Diary

Damo Suzuki with Arra Akauzazte (Drums), Mikel Etxegaray (Drums), Joseba Irazoki (Guitar) and Iban Urizar (Trumpet, Electronics)  

I had enough time wake from long deep ocean dream,had comfortable breakfast with sound carriers. On Thursday I don’t have performance today is just transit day. So, everything is very comfortable. Easy thing. I can enjoy much with time. I’ve never been in San Sebastian, famous place for international film festival. I had to stop over here to meet up Jon who brings me to Getaria, is not that far from San Sebastian and he is organizer of concert in Getaria.

I took bus from Zaragoza, it’s very comfortable journey, bus drives between mountains and unknown villages. It was around three hours of bus ride. I waited for Jon quite a long at bus terminal, San Sebastian. eating unhealthy fried chicken with old man with white mustard as trade mark, which I bought at stop over at one bus stop.

After while young Basque appear and introduced himself told me we have two hours, his friend will pick up us to Getraia, he told me even we can go there with public transportation, but I said I like to see a bit of San Sebastian before I hide myself in small village. He wants to show me pier and old parts of the city. This is kind of place people go for bath and seems to be good economic rules through tourism quite similar atmosphere like Brighton, if you’re Britain you understand what I mean. The day is getting dark, his friends pick up us from the middle of the city. Any 15 minutes drive on ocean road. Such a wonderful view. I remembered of New Zealand, In Dunedin, I had such a trip like this. Very nice to drive on ocean road even it’s not the best season to be here. No, might be better this time of the year, no tourists!!!

I stay in this small fisher village with around 7,000 populations for two nights. Jon booked guest room just in front of fisher harbor at middle on hill. Seems to be nobody else is here, so friendly hotel owner gave me house key. Nice sight from here. The village is so quiet, off course this time of the year, no tourists. You can hear endless looping of waves, winds breath and sea gulls.

Next day, we took a walk on the small mountain which stands very curiously beside harbor. It does take 15 minutes to get top where you can see panorama, unfortunately a bit rain and wind. To arrive the venue you have to take stair steps as this village is placed at stomach of mountain. Even there is elevator (outside). The venue is at the middle of apartment houses, a kind of culture center of the village. Next day I went to Bilbao, stayed at the promoter Jon (an another Jon)`s house.

It was quite complicated back to Cologne. Bilbao to Palma de Mallorca .wait there for 5 hours then Palma to Cologne. I packed already for Japan tour before Iberia tour as I just came back home for few hours change suitcase and fly to Japan.. Its tomorrow!!!!

Damo Suzuki with Cristian (Guitar), Libi (Bass) and Pablo (Drums)

Zaragoza is 4th biggest city in Spain and an industry city. Compare with other cities where I’ve been on this trip, in the city you cannot find any old typical Spanish buildings, so feeling like I’m just somewhere else but, not in Spain.

Train ride from Madrid took only just one and half hour, arrived Zaragoza railway station which is much looks like airport. Some designed mosaic stone on wall. Two sound carriers picked me up from there and brought me to Pablo’s place to relax. We have enough time. The venue is shared by artists and bands, every parts pay same amount money monthly to keep this venue run. Pablo and his band has one or two special days in month to arrange performances of his band or their interesting artists. So, he put me for today’s program. This is quite good idea, to have space with some amounts of people who has closer thoughts, and let it go. With world wide financial crises, local organization has no budget to support art and culture.

So, this kind of silence movement is good for now and might be good too in future. The band members do many thing like, sell ticket at front, bar and after the performance cleaning. Pablo was happy that much people showed up has never been here at this venue.

Damo Suzuki with Thee Belvis Underground: Chema (Guitar), Edu (Guitar), Manolo (Synths), Mario (Drums) and Meta (Bass)

Nic is half American and half Spanish young guy aged 22 and organizer of this first ever performance in Spain’s gorgeous capitol. He reminds me a bit of my oldest son Martin. During travel you can find someone similar to one you know, not just from looks how they react or personality smell..character..

Early tomorrow morning European time is election of US president. Naturally politic theme was on our conversation. I didn’t came to Madrid for so long time since end of 70`s. Almost 30 years!!! So, this is first appearance as sound carrier in this city.

