I hate goodbyes. Much prefer hello's. So you say goodbye and I'll say hello.

My final week in Brisbane has been a good one. I finished my last day of work this week (I had been working with 2 others reviewing electronic documents for a mining company, and it was so monotonous I managed to develop RSI in my arm). However this week I received a healthy tax rebate from the Australia Tax Office, saw two amazing gigs and i had the great pleasure of finally dumping my $20 BIG W shoes that had been plaguing my feet ever since the day i bought them to wear to work on day one in Brisbane (straight out the office door and into a skip they flew, it was such a proud moment. Like when you want to burn your school uniform on the last day but your mum talks you out of it, because its not very sensible.) Too many late nights and early mornings this week...


I saw what was, in all probabilities, the best live gig that I have ever been to on Tuesday 1st. A largely unknown quantity in the UK, Jason Mraz really performs live music more than just well; he makes it funny, unpredictable, full of melody and full of character. I was Mrazmerized.*** In Aus for a 4 date "acoustic trio" tour, before going home to the US to record album number 3, it was amazing how 3 people could make such an expansive sound on some songs. It was full of funky beats, vocal harmonies and personality engaging with the crowd. It took what 99.9% of musicians call a "live show" and turned it into a experience of sound, with everything re-interpreted from the original songs. With more talent than a copy of Playboy, if you ever get a chance to catch Mr A-Z live drop everything and go... I'll say just one more thing on the matter. A woman stood next to me in the crowd turned to her boyfriend during the track "Bella Luna" (from latest album Mr A-Z) let out a high pitched gasp of air and asserted "Oh My God! This is better than sex". The boyfriend, visibly embarrassed quickly replied "steady on!". She then proceeded to have what I can only describe as an orgasm without being touched.
Philosophical mode engaged: So, what does this all mean? well it makes one realise how important talent is as a musician in order to get the chicks. No, actually it reiterates the point of how important having a great stage presence is as a musician. At the end of the day, people in a bar, a gig, a coffee shop are there to be entertained. That is the performers job. (Why else is Robbie Williams so popular.) There's no need to be so bloody serious over it all, this is the one time that people want to forget about their problems and have a smile put on their face. The difference between me as a fan of live music seeing a "good" gig and an "amazing" gig is that rapport and delivery. I told you this trip was becoming "musical masterclass 101".

*** mraz·mer·ize (mraz'mə-rīz', mĕs'-)
tr.v., -ized, -iz·ing, -iz·es.
verb
1. To spellbind; enthrall: “I am Mrazmerized".
2. To hypnotize through sound and performance.

The very next day I saw Carus (7th time since being in Oz) and his mate Loren. This was also a great gig, full of special moments. The musical tour continues into the US as I have 3 gigs lined up, one of which is Willie Nelson at Hollywood Bowl. How often do you get to see a legend in such a legendary venue!?

Another piece of good news is that I managed to claim all of my tax back for the time i have been working here, which is awesome (thanks mr taxman and his resident for tax purposes only rule!) I celebrated by going out yesterday and purchasing some new socks to replace the ones with holes. Its nutin' but rock n' roll over here kids!


The weekend before last I finally made in up the Sunshine Coast to Steve (the Crocodile Hunter) Irwin's Australia Zoo. I went with Leyla (a girl from work) and her boyfriend Andy, who kindly drove me there and back. Yes I saw crocodiles, kangaroos, snakes, koalas etc, etc, the tigers were the best. They really are amazing animals. Another highlight was getting to feed an elephant. I got to meet Steve but he wasn't very talkative. However, his mullet was pretty loud. One of the more salient observations I took away with me was that every single female member of the staff at Australia Zoo is hot, really hot. Steve clearly has a fine eye for recruitment!!


The night before we had a "Christmas in July" dinner. Why? No idea, because we can!

So, I leave Brisbane tommorrow! After nearly 4 months living in what is probably the smallest city you could live in (in terms of if you were trying hard to avoid an ex or something, you'd have no chance and would meet her slap bang at the worst moment, something like in a chemists whilst stocking up on rash cream, anti depressants and toilet paper.) I will certainly miss the friends I have made in my house, at work and those I met whilst staying here. I wish you all the very best. Something my mum told me was "Good or bad, nothing lasts forever", it really is time to move on now. Thanks Mum.
So, my itinerary before I fly to San Francisco on August 16th consists of flying upto Airlie Beach (the "gateway to the whitsunday islands"), sailing on a luxury 62ft ketch on Wed/Thur/Fri back on Sat (during this time i shall be doing largely nothing but chillin') then fly down to Sydney on the 15th in the evening (stay one night in a 4 star hotel by the airport) before flying out to SFO the next morning. Its like living the life of a rock star, only without the adoring fans...

"climb up, over the top,
survey the state of the soul,
you've got to find out for yourself,
whether or not you're truly trying,
why not, give it a shot,
shake it, take control,
inevitably wind up and find out for yourself all the strengths you have inside of you"