fill the theatre but at 700 strong, was over triple the attendance of our last visit to Albany a few years back. It was a bit of a feat of memory, but I think I remembered all the words. The room was filled with enthusiastic singers, so I probably would have got away with a few more mistakes.
Grand review in the local paper to boot.
Not a bad start.
Cheers for now.
Alan
Tour Diary - September 17, 2006 - AC Flight 1198 YYZ-YYT
Monday, September 18, 2006
They say good things come in small packages. I'm from a small package, well, a small town any way. I have always loved small towns and cities as a result. There is a charm that exists as a traveler, in the ability to visit a town for a day, or even just for a number of hours and feel like you've actually gotten to know someplace new. I've mentioned here before that I love New York and especially Lower Manhattan. But after a hundred visits, I still can't claim to have gotten to know the place. On the other hand, I feel, after less than twenty four hours in Sioux Lookout, that I've got a pretty good sense of the place. And I couldn't be happier about it.
Now, before I go all aglow praising up the place, let me first admit the obvious. Being a GBS member in Sioux Lookout on Saturday was like being a Beatle in 1965. It is a town of just over 5000 people and there were almost 4000 tickets sold for the concert. We were basically handed the town on a silver plate as it seemed every one within a hundred kilometer radius was either working at, had donated wares to, had volunteered for, or finally, was going to the show. From the moment we stepped out of the van and were greeted by friendly folks like Sherry and Craig awaiting our arrival at the hotel, we were treated like Kings. I got the sense that the people we met all throughout the day, would have been as friendly to us if we had been visiting salesmen or someone passing through on one of the many hunting and fishing holidays that Sioux Lookout accommodates.
Friendly folks are the town's biggest asset, for sure, but the sight of the place in the Fall is spectacular. It seems to be in a valley that is surrounded by sloping tree covered hills that were putting on a fireworks show in their fall splendor. One of the many lakes in the area is called Pelican Lake or Lake Pelican or something Pelican related. I strolled along the beach of this lake and as I took in the views of the beautiful homes on the waters edge and the seaplanes breaking the mirrored image of the white birches scattered throughout the woody hills. I felt like I was in a ‘Group of Seven" painting.
We had a great gig and great food backstage and an all around grand time. Well done Sioux Lookout.
Thunder Bay deserves mention here as well. We were lucky enough to play for a sold out crowd and had a grand night in the pub afterwards. The Western Fair was a blast as well, though we never got to enjoy our usual romp through the London night. Next time, I hope.
I can see the lights of St Pierre et Miquelon out the window of the plane. A quick flight up the Burin Peninsula across the isthmus, over the lights of Hollyrood and down into Torbay Airport.
Home again.
Cheers
Alan
Tour Diary - September 14, 2006 - AC Flight 1197 YYT-YYZ
Thursday, September 14, 2006
This Air Canada plane has those new groovy in seat personal interactive tv’s. By manipulating the sleek touch screen display, you can choose between a variety of movies, TV channels, games, even a detailed moving map of the flight’s route. It is definitely a grand way to pass the time on a long flight. All around me, passengers are flicking through news items, choosing between current Hollywood favorites and classics, deciding to enjoy Friends or the Family Guy.
But not me. My groovy in seat personal interactive tv is not working.
I have flown form St. John’s to Toronto a zillion times and never once had a GISPITV. So why then, do I feel so gypped that I don’t have one now? If my GISPITV were operating, this diary entry would not get done and my Bill Bryson book would go unread, but still I feel left out because I cannot watch the Davinci Code (despite the fact that I’ve already seen it and did not enjoy it).
This makes two diary entries that begin with a complaint. Am I turning into a grumpy old man?
On the bright side, it should be a fun night in London as the Western Fair has always been good to us. The theatre in Thunder Bay has given us fine nights in the past.
I confess that I have never been to Sioux Lookout. I have no idea where it is and know nothing about the town what so ever. I don’t know anyone who’s been there or anyone who would hazard a guess about the place. It’s quite refreshing to have absolutely no preconceived notion about a town that I’m about to see first hand.
I’ll let you know how it goes.
Cheers
Alan
Tour Diary - September 11, 2006 - AC Flight 185 - St. John’s – Halifax
Monday, September 11, 2006
Its early. Really early. For many of my teenage years, I fantasized about a career in music. I imagined a life where alarm clocks had no place. I would travel carelessly from gig to gig and never have to suffer an early morning rise or the startling blare of the alarm clocks toll. How foolish.
I have slept in more than my share for the average adult male, but as touring musicians who live in Newfoundland, the GBS cast are well used to fisherman’s hours. From St. John’s on Air Canada, you can fly direct non stop to Halifax, Toronto and Montreal (sometimes Ottawa). So, in order to fly just about anywhere else in North America, we need to get to Toronto as early as possible to make connecting flights. We almost always take the first flight out in the morning when we travel as it just makes the most sense to do so.