Nic contacted me while ago if I come to Spain next I have to contact him, he said. I was happy to perform for first time in Madrid. Spain is not only land of flamenco and Heavy Metal. We went erectly late lunch at Tapas bar. Tapas is not just tapas, place to place so different. This is really good thing. Best tapas I ate was Christian ,Tomas and Elke in Barcelona.

It was amazing we ordered many dishes and time went so quick by talking, also first time I ate Kangaroo meat was that place. After kitchen closed female chief cam to us introduced herself. It was amazing night. “The venue..”, told me Nic.. is most successful gay bar in Europe after 2, 3 am. I look around, yes, it’s looks like he said and agree.

Madrid has one of the greatest museum in the world..Prado Museum (Museo del Prado), last time I came here I couldn’t get into museum for construction, also this time not..haven’t got enough time. But, One day I will. I will..

Damo Suzuki with Rubén García (Programming, Synth, Toys), Marcos Junquera (Drums) and Zener : Jose Guerrero (Guitar), Jordi Martinez (Percussions),Nick Perry (Bass) and Julian Sanchez (Guitar) http://www.octubre.cat/

Once old Spanish friend of mine told me that Valencia is not beautiful city and not interesting. I found total different. Might be there is not beautiful places with modern apartments houses. In the city center, old town. It’s amazing like many of other Spanish cities. 3rd largest city in Spain. Here too building has characters and heavy weight. Spanish people think (I guess) quite lots about quality. For to make good quality you need quality materials and philosophy. All those buildings are looks so gorgeous.

First time since long, I took train. In Iberia, train is a bit wide (width of two rails and train it self .off course) than train in other countries in Europe. So, If you come from France, you have to change train at the border. New thing for me was “security check” at railway station before you get on platform. It’s not heavy like airport. Just checking baggage. You can carry water. Spain fights against terrorist attack. So you remember, attack to train a couple of years ago. Tragically around 400 people died in Madrid. Train ride was fantastic..I felt like vacation (May be my job is like one. Its question of perspective ). can see Mediterranean Sea, blue sky and beach. Train slides beside sea.

Marcus, the drummer tonight pick me up, is archaeology student. He was a little angry about organization of the venue that sound check delay for two hours. There were some conference at that building. It’s part of art center. Down stair small theater with seats. So, we went just round the corner to street café, sound carriers showed up one by one. One November day .but, worm enough to sit at street café and chat. Tonight show is sold out..one bank bought all tickets to present young customers..funny thing. In Spain, some national banks are forced pay 30 percents of income for culture and sports as the don’t pay tax. Its good idea, I have to say.

Probably most famous thing from Valencia is Paella. Valencia made it as origin. But, I guess this came from Arabic countries, until 1492 they ruled part of Iberia. Also saffron comes from name saffron originally is Arabic. I heard that Paella is originally for poor people at the beginning. They cooked with rests of materials. Lonja de la Seda, Silk trade center is world heritage..this time I didn’t have time, next time I would like to visit there and a bit more touristy.

Damo Suzuki with Mueran Humanos: Carmen Burguess (Synth, Percussion, Vocal, Programming) and Tomas Nochteff (Bass, Tapes, Vocal, Programming)

Wake up, I’m alone in the venue, open the door, breath Sunday morning air at old town part of Lisbon. Quite few people on the street. very difficult to find taxi. Ask the police man, he was kindly enough to catch me taxi. Friendly beginning.

After 2 hours flight arrived in Barcelona, Ela and Serapi , picked me up from airport, they arranged my 3rd performance in Barca. They invited me to typical Spanish pub with tapas after check in at Hotel. They ordered a couple of dishes asking me what I would like to eat. When I come to Iberia, there is only answer “Fish! Fish! Fish!” Spanish people eat most fish in Europa..As far as I heard, around 70 percent market share has Spain in Europe and fish market in Madrid is biggest in Europe, 2nd biggest in the world after Tokyo “Tsukiji” I was not much hungry. but, if there is opportunity I better take it..this is the wisdom of traveler. The way Spanish and Japanese people are doing during drink alcohol is culture and sure this is much the better way and healthy. Between drinks some small dish..so this is good against hangover too and also very social.

