Crimbus, Coach Park, Ferrara.
We checked out of our modest conversion-of-a-splendid-merchant-house in Ferrara at 10.05. The lady of the house was very helpful & pleasant. The conversion of the house into a hotel was, regrettably, without the appropriate taste, instinct or skills.
As we climbed onto the bus, a call came in from the our Production Team at the venue in the next town. The weather forecast is bad and this would prejudice the get-out and overnight drive to Turin. It seems likely that, if we play the show tonight (somewhere near Perugia), we wouldn't play Turin. Currently, we are on hold. A call will be made within the hour as to whether tonight is feasible.
Meanwhile, backtracking to last night --
Saturday Evening 28th. June: a beautiful open-air venue in the centre of town, in the area of the castle. A wonderful setting for music. My evening featured equipment difficulties, mosquitoes & flash photography.
A scrunching sound has entered the Lunar Module within the last three shows, and this marred the support act's second Soundscape. Flashes preceded the first. Mosquitoes landed and fed.
The Crimson set was punctuated by flashes throughout the performance and, towards the end, lightning added its own dramatic flashes. These were not intrusive: the intent was different. The skies opened in downpour just after we left the stage. By then, all manner of flashes were going off from sky & front of house. The audience was very enthusiastic, although my show was spoiled once again by photography.
After dinner: a discussion with Ade regarding the next step for Crimson.
12.25 The call is made: we are heading for Turin.
Bump bump bump bump fucking bump.
There was an alternative theatre in a nearby town to the one planned, but the power supply was inadequate. The Production Team tried to hire a generator, but you can't hire a generator in Italy on a Sunday. So, the show is off.
14.30 When we develop a speciality, we acquire a degree of mastery; mastery confers a sense of understanding of the principles that govern our particular field; the principles that govern the particular are the same that govern the universal, so: we are privileged to have insights into the larger picture.
16.10 The power supply on the Crimbus was fluctuating. We took a truck-stop to allow the generator to cool. Back from the modest AutoGrill, on the other side of the motorway, Girt-Sven had discovered there was no problem with overheating, just something bumped loose. It is not difficult to understand that something might have bumped loose. So, power is back on, cool air is blowing, computer is charging.
16.13 Hooray! We are leaving.
17.52 We are not quite on the outskirts of Turin, but the outskirts are closer.
23.34 Hotel Adequate But Tired, Turin.
We arrived at the hotel around 17.30. Then Pat & I set off & walked around the neighbouring blocks. Now, just back now from sitting with Pat, Trey & MJK Tour Manager at a restaurant nearby. Turin is sprightlier at night than early evening, and much jollier.
Our hotel is early seventies in character, and rather faded. This room is not a place to spend any time. Pat got online at the reception desk, Ade managed to get online in his room.
Now, dribbling gently.
"Music is a benevolent presence constantly and readily available to all."