This morning start was not so drastic as we are only going as far as Halifax and the flight left at 6:30. That means getting to the airport at 5:30, which means up at 5am. The first flight to Toronto leaves at 5:20 which means at the airport by 4:20; awake at 3:50! Now come on. No reasonable Rock Star fantasy starts with a digital alarm clock reading beginning with a 3! Shouldn’t I be selecting which of the six eager Supermodels to take home with me to my Penthouse or Private Jet at 3am?
I am beginning to think that the Def Leppard and White Snake videos of my formative teenage years may have been less than an accurate portrayal of life on the Road.
Anyway, enough whining. Sorry.
We’re off to Saint John for the Canadian Country Music Awards. We’ve not been to this event, so I’m looking forward to the whole deal. We are singing only one accapella tune, “River Driver”, as we thought a true, blue Atlantic Canadian Folk song might be appropriate. Should be fun.
Everyone knows where they were on the morning of the September 11. I was in Halifax and myself and Cory Tetford from Crush had just finished playing nine holes of golf. It was no the best round ever shot by either of us, but it was a pleasant morning strolling through the woods with your buddy. He dropped me off at the hotel at around 9:30 am. I threw my clubs on the hotel room floor and flicked on the TV. About two minutes later the second plane hit the second tower. Life has really not been the same since.
Looking forward to a few shows in Ontario this weekend, as well. First, though, I must venture to not suck on Live National TV.
Cheers
Alan
Tour Diary - September 5, 2006 - Flights East
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Currently on a West Jet flight from Calgary to Toronto in a dash to make it all the way home from Victoria in one day. We had an easy schedule planned on Air Canada that should have taken us from Victoria to Montreal and on to St. John's. Grand plan but, all the Air Canada planes were grounded due to a computer glitch. So, we jumped on a West Jet plane to Calgary and Toronto and hope to catch the late flight home tonight. Could be worse, I suppose.
I've pretty much developed a ‘Travel Zen'. I have somehow convinced myself to not be excited or upset about any aspect of airline travel. I've learned to expect the unexpected. I fully accept that so much of this is out of my hands, that to worry about arrival times, connecting flights, etc. is completely futile. Many would agree with my ‘zen' but few manage to adopt it. It is tough to remain optimistic and content in seat 58Q on a flight that is none hours late, but if you fly as often as I do, adopting an unbreakable pleasant demeanor is a self defense mechanism.
Had four fun gigs over the past days. The Malkin Bowl is beautiful. I spent less than twelve hours in Seattle and was on stage for two of those. At the Bumbershoot Festival we probably played to our biggest audience ever in Western USA. Victoria was blast as usual. Me, Sean, and Murray spent the wee hours in a Caribbean restaurant called Reef that served spicy Jamaican Tapas and frosty Red Stripes. Very civilized.
Sad news from Australia yesterday as the tragic death of the "Crocodile Hunter", Steve Irwin made its way around the world. I met him a few times while touring in Australia. He was as large a personality as I've ever come across. The impression that many in the public have of him, as a daring, crazy risk taker does not truly reflect the man he was. He was honestly driven to these close encounters with the wild animals out of a desire to educate himself and others about some of the most misunderstood creatures on earth.
I am drawn to those with a lust for life and I've not met a soul who made the most of a day like Steve Irwin. I've never met anyone who felt as blessed to have the opportunity to do exactly what he loved for a living. He loved his job and his passing is a terrible loss to the conservation community all around the world. He was a great friend to his friends, a great husband to his wife and a great Dad to his kids.
He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. Cheers to Steve.
Back home for a few days before we dart to Saint John to sing a song at the CCMA show, then a few days in Western Ontario in the middle of September.
Another Summer's come and gone, but Fall can be so lovely.
Cheers
Alan
Tour Diary - September 1, 2006 - Vancouver, BC - Hotel Room
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
You only get so many summers. It's true. Since I was a kid I've marked the passing of each summer with one or two highlights of the season. I recall, for example when I was in my early teens, the summer of the great Petty Harbour Softball victory over the powerful Kilbride squad in the Moss Tournament in St. John's. Then there was the summer when M***** B*** (name concealed to protect the innocent), who was two years my senior at 13 , gave me a big wet smooch on the Stand. My first real kiss.
As we approach the last days of Summer 2006, I'm sure that I've got my defining moment figured out for this year. The arrival of the Prince won't be topped any event occurring between now and Monday midnight. What about you? You've still got this weekend to make it special if you've not found that one grand event by which Summer 2007 will be forever defined.