Ela told me how difficult to organize show here in Barcelona as 1) Rainy weather people don’t go out 2) Soccer match. when Barca play in Stadium or TV live, It is very hard to get people for other culture event. FC Barcelona is institution and religion for many people world wide. A couple of year before they change all management and chose younger ones. since then they are getting better. (and look!! They won Champions League 2009..and they play far fantastic than any other team in Europe .very attractive. Dream soccer!!)

My first concert in Barca, I performed with Christian and he has a friend was not able to visit our show that time as he had his performance somewhere else in Spain. This friend is Tomas. and I will perform with him tonight. Tomas asked me while ago via mail, he would like to perform with me. So, he contacted these bookers. An another part of two man band Mueran Humanos is his charming his wife Carmen and both are from Argentine living many years here in Catalonia`s metropolis.

Last night they performed in Berlin. Berlin is the city many young people from all over the world loves to live there, I heard from friends moved to Berlin or intend to go there, might be cheapest-to-live metropolis in Western industrial countries. Tonight there is a young drummer who will join us. Every time I come back to Barca, I wonder for all these buildings with strong character. It’s really interesting city especially if you are interesting in architect and also arts. (Remember Gaudi!!) Best museum to visit is Joan Miro Foundation (Fundacio Miro) placed on the hill, now a days easy to reach there by cog railway. Joan Milo is one of my favorite artist. Its beautiful place with form and light. Went to the venue, already outside were dark step down to underground floor. Still you can find Spanish taste .I mean. well.. Catalonia!!! They say Catalonia not Spain. . Sure, I don’t know much of the Spanish history deep. Yes, there are many things interesting to know.

Damo Suzuki with Loosers: Rui Dâmaso, Zé Miguel and Tiago Miranda http://www.zedosbois.org/

Lisbon is a beautiful city with much atmosphere. Maybe this is so the venue placed at really interesting parts of the city, old one way street and they are very narrow. Many venues I performed is nothing to do with interesting historical area. As traveling sound carrier, mostly you spend the time at the venue and surroundings. So, that why whenever I come here Lisbon is beautiful city and has own charm. And one and only, special place..well for example like Venice. Standing on corner of those narrow street with stone blocks on . Watch at right, watch at left ..very interesting view and I really love this sort of old street structure.

Sergio, young friendly handsome guy picked me up from train station. Porto-Lisbon by train, sometimes trail was just beside sea, river. When I take train, I use restaurant. it’s kind of my ritual or habit. also I’m too lazy to shopping , carry some foods. You know, I’m quite bored with eating sandwiches, like to eat warm foods. Even they warm with microwave (which I avoid generally) I ordered lunch menu. I didn’t reserve, so seems to be there is no place, so I had to get lunch standing at bar.

Train is quite new and clean. Portugal had changed socially and economically. Once Portugal was one of most poor country in Western Europe. But, look all infrastructure, they arranged for European Soccer Championship 2004. Many things get modern and attractive without disturbing, harmony with old building. At the venue, I met the guy who ran this venue. Now, Sergio is organizing this interesting venue with gallery on 3rd and 4th floor. Every time I come here they are changing something and always getting better.

Formation of Loosers are drums, and (mainly 2 basses), with this formation Sergio wanted to hear instant composing. The venue have rooms for guest artist which is big enough just few Steps to the venue, an old building which has atmosphere and nice to be in. Positive energy. As usually in Southern Europe so dose Portugal., show start so late. S

ound check also was long. After sound check we (Loosers, Sergio and sound crew went out for dinner. Saturday night..a couple of restaurant, we went was occupied. no place and we have to wait long time. The restaurant we had finally get was just nice place. No tourist place, all guests seem to be domestic people. Best thing you can eat in Portugal is Fish and this is very amazing.

The night was long and loud on street. I heard that this area of Lisbon, pubs have to close at 2AM instead 4AM by new law. But, I heard loud singing, talking. Still many people on narrow street at that time and also later. This is the city with own character, let people drink until morning, let people sing songs of young and health. Anyway I have to sleep, I am traveler I have to wake up at already at 8AM to get ready for next Step…

Damo Suzuki’s Network with The Mental Liberation Ensemble: Gustavo Costa (Drums), Henrique Fernandes (Electric Double Bass), João Filipe (Drums), Jonathan Saldanha (Shenai, Electronics) and Filipe Silva (Guitar, Synth)
http://www.casadamusica.com/

Music House/Casa de Music started their mission 2 years ago. This is public running venue, arrange event once a month between October to May each year. The house is very gorgeous and modern, placed at the middle of world heritage city Port, where Portugal began her story and known place of same named world well known wine.

