I’m reading

Texas Flood: The Inside Story of Stevie Ray Vaughan
Authors: Alan Paul, Andy Aledort

Any fan of Stevie Ray Vaughan will love this New York Times bestseller. It’s such a fascinating and emotional account of one of the greatest guitarists to have ever lived. You’ll never hear Stevie’s music the same way after reading the book.

There is a beautiful epilogue by Jimmie Vaughan and a touching foreword and afterword by Double Trouble’s Chris Layton. I’ve had the good fortune of meeting both Jimmie and Chris and the sheer delight to have sat in with Chris on The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise.

I’m listening to

Mavis Staples – Have a Little Faith

Longevity in the music business is an art form all its own and only attainable for a few. It’s always at the forefront of my mind as I strive to achieve the best version of myself as a singer and songwriter.

Yesterday, I turned to Mavis’ sixth solo studio album, released by Alligator Records in 2004. One of my favorite guitar players, Jim Weider, co-wrote the title song and played electric and acoustic slide guitar on five tracks. I enjoyed performing with Jim on a Joe Louis Walker show at the Iridium in NYC years ago.

Have A Little Faith is a timeless collection of bluesy gospel and classic soul. I’m inspired by Mavis, who has stayed true to her artistry, transcending musical genres. Her unmistakable voice has rewarded her with a career that has spanned more than four decades and legendary status.

I’m watching

I’m not a fan of boxing, but I’m drawn to the man who became one of the most beloved men in history. Muhammad Ali’s greatest fights and wins were outside the ring, where he battled racial prejudices and religious biases.

Ken Burn’s film Muhammad Ali chronicles the life of an outspoken warrior who, at his prime, sacrificed his career by refusing to go to war in Vietnam. He captivated millions with his power and grace and became an international symbol of freedom and courage. Muhammad was a rock star.

From my photo lab

Moments from the NYC Marathon.

This year I rode the course with the New York Cycle Club. It hurt much less than the two times I ran the race, but I think I’ll be putting on the running shoes again next year. 

2022 BACK TO LA TOUR

More dates will be added!

November 20 ➡ Rockwood Music Hall (New York, USA)

March 16 ➡ Kulturzentrum Franzis (Wetzlar, Germany)

March 17 ➡ Kofferfabrik (Fürth, Germany)

March 18 ➡ Die Halle (Reichenbach An Der Fils, Germany)

March 19 ➡ Kreiskulturhaus Seelow (Seelow, Germany)

March 20 ➡ Musiktheater Piano (Dortmund, Germany)

March 22 ➡ Museumskeller (Erfurt, Germany)

March 23 ➡ Meisenfrei (Bremen, Germany)

March 24 ➡ Bürgerhaus (Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany)

March 25 ➡ ‘t Beest (Goes, Netherlands)

March 28 ➡ Blue Monday (Kofmei Weissenstein, Switzerland)

March 29 ➡ Jugend-und Freizeittreff Altes Kino (Rankweil, Austria)

March 30 ➡ Gaswerk Eventbar (Seewen SZ, Switzerland)

April 3 ➡ Café-Restaurant Hofsteenge (Grolloo, Netherlands)

April 6 ➡ Backstage at the Green Hotel (Kinross, UK)

April 7 ➡ The Caves (Edinburgh, UK)

April 8 ➡ The Forum Music Centre (Darlington, UK)

April 12 ➡ Robin 2 (Bilston, UK)

April 13 ➡ The Half Moon (London, UK)

April 15 ➡ Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival (Nantwich, UK)

April 21 ➡ Huntingdon Hall (Worcester, UK)

June 24 ➡ Picture Drome Holmfirth (Yeadon, UK)

June 26 ➡ Islington Assembly Hall (London, UK)

July 1 ➡ Wildfire Festival (Wanlockhead, UK)

July 2 ➡ Alfold Festival (Godalming, UK)

July 9 ➡ Åmåls Blues Förening (Åmål, Sweden)

October 1 ➡ Greystones (Sheffield, UK)

October 20 ➡ The Flowerpot (Derby, UK)

“Off the Record”

Don’t forget to join me Fridays on Facebook Live for unpredictable but comforting ramblings on life.

11am EDT | 4pm GMT | 5pm GMT +1

My
Photo Lab 

500+ miles for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

Thank you to all who helped me on my mission to raise funds for Roswell! The Empire State Ride raised more than 1.6 million dollars! We rode from Staten Island to Niagara Falls and with every pedal stroke I gave thanks to the incredible people I met and for the stories I heard that changed my life forever.

Share the gift of music

Help a friend discover Never Say Never or add it to your collection if you don’t yet own a copy.

I’m listening to

Bet On The Blues by Paul Oscher
Released on Blues Fidelity 2010

Paul Oscher, was born in Brooklyn and was an American blues singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist who played in Muddy Waters’ band. He played harmonica, guitar and piano, often all at the same time. Paul passed away in April due to complications of the coronavirus. We’ve lost a rare talent and beautiful, gentle soul.

“Paul Oscher plays the soul I feel.” – Muddy Waters

I’m reading

The Goldfinch

This is a stay-up-all-night classic story of loss and obsession, survival and self-invention. From the streets of New York City to the gritty underworld of the art world, this Pulitzer Prize winner connects with the heart and mind.

I’m watching

My Octopus Teacher (Netflix)

Octopuses are truly wondrous creatures and probably the smartest of invertebrates. “My Octopus Teacher,” won this year’s Academy award for Best Documentary and I’m glad it did. This is an unexpectedly tender love story about a South African man and an octopus that serves to remind us about the need to live in the moment.

From My
Photo Lab

Since I was a child I’ve been drawn to the ocean. I took these photos of scenic Big Sur and Monterey along the Northern coast of California in May of 2019.