Had a grand gig a few weeks back. I played with a bunch of other Doyles at a fundraiser for a Writers Conference. Damhnait sang a few tunes, John and Marjorie read from their latest works, but the showstopper was a few tunes with Tom. I call him Dad.
Dad has always been a grand singer and a good performer, and he was on the top of his game at the packed Masonic Temple in St. John's. We sang "The Dutchman" and "Berry Picking Time" and he rocked the house. Really cool night. Maybe we should do a CD.
We are just putting the finishing touches on the new DVD. It will feature the two full sets from "The Hard and the Easy" Tour making over two hours of live concert footage, as well as three or four music videos, and some behind the scenes foolishness that will amuse us all. Look for it to drop in the middle of the Fall.
I am currently looking over the buildings of downtown Van, and onto the hills and mountains that surround the beautiful harbour. Lovely.
Can't wait for the gig.
Cheers
Alan
Tour Diary July 11, 2006 - Home
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Glad to be home during theses lovely summer days in St. John's. More glad than usual considering the recent acquisition.
I just wanted to let everyone know about the re-runs of Hatching, Matching, & Dispatching happening this summer on CBC TV. I scored just about all the music for the pilot and the six episodes of this truly bizarre comedy. If you missed it last season, this is your chance to catch up.
Check out the episodes as they roll trough the summer and pass your comments on to the CBC at:
http://www.cbc.ca/hatching
They love to hear feedback in the summer months.
Here is the official press release.
July 10th/2006
Hatching, Matching, & Dispatching Returns this Summer !!
Gemini award-winning Hatching, Matching & Dispatching Season 1 returns to CBC TV Tuesday, July 18th/2006 @ 8:30 pm (9 pm NL).
Six weeks ... Six fabulous half hours...
The Furey family run a funeral parlour (Dispatch), ambulance service (Hatch), and wedding hall (Match) in the uproariously funny CBC comedy. Starring, created and produced by Mary Walsh Hatching, Matching & Dispatching follows the adventures of the Furey family and their daily dealings with the lovesick, the plain sick, the old, the infirm, the newborn, the automotively challenged, the bereaved, the heartbroken, the dead and the dead drunk.
The winner of the Get Hatched, Matched or Dispatched in Style contest will be announced during its summer season going to air July 18th/2006. The lucky winner will receive $5,000 towards a funeral, wedding, or baby shower of their choice. Keep watching Hatching, Matching & Dispatching for the upcoming announcement.
Over 2,500,000 viewers in its first season !!!
Hatching, Matching & Dispatching is written by Mary Walsh with Ed Macdonald, and directed by Henry Sarwer-Foner and Stephen Reynolds. The series is co-produced by Insight Productions and 2M Innovative in association with CBC Television.
Summer Schedule 2006
Tuesday, July 18th : 8:30 pm ( 9pm NL)
Tuesday, July 25th : 8:30 pm ( 9pm NL)
Tuesday, August 1st : 8:30 pm ( 9pm NL)
Tuesday, August 8th : 8:30 pm ( 9pm NL)
Tuesday, August 15th : 8:30 pm ( 9pm NL)
Tuesday, August 22nd : 8:30 pm ( 9pm NL)
I think you'll really like it.
Cheers
Alan
Tour Diary July 9, 2006 AC Flight 690 Toronto to St. John's
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Big night in the Big Smoke last night. Effectively the last night of the Hard and the Easy Tour, last evening's gig was the final hoorah for the tour that began way back in late January. It has been our most successful stint in our 13 year career. Its amazing that over a decade into this crazy run, that our stock is somehow still rising.
Last night was our fourth time playing the Molson Amphitheatre and featured our biggest paid audience ever in Toronto at close to ten thousand. Quite a feat for a wee folk band.
Many thanks for all who came and made the night special. Special thanks to Mom and Dad who came up for the show. It was the first time they've ever seen GBS outside of Newfoundland. They saw little Sis Michelle play Sally Bowles in "Cabaret" at Stage West on Friday night as well.
I'm going to lay low for a number of weeks. GBS has only a couple of private gigs between now and September and I hope to disappear for the duration of the summer. With the GBS recording and touring, producing CD's for other artists and composing for "Hatching Matching and Dispatching" as well as the recent film project, I've packed a lot in the last 14 to 16 months. My brother pointed out that I have not had five days off in a row since January of 2005. I have not had a summer off since I was thirteen years old. Perhaps its time for few weeks off the beaten path.
I hope you all have a grand summer.