I have been here for several times and performed with some same sound carriers. (Know many faces here) Philip, a one of those friend sound carrier and his girlfriend Claudia picked me up from the airport, which is renewed for European soccer championship 2004, unfortunately host land lost the final against Greece…but, anyway it was really surprising. That time I made very first show in this Iberian country.

The last scene from last visit continue very first scene of this tour. Philip and Claudia drove me to Lisbon airport last time. Now they are picking me up from Port airport. In front of the venue around 20 skaters, showing what the can. Skateboarding is interesting as my 2nd son is really good for this mid 60’s in California found young people’s sport. Skaters are social ,one help other and special society..I might say quite maniac.

In the venue there are a couple of performing space. We got the space with stair steps, improvised stage is lower level than audience. Back of stage is huge window you can see part of the city in the night. I rest a bit at Hotel which is just 5 minutes to walk from the venue.

I had to woke up so early to take plane which departed at 6:55AM from Cologne. Around 2 hours flight. Try to read daily news paper, but my eyes are heavy to keep awaken, fall in sleep. After sound, typical procedure carry ourselves to fish restaurant near harbor, there you can find few fish restaurants where local people come enjoy foods. Before show party!!! Yammy different fishes, humm…nicest place to live is near sea.

Damo Suzuki with V.O.M.: Bad Seed (Sax), Bimka (Broken Sound Devices, Clarinet), Grin’ko (Drums), Lampi (Sound Devices), Monochuvak (Bass), Stereochuvak (Guitar) and Zen Porno (Guitar, Noises) http://nobullshit.ru/!english

Next day We had time to walk around Pskov in the afternoon. Night had long legs last night. Every sound carriers drunk a lot….I mean Russian’s drink quite a lot no compare with West Europe. At 6pm We took Pskov to Moscow night train…12 hours it took. I and two Antons in same cabin with a businessman who was in Japan and he loves to be there. Normally, passengers buy before get into the night train, drinks and something to eat, 12 hours ride in train is endless long.

Anton, the organizer bought vodka and some snacks. You can order tee, cafe and warm foods in your cabin. There is always a service woman on each wagons. Train it’s self is kind of nostalgia time trip. Moscow has many central station like London or Paris. We arrived at Leningrad Station, next morning early at 6. Hundreds of people get out from the train, taxi driver is asking if you need taxi on platform already, also luggage carriers ask you to carry your heavy duties.

Morning at around station area is amazing and living. Food shops makes white smoke, flower shops (I always wonder there are lots of flower shops in Russia..one of mains shops..). People who’s going to their working place are in hurry and not really happy faces in cold morning. Say good bye to other sound carriers until this evening. Parted in some groups, go different direction melt in people. ….It took while to find Boris’s place even I’m several times in Moscow, I’d never went out alone always attended by friends. Boris with loud voice saying “Da~Mo~o-o!!…welcome to Mo-S-Coww!” his voice comes from his balcony. Boris don’t speak English, I don’t speak his language..still we are close friends since several years.

Actually wake up so early is not his world..he wasn’t having sleep last night he told me. Anton and Julian stayed for a while took breakfast together. After a while I slept for a couple of hours, anyway Boris seems to be very tired Ikura Club..translate : Caviar Club. If you’re expert for Japanese sushi then you know Ikura..this is actually Russian word. Not that much people realize that Hamburger is originally comes from Russia, even Gyoza (Korean bake pasta inside meat) is also Russia as origin. Not that much people know that Russian food is really tasty and interesting in a way they cook and serve. I like Russian foods a lot. Even fast food street eat away shop is better than western countries. Specially I like is Potatoes in Alufoil, you can choose two different sauce from seven or different sauce. Sauces are vegan, fish, meat, you can find for every taste. I like this fast food made in Russia. Much healthy tasty than Big M’s or Kings….You can find every corner of main street like you can find sausages in Germany. Korb (sausage) in Sweden.

The venue has long narrow carpet way to entrance from outside. Feeling like to get into secret meeting of those bosses from dark underworld. Kind of gorgeous (which is not seldom in Moscow). African, the guy from Ukline showed up, without him, we could not have this tour, also though him I met VOM people. I take this space and say thanks to African.