Cheers
Alan
Tour Diary July 7, 2006 Calgary, Alberta Hotel Room
Friday, July 07, 2006
We kicked off the Stampede last night as the mystery band at the big Nashville North Tent. I am always nervous about these mystery band gigs because they are often so over-hyped that the crowd invariably expects to see the Stones or Springsteen. I always fear that when the announcer screams, "Get ready for your exclusive night with...Great Big Sea!," that there will be more moans of disappointment than cheers of approval.
We fared pretty well last night. The crowd was great fun and the beer tent was well lubed by the time we hit the stage.
It was a very Mardi Gras-like vibe in the room as revelers raised glasses and offered beads for boobs. We even got flashed a few times; a rare event at GBS concerts. I think Tommy Lee and the Motley Crue dudes are more accustomed to such displays of appreciation. I confess that on the few occasions that lasses have ‘put it all out there' during GBS shows, that I've been struck with a serious ‘deer in the headlights' feeling. I am never sure what to do. It seems a bit lecherous to stare and scream "Oh Yeah, Shake ‘em". So I don't. Yet it seems rude to ignore such an offering. So I don't. I usually try to hide the fact that I'm surprised and I act all Rock Star cool and casually wink one eye and say ‘lovely'. Does this sound about right?
We dashed from the gig back to the hotel and snuck out a fire escape door onto a roof patio and drank a beer or two as the fireworks danced around the silhouetted high rise buildings of Downtown Calgary. It was just the five of us. We chatted and caught up on the happening of the real lives of the guys we share the stage with every night. Highlight of our stolen few moments was a toast for the newest member of the clan.
Born on the 4th of July. Henry Thomas Doyle
I guess soon to be born wee ones' don't read tour schedules. I thought I had a great plan. Do a few gigs in early July and get home with plenty of time to spare for the arrival of the Prince. Henry had other ideas. He could not wait to get started. At around 2am he decided he was ready and at 2pm on the dot he kicked off what I hope is an amazing life.
I only got to see him for a few hours on Tuesday and Wednesday as I had to get on the plane yesterday morning to fly to Calgary. It was the hardest trip to the airport ever.
Henry and his star of a Mom are doing well and are at home with a team of helpers. Thanks for all he well wishes and donations to the Janeway Childrens Hospital in St John's. It means a lot.
I'm sure I'll have a lot more to offer about this blessed event and my newest and biggest hat as Dad, but for now I'll just say this. No matter how happy you are, having a child instantly makes you 100 times happier. As soon as the child arrives, you instantly have 100 times more Love to give than you ever imagined possible.
Lucky Me.
Cheers,
Alan
June 12, 2006
Monday, June 12, 2006
Tour Diary
Belleville, Ontario
Hotel Room
After a few weeks off the GBS bus, the cast and crew have re-gathered in Belleville for two nights at the beautiful Empire Theatre. A very poorly kept secret is that we are here to shoot a concert DVD for the Hard and the Easy Tour. We thought it would be a shame to not capture this two set concert as it has been well received and folks seem to enjoy the format. I would not be surprised if we did not have our next tour in a very similar style.
The DVD should consist of behind the scenes footage that we filmed on the tour in cities like Boston, Washington, and New York, along with the main concert itself that will be cut between last night’s and tonight’s performances in the Theatre here in Belleville. We hope to have it edited and mixed by the end of the summer for a fall release.
Since the tour ended a few weeks back, I’ve been working like crazy, scoring a full length feature film. "Young Triffie’s been Made away With" is a black comedy about a murder mystery in the late 1940’s in Rural Newfoundland. It stars Fred Ewanuick, from ’Corner Gas’, as a young Newfoundland Ranger (NL’s police force from 1935-1950) and he carries the movie as the loveable unlikely hero. There are great performances by Mary Walsh (CODCO, 22 Minutes, Hatching, Matching, and Dispatching), who also makes her first effort as a film director. It won’t be her last. YTBMAW also stars Andrea Martin (SCTV), Colin Mochrie (22 Minutes, Who’s Line), Andy Jones (CODCO), and Quebecois film legend Remy Girard (Barbarian Invasions).
The musical score has everything from 1940’s big band stuff like Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, to NL/Bluegrass versions of hymns like "Blood of the Lamb" and traditional jigs and reels. There is a new GBS tune on there, a couple of offerings from little Sis Michelle, and an amazing orchestral score I did with Keith Power, and superstar film composer in the making who just happens to be from my neck of the woods. He graduated St. Kevin’s High School as did Michelle and I and has been working in Toronto and LA for the past few years. I spent a week in Santa Monica learning the trade while looking over his shoulder. It was a great crash course.
In any case, I would not be surprised if you heard a lot about the film in the late summer, early Fall of this year. Check it out if you get a chance.
Almost camera-check time. Big show tonight.
Happy Summer.
Cheers
Alan