I stayed one extra day in Moscow. Boris took us to Azerbaijan Restaurant. Seems to be original ambient from it’s origin country. There are many former Soviets Union countries restaurant. Also Russia is huge country with many unknown things. Every visit I learn more…

Damo Suzuki with Magical Unicellular Music (V.O.M.4): Bimka (Broken Sound Devices, Guitar), Grin’ko (Drums), Monochuvak (Bass), Stereochuvak (Guitar) and Zen Porno (Guitar, Noises)

Julian, I know for years is a camera man making film from Peters. He joined our van to Pskov.

This is first time, I perform out of Peters and Moscow. Also know other cities in Russia is interesting. Van ride took around 4 hours through grey uncomfortable ambient and smells of winter, clouds are heavy looks like they might drop from sky at next moment This stretch is almost you can see nothing, ruin like farmer house, freezing woods, even this road is head up to Minsk, quite busy road. Pskov is a small city quite closer to Belarus.

People in Peters and Moscow say Pskov is nice place to visit for sentimental reason. Buildings are standing still since long and there is no modernization. I mean this nostalgia is thing that only domestic people can feel and smell as they know history and situations however. So, ? was staying my brain whole day. “Nostalgia”? Hum…maybe that is feeling like if I come back to 60’s. Anyway Peters and Moscow people like this city for this reason. Not many foreigner artists come here and perform even Russian artists to perform here is seems to be seldom..so, when we started full of people. Nina was good looking young lady who translated my interview. Off course I had fun to give interview for local paper. Place like here is still foreigner like me is very seldom. Many eyes concentrate to my direction when I walking down the street. Peters and Moscow sound carries traveled together. They’re enjoying to be here escape from busy top 2 cities of Russia.

Damo Suzuki with Magical Unicellular Music (V.O.M.4): Bimka (Broken Sound Devices), Grin’ko (Drums), Monochuvak (Bass), Stereochuvak (Guitar) and Zen Porno (Guitar, Noises)

After 10 hours of did-I-sleep?-or-I-couldn’t-sleep situation, the Night train slide into Belarus Station (Moscow has nine railway terminals) , we get out from the train as last guest in that wagon, we have still enough time. Early morning at railway station has much ambient, workers going, small shops around the station has been opened waiting for customers, many things to eat already at this time, café shop, etc….nice smells and white steam smoke from the ground c….

I like Moscow in this period of the day. Through all these living ambient, we took metro (most beautiful tube in the world….station is like in museum or castle… ) to get Europe Square where we can change train to Airport. It’s quite new railway and railway station. Inside train was enough place for suits cases and stretch legs. Flight was also getting modern than last time I took exactly same line and same route a few years ago. St.Petersburg is one of most amazing city in Europe for my taste for long time. Moscow is interesting city too. But, becoming money orientated city…. as far as I heard 70 percents of Russian budget flew to Moscow. Peters (St.Petersburg) is just opposite…it’s cultural metropolis….. It’ very difficult to find one classical music composer who had never been here to, study or work. Prokofiev, Rachmaninov, Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, etc……all were here…and there sons of St.Petersburg.

In fact the city has full of interesting places to go . Don’t forget Hermitage..a great museum, Peters inhabitants are proud of. Or look at all those 18th century buildings in spot light in the night. You feel you are back to 18th century. Peters is not that old around 250 years old. Still Peters is kind of culture metropolis and much original also provocative than Moscow. Much power comes from deep, while Moscow is elegant and trendy. Performance at this venue is first time even I perform in Peters for 6 times. People here is so friendly. At this stage I feel getting gout again. Concert went pretty good… met a couple of friends, Kate, Julian, etc….. After I went to Sashas place. He told me he has difficulties with financial crisis and lost many many money. He has publishing company. Since I came to Russia people’s talk number one is world wide financial crises. It was kind of lucky in unlucky. This stage my gout was getting really terrible with pain. I was lucky that Sasha has also problem with gout and he had strong medicine against this painful attack. He gave me some medicine for tonight and for following days. And I tell you this helped me a lot next days. Sasha, Sasha’s wife, Kate and other guy who is looks like a singer of Stones ate and talk….theme was off course world financial crises.…